Personal Statement:Psychology 16 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

In "Das Vorleser" by Bernard Schlink, the main character asserts that decisions can have no influence on our behaviour. In many ways I think this is true. There are times when we can consciously make a decision, justify it, yet we cannot go through with it. I am curious as to why this is, as I have always been fascinated by behaviour. A-Level Psychology has provided me with some answers, yet I am eager to learn more.

Cognitive Psychology is one of my main interests because I believe that the best way to understand people's behaviour is to try to understand the processes that take place in decision making, in remembering and also at times when we do not even realise them, such as during the perception of our surrounding environment. I also like it because of its links to neurosciences, which I have found intriguing because of the links between brain and behaviour. Recently, I have been reading articles on mirror neurons in Scientific American Mind, which I found compelling because it would appear to explain many of the processes engaged in learning. I found Kandel's work with sea slugs fascinating as well because it would seem to explain memory at a biological level, but I feel that there is still much to discover, as I think that all behaviour could be explained in biological terms. I think this should be investigated using the experimental method, with the challenge in doing so making it all the more exciting.

I am also very interested in mental disorders. What compel me are the relationships between various biological and environmental factors that can induce them. Richard P. Bentall's 'Madness Explained' gave me an insight into these relationships, but I also found this book interesting because of the implications for clinical psychology. His theory for treating psychological symptoms rather than whole disorders could be more beneficial for patients due to the lack of reliability in the traditional method of diagnosis and treatment. Despite this, I am sceptical whether this approach would actually eliminate the problem; however, he would assert that it does.

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

A-Level Psychology has provided me with some answers, yet I am eager to learn more. The study of cognitive psychology, including decision making and perception, has deepened my understanding of behavioural processes. Reading specialised articles on mirror neurons and Kandel’s biological research on memory has given me insight into how experimental methods can uncover links between brain and behaviour.

My interest in mental disorders has been supported by reading Richard P. Bentall's 'Madness Explained,' which introduces the complex relationships between biological and environmental factors, and discusses the clinical implications of treating symptoms rather than whole disorders. This exposure has broadened my understanding of psychological theory and treatment approaches.

One of my extra-curricular activities, Student Researchers, has provided me with practical skills directly relevant to psychology. As the Head of Qualitative Research, I have designed questionnaires, distributed them, and analysed data. Our projects, exploring student views on learning and on grades and feedback, helped me gain experience in researching, analysing, evaluating evidence, drawing conclusions, and considering their implications. These skills will help me effectively engage with psychological research and evidence during my degree.

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

Outside of my academic studies, I referee youth and senior football matches. This role is challenging due to the need to maintain control under pressure and manage players with differing opinions assertively. I find refereeing rejuvenating as it provides a break from studying. Since March, I have been participating in a refereeing promotion scheme, which is enhancing my skills and organisational abilities.

I also enjoy playing bass guitar and socialising with friends, which contribute to my well-being and help me maintain a balanced lifestyle.

In addition to my activities, I attend lectures organised by the Royal Institute in London when possible. Most recently, I attended a lecture discussing infidelity from a psychological viewpoint, which expanded my knowledge and linked psychology to real-world issues.

I am motivated to extend my learning beyond the classroom, and qualities like responsibility and reliability that I have demonstrated as a Prefect support my capability to succeed in university study.

I am eager to study Psychology at degree level because it combines my interest in understanding human behaviour with scientific investigation. The prospect of engaging deeply with these topics excites me, and I believe my academic preparation and experiences make me a strong candidate for this course.

Universities applied to:

• Oxford
• UCL
• York
• Glasgow
• Kent

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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