I want to apply to a wide range of courses at a range of universities. How can I make my personal statement relevant to all of the courses?
Although it may be possible to mention all of the courses you are applying to, it would be very difficult for you to write a good personal statement for the course you are particularly interested in. The Admissions Tutor is looking for a student who shows interest and a keenness in the course they are applying to, and it is therefore very difficult to portray your interest in one course if you are applying to several very different courses.
I want to impress the Admissions Tutor, should I use long words and quotes?
No. The Admissions Tutor wants to read a personal statement that has been well written in simple English. If you fill your statement with long words and quotations, then the reasons why you want to study the course you have applied for become less clear. The Admissions Tutor also does not want to read lots of quotations from different people. Using quotations means the Tutor cannot get an idea of who you are, and it means you are less likely to be made an offer.
How much emphasis should I put on my extra-curricular activities?
The Admissions Tutors at LSE are looking for well-rounded individuals, who are not only strong academically but also involved in their non-academic pursuits. We would therefore suggest that approximately 25% of your statement should be on your non-academic activities, and the rest should be dedicated to your academic interests and why you want to study the course for which you have applied.
Should I use all of the space I am allowed by UCAS?
Yes. The more you write, the more our Admissions Tutors can get a sense of you as a potential LSE student. Filling the space also gives you more of an opportunity to show how interested you are in the course you have applied to. However, do not fill the space with unnecessary words or information that is not relevant.