Personal Statement:Psychology 42

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

A human being can sense if a room is light or dark, promote a corresponding physiological reaction and be aware that he has done so. A plant can do the same thing without awareness. This difference fascinates me and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the role of neural correlates of behaviour in interpreting the "hard problem" of consciousness. Watching a TED video recently on the use of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation to treat mental illnesses such as PTSD fascinated me and re-enforced my interest in the many ways that neuroscience and psychology are undoubtedly concomitant. A talk on 'The Wisdom of Psychopaths' at Bath Literature Festival interested me in the way that epigenetics provides a new insight in the age-old nature versus nurture dilemma. Investigating the role of environmental factors in cognitive development inspired me to question the extent to which this is true of the most basic model of a brain conducting simple cognitive processes - a computer.

As President of my college's Psychology Society, I organise talks for students from professionals in related fields and give talks myself. One of the most successful presentations I gave recently involved evaluating recent research on the question of whether non-human primates can be seen to possess a theory of mind. My Extended Essay argues whether violent behaviour in hierarchical constructs, using the example of the abuses conducted at Abu Ghraib prison, can be explained using psychological research and theory. This has shown me the importance of a holistic approach in psychological research. Writing my Extended Essay sparked my interest in the psychology of moral decisions, particularly in the research conducted at Harvard University concerning the psychological factors influencing choices such as in the classic 'Trolley Dilemma'. The current debate about the role of reason and emotion in the formation of moral judgements is something that I have enjoyed exploring. 'Neuroscience, Psychology and Religion' by Malcolm Jeeves provided me with an alternative perspective from the position of both dual aspect monism and non-reductive physicalism.

Psychology is a field that is expanding and advancing at a rapid pace. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to future research that will alter our current perspective on cognition, behaviour and social interactions, consequently changing the way we think about the world around us.

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

Designing and conducting an experiment of my own highlighted both the strengths and limitations of the scientific approach, particularly in attempting to quantify something unique and subjective such as memory that has no measurable state. I believe using modern scientific techniques, such as brain imaging technology, in psychology can provide alternative interpretations of age-old questions in both the arts and the sciences. The nature of morality, for example, has been debated by philosophers for centuries.

Studying Theory of Knowledge has taught me to question my interpretations of situations and also to think independently and attempt to understand my own thought processes. Individual investigations throughout my IB course have not only taught me how to research and write effectively but also how to criticise and evaluate arguments successfully.

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

As a prefect, I have learnt a lot about effective leadership, particularly during the GDST Young Leaders' Conference. Practising karate and running long distance races have taught me to aim high, but also that commitment, focus and practice are the only ways to reach aspirations.

Universities applied to:

• Cambridge - Emmanuel College (PBS)
• UCL (Psychology)
• Cardiff (Psychology with Placement)
• Bath (Psychology with Placement)
• Surrey (Psychology with Placement)

Grades achieved:

• HL Biology (7/6)
• HL Psychology (7/6)
• HL French B (6/6)
• SL Economics (7/6)
• SL Mathematics (7/6)
• SL English Lit (6/6)
• Core Points (2/3)
• Total (42/39)

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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