The Student Room Group

Mature student's Personal Statement

Hey everybody, I'd really appreciate it if anyone could give us a couple of comments on this effort. It's a for a film studies course and as a mature student (23) who only really got back into studying this year, I was freaking out a bit about my personal statement. Cheers.

Like many people, film and television have been a part of my life since I can remember. Growing up, films were (and still are) a central ingredient of my family life at weekends, renting and watching videos together became an event, a bonding and talking point. Maybe that warm nostalgia is part of the reason why film feels to me as if it will always be a part of my life.
Today, film to me is more like a career than a hobby. I actively participate in seeking out films old and new, across language, culture and genre and although I am looking for them, they inevitably choose me. My dedication to film became apparent at school and was furthered at A’ Level where I studied Media. Starting out only as a fan, I quickly learned to put my appreciation into words and have since written articles and critiques for my local newspapers The Coventry Observer and The Coventry Pink and various websites including the UKFF (www.ukff.com) and Lions Den and DVD Reviewer (www.dvd-reviewer.co.uk).
Recently, after completing a short course in Film and Television scriptwriting at Coventry University I have been focussed on moulding and increasing my talents and have so far written two scripts for short films, one of which is in the initial periods of production. Socially, I have attended film workshops at the Depot Studios Coventry and been to film festivals in Birmingham and Liverpool to gain knowledge in the art of film making and all the processes involved.
My aim now is not simply to write or make films but still to study them, watch them and gain valuable experience in them. So naturally, the next step I should take is further education. As a mature student, I have knowledge and experience that can only come with age. I have been employed in places where teamwork, initiative and interpersonal skills are key. I have volunteered at functions with the charity Scope. I have organised and captained football teams and I have broadened horizons travelling Europe. Now, to bring these elements together with a specific direction is my goal. To study something that I love, to me is not really studying at all. To study your degree is to give me the chance to begin my ambitions and fulfil my aspirations.
Reply 1
I think the only thing I would suggest are more specifics - which genres? which films? which directors?

It does seem rather sucky-up (whihc is good) but specifics will make it more like you have a real passion and not just passion enough to do a degree.

edit: what kind of films did you review? what is your script's topic? Focused has one s :biggrin:
Reply 2
Decent PS. Which uni's are you applying to? What A-levels have you already attained, or in the process of doing?
Reply 3
Thanks for you comments guys, much appreciated, will take everything you said on board. I'm only applying for the one course at Gloucestershire as I talked to their Head of Film Studies and he said they were willing to accept me despite my lack of recent education. Thanks though.

Cheers
Moz
Reply 4
fletchandrews
Thanks for you comments guys, much appreciated, will take everything you said on board. I'm only applying for the one course at Gloucestershire as I talked to their Head of Film Studies and he said they were willing to accept me despite my lack of recent education. Thanks though.

Cheers
Moz


Same as when my mum applied then. It certainly won't hurt to go into a bit of detail about your stuff and perhaps the course itself. I like it and think the admissions tutors will too. Got the balance of explaining why you're a mature student and not being apologetic right I think :biggrin:
Reply 5
Again, thanks Blissy. Just "fleshing" a couple of things out with help from a mate. I was a little worried about how different mine would be because I was a mature student, so I was trying to emphasise my passion for the subject. That's probably why it came off a little "sucky". :tongue:
Reply 6
fletchandrews
...As a mature student, I have knowledge and experience that can only come with age. I have been employed in places where teamwork, initiative and interpersonal skills are key. I have volunteered at functions with the charity Scope. I have organised and captained football teams and I have broadened horizons travelling Europe. Now, to bring these elements together with a specific direction is my goal. To study something that I love, to me is not really studying at all. To study your degree is to give me the chance to begin my ambitions and fulfil my aspirations.
Reply 7
Ahh, that's ace, well done :smile: