Key takeaways

  • Personal statements should be 4000 characters or 47 lines
  • Focus on quality over length
  • Stick to UCAS guidelines for formatting and structure
As we’re sure you’re all aware, a personal statement is incredibly, incredibly important. If done correctly, you can increase your chances of being selected by the university you want to go to. You’ll need to cover several topics ranging from your interests and goals to where you think your chosen course will take you. There’s quite a lot of information to fit in, so it’s important you know how long a personal statement should be. Try to make the most of the allowance to truly show off your skills and suitability!

Before you start your personal statement…

Making sure you’re meeting the requirements is always a good idea. You can check them out on the UCAS website here. Always check the specific university and course requirements too to make sure you adjust your writing accordingly.

How long should a personal statement be?

A personal statement is typically up to 4,000 characters or 47 lines, which translates to around one side of A4 paper. It’s also around 500-600 words, so try to get your personal statement to around this length. This can be good to know when drafting your writing. Once you’re on your final draft, try to ensure that your personal statement all fits on one page – this will guarantee that you’re on track.

How long does it take to write a personal statement?

This honestly depends on the individual. For some, as little as a few days are enough but others may need weeks to complete their personal statement. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to start writing your personal statement early so you have time to make changes. Try starting by making notes about the course requirements and then thinking about how you fit these. It’s always a good idea to back up your skills with examples too, so try to make a list of your past experiences. Overall, a personal statement shouldn’t be too complicated or rambling. Keep it concise, engaging and succinct, and stick to the allocated length. Be genuine and don’t be afraid to highlight your accomplishments – after all, it’s your chance to show what you can do!
Author
Connor Steele
Content Editor
Updated:
i
Last updated: 16 May 2025
Change: Reviewed guide for accuracy and added Key takeaways to enhance user experience

Authors

  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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