• Work under headings

Grouping the points you want to cover under sub-titles will break your statement into manageable pieces. Try the following headings to get you started:

• Personal Interests/Personal Qualities
• Academic Skills
• Why do you want to Study this Course/Career Hopes
• Work Experience/Other Relevant Information

Organise your list under the relevant headings, and, hey presto, you’ve got a Statement Plan. Delete the headings once your statement is finished, and you should have a clear, structured piece of writing.

• Write a draft (or two, or three!)

It’s unlikely that your first attempt will be the version that you use on your application. Working digitally whilst drafting allows you to edit, remove, and add information easily. Saving multiple versions often helps, as you can access information you might have removed, but later find that you need.

• Be yourself

When you’re about to make the transition to Higher Education, it’s tempting to write stiffly and formally. It’s important to write clearly and appropriately but you should, ultimately sound like yourself. Try to avoid phrases such as ‘I have been passionate about law from a young age’ (even if it’s true!) as admissions tutors repeatedly see them. As an alternative, consider using examples to demonstrate your passion for a subject e.g. ‘I have been interested in law since shadowing a barrister as part of my work experience’.