Progress Files have been set by the government as a specific element of all higher education provision in England and "should consist of two elements: a transcript recording student achievement which should follow a common format devised by institutions collectively through their representative bodies; and a means by which students can monitor, build and reflect on their personal development" (recommendation of National Committee of Enquiry into Higher Education, 1997). The transcript is normally provided to the student by the university, and is frequently issued online rather than as a piece of paper. The transcript is an "official" document, which certifies the modules/courses and the results obtained. However, this only paints a picture of a very small part of each student; hence, a full record will include much more about a student's personal achievements than a transcript can hope to do. This article discusses personal development planning (PDP), a set of processes to help students reflect on their learning, performance, and ambitions. Through a repeated process of reviewing, planning, and taking action, PDP encourages students to make the most of their academic, career and personal development while attending a university. (Contains 2 tables.)