Hi this is my first time posting and im wondering if you can give me any tips as to how i can improve my perseonal statement the school that im applying for is Colchester college and i dont know anyone personally whom i can ask as i am currently living in asia
"Interests:
My key interests outside of school are sailing and reading. I also enjoy a variety of other team and solo sports but have not been able to practice them all in Singapore due to the climate.
I read extensively and my interests span a variety of genres ranging from classics to science fiction to biographies. Some of the more diverse books that I have read include Beowulf, Shakespeare, Jules Verne, Robert Heinlein and General Sir Peter De La Billierre. As my family are all prodigious readers, we frequently swap books and discuss what we have learnt, my Father, particularly enjoys introducing me to authors from his childhood, although he is now struggling to find ones I have not read.
Sailing is another pastime we enjoy as a family and we have recently enjoyed the use of a Dart 15 Catamaran, which has proved a challenge to master, particularly during the recent Monsoon Regatta. However, in my last regatta in a Laser, I was ranked second in class, despite racing against adults and being the youngest competitor by many years.
I find that enjoying a variety of sports has allowed us to integrate into each new situation we have found ourselves in. As we move back to Europe, I am greatly looking forward to picking up skiing again as we have not had the chance since we left the US.
Experiences:
My most formative experiences have been from travel. As a family, we have lived in Germany, UK, US and Singapore and we have also travelled widely on vacation, including Canada, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia. My school trips from Singapore have included Vietnam, Thailand and this year Cambodia where we have contributed to charity work in the local community, such as working with orphans, and in cambodia this year we will be building houses for the locals. This has allowed me to experience a variety of cultures and witness at first hand, those less fortunate than myself. It is amazing to see the difference, but also the similarities between diverse cultures.
I have, unfortunately, not completed any work experience aside from some volunteer work in orphanages with school. This is mainly due to the amount of travel we have done and a lack of anchors in the local community. I have, however, thoroughly enjoyed my GCSE Business Studies and received special recognition for my work.
I do struggle with handwriting, as a result of being dyslexic, an issue that was first assessed when I was 8 years old. I have received assistance for this at school and I have been encouraged to learn to touch type and now use the computer for the majority of my studies. I average 70 words per minute and reach a peak of 90 words per minute. Unfortunately, typing has not resolved my lack of co-ordination
Career Plan:
Currently my career plan is to read Engineering at University but I am undecided between Mechanical and Civil. I would then like to serve with the British Army as an Officer in the Royal Engineers. Whilst my Father was an Officer in the Sappers for ten years, I do feel I have arrived at this proposed path independently based on my interest in the subjects and a sense of purpose.
My preference would be to complete an IB as opposed to A Levels, as I feel it would give me a broader outlook on life and complement my variety of experiences. It would also allow me to cover a wider range of subjects. However, if I were unable to pursue this option, I feel confident that I would be able to achieve my chosen aims through the A level system."
thanks litterally any help will be more than welcome, i need all i can get
i have a feeling that i should emphasise my travels but i dont want to seem like im showing off. also should i mention what schools i have attended despite the fact that they wount know them?
once again thanks for any help