English degree personal statement example (1h) with review

This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements. 

 

Having thoroughly enjoyed the study of English Language at A Level, I believe I have a secure academic foundation with which to approach a degree course in this subject with confidence and enthusiasm. The English Language takes a fundamental and crucial role in enhanced communication between different social groups, and to read English would, therefore, be extremely beneficial to both the development of my communication skills and my ability to express ideas and opinions

Additionally, a course in English at this level would provide me with an opportunity to further my knowledge of the theory and historical basis of the language - each of these being aspects of the course that particularly interest me. I also look forward to studying the practical application of English in various social contexts, and the ways in which language has evolved and developed over time. I hope that successful completion of an English degree will be advantageous to me when pursuing a career in marketing and advertising - a field I aspire to enter upon leaving university

In addition to my A Level courses, I have pursued various interests, both in and out of school - including the study of both theoretical and instrumental music to Grade V standard, by means of school lessons. Playing the 'cello has allowed me many opportunities to participate in numerous orchestral concerts and solo performances, which I feel have increased my confidence and improved my ability to communicate with others - by performing and interacting as part of an ensemble. This experience has also allowed me to enhance my awareness of music in general - especially of composers originating from the Baroque period

My part time job as a waitress has also made me more able to co-operate with others (through both colleague and customer interaction), and has improved my ability to take initiative and be independent. I have found the work to be a rewarding and invaluable experience - as both a source of finance, and as a gateway through which to enter the field of employment

Over the past three years, I have become extremely interested in graphic design and html programming. These skills have provided me with paid work in the form of website design for local businesses - through which I have improved my capability to meet deadlines and work to a schedule, and encouraged myself to set personal challenges, learn new skills and meet new people. My self-motivation, creativity and self-expression have also benefited from this experience - all valuable qualities, which I believe are particularly relevant when regarding the nature of course I have chosen

On the whole, I believe myself to be a generally sociable, dedicated and self-disciplined student, although I can be overly competitive at times. I have enjoyed my A Level studies so far, have gained a great deal from them, and believe that I have the determination and ability to enjoy a successful university career.

Comments

General Comments:

This has some elements of a very good personal statement, but it is 1000 characters short of the limit and the applicant could have used those characters to further demonstrate their interest in and commitment to English as an academic pursuit. No texts or writers are mentioned, and the applicant could have elaborated on their particular fields of interest. The applicant also mentioned that they can be overly competitive at times - while honest, it could be off-putting to admissions tutors and generally is not advisable.

Comments on the statement:

Having thoroughly enjoyed the study of English Language at A Level, I believe I have a secure academic foundation with which to approach a degree course in this subject with confidence and enthusiasm. The English Language takes a fundamental and crucial role in enhanced communication between different social groups, and to read English would, therefore, be extremely beneficial to both the development of my communication skills and my ability to express ideas and opinions

Additionally, a course in English at this level would provide me with an opportunity to further my knowledge of the theory and historical basis of the language - each of these being aspects of the course that particularly interest me. I also look forward to studying the practical application of English in various social contexts, and the ways in which language has evolved and developed over time. I hope that successful completion of an English degree will be advantageous to me when pursuing a career in marketing and advertising - a field I aspire to enter upon leaving university This has the potential to be a really good personal statement but you haven't mentioned any specific texts or authors which interest you or evidence of wider reading. You have 4000 characters to play with - use them.

In addition to my A Level courses, I have pursued various interests, both in and out of school - including the study of both theoretical and instrumental music to Grade V standard, by means of school lessons. Playing the 'cello has allowed me many opportunities to participate in numerous orchestral concerts and solo performances, which I feel have increased my confidence and improved my ability to communicate with others - by performing and interacting as part of an ensemble. This experience has also allowed me to enhance my awareness of music in general - especially of composers originating from the Baroque period Your interest in music is worth mentioning, but the last sentence is rather irrelevant considering that you're applying for English.

My part time job as a waitress has also made me more able to co-operate with others (through both colleague and customer interaction), and has improved my ability to take initiative and be independent. I have found the work to be a rewarding and invaluable experience - as both a source of finance, and as a gateway through which to enter the field of employment Again, is this really relevant?

Over the past three years, I have become extremely interested in graphic design and html programming. These skills have provided me with paid work in the form of website design for local businesses - through which I have improved my capability to meet deadlines and work to a schedule, and encouraged myself to set personal challenges, learn new skills and meet new people. My self-motivation, creativity and self-expression have also benefited from this experience - all valuable qualities, which I believe are particularly relevant when regarding the nature of course I have chosen This is not a CV or job interview, it's an opportunity for you to demonstrate your suitability for an English course. While it's good that you have elaborated on the skills you have gained from your outside pursuits, you have dedicated over half of your personal statement to them and neglected the academic side.

On the whole, I believe myself to be a generally sociable, dedicated and self-disciplined student, although I can be overly competitive at times Don't draw attention to your negative traits!. I have enjoyed my A Level studies so far, have gained a great deal from them, and believe that I have the determination and ability to enjoy a successful university career.