| This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements. |
My admiration of the law is fuelled with the realization of how much it effects our every day life. Without law, I would not have the right to an education, My father would never have had the right to legally gain an indefinite visa to the UK, We would not have the right to equality and, within reason, We would not have the right to think and believe what we like.
Whilst at high school, I studied a variety of subjects which gave me a broader understanding of the world today, One of my favorites was higher computing, It taught me to think linearly and take one thing at a time, like I am taught now in legal research techniques. Another of my favourite subjects was Higher History, A subject which i had a great interest in and taught me to research, analyze and present information effectively. At school I was given the role of Young Persons Support Officer, I helped pupils overcome difficult times. This helped me become very approachable, supporting and understanding.
In the summer of 2009 I went to Pakistan and taught English to middle school students in a small, poor village, this gave me the chance to help students less fortunate than myself, and like lawyers do, giving a voice to those who may not be aware of their rights, I gave these students the invaluable right to improve their English and see what life is like in the west. This is something I would like to do again this summer, in the flood affected regions. Also doing work for Legal Aid is one of my goals, as i believe that everyone should have the right to a solid legal defense, regardless of their wealth.
Being on the Pathways to the Professions scheme with Edinburgh University made my passion to study law indubitable. I did several work experience placements, essentially this confirmed my desire to study law. But it wasn't enough, I wanted more, so I enquired around till I received a call from Russell & Aitken, I was offered full time paid work in there conveyancing department, I worked all summer and continue to do so, part-time, until next summer where i will work in their criminal law office full time.
I have a different route to most as I am a very independent person and I decided school wasn't for me and left at 16 years old and decided to do the HNC in Legal Services. This has given me a solid foundation to the basics of law and I look forward to each day. This is not something I could have said while I was at school, As I didn't enjoy my high school years due to mistakes made on my behalf. For me, the crime is not making the mistake, but not learning from the mistake. And I can honestly say I have learnt from my mistakes. Personally I know I always work harder while I am studying a topic which I love, it keeps me focused and gives me the drive, and because I genuinely have an interest in the law and the legal affairs of today, I believe that I will always try my hardest.
In any free time I have, I like to keep fit doing Boxing, fighting at amateur level has kept me disciplined and on a strict timetable, and as Law is a very intense subject, I know keeping things in order is essential. I also realize that thinking logically is a law students best trait and this is shown through my passion for working on cars and engines, Right now I have bought a car so that i can carry out an engine rebuild. When re-building a car engine, I have to think logically and think of the outcome, and the pro's and cons I can achieve. I also have many other interests including debating and i was involved in the Model United Nations club at high school. I have been involved in many protests including the Unite Against Fascism, as I have strong beliefs on topics like Fascism.
To conclude; I plead guilty to wanting to study law at your university and becoming a success, because I'll probably be in the sky, flying with the fishes, or maybe even in the ocean, swimming with the pigeons, see my world is different, for me the sky is the limit and giving up is not an option
Universities Applied to:
- University of Dundee (Dual Qualification Bachelor of Law) - Conditional - A in HNC Legal Services - Firm (My current place of study, 1st year)
- University of Strathclyde (LLB) - Conditional - A in HNC Legal Services - Rejected
- University of Edinburgh (LLB) - Conditional - A in HNC Legal Services - Insurance
- University of West of Scotland (LLB) - Unconditional - Rejected
- London School of Economics (LLB) - Rejected
Grades Achieved:
- HNC Legal Services - A
Student's comments
Just a few notes to remember:
- Always use British English('realisation', not "realization"; "analyse", not "analyze"; etc.) - unless you're American, you'd then have a valid excuse.
- Use lower-case letters after commas.
- Don't use numbers - "sixteen", not "16"
- Make sure your 'I's are upper-case.
- Never discuss politics unless you're applying for politics - even then, try to show interest in it, don't take sides. You have to remember that this will be looked at by someone who may have political beliefs opposite to your own and you don't want that counting against you.
