Using books irrelevant to your subject in your personal statement

I have a good idea to include one of my favouratite books in my personal statament explaining why I want to study psychology, however the book is classic literature and fiction and doesn't have much todo with psychology apart from how I plan to make a link between them. Is it better to include a book or something else that is directly to do with the field or by an early psychologist?

Reply 1

McGinger

If its 'irrelevant' why are your referencing it - and if its some sort of tenuous link that will take ages to explain its probably not worth doing.

Reply 2

cloudyskiess7

Original post

by McGinger

If its 'irrelevant' why are your referencing it - and if its some sort of tenuous link that will take ages to explain its probably not worth doing.

I was told refrencing a book was good however I havent read anything that is directly relavant to this subject

Reply 3

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post

by cloudyskiess7

Hi,

It’s fine to mention a book in your personal statement, even if it’s not directly about psychology, as long as you clearly explain the link to why you want to study the subject, making it relevant.

It can also be strong to include something more directly related to psychology, to demonstrate your engagement with the course itself.

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 4

xyz1234567

Original post

by cloudyskiess7

I was told refrencing a book was good however I havent read anything that is directly relavant to this subject

Referencing an irrelevant book isn’t good.
Making a genuine link which argues that a book that might appear irrelevant is actually relevant may be good.
Making a tenuous link because it’s the only book you’ve read and you feel you have to get a book in is not good. From your answer above it sounds like this is your actual motivation for doing it.

Why don’t you just read a book in the subject? If you care about it enough to want to study it at uni then reading a relevant book should be exciting, not a chore.

Reply 5

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Referencing a random book won't boost your PS. Use relevant experiences - online lectures, MOOCS, documentaries, anything related to your interest or suitability for the subject at hand.