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A great article on getting started

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However, as Williams says, don't go overboard. "The mistake people make is to mention too many clubs," he says, "it makes us question how dedicated you'll be to your study or work. Pick some key extra-curricular activities and think about the skills they give you and feed that into what you are doing.

"Avoid the vacuous statement," he adds, "the statement that seems to say a lot, but actually says nothing at all, for example 'I am a people person; committed to doing my best at every opportunity'."

Stock phrases should be avoided at all costs, and applicants should also be careful not to exaggerate their achievements. Be warned; if you are invited to interview, you should expect to be quizzed on what you have said in your statement. White lies won't impress anyone and can become pretty obvious pretty quickly under pressure.

Applicants should also avoid copying anyone else's statement or taking inspiration from the internet, says Balnaves. Ucas uses a program called Copycatch to identify similarities in statements and notifies the universities if it picks up anything suspicious.

Balnaves also urges students to review their statements for spelling and grammar and to apply in good time. "We probably get about 10 per cent of our applications in the last week," he says, "but it's best to give yourself some breathing space. The best advice you can get is from a family member or a teacher, read it aloud to them so you haven't missed any crucial bits.

"Write about what makes you unique," he continues, "only you know your unique selling points. Ask yourself 'what makes me different, what will I bring to the university and what will I get out of it?'"

It's important to remember that not only will your personal statement be used in the initial process of making an offer, it could also be used at the end of the application cycle if you miss the grade requirements.

As Hunt says: "The personal statement is something tutors will use to remind themselves why they made you the offer in the first place if things don't go to plan - they might give you the benefit of the doubt."

With this in mind, it's worth putting in the extra effort now, to give yourself every chance of success.

Dos and Don'ts of personal statement writing

DO check for spelling and grammar - get your parents to double check and then check again

DO link your extra-curricular pursuits with your course choice

DO show your teachers a draft first - so you will know what to change in plenty of time

DON'T leave it until the last minute - try to submit the application before Christmas

DON'T use suggested synonyms unless you're sure what they mean

DON'T be tempted to exaggerate what you've done

DON'T talk about specific universities, only talk about the subject

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universities and colleges admissions service (ucas)

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How to write a great Ucas personal statement for university

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However, as Williams says, don't go overboard. "The mistake people make is to mention too many clubs," he says, "it makes us question how dedicated you'll be to your study or work. Pick some key extra-curricular activities and think about the skills they give you and feed that into what you are doing.

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A handy worksheet

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Next, you'll need to write about your personal skills and achievements. Universities like to know the abilities you have that'll help you on the course, or generally with life at university.
Don't forget to include evidence to back up why you're so excited about the course(s) you've chosen.

Be bold and talk about the achievements you're proud of.

Include positions of responsibility you hold, or have held, both in and out of school.

What are the things that make you interesting, special, or unique?

Your work experience and future plans are important to include. You should share details of jobs, placements, work experience, or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your course.

Try to link any experience to skills or qualities that'll make you successful.

If you know what you'd like to do after as a career, explain how you plan to use the knowledge and experience that you'll gain to launch your career.

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How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement

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Next, you'll need to write about your personal skills and achievements. Universities like to know the abilities you have that'll help you on the course, or generally with life at university. Don't forget to include evidence to back up why you're so excited about the course(s) you've chosen.

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Design your Future day in London

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UCAS HOW TO APPLY

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Natasha's Personal Statement aid

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Some deadlines and dates to consider