examples of personal statements geography

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Geography personal statements

Scroll down this page to find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study geography and related courses at university.

Plus, over on The Uni Guide, we've also got advice from universities on what they want to see in a geography personal statement . 

Among the tips shared by admissions experts: show that your motivation goes beyond the classroom; highlight relevant extracurricular activities; read around the subject; show that you'll enjoy the fieldwork.

Examples of real geography personal statements

These geography personal statements are written by real students. Among them you will find personal statements that have formed part of successful applications to universities such as Manchester, Aberdeen and King's.

Bear in mind, these personal statements are presented in exactly the way they were originally submitted to Ucas. Don't expect them all to be perfect! But by reading through a few of these samples, you'll be able to get some ideas and inspiration for your own personal statement. 

More help with your personal statement

You can find personal statement examples for other courses by using this subject list, or by returning to our personal statements by subject page.

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Successful Personal Statement For Geography At Oxford

Last Updated: 7th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Geography applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Geography Course at Oxford provides a holistic view of the workings of physical and human environments, the ways in which humans are transforming the world and the implications for human societies.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate the many disciplines and topics of Geography. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Geography comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

Geography Personal Statement

Geography is outward-looking, dynamic and topical. It allows me to gain insight into daily news stories on immigration and Middle Eastern conflicts for example, by highlighting their complexity and the challenge to find and evaluate solutions to these problems for the future. The diversity and vital relevance of Geography makes it an immensely valuable subject to study in-depth and I would relish the opportunity to pursue further study in the field.

The area that is of particular interest to me is development geography and specifically global aid. I was introduced to the use of aid in closing the wealth divide in my A2 case studies, where bottom-up aid on a local scale was consistently depicted as a sustainable solution. I was forced to question these views, however, after reading ‘Dead Aid’ by Dambisa Moyo. Her critical comments on charity-based aid particularly caught my attention as they offered a stark contrast in perspective on my case studies. I found it interesting that the factors which contributed to the success of many of the case studies, including small-scale, intermediate technology and low cost solutions were the very aspects of aid that Moyo calls ‘band-aid’ solutions implying unsustainability. The book also touched on the controversial issue of whether aid remains a successful or even acceptable solution when the $50 billion of aid given to Africa annually is arguably not producing significant economic development or improvement. To investigate this further I read ‘The End Of Poverty’ by Jeffrey Sachs which explained how well managed aid can indeed offer an answer to closing the wealth divide. This led to my research into the Millenium Villages of Ghana. Here aid, coupled with local leadership, appears to have delivered a long-term solution to serious economic and social problems. This divergence in opinion over a controversial issue has excited me about exploring these issues in more detail.

To investigate these issues further, I have been prompted to take a gap year to experience the workings of an international NGO. I will be joining the work of education promoting ‘Empower A Child’ in Uganda for 3 months. I hope to gain a rewarding insight into the practical relevance of Geography in the field of non-profit aid and specifically to test Sach’s belief that investment into education is a viable solution to ending poverty.

My other subjects complement my understanding of economic, physical and scientific elements of development and Geography in general. Reading ‘Driven to Extinction’ by Richard Pearson highlighted how Biology and Geography are inextricably linked in our study of the physical world, particularly with regards to the role regulatory systems have in levels of biodiversity. Chemistry and Physics have been relevant in equipping me with the skills to devise data collection programmes and to analyse the results; skills which were necessary to my fieldwork visit to Dartmoor. 

My academic background is complemented by my extra-curricular activities. I was the Organ Scholar and Choir Prefect at my school. My responsibilities included conducting and directing the Chapel Choir on a weekly basis. I was also a fully committed and dedicated member of other choirs and ensembles.  I relished the challenge of arranging and conducting in the House Singing competition which required me to inspire and motivate team work within the house. I have gained 3 Grade 8’s in Organ, Piano and Flute and am currently working towards my Piano Diploma. I was involved in leading the school’s Christian Union through which I have catalysed fundraising for organisations such as Mary’s Meals. In my gap year I am working as Organist and Choir director at St Luke’s Church Grayshott before going to Uganda. These activities demonstrate leadership skills, commitment and an enthusiastic approach to challenges, all of which will equip me well for the study of Geography at university.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This is a very good personal statement and is well-written. The student is clearly interested in many aspects of geography, which is very important as geography is a multi-disciplinary subject. The student describes several areas of geography which capture their interest, demonstrating their interest and commitment to the reader. The student justifies their decision to take a gap year well, and the relevance their activities will have to the subject of geography and their interests in global aid.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The student misspells the word ‘millennium’ in the second paragraph. The second paragraph is also very long. It is hard for the reader to stay focused when reading through long paragraphs, and it would have been better if the student had separated the second paragraph into two. The final paragraph is also very long, and it is not clear where the conclusion begins. As a result, the end of the statement does not deliver the impact which the student has intended to produce. If the student separates the sentence ‘These activities demonstrate leadership skills, commitment and an enthusiastic approach to challenges, all of which will equip me well for the study of Geography at university’ into a new final paragraph, this would have made the final statement much more effective.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is a very good statement. The student has a wealth of experiences and clearly highly motivated to study geography. Some paragraphs are very long, and this reduces the impact that the statement has on the reader. With some restructuring, this could be an excellent statement.

This Personal Statement for Geography is a solid example of demonstrating a wealth of knowledge, motivation and interest, vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

You can find more successful personal statements and our expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Geography application.

With our  Oxbridge Geography Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , score highly on the TSA and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

Discover our Oxbridge Geography Premium Programme  by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

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• Geography Personal Statement Examples

Use these Geography personal statement examples as an inspiration to write your own for the UCAS application . Below you can find real 4 personal statements for the geography course.

My deep belief in the significance of geography in today’s world drives my desire to pursue a degree in the field. Many global issues, including population growth, sustainability, environmental degradation, resource depletion, and natural disasters can be understood through a geographical lens. Furthermore, many natural disasters occur as a result of disregarding the advice of geographers, for example, constructing homes on floodplains, altering water courses, or building nuclear power plants in earthquake-prone areas. The importance of geographical knowledge and understanding for our future well-being cannot be overstated, and the subject appeals to me both for its intrinsic interest and its relevance to our daily lives.

My specific interests include geographical economics, globalisation, and the impact of technology on shrinking the world and creating multicultural societies. Additionally, geographical knowledge allows us to recognise the disparities in the human world, which may become more pronounced as resources become scarcer. With the planet being a finite resource and technology not able to solve all our problems, it is crucial for us to consider the sustainability of western consumption and the effects of climate change, as well as the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. However, there is no subject more exhilarating than the dynamism of the Earth.

Academically, I am strong and have held various positions of responsibility at school. As a high achiever in the Geography Department, I led a field trip for younger pupils last year.  I have coached the year 8 hockey competition at my school and served as captain of the hockey team.  I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of construction during my work experience at a company in London. I conducted building surveys, visited job sites, and learned about the company’s computer system, giving me a glimpse of what it’s like to work in the industry. Additionally, I attended meetings with professionals and visited other companies, further expanding my understanding of the field. Prior to this, I had a placement at a retail store where I worked in a team and received customer service training. These experiences provided me with valuable insights into the job market and taught me the skills necessary to be employable. The transferable nature of many of the skills involved in geography is what drew me to the field, as it opens doors to various possible careers.

In my free time, I am an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular interest in football and hockey, and I am always committed to staying physically fit. Fishing is another hobby that I enjoy as a means of relaxation. I also love to travel and experience different cultures, having had the opportunity to visit Japan on a school trip and various parts of America, including school skiing trips. I am a beginner piano player and I am currently in grade 2. Additionally, I always strive to stay current in my field of study by following the latest developments and trends.

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• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
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• UCAS Application: Process and Deadlines Explained in Details
• Personal Statement Examples

Personal Statement Example for Geography

I have always been fascinated by the subject of Geography and it has been the school subject that has inspired me the most and in which I have achieved the highest grades. The subject holds great intellectual interest for me, but it also seems to be of great importance and relevance in today’s world. Sustainability is an issue that I believe is of the utmost importance and I would like to pursue a degree course that will deepen my understanding of current problems and potentially enable me to contribute to their solutions. I am interested in all aspects of Geography and am considering a career as a teacher of the subject after completing my degree. I believe that geographical and environmental knowledge is essential for any 21st-century individual, as our survival depends on it. I hope to use my training to guide others towards a responsible attitude towards the world we inhabit.

I am aware of the ways in which the environment is changing and the significance of natural disasters, as well as the human implications of poverty and the gap between MDCs and LDCs. I hope that a degree course would delve into the questions of sustainable development, environmental protection, the geopolitics of water usage, carbon management, the development of alternative fuels, recycling, climate change, and the relationship between trade, business and sustainability. The subject also delves into the field of ethics and politics. I also hope to explore how ecosystems function and how technology can be used for conservation rather than being viewed as an enemy. All of these issues are of great importance to me and have inspired me to apply for a degree in Geography.

I am passionate about geography and have had the privilege to travel extensively in Europe and America, which has given me a glimpse of the world’s geographical diversity and how it affects human habitation. I have participated in conferences on tectonic plates and urban geography, as well as in many Geography professional events at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Through my work experience, I have come to believe that teaching is a career path that I would enjoy. I have held leadership roles in my school, which have helped me develop both academically and personally. I am determined, and dedicated, and have a strong academic record. As the first in my family to consider a university course, I am hardworking, organised, and socially responsible.

In 2008, I had the opportunity to go on a trip to Iceland where I saw firsthand the effects of pollution on glaciers, and was able to visit many sites that were fascinating to a true geographer. It was an extraordinary experience to visit a terrain that was so different from what I was used to. I have also been fortunate to follow geographical topics whenever I can. I read newspaper articles on all geographical subjects eagerly, and I attended a conference on the workings of tectonic plates, and another on “Understanding Cities.”

My working experience has led me to believe that I would enjoy a teaching career. I worked briefly at a primary school in Wandsworth, carrying out a number of supervisory tasks such as guiding and organizing children’s play and work, taking part in sports day and helping with school assemblies. The job calls for patience, good time management, and the confidence to make decisions. At my own school, I hold a number of positions of responsibility, all of which have helped me to mature both as a student and as a human being. I enjoy reading and I am a runner and have raised money for charity in several races.

Human Geography Personal Statement Example

Choosing to pursue a degree in Geography was an easy decision for me, as it combines my interests in current affairs and the social sciences. I am captivated by the dynamic and ever-changing nature of geography and its ability to bring together social, environmental, and economic disciplines. My particular interest lies in social and political geographies, but I understand the importance of understanding both physical and human worlds in order to fully grasp the subject.

I have always enjoyed engaging in debates, and my involvement in debating societies since high school has helped me develop an understanding of different perspectives. One notable experience was creating a video with my peers in support of nuclear power as a sustainable energy source in relation to climate change. The video was entered into a national competition and I was fortunate enough to attend the Nuclear New Build 2016 conference in London, where my group was awarded the third prize. This experience gave me valuable insight into the cutting-edge research being done in the field of nuclear power and its importance in gaining energy security in the UK.

Fieldwork is another aspect of geography that I find particularly intriguing. I have conducted studies on the River Chew, specifically looking at how it changes downstream and the human influences on its pH levels. My study revealed that more agricultural and industrial areas resulted in a more acidic river, reinforcing my hypothesis. Additionally, my studies in economics, specifically poverty, human development, and globalization, have sparked my interest in social issues.

I have also had the opportunity to learn about other cultures through various experiences. In 2013, I spent a week on an exchange in Germany, where I worked in a local primary school, which helped me become more independent, observant, and responsible. I am also planning to trek around Greece and Albania to achieve my Explorer Belt, a prestigious award in scouting which requires careful planning, teamwork, and perseverance.

I am actively involved in the scouting movement and have taken on various leadership roles. I am a fully qualified Young scout and have gained my first Chief Scouts Award. Through this, I have participated in many activities such as classes in Astronomy, international trips, and planning and completing a two-day expedition. I strongly believe that these experiences and responsibilities have shaped me as a person and have given me the leadership qualities and determination to achieve my goals in my chosen field of study.

Personal Statement for Geography Course

Geography is a subject that has always deeply interested me, as it relates to almost everything in everyday life. Growing up in Southampton, close to the coast, I have had many opportunities to study and explore landmarks such as Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks. I have also been on field trips to Studland, and South Wales to study various geographical concepts such as succession in a psammosere, urban land uses, rivers, soils, deindustrialization, and urban land uses.

I have been passionate about music since a young age and have been playing the drums for over eight years. In 2001, I achieved a grade 8 standard and grade 5 music theory. In 1998, I joined the Youth Wind Orchestra (DYWO) and had the opportunity to play in the millennium concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2000. Through DYWO, I have met many other young musicians and teachers from all over Southampton and have learned new percussion instruments such as timpani, vibraphone, and congas. I am also involved in various bands and ensembles in my school and have played at parties and functions with my own rock band.

I went on a two-week work experience with “The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals” in Blandford, where I played the percussion and had the opportunity to participate in Prince Philip’s 70th birthday celebrations at Cardiff castle. Although I have chosen not to pursue music as a career, I have gained valuable experiences and financial gain through playing in shows and teaching regularly.

I have also worked in a small village shop for a year and in the cafeteria at Monkey World, a local zoo for primates. During the summer, I was also chosen to supervise a newly built play area at Monkey World, which was a challenging but rewarding experience.

I have had the opportunity to travel to various countries such as Spain, Argentina, Poland, and Italy on family holidays. During my gap year, I plan to work to save up for more travel experiences prior to starting university.

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• Geography Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Hannah Slack

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Geography. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

As awareness grows about the impact of climate change on our planet, geography has become an increasingly important topic that can help offer the solutions to many new arising problems. I am particularly interested in specialising in coastal geography as rising sea levels and extreme weather events are proving to become a significant problem for many areas. As over 45% of the world’s population live in coastal environments, I aspire to involve myself in the recent movements to help protect against dangerous flooding and erosion.

I completed my undergraduate degree a year ago, achieving an upper 2.1 in geography. During my degree I was also able to take modules from other subjects and chose to take a couple of courses in ecology. Advancing my knowledge and skills in ecology has been extremely beneficial as coastal geography and management is as much about protecting the human population as it is about protecting the range of animal species that use beaches as their habitat. My undergraduate degree also allowed me to take part in a few different field work activities, my favourite being the creation of beach profiles to investigate seasonal change over the course of a year.

The summer before the start of my third year I undertook work experience with a national company as an analyst. This allowed me to strengthen my strategizing skills and to continue advancing my analytical skills in a different setting. I also had the opportunity to shadow a financial team for a week, which exposed me to the important inner workings of business. I now have a better understanding of common financial issues and constraints which will benefit me when I finish education and start my career.

In the year between finishing my undergraduate degree and applying for this Masters, I completed a few different volunteer roles. Throughout the year I was a group leader for the RSPB. Their leadership training helped me develop important skills in leading people and creating events. I believe these will useful transferable skills to aid me in management roles and education event running in the future. Working for the RSPB also taught me about many different conservation efforts that are currently taking place on our coasts.

In addition to my work experience I was crowned a chess champion in 2018. While chess does not appear to be relevant to coastal studies and management, the game has allowed me to build up excellent strategy skills as players have to take into account potential moves of the opposition. Additionally, I have learned how to respond efficiently to the unexpected, which is a key skill in coastal management and flood control.

I have applied to your university because its location meant that your Masters course offers some of the best possible teaching for coastal geography. The proximity to coastal environments not only means that the university has attracted top specialists in the field, but it also means you are able to offer students extensive practical experience, which I am most excited about.

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What are some of the options for studying a masters in geography, m.a. geography: culture, environment and tourism, university of passau faculty of social and educational sciences, msc in economic geography, radboud university geography, planning and environment, cultural geography: sustainable tourism & society msc, university of groningen campus fryslan, ma climate, risk and society, durham university department of geography & institute of hazard, risk and resilience, msc development and international business, queen mary university of london school of business & management, find a masters in geography.

If you're interested in a studying Geography then why don't you check out our regularly updated catalogue of available Geography Masters courses .

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Geographical

Official magazine of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Applications: How to write a brilliant personal statement

We asked those in the know what makes a geography personal statement stand out when applying for a geography undergraduate degree

As you’ll probably already know, all university applicants are allowed a maximum of five choices (either at different universities, or different courses at the same university). While many universities offer geography degrees they will all have slightly different specialisms and different field trip opportunities, so do plenty of research and attend open days (whether in person or virtually). 

Common advice is to apply for two or three courses that normally offer the sorts of grades you realistically expect to get, and two or three others which offer lower grades than you hope to get. Ultimately you will only be able to hold two offers; these tend to be the university you most want to go to, and one other safety-net offer for lower grades in case things go less well in examinations. 

Take care to put together a strong personal statement as this could be used to distinguish between two candidates with similar predicated grades. One of the best things you can do in your application is to include evidence that you have read around your subject ­– many applicants will look no further than the A-level syllabus. But most importantly of all, make it personal and make it clear why  you  want to study geography. Oh, and proof read! Take a look at what some of the people who really matter have to say on the subject…

‘The test of a really good personal statement is always this – by the end of reading it does it answer this question: “Why do you want to spend three years of your life studying Geography?” Explain your passion and love for the subject and do that as much as possible with references to your experiences and your life.’

Professor Ian Candy – Professor in Geography at Royal Holloway University of London

 ‘The key to a great personal statement is that first word: personal. Your statement should be an authentic reflection of you, your personal interest in geography and why you want to pursue the study of geography for three years at University. I know that sounds really obvious, right? But statements have a habit of being drafted and redrafted, edited by well-meaning teachers and careers advisors, then drafted again, and what pops out the other end can sometimes be more of a generic statement than a personal one. So, keep it personal, keep it authentic and let your own voice ring through.’

Dr Alasdair Pinkerton – Professor in Geography at Royal Holloway University of London

 ‘In personal statements, we want to see your enthusiasm and passion for Geography. You should include evidence that demonstrates this, which could take many different forms. For example, you could write about places that you have visited, topics that excite you, your engagement with your local community, experiences when working or volunteering, books that you have read, or anything else that draws on your personal experience.’

Dr Rebecca Hodge – Director of Undergraduate Admissions at  Durham University

‘I look at the personal statements. Not so much the content (“everybody” wants to save the planet/whale/whatever), but if the statement is poorly written with typos and grammatical issues that tends to ring alarm bells for future work and assessments (unless the candidate has a declared disability which could affect their writing of course).’ 

Dr Peter Burt – Programme Lead for Geography at Greenwich University

‘I’m not involved in admissions at Oxford (I don’t interview students or do any of the selection), but I have been at other universities. On advice. I would just say it is very hard to prepare for an interview. Ask people to give you a practice interview (a teacher for instance) and always have a questions ready to ask if they say “have you got any questions for us” – don’t just reply “no”.

Personal statement – try to make parts of it more personal so that it is different. Say something about yourself that is unique to you, even if it is a bit quirky. Anything that makes you stand out as a little different might well help.’

Professor Danny Dorling – Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at the University of Oxford

Plus, we caught up with  Mark Whitehead, a professor in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at  Aberystwyth University. Mark talks about why you should consider studying Geography and how to write the best personal statement

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Blending your academic and extracurricular interests

Of course, those extracurricular interests should be relevant to geography, rather than random other things you do. But given that geography is such a far-reaching subject, this can cover a multitude of activities, interests or experiences. It could also be something you do locally, or somewhere you’ve travelled in the UK, or overseas.

But whatever it is, don’t just say you’ve done it. What’s essential is that you write about it in an interesting and reflective way showing what you’ve gained from it. That way, you’re sure to stand out from the crowd.

Show the real you

The University of Southampton is looking for a similar blend in your geography personal statement: ' A high quality piece of writing that outlines your interests in geography, your extracurricular pursuits, and something of what makes you distinctive as a person.'

A good way to do this is to write about something that excites you about the subject, whether it’s a particular aspect of the syllabus, your wider reading, a project (the EPQ would be relevant if you’re doing one), fieldwork, your extracurricular interests – or ideally, a combination of some of those things. The more interesting it is, the more distinctive you will come across as a person.

See our in-depth guide to studying geography at university, from entry requirements to careers.

More things for geographers to think about

• Wider reading: The London School of Economics is looking for what's motivated you to apply for their course – including wider reading or activities and your interest in 'contemporary geographical problems and their alleviation'. The University of Bristol's website asks for evidence that you have extended your interest in the subject 'beyond formal classroom provision'.
• Uni open days: these can be a great opportunity to get some specific advice. Subject talks will usually mention what they look for in personal statements or, if not, don’t be afraid to ask them face-to-face.
• Talk about particular interests in topics featured in the courses you’re applying for: if regeneration, GIS, tropical savannas, glaciology, coastal zones, tourism or geopolitics fascinate you, write about it in a specific way – avoid bland, obvious phrases like 'I’ve always enjoyed geography'.
• Specialist geography courses: if your UCAS choices include specialist areas including development, population, marine or environmental aspects of geography, include evidence of relevant interests. Maybe you’ve travelled somewhere and taken note of social conditions, read something interesting about migration or marine ecology, or contributed to an environmental debate which has sparked an interest to learn about environmental policy...
• Show why you're passionate: as Dr Reimer at Southampton says: 'We are keen to teach students who are fascinated by the subject, so we want you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for it in your statement'.

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By Ryan Lunn (Content executive, The Uni Guide) | 21 September 2023 | 4 min read

Writing a geography personal statement: expert advice from universities

Make your geography personal statement stand out, with these tips from university admissions teams

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When you’re going for a place on a geography degree course, your personal statement provides a strong way to make your application stand out. We’ve spoken to experts at the University of Hull and Queen Mary University of London to find out exactly what they’re looking for in your geography personal statement. 

Explain why you’d be a good geography student

Universities want you to talk about yourself: tell them what sets you apart.  Dr Jonathan Dean, director of admissions for geography at the University of Hull, says: “We want to know why you enjoy studying this subject and want to do a degree in it. What part of the subject interests you the most? Have you read a relevant book on it or travelled somewhere that brought the subject to life for you? “Tell us why you think you’d excel at this course. Have you done a project where you have gained some statistical skills? Have you got some relevant work experience? We want to know!”

• Read more: how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps

Show that your motivation goes beyond your predicted grades

Tell admissions tutors why you want to study geography: you can impress them more by demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject.  Dr Andrew Russell, undergraduate admissions tutor for the school of geography at Queen Mary University of London, says: “I like to see students’ motivations and ambitions in personal statements. So, why are you interested in geography? What aspects of geography interest you most? Where do you want the degree to take you?  “We can look at your qualifications and predicted grades to get a feel for what students are good at but that doesn’t tell me why students care about a particular subject. This can be particularly powerful if students are doing an EPQ in a relevant topic so make sure you give details on that if possible – this can be a great talking point if students attend an open day or offer-holder day as well.”

• Read more: how to write your university application

Highlight extracurricular activities with relevant skills

Even if your skills aren’t directly related to geography, you can still describe how you could apply them to your degree. “Any activity can be relevant if you’ve gone to the trouble of thinking about why it is relevant and articulating that”, says Andrew. “That shows a certain level of analytical skills that we’re interested in. “Anything that has given you skills that would be useful in your degree is worth mentioning,” agrees Jonathan. “Don’t just say you’ve had a job or have a certain hobby – go into detail and tell us what skills these have given you.” Skills from your part-time job are relevant, but make sure you explain them and give specific examples. “Some things might be directly relevant to your course - you might have worked or volunteered as a conservation officer - which would give you knowledge and skills that would be useful on a geography or environmental science degree,'' says Jonathan. “But even in things like working as a barista or volunteering as a scout leader, you can still talk about the skills like time management and leadership that you have gained.”

• Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Read around the subject

Researching geography in your spare time shows your desire to learn as well as a genuine interest in the subject. “It’s good to hear about reading you’ve done around the topic - popular science books, National Geographic or New Scientist articles, peer reviewed papers,” says Andrew. “Contextualise why what you’ve read is relevant and why it inspired you.  “There are also many relevant massive open online courses out there now and students can show that they’ve engaged with university level material by taking one of those.”

• Read more: personal statement FAQs

Mention you enjoy being outdoors

Your degree could include some fieldwork: include any experience that indicates you’re comfortable being in nature.  “Any experience of the great outdoors is useful to mention too,” explains Andrew.  “You’re quite likely to end up doing some fieldwork in a geography degree so it’s reassuring to know that students have some relevant experience. This could be a sport, a hobby, volunteering or Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, for example.”

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Personal Statements Bank

Want some help from successful applicants.

Writing your personal statement can be daunting – for many university applicants it might be their first time preparing a formal summary of their academic achievements, and that can often feel boastful or uncomfortable – where should you even begin!?

Our current students have very kindly given us permission to publish some of their unammended personal statements to help give you some suggestions as to how to structure your personal statement. Most importantly, these personal statements are by no means perfect, but they earned these students their places at the University of Oxford, and therefore your personal statement doesn't have to be perfect either. 

If you haven't already, check out our Personal Statements Overview video where we explain the basics of personal statements, and watch our Personal Statements Tips video, where students give some of the advice they found most useful when writing their own personal statements. Even if the subject you are applying for isn't contained in the list below, seeing how the students structured their personal statements and the kinds of language & sentences they used can be really useful in writing your own – but always make sure to be original and not plagiarise! UCAS does use anti-plagiarism software to verify each personal statement's originality.

This page is being regularly updated as more St Anne's students kindly submit their personal statements, so watch this space for developments. If there isn't yet an example personal statement here for the subject you're applying for, then please get in touch and we may still have one on-file that we can send to you.

Academic year application was made:  2022-23

My interest in biochemistry began while I read an article on the dynamics of ssDNA hybridisation. The scientists achieved an extraordinary amount of detail when using TIRF imaging. They revealed the kinetics of independent strands and explained how these were affected by extrinsic factors with the Eyring equation. Their precision inspired me – chemical principles can be applied to produce a dynamic view of biological systems. The overlap between biology and chemistry highlighted the intricacies of the molecules which allow for life – all of which contain carbon. This special atom has the perfect number of electrons to have sp3 hybridised orbitals, lending it the ability to form 4 equal sigma bonds and long chains – a phenomenon known as catenation. When a lecture and supervision by Stewart Sage of Selwyn College, Cambridge presented the delicate subcellular pathways of osmoregulation, I was fixed on learning more about the chemistry of life. Having taken part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, I enjoy being exposed to problems which at first seem challenging but can be solved by applying prior knowledge in elegant ways. I have been especially interested in methods with which enzymes carry out their functions. By gaining a detailed understanding of these mechanisms, we can seek to use the biological machinery to our advantage, as I saw when at the Royal Institution. I was tasked with using gel electrophoresis to compare DNA fragments from different group A Streptococci strains. After running the gel successfully, I understood that palindromic mutations in the fragments had acted as markers for the restriction enzymes, producing DNA bands which were identifiable with the ladder. When analysing the results, we were able to predict the severity of the infection, ranging from mild strep throat to necrotising fasciitis. The first section of MITx’s Molecular Biology MOOC, discussing DNA replication and repair, drew me more towards enzyme mechanics. I enjoyed learning about the structure of DNA polymerase and how its ‘fingers’ hold dNTPs in place using pi-stacking, interactions with other charged amino acids in the O-helix, and Mg2+ ions. Nucleotide tautomerisation also poses a threat to the accuracy of replication; therefore, the dienzyme contains a proofreading exonuclease, making the process 100 times more accurate. The overlap between mutation and apoptosis interested me; changes in the fine balance between bcl2 and Bax expressions could escalate to cell death, with bh3 mimetic drugs being used to combat this. I saw how problems in the biological field could be solved using chemistry. Articles on the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s and ARMD led me to read about iPSCs and their use in deriving specialised tissues in vitro – tissues which were used as organoids to study potential therapies for the diseases. After listening to Shinya Yamanaka’s lecture on the future of iPSCs, I was inspired to undertake an EPQ dissertation on the viability of iPSCs in precision medicine. During the research phase, I shadowed researchers in the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, where I was trained in primer design, protein BLAST, western blots, genotyping murine lines, and PBMC isolation. Above all, I was able to speak to researchers in Prof. Pete Coffey’s lab about their work using a patient-derived iPSC organoid model. This led me closer to understanding how research was approaching to their use in medicine – the team had already developed a strong stem cell replacement therapy. I found an importance in self-study early as I taught myself the drums and guitar to a high level. This gave me a sense of accomplishment as I sought to imitate this in other impersonal interests. In college, I found it fulfilling to study ancient world literature, via a MOOC; stretching my interests in the arts, I read classical plays and joined a college poetry society. On my DofE Bronze expedition, I developed an interest in adventure sports, camping frequently since.

Academic year application was made: 2021-22

Used to also apply for: Medical Biosciences; Biochemistry

Used to also apply for: Geology

Used to also apply for: Mechanical Engineering

Academic year application was made:  2021-22

Academic year application was made: 2019-20

Used to also apply for: Liberal arts; Languages and cultures; Sociology

Academic year application was made: 2022-23

Academic year application was made: 2020-21

Used to also apply for: Theoretical Physics; Mathematics and Physics

Current St Anne’s Students

Want to add yours to help out.

If you are a current St Anne’s student and want to share your personal statement as a way to guide prospective applicants toward a more successful application, please submit your personal statement (anonymously) here .

Graduate School

Personal Statement

Applicants will be required to upload a personal statement with the admission application in the space provided. Prior to submitting, please review file upload requirements .

Requirements

Princeton is strongly committed to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Applicants are required to submit a statement with their application briefly describing how their academic interests and life experiences would help them contribute to Princeton's scholarly community.

The Graduate School does not have specific formatting requirements, however the essay must be written in English and should not exceed 500 words.

Please be sure to review the personal essay before uploading and submitting the admission application. If you submitted an application and need to revise the essay, you may upload the corrected version through the checklist if it is before the deadline. After the deadline, no revised personal essay will be accepted.

More From Forbes

5 essential elements of a standout linkedin summary (with examples).

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5 essential elements of a standout LinkedIn summary (with examples)

At the top of every LinkedIn profile is a very important section: the summary. Here’s where anyone visiting your profile has a chance to learn about you. Don’t waste this opportunity. Your LinkedIn summary is your digital elevator pitch. It's where you grab attention, showcase your value, and turn passive browsers into real connections.

Here are five key elements to include in a winning LinkedIn summary, with real-world examples from professionals on LinkedIn who know what they are doing.

Each example takes a slightly different approach but each is genius in its own way.

Craft a LinkedIn summary that sells with these pro tips

Hook with a problem statement.

Your potential clients are drowning in a sea of content. They're overwhelmed, confused, and desperate for a lifeline. Your LinkedIn summary is that lifeline, if you know how to throw it to them.

John Ainsworth , The Funnel Guy and founder of Data Driven Marketing, nails this approach. He opens his summary with: "Are tons of people seeing your free content, but not enough people buying your paid courses?" This immediately speaks to his target audience's pain point.

Google Warns Millions Of Android Users—Do Not Install These Apps

Ukrainian troops breached russian border defenses 20 miles west of the kursk salient—but didn’t get very far, nyt ‘strands’ today: hints, spangram and answers for friday, september 13th.

He follows up with more specific questions. "Do you have low sales despite great traffic, good email open rates and decent landing pages? Do you need to improve your conversion rates or struggle with building an automated sales system?"

By articulating these problems, Ainsworth shows he understands his audience's challenges. This creates an instant connection and makes readers want to learn more. What questions would you ask in yours?

Showcase your unique value proposition

Be remarkable or invisible. Make your choice. Include your unique value proposition near the top of your summary, so people know exactly what you do and who you do it for. This can make your profile a magnet for your dream clients.

Charlotte Lloyd , Founder of The Client Acquisition Club, does this brilliantly. A few lines in, she states: "I help you increase pipeline and convert clients on LinkedIn by showing you how to social sell using content along with a warm outbound & inbound system to close sales."

This clear statement tells potential clients exactly what she offers and how she's different from others. She backs it up with specifics. "I have a client acquisition club program for founders, coaches & consultants who want to level up social selling on LinkedIn using content and outreach to warm up prospects. And use sales strategies to close more deals."

Lloyd's summary leaves no doubt about her expertise and the value she brings to her clients. Consider this approach for yours if Lloyds sounds good to you.

Demonstrate credibility with results

Talk is cheap. Results speak volumes. When everyone on LinkedIn is telling you what to do and how, your past successes are what sets you apart. Once you’ve made your offer clear, it’s time to back it up. You don’t need to invent stories, because you already did the doing. Use your summary to make that clear.

Richard Moore , LinkedIn expert and consultant, excels at this. He doesn't just claim he can help; he proves it towards the end of his LinkedIn summary. "Need proof? Take a look for yourself! Every day, my content gets thousands of views and huge engagement, that drives leads, opportunities and sales for my services."

He goes further, mentioning, "I'm proud to have helped businesses from solopreneurs to 9-figure brands close better sales. I've also taught hundreds of clients over the world how to sell using LinkedIn through my coaching, courses and lectures."

By showcasing his results and experience right there in his summary, Moore builds trust and credibility with potential clients. What’s the social proof equivalent for you?

Add personality to stand out

LinkedIn is a professional network, not a robot convention. Sprinkling personality into your summary doesn't make you unprofessional, it makes you memorable. LinkedIn used to be corporate speak, now it’s conversation. So use your summary to engage.

Leslie Douglas , vice president of sponsorship at Sell Better, shares personality in her summary. She starts with an unexpected take on sales. "I got into sales as a profession as many people do…. by accident! But over time, I have discovered that everything we are doing is sales."

She then lists everyday examples of selling, like negotiating bedtime as a child or auditioning for a school play. This relatable approach makes her instantly likeable. Douglas also includes a personal section with emojis: "ABOUT ME 🎀I am the mother to a bold and creative 8 year old daughter. 💪Supporter of women everywhere in every walk. 📖Storyteller & avid story collector. 🎄Lover of all things Christmas."

This approach, emojis included, helps potential connections see her as a real person, not just a LinkedIn profile. How can you show off your winning personality?

Close with a clear call-to-action

Every viewer to your profile is a potential client, partner, or opportunity. But you only have a few seconds to tell them what to do next. Now they’ve read your summary until the very end, give them a clear next step to take.

Chris Ritson , founder and sales education expert, ends his summary with a direct invitation to connect. He provides his email address and phone number, making it easy for interested parties to reach out. If that’s not your vibe, share your site. Share a lead magnet that you know is irresistible to your dream client. Earlier in Ritson’s summary, he does exactly this too.

By giving clear next steps, Ritson increases the chances of profile viewers taking the next step. Don’t let people bounce off your profile when you tell them where to go. Turn passive followers to engaged subscribers, calls or listeners when you close out strong.

Level up your LinkedIn game with these summary secrets

Your LinkedIn summary is your chance to make a strong first impression. Hook readers with a problem statement you know they relate to. Clearly state your unique value so there’s no ambiguity. Back up your claims with real results and demonstrate your experience with numbers. Inject some personality to stand out. And always end with a clear call-to-action.

Treat your LinkedIn profile like you would your website or your product’s packaging. Use your summary to set yourself up for success and be forever grateful you did.

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Geography personal statement example 31.

Geography is a subject that inspires me greatly, mainly due to the nature of studying a subject that evolves constantly around our daily lives. Current issues such as climate change, natural hazards and their interconnectedness are areas of geography I am excited to study in depth at a degree level.

The initial spark that started my interest in Climate change was a result of my frequent visits to India. In a sense it was the 'what' has happened before the 'why' that led to my wider reading on the issue.

Seeing the periodic devastation first hand in the Bengal region on the Eastern coast of India, prompted my own research as to why some areas of the world were continually susceptible to catastrophic flooding events.

My own research has involved me working towards a module with the Open University titled 'Climate Change', where I have learned about factors such as radiative forcing which has given me insight into the physics of the atmosphere, while also developing my independent learning skills. In order to gain a holistic understanding of what I am studying, I grasp at opportunities to visit new places to see geography first hand.

In Summer 2017, I visited Ometepe Island in Nicaragua as part of a World Challenge expedition. I investigated various areas of the island which included looking at the impact of the volcano on agriculture and how it directly and indirectly impacts on quality of life of the locals.

Volunteering with the local people who face the primary consequences raised my awareness on the geographical understanding of why climate change and natural hazards are a threat. I want to study this area of geography further so I can apply this knowledge in my future career to bridge the gap between scientific causes to human consequences.

As well as geography, biology and chemistry have given me a scientific basis which has helped me tie together my understanding of physical processes. These allied subjects have given me skills in data analysis and interpretation as well as strong confidence in statistics which have been especially useful when analysing data for my independent investigation to draw valid conclusions and determine further research.

Using GIS tools during my coursework has given me skills to geo-locate several forms of data onto one map, a skill I am positive will help me in a BSc degree pathway. My independent investigation has heightened my love for geography.

Going out in the field independently gave me freedom to collect my own data to support geographical theories I had researched, with regard to investigating social inequality in a deprived ward.

I particularly enjoyed learning about the residents’ perspectives on this issue, however I had to constantly be sensitive to the ethical dimensions of the task which was often challenging. Having to meet regular deadlines has allowed me to exercise my time management skills and improve my research ability.

My engagement in school life has consolidated my focus for University life. Being Deputy Head girl at school, my main role as head of peer and academic mentoring has given me responsibility to be a role model. Mentoring a younger student has shown me the value of good listening skills and importance of communication in a professional and non-professional environment.

Achieving a silver in the intermediate maths challenge demonstrates my ability to tackle problems logically. My resilient qualities such as hard-work and determination have been represented through selection to play for the North of England in Junior Regional performance level hockey.

My goal to gain greater involvement in steps to reverse climate change was reinforced by a trip to the UN HQ in Vienna, where I attended a lecture on sustainable development. The lecture stressed how combating climate change involves global involvement and inspired me to want to be a part of this global movement after obtaining a degree in geography.

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