Example:
From an early age I have been intrigued by the human mind and how it works. This interest has been
enhanced through my study of psychology.
Although I have only studied this subject for a relatively short period of time, I have enjoyed the variety
the A-level course provides, and I feel I have had a sample of different fields of this subject.
I have particularly enjoyed studying comparative psychology because I am interested in how the
human mind can be explained in evolutionary terms and how we can be compared to non-human
animals.
I have always enjoyed mathematics, both learning and application. I have relished the course I have
taken at college as it has a variety of areas and the opportunity to study different branches. I have
particularly enjoyed areas of pure mathematics that I have covered since commencing A-levels and I
have developed my enthusiasm for algebra by applying it to different problems.
I also feel that my statistical background will be advantageous to my psychology work. I have
enhanced my assessment and evaluation skills through my A-level in Religious Studies, particularly
the modules on philosophy and ethics. I feel that my study into ethics is advantageous when applied
to the highly problematic field of psychological research.
My logical approach was also demonstrated with my AS-level in economics which gave me the
opportunity to interpret data and the effect different factors have on a situation.
I demonstrated my people skills when I undertook work experience at a local special needs school
after I had completed my GCSEs.
This week gave me the opportunity to assist teachers and carers with large groups of children of
different ages and abilities. This included helping heavily disabled children with Physical Education
lessons, autistic children with art classes and aiding pupils with severe epilepsy to do basic numeracy
and literacy.
I also helped a group of teenagers, older than myself with a range of physical and learning disabilities,
to do basic cookery. I found this week very rewarding, although it was both mentally and physically
taxing as children had to be supervised, and often assisted, always.
My part-time job at a doctor's surgery has made me more a responsible individual as I deal with
patient confidentiality. I have also become more confident and gained a great deal of common sense
as I deal with, and reassure, members of the public.
In my free time I enjoy participating in a variety of different activities. I am a member of a local gym
which I attend several times a week, I am a keen horse-rider, I regularly go on skiing holidays and I
have recently started Salsa dancing. I have also participated in Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh
Awards and hope to start my Gold Award.
I particularly enjoy the planning and undertaking of expeditions as they are physically challenging and
encourage teamwork. I also enjoyed the 'service' required for the awards.
For my bronze award I helped at a local Brownie Pack and this included helping to prepare activities
and going away on a 'Pack Holiday' residential weekend with the girls.
I was able to do this through my links with Guiding, I was a member of this organisation for ten years
and was presented with my Baden Powell Award, the highest achievement that could be gained by a
Guide.
I am a keen musician and I enjoy the clarinet, gaining Grade 2 with merit 5 years ago before focussing
on pieces that I enjoyed including those in a Jazz-style in 'the Peter Brown Band'. and I have been a
member of several choirs, the highlight being performing Honegger’s Joan d'Arc in the BBC Proms in
the Albert Hall as a member of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir.
As a member I also sang in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the Liverpool Cathedral and on
'Songs of Praise'. I am an active church member and I regularly volunteer at fund-raising efforts.
At college I am a charity representative. This position of responsibility involves fund-raising and
selecting charities that the college supports, a role which I take seriously and enjoy doing.
For my silver Duke of Edinburgh award, I volunteered at my local Oxfam shop for sixth months. I
enjoyed meeting members of the public and working with other volunteers to raise money. I have also
taken part in my church fund-raisers and I am currently training for the Liverpool Ladies 10km Run
next year in aid of a local hospice.
I am a logical thinker and this, combined with my enthusiasm for the human mind, leads towards a
future in a scientific field of psychology. The combination of my interests logically suggests a career