English degree personal statement example (1w)

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. 

 

The most exciting part of writing this statement was figuring out a way to fit nearly 30 years worth of experience and a love of literature into such a short space. I have loved literature from a very young age. I love the glimpse it gives me into another world and time. By reading the works of a different era, one can see how the political and moral high jinks shape the themes of the stories they write and how the writers are able to influence and manipulate the thoughts and emotions of the reader. Marlowe's Faustus shows us the weight of greed in a very puritanical Elizabethan era; Austen's Elizabeth Bennett addresses being a strong woman in biting social commentary - while still in a typically romantic fashion, relying upon marriage to secure a woman's place in society; and Poe's unnamed protagonist's heartbeat under the floorboards gives us a deliciously sordid glimpse into the mind of an alcoholic, haunted writer of the American romantic era. Having been schooled in the United States, I happily studied american authors for many years; however I took a few courses in non-American literature that introduced me to my niche. From the Japanese 'I am a Cat' to the Old English heroic epic 'Beowulf', I studied many of the works of literature yet I was particularly interested in English literature, and have since gone on to independently read and research many books, poems and screen plays since graduation. The course I took through the OU gave me a refresher into the world of literature and education. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, with my favourite tutorials being the study of literature. After passing this course and realising how much I loved it, I took some time to decide what to do next. Full time university was the obvious choice, and I have spent the last few years and preparing myself for it. With my extensive experience in the workforce, I am a highly efficient person with a knack for organising and leading teams and groups. In my current role as a PA and Events coordinator for Weston Favell Academy, I have recently organised a successful 50 person conference for the Department of Education outlining the benefits of becoming academy sponsors. I led the all teams involved to the directions of the D of E and all parties involved. My years of administrative experience include authoring letters, newspaper articles, writing and editing newsletters, presenting at conferences, website management, and marketing experience and I have many transferable skills that I hope to bring to the classroom my learning experience, and also to help motivate my fellow students. In my personal time, I enjoy freelance journalism, writing in both my blogs, making videos for my YouTube channel, reading numerous forms of literature, and making and listening to various forms of music. I am a very active member of my capoeira group, Senzala Midlands. I have organised many events for the group, and have actively promoted the classes in local businesses, websites, and through various venues. As a mature student, I have confidence built through my age and experience, and I have no trouble speaking my opinion. However with my respectful nature, I am apt at listening and understand others' points of view with sensitivity. Studying English through university is the chance to hone my skills in original thought, to be able to dissect a story and interpret it with a fresh argument and refined analytical precision. I am excited to be able to discuss and debate these written works of art, and discuss and understand the thoughts behind the stories with like minded academics. I am also delighted to write and present my own creative thought processes, and relish the opportunity for researching and writing essays on the topics. My enthusiasm for this subject is not limited, and I look forward to the skills that I will attain through studying the great works of literature.

 

Universities Applied to:

  • University of Northampton (English Q300) - Offer (unconditional) Firm

 

Grades Achieved:

Grades not supplied

 

Comments

I am an American, mature (30 yo) student who has just recieved an unconditional offer from the University of Northampton. My background is that I am a PA, but also do PR and media. I graduated high school in 2000 with average grades, and I took an OU course - the Arts, Past and Present which I passed in 2009. I also work as an events coordinator for the capoeira group I am in, and I believe all this plus my enthusiasm for the subject helped me receive the offer. Best of luck to you.