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Personal Statement
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Anyone else doing their personal statement at the mo'? Mine is driving me nuts. My teacher told me to bring it in on results day so we can give it some fine tuning.
So far I have a blank sheet of paper with a few key words. Gargh!
So far I have a blank sheet of paper with a few key words. Gargh!
Post edited by JustV on
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luv jai
I'd dig out mine, but it's no use, since none of you are Geographers...
If anyone needs any specific help, give me a yell if you want, I'll try and be of use!
How about a swap?
*remembers that DJP's got him into Oxford*
*is ready to be impressed*
"I wish to study a history course at university as I find history as a subject very interesting. Even from studying the work and lifestyles of the Ancient Egyptians at primary school, right up to the range of Scottish, British and Russian history I have come across in my secondary school years.
I have enjoyed the British history I have covered so far, extending from women’s rights from the end of the 19th century through to Britain’s involvement in both world wars. Also, although not a native Scot, I feel an attraction to Scottish history, owing to my Scottish parents and grandparents, and my living here since I was four years old.
By studying for a history degree, I would like to expand my historical knowledge and start to look upon history as not just a lesson I enjoy at school, but as a basis to build a career upon.
At the moment I am considering several options for after the completion of my degree. One of these is to become a museum curator. This would allow me to keep my interest in history alive and I think I would enjoy it and find value in doing it.
Another possibility I am considering is to go on to attend a teacher training college to gain a Post Graduate Certificate of Education in primary teaching with a specialisation in history. I have previously worked with young children when I did work experience at Craigie Park Nursery School in Perth. I enjoyed it thoroughly, although it was brief at only two days.
I am currently involved in a scheme of Peer Counselling at school, which provides younger pupils with somebody nearer their own age to talk to about any problems they may be experiencing, and I am also helping with Paired Reading, which involves my reading with a first year who has reading difficulties. I believe the schemes are beneficial for all involved, and I have found that it is helping me to build up self-confidence, along with my communication skills, and is also giving me a sense of responsibility.
I feel I am a dedicated student and I am committed to keeping up with my studies and meeting deadlines. Outside of school, I like to take a break with my friends by going out dancing or shopping, or anything which allows us to balance out our study and social time, so as to work both together effectively."
and yes. I realsise its huge, I tried to attach it, but it wuldn't let me!
I'm currently in year 12 going on 13 in september, and we haven't been given anything about the personal statement yet. But I thought you had to write loads about how wonderful you are and how amazing your social life is and all the hobbies you have. And that you should stray away from saying you love reading and work all the time etc because uni is looking for interesting people.
Is this true? A lot of the above statement is why the person wants to study the specific degree and what they fill they'd gain from it and their experiences so far. Is that more what the statement should be about?
Could someone just give my a brief summary of what you're supposed to put in there?
what to write
Susie
For example, I have 3 Uni's I want to apply for so far.....each are for different courses:
Bath - Sociology with Human Resource Management
Cardiff - Sociology with Criminology
Swansea - Sociology with Psychology
Would I just write about why I want to do Sociology in that case?
Sorry if I seem dumb this is just so confusing to me!
Currently I am studying both French and German to Advanced Level which I feel are giving me a solid foundation for my university course as I have sound knowledge of the structure, form and grammar of both of these languages and can apply them to new languages that I will study. My preferred language is German and I intend to continue with it at university. I have developed my interests in both the Germanic language and culture. I enjoy watching German films; the most enjoyable being “Die Blechtrommel” which not only was highly dramatic, but also gave me an insight into German history. I have taken part in many German exchanges, which I feel were valuable experiences as I developed my language skills and learned first-hand about German culture. The most recent of these exchanges was to Munich last July, where I spent two weeks working in a German kindergarten, which not only helped my language but also gave me useful experience in working with children. In addition to my A level languages, I am also studying Russian at GCSE level. I am finding this challenging, but incredibly interesting and my language studies have encouraged me to take a profound interest in Russian culture, in particular, the Soviet Union. I have seen one Russian film: “The Thief” which, like “Die Blechtrommel” has increased my knowledge of the cultural background of the country. I am hoping to visit Russia next year. In addition to my languages I am studying English literature which I feel complements my languages perfectly as both my oral and written communication skills have developed since the beginning of the course. I am also an avid reader and enjoy reading both the set texts for the course and other books for my own enjoyment. My favourite author is George Orwell as I admire the way in which he uses literary techniques such as satire in his books such as “Nineteen Eighty Four” to convey a message to the reader. I also enjoy reading poems, in particular those of Sylvia Plath. My interest in literature has encouraged me to take an interest in foreign works, particularly of both Albert Camus and Bertold Brecht, both of which I have started to read in the original language. I have also started to read Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” as a way of broadening my knowledge of Russia. I feel that my sixth form subjects have taught me the importance of working independently and in groups and planning my work effectively, all of which will be valuable to me at university.
As well as all of my academic interests, I also take part in a number of activities out of school, which I believe have all contributed to my personal development and enjoyment. I take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and having completed my Bronze Award, I am working towards my Silver and hoping to eventually undertake the Gold. In taking part, I have learned a variety of skills, for example sign language, improved my personal fitness and grown in confidence through working with others and helping younger pupils plan and carry out their expeditions. In addition to this, I am currently working towards achieving my Queen’s Guide Award. I have been involved with the Guide Association for seven years and have spent a lot of time helping in the community through this which has made me more aware of other people’s needs. I have several regular baby-sitting jobs, which has enabled me to learn the various skills required in dealing with children and has also given me a sense of responsibility.
I have had many useful and rewarding experiences in the world of work. I currently have two part time jobs; one as a receptionist in an opticians and one as a care assistant in an old people’s home. Being a receptionist has taught me a lot about dealing with the public which will be useful to me both at university and in my chosen career. The care work I do has increased my awareness of how dependent many people can be and I feel that it has made me more sensitive and alert to people’s needs. I am undertaking weekly work experience in a local primary school to help build up my experiences of working with children. I hope to be continuing with this throughout year 13. I feel that these experiences combined with my interest in language have prepared me well for a course in Modern Languages at university and I am wholeheartedly looking forward to continuing with my studies and acquiring new skills and interests along the way.
That's mine! I got offers for all the unis I applied to. Hope it helps.
Unfortunately I had to decline the offers as I went to hospital which meant I couldnt continue last year. So I have to go through the whole sodding UCAS process again. :mad:
Do you think I should keep the long (ish) paragraph about what I do outside school in?
Bopz
Besides showing you have interests and do things off your own back without being told to do them is worth including...in the same breath you need to show some interest and commitment to the academic side of uni or they won't want you
Susie
Yeah same here! I would never get involved in anything at my school cos I hate it so much. The thing is the teachers are obsessed with 'getting involved.' I suppose I am on the Student Council but that's all.
The thing is, I don't really do much out of school really either! I get good grades but that's not all that counts. Out of school, I have a job at a kids maths centre where I help them, and I do a bit of 11+ teaching help as well. erm I play the piano, but not in school and well, that's about it....
So I guess I'm screwed...
Since Lorna's put hers up (ahem), I'll pop mine up here.... it's cringingly embarrassing, and I can write better now.....
I have a far better statement nowadays
But this was the old one.
I am intrigued by the interaction between people and a dynamic environment. This has always been so, even before I discovered the first principles of Geography in school. I believe that the applications of Geography, both physical and human are important to us all. My interest in Geography has led to my Associate Fellowship in the Royal Geographical Society, which I believe keeps me up to date with the leading edge of modern thought. My studies and reading highlight just how rapidly Geography advances as opinions change. I have enjoyed all aspects of the course, with particular interest in physical geography, but the highlight was the fieldwork trip to Chester because it gave me a chance to put classroom theory in to practice. I was awarded a Lower VI Arts Prize for my dedication and attainment in Geography, and was chosen as one of five whose work was shown to the OFSTED inspection team in the school’s recent inspection.
I always view my work as a challenge, to which I fully apply myself with enthusiasm and dedication. I am proud to have acheived a Gold Certificate in the UK Senior Maths Challenge 1999. I think this was partially due to my ability to be adaptable and logical in my thinking. I have always assisted at School events, most recently as a guide on Open Evenings and as an Assistant Examiner for the Entrance Examination. During the Lower Sixth, I was honoured to be selected as a Prefect. It makes considerable demands upon those chosen, for example in supervision of Junior boys and reading in School Assemblies. I currently help to run a school Midbank branch, and play a large role in its smooth operation. My work in the community extended beyond school based activities. In 1998 I organised and participated in a sponsored swim for charity for which I was awarded a Young Changemakers certificate. I also organised a food collection at Christmas as a joint effort between the local Lions’ branch, my Air Cadet squadron and the local supermarket.
Away from school, I am an avid reader. I read various types of literature, from modern thrillers to classics by such authors as Dickens and Austen. I rely on newspapers like ‘The Times’ to keep me updated on world issues and current affairs. I play three musical instruments; the classical guitar to Grade 5, recorder to Grade 4 and the piano to Grade 4. My dedication to my GCSE Music course culminated in the award of School Music Colours. My other hobby is swimming. I have obtained a number of awards, including the ASA Swim Challenge (Honours) and the STA Gold Personal Survival award. I have School Colours in Swimming, and captained the House team to victory in the House Swimming Gala in 1999 and 2000. I have been chosen as the School Swimming Captain for 2000/01. I am also a qualified lifeguard, and an ASA Assistant Teacher’s Certificate Holder.
To complement my academic interests I joined 493 Squadron, Air Training Corps at 14, and have remained committed. I am a staff cadet, and have been promoted to Corporal. I believe that the Corps has given me something special; a self discipline and self motivation which civilian youth groups do not offer. My experiences with the Corps have ranged from shooting to flying, participating in Gold Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award to representation at National level in Swimming and community work. I will have almost completed the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by the end of the year, with the exception of my final Expedition. I have initiated many fund-raising ideas and now play a key role in the running of the Squadron. As a Non Commissioned Officer (NCO), I have a responsibility for discipline, welfare and instruction in academic and military subjects. My part in the Recruit Training Flight, who recruit and initially train new cadets has made a variety of demands on me, both as a person and as an NCO. I have to put my organisational and leadership skills to the test on a weekly basis. The Corps furthered my desire to succeed, and I believe that it gave me training and the tools to help me to do so.
Perhaps the greatest experience of my life so far has been the completion of a Royal Air Force Flying Scholarship over the summer of 2000. The course required a great deal of motivation and self study to pass the complex ground exams. However, my high scores, from 88-98% justified my efforts. The flying programme comprised 16 hours dual and 4 hours solo flying, in just over 20 flights. After successfully completing a Final Progress Check, I was able to finish the course with an hour solo flight.
I believe that I possess a wide range of experiences which, coupled with my strong love of the subject will allow me to thrive and make a positive contribution to the School of Geography and to the University as a whole.
Cheesy, huh?
first choice is Oxford to read French and English.
I find that poetry, prose and drama are ways of gaining an insight into human nature, culture and society. I am fascinated by the studies of language and literature. Classics of the 19th century were my first forays into the wider world of books, outside novels such as The Lord of the Rings. However, I found Jane Austen not as compelling as more modern authors such as Joanne Harris and Louis de Bernières, and I am looking forward to reading celebrated critically-acclaimed novels including Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day and Penelope Lively's Moon Tiger. My Latin studies have taught me about early European history, and awakened an interest in the influences Roman, Viking, Anglo-Saxon and French conquests have had on the English language, culture and literature. Studying The Merchant's Tale by Chaucer has increased this interest in Old and Middle English literature. I have begun to appreciate the poetry of Shakespeare, and other Renaissance authors including Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Wyatt. Particular modern poems which I enjoy are T. S. Eliot's The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and Sylvia Plath's Wuthering Heights, because I find the ways in which these poets and others restructure language very powerful. Seeing A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and reading novels by Maya Angelou and Jack London, attracted me to American literature.
I began learning French at the age of seven from a native speaker, and at nine a Parisian girl and I became penfriends. Speaking the language with her family and friends on exchange visits, as well as in the course of school work, has been a favourite activity ever since. French literature has naturally been a more recent discovery, but I enjoyed Les liaisons dangereuses for its ironic outlook on French high society at the time, and I am currently reading Phèdre by Racine. I hope to read books including Le rouge et le noir by Stendhal and Un sac de billes by Joseph Joffo in the next few weeks. I look forward to learning more at university about the relations between English and French literature, particularly with regard to the times of the revolutions across Britain, America and France. I chose to study English and French as a joint honours course because I am naturally enthusiastic about and confident in both subjects: speaking and reading French is already a hobby, whilst reading English is a passion.
Last year I took up and completed a business course in Italian. I found the language very beautiful and it is likely I will continue to learn it simply for that reason. I am also halfway through a GCSE in Russian, a totally new language for me, and one which I am enjoying very much.
At present I am interested in journalism, the law, and the Diplomatic Service as possible careers, but I am open-minded and I hope to see many more opportunities. My work experience on the -- taught me a little about journalism, while winning the --'s Young Journalist of the Year competition encouraged me to apply for the post of Magazine Editor at school. Although this is hard work, it is enjoyable and useful experience, and has developed my organisational and time-keeping skills. In -- 20-- I spent three days shadowing barristers in -- Crown Court, which I found fascinating. I have been playing the violin for nine years and I have always enjoyed the musical and social opportunities it gives me. I look forward to playing in university orchestras and chamber groups, as well as remaining a member of -- Youth Orchestra.
(I've blanked out the odd word -- for anonymity purposes, not that I mind too much but you never know!)
Mine now seem REALLY boring
Bopz
Only kidding, but it's gonna be useful seeing as it's the same course
All done now though
That was really helpful because although i didnt need to change any of it, he gave me alot more confidence in it because hes seen so many and knows what to look for. So if he thinks its good, hes probably right. yey!
Thats why we have EAS now!
We're doing that too. I would never get it done otherwise cause I'm so useless :rolleyes: