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start writing:
our personal statement writing guide
Donts
Dont feel that you must use fancy language. If you try
too hard to impress with long words that you are not
confident using, the focus of your writing may be lost.
page 1
How do I start?
If youre not sure where to start, use the boxes below to gather information that you would like to include in your
personal statement:
Course choice
What course(s) do you want to apply for?
When did you become interested in the
course(s)?
Why would you find this subject interesting?
What would you particularly enjoy?
Are there particular elements of the subject that
appeal to you?
What have you learnt about the subject that has
inspired you to take it to university-level?
What personal qualities do you possess that
make you suited to this area of study?
Is your interest sparked by particular career
ambitions?
Any other reasons?
Academic background
What are you currently studying?
What do you particularly enjoy about your
current studies?
What have you learnt so far, that you would like
to take further?
Have you done any particular academic projects
within your studies? An extended essay or
research project?
Have you been on any trips or events that have
inspired you?
Anything else about your academic studies?
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Skills
Commitment
Communication skills
Computer literacy
Confidence
Determination
Diplomacy
Entrepreneurial skills
Flexibility
Interpersonal skills
Organisational skills
Problem solving
Responsibility
Team work
Time management
Using initiative
Working independently
Working to deadline
page 3
eg running a marathon
Positions of responsibility
eg prefect
eg drama
Future plans
If you have a specific career plan in mind, you should mention it in your personal statement, explaining how you
hope to use the knowledge and skills gained through your studies. If you dont know your career plans yet, focus
on your course and why you want to progress to higher education.
Career plans
If you are planning on taking a gap year, you should mention this in your personal statement and explain what
you would like to do during this time.
Gap year plans
page 4
Subject-specific guides
A significant proportion of your statement will require
you to demonstrate your interest and suitability for the
course that you have selected. This section contains an
example statement for each subject area. Remember
that these are not model answers and all have
particular strengths and weaknesses. Where you see a
word or sentence underlined, this indicates a mistake
or weakness.
Page 6 Accounting, Finance and Banking
Page 7 American Studies
Page 8 Biology and related courses
Page 9 Biomedical Science
Page 10 Business Management
Page 11 Computer Science and related courses
Page 12 Drama and Theatre
Page 13 Economics
Page 14 English Language and Linguistics
Page 15 Entrepreneurship and related courses
Page 16 European Studies and Politics (example of a
joint degree application)
Page 17 Film Studies
Page 18 History
Page 19 History of Art
Page 20 Humanities
Page 21 Latin American Studies
Page 22 Law and Human Rights
Page 23 Literature
Page 24 Mathematics
Page 25 Modern Languages
Page 26 Nursing
Page 27 Philosophy
Page 28 Politics and International Relations
Page 29 Psychology
Page 30 Sociology and related courses
Page 31 Sports and Exercise Science
Page 32 What not to write: example of a personal
statement with several weaknesses
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American Studies
As John F Kennedy said: Change is the law of life.
And those who look only to the past or present are
certain to miss the future. I have chosen American
Studies as it will give me the opportunity to combine
my strong passion for politics, literature and history
with learning about the USA, a country which has
always fascinated me. America has a relatively short
history yet it has come to dominate the world and
become a part of our everyday lives.
I am particularly interested in the interdisciplinary
nature of the American Studies course: at how history
and culture can be reflected in literature and political
views. I am interested in seeing how American
literature portrays a land of such diverse cultures and
rich history. I am also looking forward to expanding my
knowledge of Americas past and present, and
exploring the lifestyles and views of the many cultures
that populate it.
I am currently studying History, Film Studies and
English Literature. These subjects have given me
more insight into the history, culture and unique
national character of America. In A-level History, I have
studied America from the War of Independence to the
First World War, focusing on Americas growth to
become one of the foremost political powers in the
world, and how it became such a diverse nation. I have
also become interested in the Civil Rights Movement,
from which I have learnt the great power of Martin
Luther King and the effect he still has on people to
this day. In A-level Film Studies, I have analysed
American media and film, and studied the Golden
Age of Hollywood and the studio system with the film
giants such as MGM. I have also been able to look at
modern culture through the film Bridesmaids and how
important historical events are shown through film,
such as the American Civil War in Cold Mountain, and
the effects of the Civil War on women in Little Women.
Studying English literature has allowed me to develop
my essay writing skills, has taught me to read and
research around core texts, and has encouraged me
to give detailed evaluations.
I currently have a part-time job in a restaurant, which
allows me to interact with new people and learn the
all-important people skills, as well as organise my
hours around college. I have also done work
experience in a primary school. I enjoy working with
young children and plan to participate in Camp
America during the university vacations.
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Biomedical Science
I have chosen this course as it will help me learn
about biomedicine and will give me transferable skills
which I can apply to any career. I have done a lot of
research into my university choices and the modules
available look fascinating. I am really looking forward
to learning about this course in more detail. I have a
very positive attitude towards my studies and always
try to approach them with enthusiasm and
commitment. I am a hardworking and reliable
individual and have been described as a
conscientious student.
My strong interest in science inspired me to gain
some work experience at Addenbrookes Hospital and
at the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. While at
Addenbrookes I worked in the physiotherapy
department and on the general ward, which improved
my skills in communication and gave me an insight
into working in a hospital environment. At Pfizer I
worked in the Pharmokinetics department and carried
out several experiments including monitoring the
effects of ibuprofen on the brain. I was very inspired
by the knowledgeable and experienced staff I met,
and my lab skills also improved, which I feel will help
me at university. Although I appreciated both my work
experiences, I particularly enjoyed working at Pfizer
and I am now considering a career in laboratory
research.
I have really enjoyed my A-levels in Biology,
Chemistry and Geography. I have found that my main
interests are in the immune system and chemical
reactions which occur in the body, and the effects
certain chemicals have on people. As a lifelong hay
fever sufferer, I have also been interested to learn
about the drugs used to prevent and cure allergic
reactions, particularly the creation and development
of antihistamines, and this is something I am looking
forward to exploring further.
On a personal level, I play netball on a weekly basis
and have belonged to both my school team and one
of my local town teams, where we won the local
league last season. Through my participation in sport,
I have learned to be an effective team player.
Participating on cold rainy nights has also taught me
the importance of self-discipline and of honouring
commitments. I have also undertaken work
experience with my local hospice as well as at a
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Business Management
My ambition in life has always been to succeed in
business, so I am keen to study a degree that will
help me learn how businesses work in order to
achieve my goals. In the twenty-first century, there are
so many competing forces in the world, and the
business world is constantly changing. I find this
challenging and exciting, so look forward to studying
this subject further at university.
At school, I am studying A-levels in Economics and in
Politics, which have both given me an understanding
of the wider world. Within my A-level Economics, I
appreciate our focus on different models but
particularly enjoy seeing how they are interpreted in
the real world. My A-level Politics has also taught me
the importance of keeping up-to-date with current
affairs, to further my understanding of the subject
area. I read The Economist each week, to see the
theories that I study in class in action and now, when
watching the news on television or online, I find I have
a better understanding of the impact economics and
politics have on all our lives.
I am also studying A-level German, which has been a
great benefit to me as I am keen to live and work
abroad, so this course has helped with this ambition,
by broadening my horizons in terms of future job
prospects. It has also given me an opportunity to learn
more about economic and cultural influences in
Europe.
I am also undertaking an Extended Project looking at
corporate social responsibility (CSR). I am looking at
how businesses have an increasing ethical
responsibility toward the people their actions effect,
which is an exciting and dynamic topic. I feel that the
skills of independent learning and research, which I
am developing through my Extended Project, will be
essential for university.
Last August I took part in a two-week summer school
at a local university. Going on a tour with a current
student made me realise that I wish to study at a
campus-based university, so I can take part in
extra-curricular activities, such as joining clubs and
societies. While in the sixth form, I have taken part in
debates as part of my schools debating society and
participated in an Insight into Management course. I
was given the role of managing director, which was
both exciting and challenging but gave me a good
page 10
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Quotes are good but keep them short and only use
them if they are relevant to your application.
n The closing paragraph is very short and abrupt.
Remember to make use of this last chance to
impress the admissions selector.
page 12
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Economics
Economic issues influence our lives everyday.
Economics is about more than just a recession, the
inflation or exchange rates, it is also about how our
choices, such as consuming goods or introducing a
new policy, affect us. As economics is so important to
everyone, I wish to further my knowledge in this area
by studying the subject further at university.
Studying A-level Economics has given me the
opportunity to develop my prime interest. However, by
also studying A-level History, I have seen how many
macroeconomic issues overlap with historical events,
such as the economic boom of the 1920s when the
USA expanded hire and purchase broadly, so
everyone could purchase their own luxury items. This
then led to the Wall Street crash in 1929 when
poorer families had trouble with repayment and
similarities can be seen in recent years in Europe. All
my A-levels, as I am also studying A-level Sociology,
have given me new skills, like the ability to be an
independent learner, to undertake my own research
and to evaluate sources. These are all skills I will use
further at university. As additional work to
complement my A-levels, I am currently reading The
Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, to improve my
understanding of the origins of economics, and
Freakconomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner,
which shows how relevant economics is to everyday
life. I also subscribe to The Economist to keep up-todate with current affairs. I am particularly interested in
the current economic crisis in Europe and would like
to study this further at university.
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Film Studies
I am currently studying for my A-levels in English
Literature, Theatre Studies and Film Studies. I am
also preparing an Extended Project, creating a short
film inspired by the work of Orson Welles.
I chose to study A-level English Literature because
I have always enjoyed reading and welcome the
opportunity that this course has given me to study a
variety of new and challenging texts, as well as
building my skills in essay writing and critical analysis.
My A-level Theatre Studies lets me undertake a
practical element, which I have greatly enjoyed, and
has increased my confidence at public speaking and
performing in front of an audience.
However I am most enjoying A-level Film Studies, as
it has helped me appreciate the art of film-making,
and truly understand the effort, creativity and thought
that goes into each film. This is why I wish to do a
degree in film studies.
As part of my A-level Film Studies, I have enjoyed
looking at novels that have been made into films and
how successful this transition has been. For example,
the disjointed relationship between the central
characters in David Nicholls One Day works well in a
book but I was disappointed with the film version, as
I did not feel it created the same empathy for the
characters. In contrast, Joe Wrights adaptation of
Atonement cleverly balanced the viewpoints in the
novel, with the tense wartime setting creating an
emotional and atmospheric film.
My latest piece of coursework has looked at various
film techniques, and how these can create a different
atmosphere for the audience. I looked at films such
as Darren Aronofskys Black Swan, as I appreciated
how the handheld camera was used to closely follow
Natalie Portman, making it seem as if shes being
pushed into the dance studio and has no choice but
to perform. To contrast this, I also analysed the
Dunkirk scene in Atonement, where the director uses
no music and just a single shot to recreate the bleak
World War II setting.
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History
My fascination with studying the past, looking at how
events have influenced and shaped the world we now
live in, and delving into periods of time from different
viewpoints, has made me want to study history at
university.
My GCSE and A-level study has greatly improved my
understanding of history, with a particular focus on
war in the twentieth-century. Visiting the battlefields
of Ypres and the Somme allowed me to put the dates
and facts I learned in my classes into context, as well
as consider the people involved, particularly when
taking an emotional trip to view the massive
cemeteries there. I returned to the classroom with an
increased interest in studying history from the
perspective of different individuals, such as the foot
soldier or the civilians waiting anxiously at home. I am
looking forward to furthering my knowledge of this at
university, as well as looking at new topics such as
American history, to understand how the USA has
become such a super power.
Studying A-level History has given me many useful
skills, like being able to write and research
independently, and analyse different sources of
information. My other A-levels, in Politics and in
English Literature, are also relevant, as they involve
analysing work and producing essays that express my
ideas clearly. I am looking forward to putting these
skills into practice at university, as well as improving
and adding to these abilities.
Last summer, I was part of a volunteer group that
visited west Africa for five weeks. I am also a keen
badminton player and have been a member of my
local club for five years, working up from the junior
ranks to represent my club in tournaments. I now also
coach the juniors, which has been a valuable
experience and allowed me to share my enjoyment
for badminton. I am looking forward to continuing with
badminton at university.
I am confident that I will do well studying history at
university, and that this experience will prepare me
well for a wide range of future career options.
page 18
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History of Art
I have always been fascinated with art and enjoy
visiting galleries in the UK and abroad. Seeing the
impact that art can have on other people has made
me want to delve deeper into the subject. I am
passionate about studying history of art at university,
in order to gain a higher academic understanding and
because of my personal enjoyment of the subject.
I like looking at the history and progression of art in
all its forms: from the first known works of art such as
the Mammoth carving in Europe, to 1960s pop
culture. By delving deeper into art, I want to know why
it was created, its political, social and religious
context, and what it meant to society at the time. In
addition, I have a particular interest in the impact
religion has had on architecture and art, for instance
the decoration of Catholic churches of Renaissance
Italy and Michelangelos intricately painted ceiling in
the Sistine Chapel, which depicts episodes like the
creation of the world and the fall of man. Artists who
have had a strong influence on me include
Michelangelo, Botticelli and Salvador Dali. While on a
gap year in Spain, I was able to visit the amazing
Salvador Dali museum, as well as Museo del Prado
and Parc Guell. Being able to witness these works of
art against the backdrop of their home country really
allowed my studies to come to life.
I believe my A-level subjects of History, Philosophy
and Ethics, and Classical Civilisation all provide me
with me a wealth of relevant background knowledge
and experience for the study of history of art. For
example, I have found studying classical literature and
seeing how it has inspired artists over the ages to be
fascinating. I particularly enjoyed seeing how the
legend of Romulus and Remus has inspired pieces
like the Capitoline Wolf, a bronze sculpture in the
Museo Nuovo in Rome, and the painting, Romulus
and Remus, by Peter Paul Rubens.
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Humanities
I decided to apply for humanities shortly after starting
my IB, when I found I was enjoying the opportunity to
study a variety of diverse courses. This experience of
my IB led me to decide that a flexible degree in
humanities, that will allow me to study literature,
history, philosophy and politics, as well as other
subjects like art history, was hugely appealing.
As part of my IB, I studied American and Modern
History, but I would welcome the opportunity to
extend my historical knowledge across different
cultures and periods as part of a humanities degree.
Indeed, I enjoy living in a multicultural society and my
IB classes often involved challenging debates, which
helped me learn to engage confidently, and from a
well-informed viewpoint, in a well thought out and
productive manner. I look forward to working with
students from different cultural backgrounds at
university.
Since completing my IB, I have undertaken a gap
year. I spent the first six months of my gap year
working in a call centre, which gave me skills that
I can use when studying for my degree, as I found
call centre work requires you to be incredibly
self-motivated and disciplined. As part of this job,
I had to adhere to strict deadlines, while working
under immense pressure, and develop good listening
skills when dealing with different clients. This also
improved my communication skills and my overall
confidence.
The last months of my gap year were spent travelling
around South America independently. This was a
fantastic cultural experience and a real awakening to
a dramatically different way of life. This experience
means I would welcome the opportunity to travel
again as part of my degree, through a study abroad
programme at university.
Since returning from my gap year, I have been
volunteering at a local museum, on a project
cataloguing eighteenth-century legal papers. This has
been a rewarding and interesting experience, which
has improved my attention to detail and deepened my
understanding of this particular period of history.
My studies and personal experiences have ensured
I am looking forward to the challenges that studying
at university-level requires. By completing a degree in
page 20
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Literature
I am applying to study English literature.
As a child, I was always tucked into bed with a story, be
it Goldilocks and The Three Bears or an invented tale
from my mums imagination. Once I could read and
write, I was either lost in novels or spending my time
writing my own stories. That a book can transport you
from a boring afternoon to Enid Blytons Magic
Faraway Tree has always excited me, so it is no
surprise that I love English and wish to study it at
university.
As part of my A-Level English Literature, I have been
introduced to interesting texts, which have taken me
on journeys that I could otherwise never experience. I
enjoy studying novels, plays and poetry. In fact, in
addition to the books I have studied at school, one of
my favourite poets is Carol Ann Duffy. I particularly
enjoy her collection Rapture, but also admire the
feminist stance in a lot of her works, such as The
Worlds Wife. Out of my A-level subjects, I feel English
literature is my strongest, which is down to the keen
interest in the subject that I have shown from a young
age. Although I have not decided on a definite career
aspiration, I know a degree in English covers a range
of topics, such as creative writing and language study,
so I feel a possibility could be teaching or journalism.
Within my A-level English Literature, I have enjoyed
studying A Streetcar Named Desire, works by
Shakespeare and Tennysons poems, which have
shown me many different writing styles. My strength in
this subject is my ability to write essays fluently, while
including detailed knowledge of texts I have studied.
However, my broad range of A-level subjects, which
include German, Psychology and Art, have given me
further strengths, such as learning a language and
developing a deeper understanding of the German
culture, a different way to express my opinions in
creative work in art and a variety of ways of thinking
and learning through psychology.
I was disappointed not to be Head Girl but my position
of Deputy Head Girl has made me a voice for the
student body, and given me an experience of a
responsible role that I can use later in life. Outside of
school, I am very interested in the theatre, so have
participated in, and worked on, several productions at
my local theatre over the last four years, which has
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page 23
Mathematics
I find mathematics a fascinating subject, as it is the
sole basis on which physical and theoretical theories
are made, and provides the proof for all these
theories. It intrigues me that, with the right numbers
and application, anything can be achieved, like using
a mathematical proof to define Sir Isaac Newtons
three laws of motion.
My A-level Mathematics has cemented my belief that
mathematics is the foundation of modern, everyday
life, and that every aspect of mathematics is
beneficial in some way. As part of my A-level studies,
for example, I have particularly enjoyed looking at how
statistics can help with handling data and using it to
predict future measurements, like weather
forecasting. My A-level Mathematics has helped me
look at everyday problems in a more logical way. Last
summer I volunteered in a local charity shop and, for
the last year, I have held a part-time job in Next.
These roles really showed me how mathematics can
be applied to simple everyday situations, like money
handling and stock control.
Since my first year in high school, I have been
involved in the UKMT Maths Challenge each year,
and received the silver award on many occasions.
Last summer I also attended a Maths Summer
School.
Inside and outside of school, I enjoy working in a
team or group as I have good inter-personal skills.
I play cricket for my local team and we all work
together well, complementing each others abilities.
I have participated in other sports including
basketball, football and athletics. At university I would
be interested in taking part in sports, which have not
been offered at my school or in my local area.
Last year I achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze
Award, which demonstrates that I am committed,
responsible and hard working. I also play the
saxophone to grade 7 level and, at university, would
be interested in joining or setting up a jazz society.
At university, I am looking forward to expanding my
mathematics knowledge in topics like differential
equations and statistics, as well as learning new
subjects offered at university-level such as
cryptography and mathematical finance.
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Modern Languages
A different language is a different vision of life. This
quote, by Italian film director Federico Fellini, has
inspired me to study foreign languages, as I know it
will be an exciting challenge that will open many
doors. Since my first Spanish lesson, I have been
fascinated by other languages, meaning a desire to
study modern languages at university came naturally.
I love being able to communicate with people from
around the world, and to also study the culture,
society, and history of a country. I am currently
studying A-levels in Spanish, French and English
Literature. As part of my A-level Spanish, I became
fascinated by Guernica, how its still a powerful
anti-war symbol after eighty years and its significance
to the Spanish Civil War and Spanish people. During
my exchange trip to Madrid, I thoroughly enjoyed
being totally immersed in the culture and language,
and being able to use my language skills to their full
potential with native speakers. I found being
surrounded by a different language and style of living
very enriching.
As part of my A-level English Literature, I particularly
enjoy studying plays and the theatre, so have been to
see productions of Hamlet, A Streetcar Named Desire
and Warhorse. My A-level studies have increased my
confidence in looking at different linguistic styles,
including the rhyme used in Spanish playwright
Lorcas Blood Wedding. Ive also seen productions by
Onatti, a company that produce plays in foreign
languages. Understanding and interpreting these
performances has increased my confidence in my
language ability.
At sixth form, I attend an after-school French club, so
regularly meet with a native speaker provided by my
sixth form. This has dramatically improved my ability
to express opinions on subjects orally, as well as my
accuracy in the spoken language. I look forward to
attending, or starting, similar clubs at university.
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Nursing
I believe nursing is a fulfilling career with the potential
to benefit many people, bring a sense of job
satisfaction and make a difference. Since childhood
I have enjoyed caring for people and feel I have the
patience and determination, as well as the
interpersonal skills, for a demanding career which
requires interaction with people in stressful situations.
My BTEC National Diploma provides a sound basis
upon which to develop understanding throughout my
degree.
During secondary school, I completed a first aid course
with St. Johns Ambulance, which first sparked my
interest in health care. Since then I have been keen
to learn about issues relating to health, such as
preventing and treating illnesses, and techniques in
caring for patients. I have always been interested in
both natural and social sciences, and how factors like
the environment affect health care. I purposely chose
GCSE, AS-level and BTEC subjects which will help in
my career aims and course choice of nursing.
For the last year, I have worked in my local hospital as
a ward volunteer. I have found this interesting and
rewarding, and it has given me a feel for the daily
challenges of working in a hospital. I have also learnt
the importance of patience when serving the elderly,
who are less able to communicate, and developed my
interpersonal skills. I am still involved with St Johns
Ambulance and occasionally work with them as an
events volunteer. I am looking forward to getting more
involved in the future, particularly at university, where
I hope to gain more confidence in working under
pressure.
Halfway through my BTEC, I attended a nursing taster
course at the University of Essex. This gave a broader
understanding of both the course and the career, and
confirmed my decision that nursing is for me. This was
a great experience, and helped me decide that Essex
would be one of my choices on my UCAS application.
I am confident that a course which combines
theoretical study and practical work will suit me.
I believe going to university will provide skills that
enable me to be the best nurse I can. University will
be challenging but I have been working hard to
achieve my goals and feel confident that I am ready.
I am a hardworking, kind, caring, motivated student
who has a passion for nursing and for helping others.
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Philosophy
Asking philosophical questions is part of what it
means to be human. And being able to analyse moral
and fundamental dilemmas - including the impact
they have on our everyday life - is a crucial tool, which
helps us to further understand the behaviour of the
human race. The perception, acquired through the
study of philosophy, can contribute to our search for
happiness and the good life, our search for what the
Greeks called eudemonia. This is why I believe it is
essential to study philosophy.
I find philosophy endlessly relevant to modern day life,
so automatically apply philosophical thought to
everyday life. For example, when watching a film or TV,
I consider the notions of cause and effect that lead a
character to commit an act, then assess whether that
individual can be held morally responsible. I have
continued to develop my range of thought by keeping
up with current debates, such as the debates about
science and religion surrounding such figures as
Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens. Since
making the leap from GCSE to A-level, I find my
attitude towards work and education has changed;
I now have a passion and natural curiosity for the
subject of philosophy, so believe studying it at
university will open doors to my future.
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Psychology
Since I began studying my A-level Psychology, my
interests in the diverse, complex theories surrounding
this subject have grown tremendously. I have
particularly enjoyed my latest piece of coursework,
which was a project where I investigated the
development of childrens language before starting
school. I enjoyed designing and carrying out my own
research on this topic, at a local playschool, and
followed careful procedures to collect data and draw
my conclusions. This research project was an
interesting way to study child language acquisition as
a psychological area, and gave me a clear insight into
the topic.
I am also enjoying my other A-Levels in English
Language and French. Within my A-level English
Language, I found our classes on the origins of the
English language, looking at how we acquire our
language skills and whether it is innate or learnt, to
be fascinating. This helped my studies in A-level
Psychology, and I contributed well to classroom
discussions and debates on the topic. For my A-level
French, although I have found learning a foreign
language to be difficult, I have persevered and am
proud to now be able to communicate with native
French speakers. Last year I took part in a school
exchange to France, which was a valuable experience
that allowed me to see another culture. Last year
I did AS-level Biology, which I found to be an
excellent companion to my A-level Psychology,
especially when studying subjects like the causes
of depression and stress.
At school, I am always keen to be involved in student
life, so am producing our first ever Year 13 Leavers
Yearbook. Gathering student profiles and photos has
been time consuming and required a lot of
organisation, but the finished book is of high quality
and I hope will be appreciated by my peers for years
to come.
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Weaknesses
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Strengths
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Weaknesses
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Strengths
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Weaknesses
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page 31
page 32
References
You school or college will write your reference which,
along with your personal statement, admissions tutors
value highly when making decisions.
Your reference may be written by more than one
person, usually your head of sixth form or head of
department, in conjunction with your subject tutors.
Most references will talk about you from the teachers
perspective; how you work academically, how you
interact with other students and teachers, for
example. Your reference will also include your
teachers predictions of your final grades at A-level.
Most references also contain the following:
n information about your performance in individual
modules; for example, your tutor may highlight if
you were one mark away from an A grade;
n your proposed career plan, if you have one, so
make sure your tutors are aware of your career
ideas and any work experience you have;
n their opinion of your suitability for a particular
profession (eg a caring nature for nursing);
n anything that may have happened to you to affect
your academic work (eg an ongoing illness);
n any personal circumstances which have affected,
or will affect, your performance, for example the
illness or death of a close relative; and
n information about any special needs that you may
have, such as a disability or learning difficulties,
and how you cope with these.
If you have an issue that you want universities to be
aware of when considering your application - such as
your grades being affected by illness - this should be
in your reference, rather than your personal
statement, so do discuss this with your tutors.
Additional materials
This guide is available in an electronic format, please
contact our Marketing and Student Recruitment Office.
T 01206 873987
E schools-link@essex.ac.uk
We also produce a Reference Writing Guide for
teachers and advisors completing UCAS references.
Please use the contact details above to request a
copy or for any further information.
T 01206 873666
E admit@essex.ac.uk
www.essex.ac.uk
Prospectus hotline (24 hours): +44 (0)1206 873778