Personal Statement - History 8

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My most important aim for the next few years is to further my studies of History. Studying the subject at GCSE and A Level has extended my interest in Social and European History, and how this relates to world History. The subject has enhanced my understanding and interest of current affairs and contemporary issues, which I enjoy following closely. As a student of History, I aim to extend my analytical and presentational skills. Once given an area to study, I like to research independently, but also working with others. My time at Sixth Form College has enabled me to improve my reliability, punctuality and ability to work individually, while coping with the demands of exams and deadlines. The AS levels I selected; English, Geography, History and Politics complemented each other well, enabling me to use the knowledge of one subject to develop my understanding of another. They have also extended my abilities in research, essay and report writing.

My main priority for now is to complete my A Levels to the best of my ability and to go on to University, not just for the degree but for the entire experience it has to offer and I look forward to moving on, learning and meeting new people.

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

My AS results proved pleasing, after analysing my results, they have given me realistic targets for the year ahead. I have evaluated my progress of my first year in order to find weaknesses in exam and study technique and I am working on these for a hopefully successful outcome for the years ahead.

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

In addition to my academic studies, I have achieved qualifications in first aid, and I feel confident to administer first aid in unlikely situations. Over the past two years, I have helped with a youth holiday scheme connected with my Church where I had responsibility for looking after and helping children. In my spare time, I enjoy reading non-fiction books, and travelling to see many parts of the country. My Duke of Edinburgh award scheme enabled me to deal effectively with decision making within a group.

Out of College, a part-time job at a newsagent, over the past two years has given me responsibilities such as dealing with customers, stock and large amounts of money, and also being organised and punctual. At my secondary school, I helped to set up a student council, as I felt that there were student issues that needed to be dealt with. Other responsible positions I have held are both prefect, and fifth year representative at my previous school, and form representative on the student council at my present college. Work experience at an Estate Agent in Cambridge gave me good experience of working in a city and commuting, and also insight into an area of business. I hope to travel and work at an orphanage near to Jakarta, which I have maintained links with, and also to New Zealand. My career prospects are left open for now, but I do have interests in research and education.

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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