English degree personal statement example (1v)

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. 

 

If Virginia Woolf were correct in stating that 'every secret of a writer's life is written large in his works', then I should like to consider myself a sleuth, finding out as much as I can from and about literature. Studying 'Hamlet' at A Level and my wider reading 'Crime and Punishment' motivated me to create an independent comparison of the main characters as I became aware of the similarities between both texts. Using 'Literature and Psychoanalysis' as inspiration, I grew highly interested in the subject, reading related articles from literary journals which has furthered my knowledge and presented me with examples of a more academic writing style. Just as the parallel of Sonya and Ophelia appeals to me, I take a particular interest in Woman's role in literature, believing that Society at any given time is reflected in attitudes to women. 'Jane Eyre', 'The Handmaid's Tale' and 'The Wife of Bath's Tale' strike me as prime examples of this. Books such as 'The 19th Century Novel: A Critical Reader' have informed my opinions on this subject in an academic light, whereas 'The Second Sex' changed my attitude to reading itself, as a woman. Nevertheless, all of these books often pose questions I would not have considered otherwise about the author's intentions in using a strong female character. Woolf's strong character was introduced to me through my love of Rupert Brooke's poetry. The way in which subplots and contemporary issues are interwoven into one story in 'Jacob's Room' demonstrates Woolf's talent in a way that biographies can rarely do justice. A developing admiration for the modernist style guided me to Joyce and the way in which he, like Woolf, created a rich tapestry of life at a set time. Historical sentiments expressed in the works of Joyce and Woolf can be understood when set against the backdrop of their contemporary struggles, as A Level History studies showed. Similarly, insight into the provenance of 'Crime and Punishment' and other Russian works was seen by furthering my interest into Russian culture through my study into Rasputin's murder. Thus, I have learned that literature has the power, not just to mirror and mould historical opinions, but to make them. The intrinsic link between human struggle and literature plays a key role in forming opinion; works from the labour camps of WWII give an emotional insight into atrocities committed there. My outlook to reading these works was altered as I saw the harrowing reality behind them on a recent trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau. My position as Head Girl provided me with opportunities to take on responsibility and make a practical contribution. I intend to continue my interest in extra-curricular activities at university, through joining societies such as theatre and debating groups. My weekly commitment to ------ Ladies' Hockey team is hugely enjoyable and I am keen to continue my sporting interests. During my gap year I wish to broaden my horizons, increase my knowledge and learn valuable time management skills. Given my enthusiasm for the arts, studying an Open University course that explores topics such as Plato and 'Dr Faustus' seemed an obvious route to take. This adds understanding to my reading, as well as to my part-time job working as a volunteer collections' conservationist and researcher at the local museum. Music and theatre form two of my many interests. Singing in the school choir in productions and playing the clarinet in the orchestra was always relaxing, but teaching myself the ukulele, mandolin, guitar and saxophone provides a chance to stretch my abilities. However, literature never strays far from my mind: I wonder what music Shakespeare would have set to a production of 'Macbeth'? I know that I would not be fully satisfied if I were not studying literature as it affects every part of my life. University will certainly augment my enthusiasm and serve as a springboard to a career of lifelong learning. I will eagerly embrace its challenges.

 

Universities Applied to:

  • University of Cambridge (Q300) - Pooled then rejection.
  • Durham University (Q300) - Rejected.
  • University of Bristol (Q300) - Unconditional Offer - Firm
  • The University of Warwick (Q300) - Declined unconditional offer.
  • Royal Holloway, University of London (Q300) - Declined unconditional offer.

 

Grades Achieved:

  • English Literature A2 - Grade A* UMS: 100, 100, 100, 97
  • History A2 - Grade A UMS: 100, 85, 90, 83
  • Geography A2 - Grade A UMS: 100, 85, 87, 90
  • French AS - Grade B UMS: 74, 85