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Please Note: This article is aimed at a UK audience.
Personal Statement Examples
We all know that, when applying to University, writing a personal statement is hard and the reason it is hard is because we are writing about ourselves, which we don't usually do. This section is aimed at allowing you to see which key points it is appropriate to include in your personal statement and to give some examples of how previous successful applicants have approached it. Then you can get a better feel of how to write your personal statement!
Some Key Points!
Explain why you want to study the course you are applying for -
| I have always been a caring and supportive person and I am fascinated with how a woman's body changes to adapt to pregnancy, and the miracle that grows within. |
| I have wanted to become a midwife for as long as I can remember and having my own children only strengthened my desire. I am fascinated by the whole process of reproduction, pregnancy and birth and I want so much to support, inform and empower women, their partners and families at this very special time in their lives. |
| After researching the profession, it has become clear that being a midwife is not restricted to just delivering babies! I realise that the role is much more extensive than this and will involve a great deal of community-based as well as hospital-based work with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds. |
The reasons why that subject area interests you -
| By actually experiencing what a midwife does in action from having a child myself has reinforced my decision to take this career direction, as I know I can offer the support that expecting parents need and demonstrate the skills required to give the best possible care to parents and the baby. |
| As a first point of contact s/he is essential to the mother and her family, helping them to make educated and informed choices based on the options open to them. Midwifery is a career where I could make a positive impact on peoples lives, a career where I can care and communicate with people whilst being practical and constructive, drawing on my academic training too. |
| My reasons for wishing to pursue a career in midwifery stem from my own personal experience during my first pregnancy. I was very young and anxious about parenthood but the relationship I formed with one midwife in particular made such a big difference, she was not judgemental in any way and did all she could to encourage me to have confidence in myself. |
How your current or previous studies relate to the course(s) that you have chosen -
During my recent studies I have also been learning new skills and gaining more knowledge about childcare, through courses provided by my employer or through my local council, for example I have completed a course in Paediatric (Advanced) First Aid.
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| To prepare myself for Midwifery - BSc(Hons) I am currently undertaking an access course in midwifery. |
I also went to college part time to study for my GCSE and GNVQ qualifications, I had to learn to manage my time effectively so that I could finish my assignments on time but still provide all the care my children and parents needed.
I have recently completed an Access to Health and Midwifery course part time and I really enjoyed studying again, the skills I learnt on the course such as essay writing and research will be very useful when I start the Midwifery course at university. |
| I am currently studying BSc (HONS) Adult Nursing at Plymouth University, which although fills many of my expectations, I do not feel that it is my life's vocation, but being able to work with well women and their families during an important life transition would fulfill my passion. I am excited about further developing my practical and academic skills to become an effective Midwife entering a challenging career. I recognise that midwifery is physically, intellectually and emotionally demanding. I believe that as an autonomous practitioner I would be able to make a difference. |
| After completing my Access course, I decided to carry on studying AS Human Biology. I felt that this would further reinforce and consolidate my knowledge of the subject whilst keeping my academic skills up-to-date. Studying has helped to strengthen my analytical and negotiation skills, and enhanced my experience of working as part of a team. I have the ability, determination and confidence to succeed. |
Details of jobs, placements, work experience or voluntary work, particularly if it's relevant to your chosen course(s) -
| I am seeking to become a breast-feeding peer supporter to help with getting parents and newborns off to the best start with breast-feeding and I am going to be doing some volunteering at St. Michaels Hospital in the form of taking parents to be around delivery suite and the maternity wards. |
| The care my parents needed varied from day to day but included personal care, making, and accompanying them to various hospital and doctor’s appointments, liaising with various different agencies like Social Services, DHSS, Age Concern and Guide Dogs for the Blind so that their needs were fully supported. |
| In order to gain experiences of health care professions, I spent time as a volunteer on a gynaecology ward where I gained valuable insight into the Care sector and life on a busy ward. It also gave me the opportunity to speak with patients. I quickly discovered that there is no ‘typical’ patient and I have developed an appreciation of different cultural beliefs. |
Hobbies, interests and social activities that demonstrate your skills and abilities -
| In my spare time, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my children, going swimming, to the cinema, and on day trips. When not with the children I like to meet friends and go out for a meal or drinks. I love being able to unwind with friends. I also find time to attend keep fit classes at my local gym. A few years ago I was over weight and unfit. Since taking action I have lost four stone and enjoy good health. The lessons learnt during this process have greatly influenced my attitude towards my children's health. |
| Outside of work, I enjoy taking part in sport myself, especially trampolining and swimming. I also take pleasure in getting away from London and mountain walking with my family, mostly in North Wales. Singing is also a hobby of mine, having been part of a choir since I was 8, I now sing for a gospel group who support a singer on her album and on tours where we visit other churches. Although I like spending time with friends and family, I am always up for visiting new places or experiencing something different. |
| In my spare time, I am the treasurer for the Mothers Union, a role I enjoy very much because we support and advise mothers in the community. I also like spending time with my family, walking and cooking. I cook every Friday for a group of 20 children at the under five’s creche in my area. |
Expand upon your interests and experiences -
| I feel I have developed through my life to become a confident, friendly person who likes a challenge and isn't afraid to ask for help when needed. As a lone parent with two boys aged fourteen and nine I have become self sufficient and developed strategies for balancing home life and college. I have the full backing and support of my family who are all extremely proud of my achievements so far. |
| I was not fortunate enough to know exactly what I wanted to study at university when I finished my A-levels. Therefore, I took a gap year to gain experiences, earn some money and make some decisions |
| As I was the first of my peers to become pregnant I found that I was the one that everyone looked to for advice and reassurance throughout their own pregnancies. I had the opportunity to be one of my closest friends birthing partner throughout the births of her two children. The first birth resulted in an emergency cesarean section, and the second with a forceps delivery. Both births were very traumatic experiences for her however I succeeded in keeping her calm and focused throughout. Another of my friends had two consecutive pregnancies that both ended in still birth at 24 weeks gestation. Fortunately she found it very comforting to speak to me about her experience, and I found that I helped her to come to terms with her losses. |
Transferable skills-
| Although my previous employment has been office based I have learned and developed a range of skills and qualities that can be utilised in midwifery. As a team leader I have been responsible for both recruitment and training. I am dedicated and have excellent time management and communication skills. I relate well to people and, above all, I am an effective listener who is caring and compassionate. |
| I have found that from my current job role that I have learnt the importance of confidentiality and how to be sensitive in difficult situations, being non-judgemental regardless of people's race, religion or age and that everyone should be treated equally. |
| From my previous employment experience I have learnt how to work effectively as part of a team and also to use my own initiative especially during my bar work when I would on many occasions be left in charge of the bar. I had to learn to deal with people who were not always at their best by the end of the night and often had to diffuse difficult situations with tact and diplomacy. |
Source: Snippets from anonymous personal statements submitted to The Midwifery Sanctuary for use.
Please Note:
These statements should not be copied, you should be aware that UCAS have a system where when an application is made the personal statement is added to a library of personal statements and all statements on new applications are checked against this library. These example statements have been submitted to UCAS already so they will be held in this library. If UCAS feel that your statement is showing a level of similarity of 10% or greater, your application will be reviewed and Higher Education Institutes notified. These examples are here to help you as a resource!
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