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Personal Statement - Geography

This is a real Geography personal statement written by a student for their university application. It has been carefully edited into the new three-question format, with all of the original wording kept. It may have strengths and weaknesses, but it can be used as inspiration for writing your own UCAS personal statement. Ensure your personal statement is entirely your own work, copying from this example or other sources is considered plagiarism and can affect your application. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements.

This statement has been reviewed by one of The Student Room's personal statement reviewers, and their feedback is included below.

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I am interested in pursuing a Geography course at university. Studying Geography will provide me with a better understanding of topical issues that affect the world around us, and also improve my presentational skills and independent learning skills. I am currently studying A-Levels Geography and Drama, which has provided me with a keen interest in current affairs; therefore I am interested in areas such as development and environmental issues.

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

I am currently studying A-Levels in Geography and Drama, which have provided me with a keen interest in current affairs. These subject areas will provide me with a sound background to build a degree. My interests in drama started early in college where I found that I enjoyed many of the techniques used within drama. This gave me the confidence to take part in college productions. I have also developed my knowledge of Greek tragedies, physical theatre and monologues, and whilst studying an A-Level in Performing Arts I have developed my leadership skills and confidence to a mature standard.

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

During my work experience I had the opportunity to work with a professional and extremely dedicated armourer. I used these two weeks to great advantage by broadening my knowledge in a diverse trade, which requires skill and extremely good technique. These two weeks helped me develop many transferable skills such as concentration and independent working. Work experience has also provided me with experience in a trade which can be used to fall back on, due to the fact that this is a family trade I therefore have a platform in which to start up.

Within college I play an active role in both my college and tutor group. I was elected student council representative, which has not only developed my communication skills but furthered my organisation skills. Within my tutor group I interact as much as possible by taking part in the tutor football team and helping out my tutor with international dimensions week, which consists of helping younger students to develop skills they can use in the future. I have also worked with the P.E department by refereeing sports day football.

As part of my personal development, I helped in a Year 7 drama class and used my own skills to help students out with plays; this taught me qualities of leadership such as motivation and patience.

My hobbies include a wide range of sports, most notably rugby where I play at club level and county level, and I hope to use this sporting background to play in a university team. I also take a great interest in football, golf and occasionally play tennis. I work part-time within the college itself working in the Site Team, which has developed my reliability and communication skills.

I regard myself to be an extremely friendly and hard-working person. I have become very determined and independent as a result of pursuing my A-levels and hope this provides a good foundation for university. I look forward to the challenge of university life and the opportunities that will arise as a result.

Expert feedback from The Student Room personal statement reviewer

This personal statement is too vague and irrelevant for the course the applicant wants to apply to. Almost nothing other than the first paragraph relates to Geography. As something that is meant to convince the Admissions tutor to accept the applicant into their university, little has been done to convince the Admissions tutor of any interest in the chosen course or motivation to higher education.

Much too much emphasis is placed on irrelevant work experience and extracurriculars, although it is good that skills are discussed. While this also shows that the applicant is an active member in his or her school, this can be demonstrated in a paragraph or two short ones at most, not five. The applicant needs to use every statement to relate it to geography or even better, certain aspects within geography, such as human geography. Being so interested in tutoring children, an example would be how tutoring has motivated them to help more children realise their dreams to play football and therefore they wish to build infrastructure and promote education facilities in developing countries. It would be advisable for the applicant to read more and think of more relevant experiences and interests to make this personal statement more focused and convincing.

Grammar also needs some attention, particularly capitalisation, and in several places sentences need to be read over multiple times suggesting that it is too complicated or grammatically incorrect and needs revising.

Regarding the statement:

  • 'Geography' and 'university' should not be capitalised.
  • The explanation of why presentation and independent learning skills improve through studying geography is unclear and misleading.
  • Listing A-levels without relating them to skills or knowledge relevant to geography is a waste of space.
  • The interests in drama and performing arts are mostly irrelevant unless tied specifically to skills useful in geography.
  • The work experience mentioned, though showing transferable skills, is overly wordy and not connected to the course.
  • Leadership and organisational skills acquired from extracurriculars are good to mention but should be linked more clearly to geography.
  • The concluding paragraph lacks mention of a future career related to geography and could be stronger in showing motivation and aptitude for the subject.

AI generated feedback

This feedback is AI-generated, based on the text of this personal statement:

The personal statement shows an initial interest in geography and includes a range of extracurricular activities and experiences that demonstrate transferable skills such as leadership, organisation, and teamwork. However, it lacks specific focus on geography, which is essential under the new UCAS personal statement format beginning in 2026. To improve, the applicant should concentrate on demonstrating genuine enthusiasm for geography by discussing particular topics within the subject and how their studies have deepened this interest. Linking all experiences and skills explicitly back to geography or the demands of higher education in the subject will provide coherence and stronger motivation for admission tutors. Simplifying grammar and avoiding filler content will also strengthen the statement. Including a clear career aspiration related to geography would help end the statement on a compelling and relevant note.

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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.

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