It is important to realise that when the institutions receive copies of the UCAS form it is reduced by half. It is, therefore, very important to write clearly or to use a clear type – Arial font size 12 is ideal.

Your personal statement will be checked for spelling, grammar and a general sense of interest value by your tutor and Miss Smith/Mr Calvert. Generally, it is recommended that you avoid humour, aiming instead for sincerity.

It is a very difficult task and often people lapse into flowery, over-elaborate language that they would not normally use. The most successful personal statements are those which really make your personality and love for a subject shine through.

Too often words are repeated such as "interesting" and "enjoyable" without any substantiation. The main things that must be demonstrated by a personal statement are:

• Why do you want to study that particular subject? Give evidence to support enthusiasm, e.g. visits, conferences, fieldwork, work-related placements and Community Action, extra reading, favourite authors/psychologists/scientists etc. and why, current affairs (especially for Law, Politics and Economics) and coursework topics.

• A levels should be referred to, particularly where the content or skills are relevant to the chosen degree course.

• Knowledge of the structure of degree courses and possible options and reasons for attraction (you won’t be tied to following them but it shows research).

• It could refer to career aspirations.

After the bulk of the statement has dealt with the degree course, the rest of the statement ought to concentrate on your personality, general interests, out of school hobbies, clubs, positions of responsibility, evidence of teamwork, leadership, Community Action, key skills, etc.