How to Write a Clearing Personal Statement in 30 Minutes
When you’re applying through Clearing, speed matters—but quality still counts. Many universities continue to review personal statements before making offers, especially for competitive courses or subject changes. The challenge is that you don’t have days to refine your writing. Often, you have less than an hour.
This guide breaks down a 30-minute, high-impact method for writing a strong Clearing personal statement that is focused, tailored, and persuasive—without overthinking.
Why Personal Statements Still Matter in Clearing
Even during Clearing, admissions tutors want reassurance that you are a good fit. A strong statement shows:
- Genuine interest in the subject
- Relevant skills or academic background
- Awareness of what the course involves
- Commitment to completing the degree
When places are limited, a clear and targeted statement can be the deciding factor between a fast offer and silence.
The 30-Minute Clearing Personal Statement Method
You don’t need perfection—you need clarity, relevance, and confidence. Use the timing below to stay focused.
Minutes 1–5: Opening Motivation
Start with a direct, confident introduction that explains why this subject interests you.
Good openings:
- Mention when your interest began
- Refer to a specific experience or project
- Set a focused, positive tone
Example:
“My interest in computer science developed through hands-on programming projects, where I became fascinated by how logical thinking and creativity combine to solve real-world problems.”
Minutes 5–15: Skills and Evidence
This section proves you can succeed on the course. Use 2–3 short paragraphs covering:
- Academic background: subjects studied, coursework, projects
- Practical experience: work experience, volunteering, competitions
- Transferable skills: problem-solving, research, teamwork, communication
If you’re changing subjects, clearly explain how your existing skills transfer to the new field.
Minutes 15–25: Course and Career Fit
This is where many Clearing applicants lose marks. Be specific.
- Mention 2–3 modules from the course page
- Explain why they interest you
- Link them to your future goals
Example:
“I am particularly interested in the Environmental Policy module, as I hope to work in sustainability consulting, where understanding legislation and regulation is essential.”
This shows preparation and genuine intent.
Minutes 25–30: Confident Conclusion
End positively and professionally:
- Reinforce enthusiasm
- Express readiness to contribute
- Keep it brief
Example:
“I am motivated to bring my skills, commitment, and curiosity to this course and to fully engage with both the academic and wider university community.”
Adapting an Existing Personal Statement for Clearing
If you already have a UCAS statement:
- Keep transferable skills and experiences
- Remove references to your original subject
- Add a new paragraph explaining the subject change
- Replace keywords with those from the new course
This is faster and more effective than starting from scratch.
How to Research a Course in 10 Minutes
If the course is unfamiliar:
- Search the university’s course page
- Read first-year modules
- Identify 2–3 that genuinely interest you
- Scan the careers section for industry language
Use those terms naturally in your statement.
Common Clearing Statement Mistakes
Avoid these under pressure:
- Copy-pasting your old statement unchanged
- Being vague or generic
- Failing to mention the course directly
- Ignoring spelling and grammar
- Writing too much—clarity beats length
Three to four short, focused paragraphs are enough.
Using Your Statement During Clearing Calls
If a university asks for your statement after a phone call:
- Send it immediately while the conversation is fresh
- Mirror the language you used on the call
- Follow up to confirm receipt
Speed and consistency matter.
Final Advice
Clearing is not about failure—it’s about opportunity. A fast statement does not have to feel rushed to the reader. With a clear structure, targeted content, and confident tone, you can produce a strong personal statement in under 30 minutes.
Bottom line:
Focus on relevance, stay positive, and be specific. A well-aimed Clearing personal statement can turn a stressful results day into a successful outcome.
