Personal Statement:Psychology 150

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

‘Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.’ (Carl Jung). This helped stimulate an interest in the ethnocultural stigmas of mental health and how these different cultural views affect the treatments of mental illnesses, motivating me to decide to pursue this subject at degree level. Investigating the studies of memory and child development has given me a better understanding of how individuals interact, subsequently leading to a desire to learn more about people, society and their interactions.

I am looking forward to the opportunities a university degree will provide me with, both academically and socially. I believe that I will gain a highly marketable set of skills which are transferable to the future. As a result of my work experience with young children, I am passionate about working with young children in the future and thus am highly determined to achieve my ambition as an educational psychologist. However, a Psychology degree will allow me to explore other aspects in Psychology which can be considered.

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

I have thoroughly enjoyed studying developmental and cognitive Psychology, which has led me to research theories such as Piaget’s and Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development and these applications into education independently outside of the class. Moreover, I have found that researching approaches in Psychology, such as humanism, which isn’t covered in the A level syllabus, has allowed me to have a broader perspective. Studying Psychology has allowed me to apply the knowledge that I have gained especially in anxiety in exams and memory techniques for revision. My commitment towards Psychology was recognised when I was awarded the Psychology Student of the Year 2014. Completing the online course, ‘Psychology and Mental Health’ with the University of Liverpool, independently has allowed me to cement my understanding of debates specifically the Nature vs Nurture debate and allowed me to consider the different biological and psychological factors which contribute towards mental health. This has facilitated my growth in independence and cemented my understanding of Psychology as a complex scientific understanding of human behaviour.

Studying Sociology alongside Psychology has enabled me to scrutinise common perceptions of the social world allowing me to appreciate the complexity and diversity of social situations. Additionally, it has taught me how individuals interact with each other within their societies and allowed me to appreciate the complexity of human behaviour in regards to group situations. This has allowed me transfer my ability to evaluate complex information when evaluating different studies and my understanding of statistical techniques when looking at research methods.

Similarly, English Literature has improved my essay writing skills and has allowed me to analyse pieces of information which is transferable into Psychology. It has given me the ability to be perceptive in Psychology to analyse theories and studies. English Literature has also improved my ability to participate more in discussion and given me the confidence to present ideas and information which I can use when presenting my opinions.

Furthermore Creative Writing has allowed me to be more perceptive when considering key issues, debates and approaches. Furthermore, it’s enabled me to express myself broadly and convey my ideas coherently. I have also developed my ability to articulate my ideas which can be used to articulate my knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and debates.

The Extended Project has facilitated the development of my independent skills though time management and planning and researching written work which can be transferred to my degree level studies. Also, I’ve learnt to critically evaluate written work from different perspectives to produce a balanced argument which are effectively conveyed. These can be transferred into Psychology especially when evaluating studies and concepts.

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

Volunteering in San Francisco in 2013 at a dog shelter involved me gaining organisational skills when tending to over 30 dogs at any one time by having to keep up with the paperwork involved for each dog. Also, I have demonstrated teamwork skills when working with other volunteers in organising a play group and administering the appropriate attention to each dog. With some of these volunteers having disabilities, I made sure that I adapted my language to suit the needs of the particular individual. I quickly realised that patience was fundamental in helping them progress in confidence.

I have volunteered at school open evenings enabling me to interact with other people who don’t have a similar background to me; allowing me to demonstrate my interpersonal skills when talking to parents and students. Furthermore, organising the school’s annual Rock and Pop Festival as part of my GCSE Music course has demonstrated my teamwork skills when working with others to make sure that the festival runs smoothly.

Having my work experience placement at a pre-school enabled me to interact with people of different ages. It was evident that I had to adapt my language to children and adults, especially with children who have English as a second language where I adapted my language and spoke more slowly and coherently.

In my spare time, I practice Taekwondo, gaining my black belt when I was 9. This has given me the opportunity to interact with other people who share similar interests. I have gained resilience and discipline which I can use in my studies. I have also taught the lower belts in which I gained responsibility and leadership skills.

I also take pleasure in playing the guitar in which I have gained a distinction in Grade 2. This has given me the confidence especially when playing in front of a crowd such as for GCSE Music concerts and a school production of Bugsy Malone.

Universities applied to:

• Surrey Uni
• Queen Mary's London
• Royal Holloway
• Westminster
• London South Bank

Grades achieved:

• AAA
• ABB
• AAB
• BBB
• BBC

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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