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History Personal Statement

History and its influence on contemporary society have always held a special fascination for me. Seeing the events of today mirrored in those of the past intrigues me. The study of history is one of my major passions in life. I am eager to broaden my knowledge base and be able to formulate my opinions on a wider range of topics, in a more developed way than I have been able at GCSE and A-level. The study of history to a high level is something that I have long aspired to, and a challenge I hope to undertake. One of the areas that particularly interests me is Medieval and pre-industrial European history, including Napoleonic France. The rise and fall of many empires, and the struggles for power that occurred during this time make it particularly fascinating to me. The opportunity to study different aspects of this period is one of the reasons why History appeals to me.

Currently I am taking A-levels in Biology, French and History. I also took AS-level Chemistry. I have always enjoyed my arts subjects considerably more than sciences, primarily as, at A-level, particularly in History, there is a much wider scope for original thought and writing than in the sciences. I particularly enjoy the creativity in history. When I chose my A-levels I was unsure what I wanted to pursue in later life, and so I chose a wide range of subjects, and in due course, I realised that I was more inclined to history than my other subjects.

At school, I have taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, gaining both bronze and silver awards, and I shall complete my gold award this academic year. The scheme has allowed me to improve my teamwork, learn new skills, and make a contribution to the local community, by performing volunteer work at a local fair-trade cafe and shop, as well as coaching children at football and hockey. I am a member of my school's debating society, and have a public speaking award. My experiences of speaking have taught me to articulate myself clearly and confidently, as well as being able to understand the essentials of a good debate. I have twice sat on representative school councils and have enjoyed the responsibility of these roles, gaining an understanding of effecting change. Recently I have studied areas of particular personal interest, including the drug problems that have faced Columbia and the Holocaust; I feel that my self-directed learning has directly benefited as a consequence.

I participate in many activities outside school, and have developed both socially and intellectually as a result. I have represented Bury St Edmunds, at both hockey and table tennis. I enjoy many sports, and I am a qualified scuba diver, as well as being very competent at skiing and sailing. I have organised a very successful skiing holiday for my friends and me, and I hold my RYA Day Skipper award, as well as various dinghy sailing qualifications. Visits to Russia, the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, historic Greece, Dubrovnik and the WW1 battlefield sites in France and Belgium have allowed me to view sites of recent and ancient history, and have further inspired me to study this subject.

I fully intend to be a highly committed student; I have a tremendous desire to learn and test myself against others in an intellectual environment that is not available at school. I am very conscientious, and have the academic ability to succeed in my studies at the highest levels. I am particularly interested in studying areas of History, historical texts and sources that I have not yet been able to. I hope to contribute much to university life, in sporting and social arenas as well as academically.

Comments

Universities Applied To

• York
• Exeter
• St Andrews
• Warwick

Offers of AAB with an A in History (Exeter accepted General Studies, none of the others did).

• Edinburgh - Declined
• Durham - Declined