Personal Statement - Geography 5

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I have always been enthralled by Geography, as a science and as an art. As I was once told, a geographer is a 'jack of all trades'; Chemistry, Physics, History, Sociology and many more, although its agreement with the colloquialism does not, in my opinion, follow through to a conclusion as 'master of none'. The topics I study encourage me to research elsewhere: in the NewScientist magazine, newspapers such as the Guardian, and international internet blogs, as well as contributing to a school magazine based on environmental issues, for which I have focused on rising sea levels, and the effects on island and estuary communities such as Tuvalu in the Pacific Ocean, as well as the contentious issue of the questionable role of organisations such as Greenpeace in environmental reform. It is fascinating to see the phrase "no man's an island" proved positive in such countries as the Maldives, which despite not being the causes of the rising sea levels, are still reaping their destruction.

I especially enjoyed the field studies I have prepared as part of my A level and GCSE courses. I have studied both physical and human aspects, and last year investigated the synthesis of factors that contribute to integrated coastal management, specifically in the Isle of Wight. I conducted my own surveys, ranging from questionnaires to bi-polar analysis and tested the strength of relationships with statistical techniques such as chi squared. I look forward to developing my investigative skills further. Within the context of theory, I enjoy both Human and Physical sides of the course, particularly the effects of tourism and industry on fragile ecosystems, such as sand dunes, and the causes and formation of the weather; I find the interlocking, cyclical nature of such phenomena as El Nino and their impacts on our world intriguing.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

With the spectrum of subjects I am studying I can always draw upon skills learnt from other A-levels. History and English essays lend clarity to the A2 Geography report I will soon be compiling, for which I am assessing the impact of golf courses on the environment.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

London, where I have absorbed the captivating blend of cultures, taking advantage of the theatres, galleries and museums, has played a crucial role in my education. The recent 'Soul in the City' project, a pan-London youth and community initiative encompassing over 700 partnerships, enabled me to get a human perspective on my geographical case studies of urban poverty, as well as helping me to build confidence and team work skills.

Last summer I was on the leadership team of a holiday camp for children, which required dynamism as well as discipline to be a success. This responsibility, and that of my volunteer work in a creche, where leadership skills are key, ensures I know the true meaning of the phrase "keeping calm under pressure".

I am used to deadlines, not least on the internet, where I edit other authors' fiction for errors, and am in the process of securing work experience at HarperCollins publishers. Extra curricular activities, such as Scottish dancing, swimming, for which I have won several medals, and music are key to my working mindset. With these interests, contributing to my Duke of Edinburgh award, it has been critical that I keep myself and my work organised, especially since I became a prefect.

I look forward to continuing my studies at University, and furthering my knowledge of my preferred subjects.

Universities applied to:

• St Andrews
• Oxford
• Aberystwyth
• Durham
• Edinburgh

Grades achieved:

• AS: AAABB

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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