How to Start Your Personal Statement

Starting your personal statement can feel daunting. You know it needs to be powerful, polished and persuasive, but how do you actually begin? At LetterLab, a leading letter writing service for everything from cover letters to financial aid appeal letters, we understand the importance of that crucial first impression.

In this guide, you will learn how to start your personal statement with confidence, using proven strategies that admissions officers, employers and scholarship panels cannot ignore.

Why Your Opening Matters

First impressions are everything. According to UCAS, most admissions tutors will make a decision about a personal statement within the first few lines (UCAS). A strong start shows you are clear, compelling and serious about your application.

The opening sets the tone for everything that follows, showcasing your voice, motivation and individuality right from the first word.

Techniques to Craft an Irresistible Opening

Here’s how to ensure your personal statement grabs attention immediately:

Start with a Hook

Use a vivid anecdote, an intriguing question or a powerful statement that relates directly to your field or passion.

Example: "The moment I rebuilt my first radio at twelve years old, I knew engineering wasn’t just a hobby, it was my calling."

Show, Not Tell

Rather than simply declaring your passion, demonstrate it through real action. Concrete examples engage readers far more effectively than vague claims.

Example: Instead of saying, "I have always loved history," you might write: "Standing inside the ruins of Pompeii at 16, I realised history is not just dates and facts, it is the living heartbeat of humanity."

(For more advice on using vivid, powerful language, check out our blog).

Keep It Relevant

Make sure your opening ties directly to the course, role or opportunity you are applying for. Avoid generalisations and be specific. Showing that your journey logically led you to this moment keeps your statement focused and compelling.

Pro tip: Using keywords from the programme description or job posting can also help optimise your personal statement for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Convey Your Motivation

Explain why you want this opportunity and why now. Share your authentic reason for applying, framed in a way that builds trust and shows commitment.

Example: "After volunteering at local literacy charities, I realised that teaching offers me the perfect intersection between communication, creativity and meaningful social impact."

Make it Personal, but Professional

Your authentic voice helps you connect with readers. However, keep the tone professional and polished. Avoid slang or jokes unless it fits the culture of the industry you are entering.

If you are struggling to find the right tone, our personal statement writing service can help shape your message while keeping it true to you. Explore examples in our example letters section.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Clichés: Openings like "Since I was a child" are tired and unmemorable.

• Quoting others: Admissions teams want to hear from you, not famous philosophers.

• Vagueness: Specific experiences are more impressive than sweeping statements.

• Negativity: Focus on positive goals, not things you want to escape.

  
  

(Prospects offers further useful advice on personal statement writing here).

Example Openings for Inspiration

For a Law Degree Application: "Witnessing the injustices faced by vulnerable tenants during my community centre internship ignited a commitment to legal advocacy that drives my career aspirations today."

For a Teaching Programme: "Each child's 'lightbulb moment' during my tutoring sessions cemented my belief that education is the most powerful tool for change."

For a Business Apprenticeship: "Helping my family’s small business survive the pandemic taught me that resilience, strategy and adaptability are the cornerstones of success, lessons I am eager to build upon."

Final Tip: Leave Them Wanting More

Think of your opening as the trailer for your story. Spark curiosity so that the reader feels compelled to find out more. If you do that, you are already halfway to writing a personal statement that truly stands out.

If you need tailored support, our expert team at LetterLab specialises in crafting winning personal statements. From cover letter writing services to financial aid appeal letters, we are here to help your words shine.

Visit our blog for more insider writing tips and real-world examples.