Common App Personal Statement Format (650 Words)
Copy this template and replace the bracketed text with your content.
INTRODUCTION (75-100 words)
- Hook: [Your attention grabbing opening, a specific moment, vivid image, or compelling question]
- Context: [2-3 sentences of background the reader needs]
- Central message hint: [Subtle preview of what this essay reveals about you]
BODY PARAGRAPH 1 (150-200 words)
- Topic: [First key experience or moment in your story]
- Specific details: [Sensory details, dialogue, or concrete actions show, don't tell]
- Reflection: [What this moment taught you or revealed about your values]
- Connection: [How this relates to your central message]
BODY PARAGRAPH 2 (150-200 words)
- Topic: [Second key experience showing growth or development]
- Specific details: [More vivid scenes and specific moments]
- Reflection: [Deeper insight into who you are]
- Connection: [Build on previous paragraph, show progression]
BODY PARAGRAPH 3 (100-150 words)
- Topic: [How these experiences connect to your future goals]
- Specific details: [Why this school/program fits your journey]
- Reflection: [What you'll contribute or pursue]
CONCLUSION (50-75 words)
- Callback: [Reference your opening hook or image]
- Synthesis: [Tie together your central message]
- Forward look: [Brief glimpse of your future self]
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Order NowPersonal Statement Structure Breakdown
Not sure how much space to give each section? Here's the standard percentage breakdown.
Introduction (12-15% of total)
- What to include: Hook, context, thesis/central message
- For 650 words: 75-100 words
- Format: 1 paragraph, 3-5 sentences max
- Purpose: Draw readers in immediately, establish your voice
Body Paragraphs (70-75% of total)
- What to include: Specific experiences with details and reflection
- For 650 words: 450-490 words (split across 2-3 paragraphs)
- Format: Each paragraph 150-200 words
- Structure per paragraph:
- Point: Topic sentence introducing the experience
- Evidence: Specific details, scenes, dialogue
- Explanation: Your reflection and analysis
- Link: Transition to next idea or back to central message
Conclusion (10-12% of total)
- What to include: Callback to opening, synthesis, forward looking statement
- For 650 words: 50-75 words
- Format: 1 paragraph, 2-4 sentences
- Purpose: Bring it full circle, leave a lasting impression
UCAS Personal Statement Format (2026 Updated)
The UCAS format changed for 2026 entry. You now answer three specific questions instead of writing one free form essay.
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Question 1 Format: Why Do You Want to Study This Course?
Character allocation: 1,200-1,500 characters Structure:
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Question 2 Format: How Have Your Studies Prepared You?
Character allocation: 1,200-1,500 characters Structure:
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Question 3 Format: What Else Have You Done to Prepare?
Character allocation: 1,200-1,500 characters Structure:
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Want to see real UCAS personal statements? Check our personal statement examples for annotated samples that got students into top UK universities.
Personal Statement Format Variations (By Application Type)
Depending on your application, you'll need to adjust the format. Here's how.
Short Format (500-600 words)
Used for: Some scholarship applications, secondary essays, supplemental prompts
Structure adjustment:
- Introduction: 60-75 words (1 paragraph)
- Body: 2 paragraphs (150-200 words each)
- Conclusion: 40-50 words (1 paragraph)
Key changes:
- Focus on ONE central experience deeply
- Eliminate secondary stories
- Every sentence must earn its place
Standard Format (650-750 words)
Used for: Common App, Coalition App, most undergraduate applications
Structure adjustment:
- Introduction: 75-100 words
- Body: 3 paragraphs (150-200 words each)
- Conclusion: 50-75 words
Key changes:
- Can develop 2-3 related experiences
- More room for reflection
- Standard format shown in the template above
Long Format (800-1,000 words)
Used for: Graduate school statements, some scholarship essays, study abroad applications
Structure adjustment:
- Introduction: 100-150 words
- Background section: 150-200 words (academic/professional context)
- Experience sections: 2-3 paragraphs (200-250 words each)
- Future goals: 150-200 words (specific research interests, career plans)
- Conclusion: 75-100 words
Key changes:
- More professional tone
- Include specific research interests or methodologies
- Name professors, labs, or programs you want to work with
- Connect past experiences to future academic contributions
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Order NowPersonal Statement Paragraph Structure Template
Each body paragraph should follow the same internal structure. Here's the PEEL method expanded for personal statements.
PARAGRAPH TEMPLATE:
P Point (Topic Sentence)
"[State the main experience or moment this paragraph explores]"
E Evidence (Specific Details)
"[Include concrete details: What you saw, heard, felt, did. Use specific scenes, dialogue, or actions. Show, don't tell.]"
E Explanation (Reflection & Analysis)
"[Explain what this experience taught you, how it changed you, or what it revealed about your values. This is YOUR thinking, don't skip it.]"
L Link (Connection)
"[Connect back to your central message or transition to your next point]"
Need inspiration? See our Personal Statement Topics List to spark your thinking and uncover the perfect topic for your essay.
Formatting Requirements by Application System
Different application systems have different technical requirements. Here's what you need to know.
Common App Format Requirements
- Word limit: 650 words maximum
- Character limit: 4,000 characters (with spaces)
- Paragraph breaks: Allowed and encouraged
- Font/formatting: Plain text only (no bold, italics, or special formatting)
- Line breaks: Use sparingly for paragraph separation
- Special characters: Avoid em dashes, smart quotes, as they may display incorrectly
Copy paste tip: Write in Google Docs or Word first, then paste into Common App. Check character count in the application portal, not your word processor.
Coalition App Format Requirements
- Word limit: 550 words maximum
- Paragraph breaks: Allowed
- File upload option: Some schools allow PDF upload instead of text entry
- Formatting preservation: PDFs maintain formatting; text boxes don't
UCAS Format Requirements (2026)
- Character limit: 4,000 characters total (including spaces)
- Question minimums: 350 characters per question minimum
- Formatting: Plain text only, no bullet points or special formatting
- Paragraph breaks: Allowed within each question response
- Distribution: You control how characters are distributed across three questions
Character counting tip: UCAS counts spaces and punctuation. Write in their portal or use a character counter that includes spaces.
Graduate School Format Requirements
- Word limit: Varies widely (500-1,000 words typical)
- File type: Often PDF or Word doc upload
- Formatting: Usually allows standard formatting (headers, bold, italics)
- Filename convention: Usually "LastName_FirstName_PersonalStatement.pdf."
- Page limit: Sometimes 1-2 pages instead of word count
- Margins/spacing: Typically 1-inch margins, single or 1.5 spacing
| Always check: Individual program requirements override these general guidelines. |
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Order NowBottom Line
Now you've got the exact structure admissions officers expect. Fill in the templates, stay within your word limit, and make sure every paragraph connects back to your central message. The hard part is the reflection itself, showing genuine insight into who you are. Visit our detailed personal statement guide to master common app and UCAS statements. Good luck, and don't forget we're here if you need backup.
