Personal Statement:Psychology 26 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Psychology has gripped me ever since I first started to study the subject at A-Level. I found myself relating what I learnt in class to everyday life, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy after observing the effectiveness of this treatment in someone close to me, suffering from fibromyalgia. Strategies in self control training and coping skills helped their condition to become more tolerable. Psychology is of personal interest to me as being an identical twin I am fascinated by what influences our behaviour. Although we have in common shared genes and environmental factors, like upbringing, education and peer group, we continue to develop traits which are completely different to each other. Due to this, when studying subjects such as crime, I am sceptical of theories that put it down to genes, this is due to my sister and I being very different.

My future career plans involve a career in education, therefore understanding the behaviour of children from all backgrounds and how their minds work, will make me a mentor they can trust and flourish under. It will also help me avoid making assumptions based on children's backgrounds and past behaviour that could limit their future achievements. With a psychology degree as my foundation, I really believe I could make a difference, particularly to troubled children. I could apply behavioural ideas such as operant conditioning, rewarding behaviour that is desirable, by giving stickers.

As an undergraduate, Psychology will enable me to deepen my understanding of people's behaviour and their mental processes. Mastering new theories and concepts will be both enjoyable and enlightening and I am determined to discover more about areas that have intrigued me. The broad spectrums of topics are exciting and I feel confident that I will be able to contribute positively to debates, interacting with other students, building a strong team ethos and support network. My integrity and strength of character will provide me with a good basis to achieve my full potential at university.

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

My hard work and commitment has been recognised at college by several commendations for achievement in ICT, Sociology and Psychology, as well as a Community Award Certificate for volunteer work at a local primary school. I have also had several essays published in the college Sociology magazine. My A-Levels In Maths and Sociology will also stand me in good stead, strengthening my logical approach, making me aware of how to analyse data and contributing to my understanding of the ways in which issues such as the nurture-nature debate and social class relate to criminology. Sociology has also taught me about culture and diversity providing a strong foundation to develop my understanding of others.

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

I am currently volunteering at a local primary school. This involves, supporting reading groups, assisting in music and science lessons and supervising children outside. These roles have demanded patience with children, lots of positive energy and encouragement. I have also developed excellent communication skills and also some conflict-resolution skills. This provided a contrast to my regular work as a waitress in a busy pub, where I enjoy the strong team ethic, helping each other to enhance performance. Over ten-hour shifts, I'm able to stay calm and efficient, and pride myself as being as helpful as possible to each customer. Outside work and school, I enjoy reading, the theatre, designing my own cards and keeping fit.

Universities applied to:

• Nottingham University
• Loughborough University
• Leicester University
• Derby University

Grades achieved:

• Sociology (A2) - A
• Psychology (A2) - B
• Mathematics (A2) - B
• ICT (AS) - C

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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