Feeling stuck on your personal statement?
Meet Kevin Ly, an experienced Admissions Consultant with over six years of expertise, including his role as an Undergraduate Admissions Officer at UBC. Drawing from his professional experience and personal journey as the child of immigrants, Kevin is passionate about guiding students through the challenges of university applications and helping them share their stories.
Top tips
From showcasing resilience to staying focused, these expert-backed tips will help you craft a personal statement that truly stands out.
Resilience matters
Your personal statement is your chance to showcase how challenges have shaped your journey. Highlight your resilience and growth, sharing how those experiences prepared you for success in university and beyond.
Be transparent
Honesty shows strength in your personal statement. Address challenges like gaps or setbacks with clarity, focusing on what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown.
Be authentic
Your personal statement should reflect your true voice. Avoid overly polished or generic writing, and let your unique perspective shine. Genuine, heartfelt essays resonate more than standardized ones.
Stay on track
Admissions teams value focus and clarity. Ensure every part of your essay addresses the prompt directly. Test it by asking a friend to identify the question just by reading your response. Stay concise and avoid tangents to keep your message clear and impactful.
Trust the process
Admissions decisions are holistic, made by committees considering more than just grades. Your personal statement lets you showcase your story and potential, so focus on writing a genuine, thoughtful essay that complements your academic achievements.
Your ultimate Personal Statement toolkit
Get all the resources you need to craft a standout personal statement, including expert guidance, templates, and actionable tips.
Comprehensive Guide: Access a step-by-step guide on structuring and writing your personal statement.
5-Part Email Series by Kevin Ly: Exclusive tips and insights from an experienced admissions consultant.
Personal Statement Template: A ready-to-use personal statement template to kickstart your writing.
