Personal Statement:Psychology 33 - The Student Room

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

We live. We die.

In between that, millions of experiences pass us by. Why do we react to them the way we do?

If human minds came with a manual, psychologists would be the ones to uncover it. Researchers in the field of psychology are at the forefront of this, probing into the deep recesses of the human mind to explain seemingly inexplicable human behaviour. My desire to understand the complex labyrinth that is the human mind has drawn me irresistibly towards psychology. Indeed, what motivated me even more is a deep fascination for neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and ADHD, and particularly autism. It is my dream and has been my commitment to become a clinical psychologist to explore such disorders.

Carl Jung once said ‘It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves’. As such, I understand that there are no solid rules when it comes to psychology. It is a field of constant discovery, constant debate. Even theories from the most respected psychologists are only ever just theories. If life was a jigsaw puzzle, then it is one wrought with missing pieces. In gaining a greater understanding of the human psyche in the fast-changing world we live in, I hope to someday find some of those pieces and carry out research that contributes to the field of psychology.

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

The subjects I studied in secondary school and my Science Foundation year in the University of St Andrews served to amplify my interest in the field of psychology. Through Biology and Physiology, I was able to comprehend the mechanics of the brain from a more scientific perspective. The functions of the brain, being influenced by certain chemicals, were thus also related to the organic components of Chemistry. For example, through the explanation of DNA mismatches on a cellular level, disorders like Down syndrome can be understood fully. Additional Mathematics aided in the development of my analytical and problem-solving skills. English Literature on the other hand, offered an insightful way to hypothesize about human behaviour and further developed my critical thinking about societal issues. The time I spent in the UK for my foundation programme gave me invaluable lessons that have cemented my resolution to pursue a course in Psychology.

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

While in secondary school, I joined St. John Ambulance. Being an active member I learnt how to administer first aid and connect with the others. The skills I attained during my training included good communication skills and the ability to remain calm in emergencies which are essential for dealing with unstable patients. Later, I held the position of Form 5 representative of the Editorial Club, a job that requires a significant degree of commitment and responsibility, and will help me to shoulder the demands of studying a full-time undergraduate programme.

I engage in recreation with as much passion as I do my academic work. Music, creative writing and reading are integral parts of my life. I successfully completed Grade 8 for piano, besides being a member of my school’s orchestra. I found that the therapeutic effect of music was the best way to touch hearts without the need for words. In my spare time, I enjoy penning short poems and prose. My burning desire to help autistic children inspired me to write a poem dedicated to them and all the problems they face which won a medal in a creative writing competition last year. My love for writing is also manifested by my part-time job as a student journalist which has enabled me to reflect upon the challenges of being an international student. It would be fair to say that works of fiction with characters that are subject to psychological disorders such as ‘House Rules’ and ‘Carry Me Down’ have furthered my interest in psychology. While aware that these works are fictitious without sufficient research to support them, these books do make me ponder the question: At what point does mere quirkiness of personality become considered as a disorder?

Universities applied to:

• University of Glasgow
• University of Newcastle
• University of St Andrews
• University of Dundee
• University of Hull

Grades achieved:

• Unknown

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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