Personal statement that got me into filmmaking course

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Hope. When your mind is occupied with a thousand things like stories or dreams, you may find yourself missing some deadlines, or being late. Then you can only hope you can make up for your unprofessional behavior and that it’s not going to affect the end effect. I am that person. That is what I’m going to do in this personal statement while crossing my fingers. Hope has brought me here in the first place. The idea that I can go to school. Despite my background, my gender, or negation from family, I can pursue my dream. I can one day be working next to Tarantino or Allen, if I work hard. No storyteller dreams of making average movies. We all want to be great. Some of us want to be the best. School is a good place to start this journey. Aside from online courses and side jobs, it’s good to support the research with some guidance from more experienced individuals. Nowadays almost anyone can get their hands on marvelous equipment, but not everyone knows how to make the most out of it. Another thing, which is probably one of the best arguments for getting upon yourself the horrors of student loans is meeting like-minded people. It’s worth more than any money on Earth to get a chance to work with soon-to-be great artists. To see them grow into it every day. I love stories and especially these about improvement, persistence, and overcoming struggles. It fuels me to work just as hard as them. Inspiration is contagious. Being able to relate makes you feel like you’re not alone with your problem and that you indeed, can turn things over and start again. That’s why I want to make movies. Show flip-side to situations. Both good and problematic ones. Because that is life. That is every person. We are not just one thing. I wish more people could see that. I hope more people will see that. Movies, in my eyes, are underestimated. They can be a great source of knowledge. Let us experience what seems like a thousand lives within one of our own. We get to see things from a different perspective and broaden our understanding of the world. I want more people to see that. I hope they will see that.

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

As I mentioned before, I was learning on my own, as well as working on independent projects, but now I’m searching for more knowledge to be able to make that dream come true. Internet is an amazing tool for learning basics like useful camera angles, how close to place the camera from the actors, and at what angle, simple principles of filmmaking, how to give your script a structure, or how to set up lights. Working with clients gave me practical knowledge, experience, and bulletproof patience. So did making short films with my friends. But the demand for film-related skills in my area is rather limited. I want to travel the world and seek more opportunities. What seems like a great place to start is the United Kingdom, to further improve my language and maybe -hopefully- be able to speak with a captivating British accent.

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

First of all, hi you!

I know it's already past the initial UCAS deadline, (29 January 2021, for those of you that might've missed it) but I think this post is more suitable for people in despair. (jokes y'all)

You may be questioning what you wrote so far, or you're terrified of the blank page staring at you.

Whatever reason brought you here, I have no use for it anymore (except getting nostalgic), but maybe it'll help you. (yay recycling!)

handy dandy check-list for writing your statement:

• why do you want to take this course (you can throw in why in this school. but don't force it, if the answer is 'cuz it's close to my house')

• how will this course help you archive your goal/dream

• your skills

• your accomplishments in the field

• tell a story (optional, but usually appreciated)

It's your first impression moment. Let them get to know you a little. The ratio of formal/informal will depend on the course/level/school you're applying for. And how bold you are.

LET PEOPLE READ IT. It may seem cringy, but that's yet another reason to get it reviewed. You can start on the Student Room. There are nice people here to help you with it.

Okay, I promise, that's the last thing I'll mention before the statement. I had no experience in the 'industry' whatsoever, so I had to put more emphasis on other aspects. But you definitely should write about your accomplishments and experience.

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.