Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

I have no accomplishments or experience.

I am wishing to apply to a Astrophysics course and I have practically next to none achievements outside of school and no experience what so ever. This is because there is no access to any extracurriculars, activities or clubs where I live (Portugal). Should I mention this in my personal statement and is there anyway I can write my personal statement without this information and still get accepted?

Reply 1

999tigger

Tbh you could have networked and got some experience with organisations who specialise in astrophysics in Portugal.

They dont wnat excuses, what they will wnat to know is you have shown an interest and that cna just come from being well read.

Are there are astrophysicists in Portugal? How did they get started?

Reply 2

shneebnee

There is absolutely no organisation that focuses on Astronomy in Portugal, and if there is, it is very far away from here which my parents cannot afford, I did, however, write articles weekly for my school about astronomy (where most students did not care), I have also read many books on this subject and watch numerous lectures online.

Reply 3

Unkempt_One

Original post by shneebnee

Your academic achievements are several times more important. In any case, it's very pleasing to hear you've been writing articles for your school about astronomy and doing further reading about the subject. Those activities are more than sufficient to demonstrate your interest in the subject, and demonstrating interest is the main advantage of extra-curricular activities. Make sure to put them down on your personal statement, and be ready to elaborate on some of your favourite topics in the books you've read and lectures you've watched.

Reply 4

BJack

I agree wholeheartedly with Unkempt_One. Your extra-curricular activities are just the kind of things universities look for – evidence that you have gone beyond your school syllabus to find out more about your chosen subject. Writing weekly articles is a lot more than most students will have done, really.