8 answers
Maame
Student
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
4
Questions
Updated
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Any Personal statement tips?
Does anyone have clear tips to write a personal statement for both common app and UCAS applications as an aspiring chemical engineer?
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8 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Maame !
It sounds like you are about to apply to colleges in a lot of countries. Using the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services for the colleges in the UK and using the Common App for other country's colleges. That's great ! You already know that you will major in Chemical Engineering and that's your first step in finding a university that has the program that you'd like.
You should find out the information for student visas just in case your final decision is a University outside of your country. It'll be important to know the process so you can begin it as soon as you make a decision. Housing will also be important, too, if you plan to attend university in a different country.
Your Personal Statement can only be composed by you. Only you will know the question that you'd need to respond to and what you write has to come from your own personal life experience. As you know, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services application will be just for colleges in the UK. As of 2026, they will ask you Why do you want to study Chemical Engineering, how have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for being a Chemical Engineering Major and what things have you done outside of school that has prepared you to be a chemical engineering major and how have those experiences helped you. You will focus on persuading the colleges that you are suited to be a Chemical Engineering Major. There are no "clear tips" for this, no one can write it for you, just be honest on the application. This personal statement has been usually a 4000 character essay, but read the instructions to see if anything has changed.
For the Common App, several questions are asked for your personal statement essay. Here are some of the typical questions asked: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? and Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
I am not sure how many questions are asked for the personal statement for the Common App, but those are known topics they ask applicants to write about for their personal statement. They pretty much clearly describe what you'd need to write about. So, your essay for the two apps may very well be different depending on what they ask you to write about for the semester you apply.
Hopefully you have been doing volunteer work, projects, lab work and taking classes connected to STEM while you are in secondary school so you can draw upon your experiences with that to compose the personal statement. After you write your essay, check your spelling and punctuation and make it 100% perfect. Do not send it with any grammatical errors. Proof read it and have someone else proof read it, too. Also, I advise not using initials or abbreviations for things like names of companies, programs, etc. because the person on the other end may not know what the initials or abbreviation stands for and they want to understand everything you write and send them.
It is also my belief and advice that whatever topic you write about, the tone of the essay should be positive, confident and upbeat. I think it would be refreshing to read and would make the reviewer believe that you have something to contribute and are eager for further education. These are not exactly "tips" rather just advice.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
It sounds like you are about to apply to colleges in a lot of countries. Using the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services for the colleges in the UK and using the Common App for other country's colleges. That's great ! You already know that you will major in Chemical Engineering and that's your first step in finding a university that has the program that you'd like.
You should find out the information for student visas just in case your final decision is a University outside of your country. It'll be important to know the process so you can begin it as soon as you make a decision. Housing will also be important, too, if you plan to attend university in a different country.
Your Personal Statement can only be composed by you. Only you will know the question that you'd need to respond to and what you write has to come from your own personal life experience. As you know, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services application will be just for colleges in the UK. As of 2026, they will ask you Why do you want to study Chemical Engineering, how have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for being a Chemical Engineering Major and what things have you done outside of school that has prepared you to be a chemical engineering major and how have those experiences helped you. You will focus on persuading the colleges that you are suited to be a Chemical Engineering Major. There are no "clear tips" for this, no one can write it for you, just be honest on the application. This personal statement has been usually a 4000 character essay, but read the instructions to see if anything has changed.
For the Common App, several questions are asked for your personal statement essay. Here are some of the typical questions asked: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? and Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
I am not sure how many questions are asked for the personal statement for the Common App, but those are known topics they ask applicants to write about for their personal statement. They pretty much clearly describe what you'd need to write about. So, your essay for the two apps may very well be different depending on what they ask you to write about for the semester you apply.
Hopefully you have been doing volunteer work, projects, lab work and taking classes connected to STEM while you are in secondary school so you can draw upon your experiences with that to compose the personal statement. After you write your essay, check your spelling and punctuation and make it 100% perfect. Do not send it with any grammatical errors. Proof read it and have someone else proof read it, too. Also, I advise not using initials or abbreviations for things like names of companies, programs, etc. because the person on the other end may not know what the initials or abbreviation stands for and they want to understand everything you write and send them.
It is also my belief and advice that whatever topic you write about, the tone of the essay should be positive, confident and upbeat. I think it would be refreshing to read and would make the reviewer believe that you have something to contribute and are eager for further education. These are not exactly "tips" rather just advice.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Maame
You are welcome, Maame ! I am happy to help out !
Michelle M.
Kaitlyn Corey
Occupational Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Student
60
Answers
Graniteville, South Carolina
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
A strong personal statement for chemical engineering should show both your passion for the subject and the qualities that make you a good fit for the field. Start with a hook that feels personal, like how a project, class, or real-world experience sparked your interest in engineering. From there, highlight the skills you’ve built that connect to chemical engineering, such as problem solving, teamwork, or comfort with math and science. It helps to include specific examples, like a science fair project, research you’ve done, or even a CAD or lab experience that made you curious to dig deeper. For the Common App, make sure your personality and broader story come through since they want to know who you are as a whole person. For UCAS, focus more directly on your academic interest and preparation for chemical engineering, with less personal storytelling and more evidence of your commitment to the subject. In both, keep your writing clear, authentic, and avoid overloading it with clichés.
Allen L
Software Development
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Allen’s Answer
Hi Maame,
I suggest picking a personal story that connects to your dream of becoming a chemical engineer. Sharing personal stories makes your journey more memorable and relatable. It will also help you write a compelling personal statement that stands out to the college staff.
Include examples in your story that highlight both your soft and technical skills. Show off your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities to prove you would be an excellent student at the school.
Wishing you the best,
Allen
I suggest picking a personal story that connects to your dream of becoming a chemical engineer. Sharing personal stories makes your journey more memorable and relatable. It will also help you write a compelling personal statement that stands out to the college staff.
Include examples in your story that highlight both your soft and technical skills. Show off your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities to prove you would be an excellent student at the school.
Wishing you the best,
Allen
Lisa Taleghani Bonaiuto
Vocational Case Management
6
Answers
Winter Garden, Florida
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
1. Begin with an Engaging Start
Capture the reader's attention with a personal story, a meaningful quote, or a moment that sparked your interest in career counseling. For example, "I remember helping a friend find their love for teaching, which showed me the power of guidance."
2. Share Your Motivation
Explain why you want to be a career counselor. Talk about personal experiences, mentors, or events that inspired you.
3. Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any internships, volunteer work, jobs, or courses that have prepared you for this field. Focus on skills like empathy, communication, problem-solving, and assessment.
4. Demonstrate Knowledge of the Field
Show your understanding of a career counselor’s role. Mention theories, tools, or trends you find interesting, such as Holland Codes or labor market trends.
5. Connect to the Program
Explain why you’re applying to this specific program. Highlight faculty, curriculum, values, or opportunities that match your goals.
6. End with a Vision
Share your long-term goals and how you hope to make a difference as a career counselor.
7. Keep It Clear and Personal
Use a confident and sincere tone. Avoid clichés and overly formal language. Make sure to proofread for grammar and clarity.
Capture the reader's attention with a personal story, a meaningful quote, or a moment that sparked your interest in career counseling. For example, "I remember helping a friend find their love for teaching, which showed me the power of guidance."
2. Share Your Motivation
Explain why you want to be a career counselor. Talk about personal experiences, mentors, or events that inspired you.
3. Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss any internships, volunteer work, jobs, or courses that have prepared you for this field. Focus on skills like empathy, communication, problem-solving, and assessment.
4. Demonstrate Knowledge of the Field
Show your understanding of a career counselor’s role. Mention theories, tools, or trends you find interesting, such as Holland Codes or labor market trends.
5. Connect to the Program
Explain why you’re applying to this specific program. Highlight faculty, curriculum, values, or opportunities that match your goals.
6. End with a Vision
Share your long-term goals and how you hope to make a difference as a career counselor.
7. Keep It Clear and Personal
Use a confident and sincere tone. Avoid clichés and overly formal language. Make sure to proofread for grammar and clarity.
Madison Buchman
doctor
160
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
There are different types of personal statements so be sure to closely read the prompts/instructions. Most of the time it is general such as telling about yourself/life/experiences/hardships etc. Sometimes they may ask you to tell a specific story or answer a specific prompt.
Be honest, be yourself!!! Never lie. You WILL have to discuss what you wrote at an interview and not only do you want it to be honest, but you want it to be about something that is special/important to you, something that makes you you/unique, something that sets you apart from the other people they interview or applications they read that day. They want to know that not only you're a human with good grades and a good resume, but that you have other qualities you will bring to their school/program and that will make you a great doctor: life experience, empathy, professionalism, maturity, compassion, understanding, patience, team work, leadership skills. These are equally as vital to being a good doctor as being smart and having good resume/grades on paper. You want something you will be EXCITED they asked you about at the interview.
With the physical writing, try to not be to wordy, remember they read ALOT of applications so get to the point you want to make. Start and end the essay with a catchy sentence that leaves them thinking about your application/wanting to know more. Get more than one person (if you can) to read the essay/edit it. Don't be afraid to change it/get feedback.
You are special, you deserve this, remember that and show them why! Make sure to showcase what sets you apart from others both good and bad!
Be honest, be yourself!!! Never lie. You WILL have to discuss what you wrote at an interview and not only do you want it to be honest, but you want it to be about something that is special/important to you, something that makes you you/unique, something that sets you apart from the other people they interview or applications they read that day. They want to know that not only you're a human with good grades and a good resume, but that you have other qualities you will bring to their school/program and that will make you a great doctor: life experience, empathy, professionalism, maturity, compassion, understanding, patience, team work, leadership skills. These are equally as vital to being a good doctor as being smart and having good resume/grades on paper. You want something you will be EXCITED they asked you about at the interview.
With the physical writing, try to not be to wordy, remember they read ALOT of applications so get to the point you want to make. Start and end the essay with a catchy sentence that leaves them thinking about your application/wanting to know more. Get more than one person (if you can) to read the essay/edit it. Don't be afraid to change it/get feedback.
You are special, you deserve this, remember that and show them why! Make sure to showcase what sets you apart from others both good and bad!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
In my experience, understanding what you want to accomplish with your life and tying that into the university or organizations, core values and beliefs is a good start. Show how you will use your education to improve either the world or your chosen field.
You’ve got this!
You’ve got this!
Renea Gott
Medical Transcription
39
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Renea’s Answer
I feel your answer should reflect your age and innocence. Look up personal statement for college application examples, etc. , but otherwise it should be what you firmly believe about life and your life specifically. Don't solely use AI or something written as example word for word which is plagiarism. Remember to give your studies your best!
Larry Apfel
Aircraft Mechanic
17
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Larry’s Answer
Maame,
It's been a long time since I have written a personal statement for the college common application but this is my suggestion.
Pick a situation you were personally confronted with, a situation where you had a dilemma. Write about that situation, your feelings along with your decision-making thoughts, and the outcome. Hopefully the decisions you made, the reasons you had for making those decisions, and the outcome were positive. If you still need to write more, you can reflect on how that situation/results have influenced you.
I hope this helps you.
Best of luck,
Larry A.
It's been a long time since I have written a personal statement for the college common application but this is my suggestion.
Pick a situation you were personally confronted with, a situation where you had a dilemma. Write about that situation, your feelings along with your decision-making thoughts, and the outcome. Hopefully the decisions you made, the reasons you had for making those decisions, and the outcome were positive. If you still need to write more, you can reflect on how that situation/results have influenced you.
I hope this helps you.
Best of luck,
Larry A.