Personal Statement:History 11

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History Personal Statement

I am captivated by the diversity and depth offered by a History degree; attracted by the way it encourages us to be analytical of the values and patterns of past societies. It was in my final year of secondary school that I was awarded the History Attainment Award, although my desire to study History dates back to an earlier age when I visited the site of the allied landings in Normandy at just eleven years old. I had always been interested in the past - fascinated by the mythology and history of Ancient Rome and Greece - however, it was when I saw the sites of the historical events I had studied that History became more than just a subject I had to study but something which intrigued me and I wanted to take on to degree level

I feel the A-Levels I study have a number of transferable skills aiding the study of History. My Archaeology coursework - on Anglo-Saxon burhs - requires in depth research within varied resources and my Biology course has taught me to improve my analytical and evaluative skills. The A-level English Literature course has proven to be equally dynamic, and thinking as a historian, I have found the portrayal of attitudes and values presented within texts to be as important as the narrative. Furthermore, through my archaeological studies I will be gaining invaluable hands-on experience by working with Channel Four's 'Time Team' and helping with the excavations of an archaeological site near Taunton

Within the A-Level syllabus, I thoroughly enjoyed the study of the Cold War, in particular the relationship between Great Britain, America and the Soviet Union. Moreover, I have found Ian Kershaw's work concerning Hitler and his leadership of the Third Reich to be the most influential on my ideas and am interested in the opportunity of extending my History studies by perhaps sitting the Advanced Extension Award next summer. I am eager to explore a wider view of History, as my interests are not limited to the twentieth century and in particular, am looking forward to the options of studying the Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern epochs too

In addition to my avid enjoyment of History, I feel that my hardworking and dedicated nature prepares me well for the challenges and discipline required for success at degree level. Outside of college I work on a part time basis for W H Smiths which has helped put into practice skills that I have learnt at college, such as numeracy, as well as learning new skills such as customer care and improving my communication skills. In my free time I am also keen to remain physically fit and as a swimmer, train on a weekly basis with ****** Swimming Club

I am currently contemplating a number of career options. I have been involved with 'Vo!ce24-7' magazine since its conception three years ago. Initially beginning work as a journalist, I now enjoy my role as Editor of the publication. Written and produced by 11-18 year olds, it has grown to a print run of 10,000 and is distributed free to teenagers through schools and public buildings across the borough

My work experience at 'The Somerset County Gazette' allowed me to gain further experience all aspects of newspaper production and at the end of a demanding week it was rewarding to see my articles published in the newspaper and its sister newspapers. This taster, alongside my involvement with 'Vo!ce24-7' magazine, has sparked an especial interest in the media and marketing, although I believe a History degree will stand me in good stead in whatever professional career I choose to follow

Comments

General Comments:

It is not clear from this statement why the applicant wants to study history. They mention interests, but don’t explain why they find them interesting. Extra reading outside of the A Level syllabus would be beneficial. The mention of journalism at the end is also ill-advised, as the PS needs to be focused on history.

Comments on the statement:

I am captivated by the diversity and depth offered by a history needs to be a small letter degree; this shouldn’t be a semi-colon attracted by the way it encourages us to be analytical of the values and patterns of past societies. This isn’t the most captivating first sentence. The applicant should also explain why it is attractive to them. It was in my final year of secondary school that I was awarded the History Attainment Award, This is the sort of thing that belongs in a reference although my desire to study history dates back to an earlier age when I visited the site of the allied landings in Normandy at just eleven years old. While this is a bit clichéd, it sounds better than the applicant’s current first sentence. However, they would need to explain how going to Normandy developed their interest in history. I had always this can’t be true, as it would mean since being a baby! been interested in the past – Dashes should not be used in a formal document like this fascinated overused word in PSs by the mythology and history of Ancient Rome and Greece the applicant needs to explain why - however, it was when I saw the sites of the historical events I had studied that history became more than just a subject I had to study but something which intrigued me and I wanted to take on to degree level. Again, the applicant needs to explain: how come? What was it about seeing this? However, it is unlikely that at the age of 11 they knew what they wanted to study at university.

I feel the A-Levels I study have a number of transferable skills aiding the study of history. This is an unnecessary introductory sentence My archaeology coursework - on Anglo-Saxon burhs - requires in depth research within varied resources and my Biology course has taught me to improve my analytical and evaluative skills. The A-level English Literature course has proven to be equally dynamic and, thinking as a historian, I have found the portrayal of attitudes and values presented within texts to be as important as the narrative. Applicants try and fit all of their subjects into their degree to show how perfectly linked they all are, they do not need to do this - biology and history are not really linked, unless we're talking about evolution etc.! The interesting bit here is the burghs - what has the applicant done/read/studied? What was their coursework? the conclusion? Why did they enjoy it? Furthermore, through my archaeological studies I will be gaining invaluable hands-on experience by working with Channel Four's 'Time Team' and helping with the excavations of an archaeological site near Taunton This is extra-curricular, so would belong in another paragraph. Also, it’s not a good idea to mention things that you haven’t already done, as you cannot say much about them.

Within the A-Level syllabus, I thoroughly enjoyed the study of the Cold War, in particular the relationship between Great Britain, America and the Soviet Union. The applicant needs to explain why this is. Moreover, I have found Ian Kershaw's work concerning Hitler and his leadership of the Third Reich to be the most influential on my ideas Again, more explanation: how come? What do they think then as a consequence of reading him? and am interested in the opportunity of extending my History studies by perhaps sitting the Advanced Extension Award next summer. This is rather vague given the applicant hasn't actually entered themselves for the exam, so it can be deleted. They should know by the time they apply.

I am eager to explore a wider view of history, as my interests are not limited to the twentieth century and in particular, am looking forward to the options of studying the ancient, medieval and early modern epochs too. It’s important to check that all the universities that you apply to offer the same thing, as if you mention an area of history that a university does not cover, it’s unlikely that they will accept you. The applicant still needs to explain WHY they like these.

In addition to my avid enjoyment of history, I feel that my hardworking and dedicated nature prepares me well for the challenges and discipline required for success at degree level. Outside of college, comma needed here I work on a part time basis for W H Smiths it isn’t necessary to say the name of the shop which has helped put into practice skills that I have learnt at college, such as numeracy, as well as learning new skills such as customer care and improving my communication skills. In my free time I am also keen to remain physically fit and as a swimmer, train on a weekly basis with ****** Swimming Club. Again, specifics are not important here.

I am currently contemplating a number of career options. It’s not necessary to mention careers if you have no idea. I have been involved with 'Vo!ce24-7' magazine since its conception three years ago. Initially beginning work as a journalist, I now enjoy my role as editor of the publication. Written and produced by 11-18 year olds, it has grown to a print run of 10,000 and is distributed free to teenagers through schools and public buildings across the borough. This is probably a little too much information – the applicant would be better off sticking with the journalism part and why will help with a history degree. It should also be merged with the other extra-curricular activities in the above paragraph.

My work experience at 'The Somerset County Gazette' allowed me to gain further experience all aspects of newspaper production and at the end of a demanding week it was rewarding to see my articles published in the newspaper and its sister newspapers. Work experience is not essential and doesn't need to be here, its unrelated. Applicants often seem to think they must include work experience when for academic degrees, it is not needed at all. This taster, alongside my involvement with 'Vo!ce24-7' magazine, has sparked an especial interest in the media and marketing, although I believe a history degree will stand me in good stead in whatever professional career I choose to follow. All this journalistic experience may make the admissions tutors question why the applicant did not apply for journalism, so is best removed.

There is no real conclusion either, to sum up why the applicant wants to study history and why they are a good candidate.