Two Essays, Two Worlds: How U.S. and U.K. Universities Read Your Story

Reflect broadly for the U.S. — focus deeply for the U.K.

“We are not looking for evidence of academic calibre in essays, as transcripts and letters of recommendation already display that”, a Boston University representative once told me this. Over my past six years as a university counsellor, I have heard this echoed by many other U.S. university representatives.

Beyond competitive grades, U.S. universities want to understand the background, experiences, and perspectives that shape who the applicant is today. The more dimensions a candidate can showcase, the better. A unidimensional profile—no matter how impressive—may not necessarily make the cut at top-tier U.S. universities. One of the main tools universities use to capture these insights is the application essay, with the Common App essay being the most widely used.

U.K. universities rely on the personal statement to get the essence of the applicant beyond just the application form. But their focus is different: “We want to know why the applicant is interested in the course they have chosen, and what they have done to pursue or build curiosity in it,” U.K. admissions officers will often say.

It is quite clear then that while US admission officers get enticed by well achieving all rounded individuals, UK admission officers need applicants who are clearly focused and passionate about their academic field. With two varied evaluating mechanisms, it comes as no surprise that to project themselves, an applicant will need to use different approaches if they are applying to either of these countries or both.

Common App Essay: Need for broad based reflection

Once you go through the common app prompts, you will realise that it requires you to dive deep into the life you have led so far, and come out with an attractive narrative about yourself. You will need to think more on the lines of your:

• Identity and interests

• Life’s learnings and beliefs

• Challenges and accomplishments

• Role in the community

Finding your “aha” moment can be tricky—it requires reflecting on many experiences and deciding which one best conveys the real you while also helping you stand out.

“Standing out,” however, does not require a groundbreaking story. Sometimes, events that students may term inconsequential—such as struggling to learn a language or working to lose weight—can reveal resilience and growth in powerful ways.

Whatever you choose, ensure your essay has a descriptive narrative supported by evidence, allowing the admissions officer to clearly picture your journey. It is also helpful to discuss your ideas with family or friends who know you well and can provide perspective.

Personal Statement: Need for academic interest-based reflection

Writing a personal statement is more straight forward. You need to go back in time and reflect on when you felt drawn towards your area of interest, how did it inspire you to know more about this field, and what were the activities you proactively took to feed this passion. Here also it is critical to reflect deeply, as you may have many activities related to your interest, but only some may have been truly impactful. Admission officers prefer quality over quantity of experience and learnings.

Until 2024, the personal statement was a single 4,000-character essay. Starting with the 2025 application cycle, U.K. universities are moving to a question-and-answer format:

1. Why do you want to study this course or subject? 

2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject? 

3. What else have you done to prepare, and why are these experiences useful? 

This new structure gives students clearer guidance on what to include. But the principle remains the same: do not just “tell” universities about your interest— “show” them with evidence. Choose a few impactful examples and give in depth detail, helping admissions officers see your commitment and passion.

In a nutshell

Crafting a strong application essay means wearing the right “thinking hat.” For the Common App, reflect broadly on your life and identity. For the U.K. personal statement, reflect on your sustained academic interest. With the right approach for each, you will be on your way to producing compelling and authentic writing that strengthens your applications.