
Statements Made Personal
About me
I have provided individually tailored personal statement support to students for over five years, and have worked with hundreds of students over this time. This experience spans a range of universities, including specific support to Oxford and Cambridge applicants, and other students with an early application deadline, such as medical school applicants.
I have worked with secondary school students for over twenty years, first as a science and maths tutor and more recently supporting students in preparing their UCAS personal statements.
I believe that every student has within them the ability to write a fantastic personal statement, but the process can be daunting, as it is very different from anything they have been asked to write before. I really enjoy supporting students through this process, and learning a little about what inspires them, and what their aspirations are for their future. It is a privilege to be involved in a small way in helping them to realise these goals.My own university journey began with a BA in Natural Sciences at Jesus College, Cambridge and continued with a PhD in Neuroscience at University College London.
My early career experience as a scientist, Parliamentary information specialist and civil servant includes a wealth of experience in writing for different audiences. I draw on this experience to support and advise students at all stages of the writing process, from generating ideas to initial drafting, organising, reviewing, and getting within the crucial character limit!

What parents and students say about me
"Zillah made sure my daughter understood what to focus on for most impact and how to ensure it sounded as personal and authentic to her experience as possible, while being concise and clear and not leave anything relevant out. As a result she received immediate offers from Manchester and Edinburgh. Having decided to take a year to do an art diploma first, she is reapplying this year. Zillah has been invaluable again with her expertise and up-to-the-minute understanding of the requirements for personal statements. Zillah is so warm and personable, thorough and supportive. We could not have been in better hands or felt this confident about the rather daunting process of university applications without Zillah’s help and guidance."
Rebecca T, Parent
"Zillah did an amazing job of helping me with my UCAS personal statement, which made the whole uni application process less daunting. I was nervous about starting as it was overwhelming but Zillah was calm and friendly and made me believe I could do it. She helped me think about what supercurricular activities were relevant to my course, and how I could show my passion for my subject. After my first draft she gave really useful feedback - especially when I had to shorten the content to fit the strict word count. I was so happy when I got offers from my chosen unis, which were all highly competitive ones. I would recommend Zillah to any young person worried about their personal statement."
Emily R, student



"Zillah supported my daughter with her UCAS personal statement and was both highly experienced and very approachable. She offered thoughtful reassurance and clear, practical advice, which gave my daughter the confidence to move forward with her application. Her support made a real difference during what can be an uncertain and stressful stage of the university application process."
Joy H, parent
"Zillah's guidance on my UCAS personal statement enabled me to understand what admissions tutors look for, sharpen my ideas and present myself clearly and confidently. I was successful in getting offers from my desired universities of Warwick and York."
Edward P, student
"Zillah is amazing. By far the most experienced person I know regarding personal statements, even with the new system she helped me so much. She always goes above and beyond and is so kind, responsive and knowledgeable. Would 100% recommend, I am so grateful."
Iris T, student



