Personal Statement:Psychology 6

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Psychology Personal Statement

'We are all psychologists attempting to understand other people and ourselves.' There is great truth in this statement, however I want to take this further and explore the mind and the essence of the human condition.

We all question or try to make sense of life. I believe that through its many perspectives, psychology has those answers. Psychology is accessible because not only is it a scientific study of thought and behaviour, it is also an art that can be applied by the individual to everyday life.

Although I did not chose Psychology as one of my AS subjects, I feel that my current studies have prepared me for such a course. Science and maths have improved my observational and analytical skills, strengthening my ability to interpret data and allowing me to draw logical answers. English literature has developed my ability to think critically and it was through the exploration of character that I increased my interest in psychology.

I recently attended Advanced Master Classes in all my A-level subjects. These classes have helped to accelerate my learning and increase my confidence in my achievement.

As psychology is an integrated part of philosophy, I was able further to my interests in both by attending a philosophy club at my school.

Here, I debated topical issues and learnt to articulate my views as well as considering and respecting the views of others. Since I decided that Psychology would be my choice I have begun reading around the subject. I read the Psychology Review magazine and I have read other introductory books.

I enjoy making a contribution to school life, which has included being elected Chairperson of the school's council and introducing an Anti-Bullying Policy; setting up and organising a reading scheme for Year sevens; helping Year nine pupils study for their SATs and mentoring a GCSE student. Presently I am on the Sixth Form Committee.

These activities have been a challenging and maturing process, enhancing my interpersonal and communication skills.

I have received many academic awards and certificates for excellent performance and effort in all my school subjects. I enjoy sports and have represented my school in netball and athletic tournaments, gaining first, second and third place medals and certificates. I have also achieved my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award and I am aiming towards my Silver level award.

I take a great interest in literature and in producing my own pieces of work. I enjoy performing arts as well, such as dance and music. I have performed dances, which I helped choreograph, sung and played steel pans in many school concerts and presentations. I also took part in a reachout dance project at the Studio Theatre, where I performed a South Asian, Modern and Contemporary Dance with the dance group Imlata. I completed a ten-week course at the Soho Theatre and Script Writer's Centre, where I learned about the basic structure of writing a play and produced my own pieces of work. I enjoy reading, traveling, socialising, trips to the theatre, eating out, learning and understanding new cultures and different perspectives in life and meeting new people.

I would describe myself as a success driven, self-disciplined, conscientious and hard working student. However, the thing I feel I have gained most out of my school experience is confidence and self-belief.

Comments

There are too many paragraphs in this statement - one/two sentences do not equal a paragraph! It is also advisable to avoid using quotes in a statement - the admissions tutors want to know what YOU think, not what someone else thinks.

As for not studying Psychology A Level - I would avoid bringing up the negatives (unless it is because your school/college does not offer it) and instead mention how the other subjects link into psychology and what you've done to gain this interest in psychology.

Review

'We are all psychologists attempting to understand other people and ourselves.' There is great truth in this statement, however I want to take this further and explore the mind and the essence of the human condition. the interest in psychology needs to be more specific, e.g. social/developmental. If you say 'explore the mind' it doesn't really show the admissions tutors you know what psychology is about. And as mentioned above, avoid quotes

We all question or try to make sense of life. I believe that through its many perspectives, psychology has those answers. Psychology is accessible because not only is it a scientific study of thought and behaviour, it is also an art that can be applied by the individual to everyday life. this is like a continuation of the introduction - the focus should be on what YOU find interesting

Although I did not chose Psychology as one of my AS subjects, don't point out the negatives I feel that my current studies have prepared me for such a course. Science what science? and maths have improved my observational and analytical skills, strengthening my ability to interpret data and allowing me to draw logical answers. this needs to be more specific, e.g. nerves in biology is useful English literature has developed my ability to think critically and it was through the exploration of character that I increased my interest in psychology. how? Be more specific

I recently attended Advanced Master Classes in all my A-level subjects. These classes have helped to accelerate my learning and increase my confidence in my achievement. not necessary - it's not related to the applicant's interest in studying psychology

As psychology is an integrated part of philosophy, this bit needs explaining I was able further to my interests in both by attending a philosophy club at my school.

this should be with the paragraph above Here, I debated topical issues such as? Ones relevant to psychology and learnt to articulate my views as well as considering and respecting the views of others. Since I decided that Psychology would be my choice I have begun reading around the subject. I read the "Psychology Review" magazine and I have read other introductory books. what was interesting in these? Be specific! Comment on bits if you can

I enjoy making a contribution to school life, which has included being elected chairperson of the school's council; introducing an Anti-Bullying Policy; setting up and organising a reading scheme for Year Sevens; helping Year Nine pupils study for their SATs and mentoring a GCSE student. Presently I am on the sixth form committee. avoid lists like this. Mention one or two, and talk about them in more detail

These activities have been a challenging and maturing process, enhancing my interpersonal and communication skills. how? And this should be merged with the paragraph above

I have received many academic awards and certificates for excellent performance and effort in all my school subjects. this is the kind of thing for referees to mention I enjoy sports and have represented my school in netball and athletic tournaments, gaining first, second and third place medals and certificates. places and awards like this aren't necessary I have also achieved my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award and I am aiming towards my Silver level award. skills gained? What was most enjoyable?

I take a great interest in literature and in producing my own pieces of work. I enjoy performing arts as well, such as dance and music. I have performed dances, which I helped choreograph, sung and played steel pans in many school concerts and presentations. I also took part in a reachout dance project at the Studio Theatre, where I performed a South Asian, Modern and Contemporary Dance with the dance group Imlata. I completed a ten-week course at the Soho Theatre and Script Writer's Centre, where I learned about the basic structure of writing a play and produced my own pieces of work. I enjoy reading, traveling, socialising, trips to the theatre, eating out, learning and understanding new cultures and different perspectives in life and meeting new people. again, avoid long lists of activities and things. This paragraph is also too long - academics are the priority, so make sure that information is in there and then use up the remaining space for extra-curricular activities

I would describe myself as a success driven, self-disciplined, conscientious and hard working student. However, the thing I feel I have gained most out of my school experience is confidence and self-belief. the focus of the conclusion should be on university, not school! This needs to sum up why you are applying to do psychology and why you are a good candidate for the course