Personal Statement - Graphic Design 1

Expert feedback from The Student Room personal statement reviewer

General Comments:

This statement is poor: there is very little direct mention of interest in graphic design in this statement, apart from at the beginning and end, with a brief mention in the body of the PS. This interest really needs to be expanded on, keeping all the relevant stuff together and discussing how the applicant’s previous experience has brought them to decide on studying graphic design. This could be done through discussing projects done related to it, or maybe reading books, or discussing interesting graphic designs that the applicant has come across. Graphic design should take up at least 2/3 of the whole PS, so this needs to be addressed, removing generic statements about their work ethic and some extra-curricular activities.

Comments on the statement:

"I wish to study graphic design" not the most exciting way to start a PS, as the admissions tutors will know what you’ve applied for already. Expansion on this point is needed. For example, how does graphic design help shape society’s landscape? Why do you want to help do this? By doing this course I want to create exciting innovative work to deliver memorable visual messages through all media. It could help if you were to be a little more specific here - "how would you do this" "why?" I hope to show my flare for creativity whilst using my drawing skills in an imaginative approach to produce inventive pieces of work expressing my own style. This sentence is a bit long with no pause.

The other subjects I am currently studying are English and sociology and I believe these subjects will provide me with an ideal foundation for the entrance of the graphic design course. English has developed my analytical skills, whereas sociology has given me a valuable insight into the behaviour of the modern corporate world. Generally, mentioning how your A-Levels support your application can be seen as being very generic, clichéd and obvious. In order to show their real relevance, it needs expanding on. For example: how have they had an insight into the corporate world? Through their own research? coursework? Something they've read? What? Obviously English has developed analytical skills, this is a given and the uni will know this but how is it applicable then to graphic design? Not all A Levels need to be related back to the chosen course.

During the years I have been studying, there has not been a single day, where I have felt that I have not achieved something new. As it stands, this is very clichéd and doesn’t really add anything. Also, remember full stops at the ends of paragraphs and the fact that one sentence doesn’t equal one paragraph.

Every day I am faced with many different challenges and tasks, which I try my hardest to overcome. This is very clichéd as well. I feel that I can be successful in the future if I sacrifice more of my leisure time and devote it to hard work. This should go without saying and is obvious. It just sounds like it is added to boost the character count. I know that I am capable of achieving good standards of work in whichever line of work I am involved in. This should be the sort of thing the referee comments on, not the applicant. Overall, this or the previous paragraph don’t add anything and would be best removed, as it is not specific to graphic design.

During my school career I achieved many certificates and took part in many activities such as being a member of the school netball team. This sentence doesn’t quite flow. I have also voluntarily helped younger members with reading difficulties. I believe this has enhanced my interpersonal skills. This all needs to be specific to say what skills have been developed and why they are important (for the academic study of graphic design, not in general).

Attending art clubs at school gave me the opportunity to help at the community centre by designing posters and banners. By getting the advantage to do this has extended the high quality standard of my creative drawing skills. Has it improved upon any other qualities? Time management etc. How? During my final two years at school, I was appointed as a prefect. In addition, I consider myself to be an assertive, hardworking and highly motivated individual who works well both independently and with others. You need evidence to back up this stuff, or better yet, your referee will mention it. Keep all the stuff related to graphic design together and expand on it to show your skills in it and interest in it.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing the keyboard. I also play badminton in the local sports club during the summer and enjoy designing and painting on fabrics such as silk and canvas. My other interests include travelling to various countries which has enhanced my cultural understanding and has made me more open minded as an individual. I have also been to many modern exhibitions such as Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. What did you achieve here? Were there any particular works that stood out/inspired you? Overall, there is too much focus on extra-curricular activities here.

Thought my years in school and sixth form I have learnt how to try my best to achieve what I am aiming at. This is too generic and clichéd and not really necessary. I am very much looking forward to this new chapter of my life with the intellectual challenges and the social opportunity that will be open to me. I hope eventually to work in an advertising and editorial design, general design practice, Multimedia Communications such as Website Design in the Arts and Education. There are too many options here for career – it’s not necessary to mention if you don’t have a firm idea. Instead, focus on the interest in the course and what makes you a good candidate, without referring to the job at the end.