Academic Thread

[charliechalk]

If anybody is applying for a Masters in social work/any social care based subject here's my personal statement in case you get stuck. I got accepted to LJMU and Manchester Uni.I hope to continue my studies beyond undergraduate level as I believe that along with the invaluable experience I gain from volunteering and paid work, the knowledge, experience and opportunity for personal and professional growth that I will gain from a Social Work course will be invaluable for my career progression. My current degree (Youth Studies BA (Hons)) has the level one module “Social Policy”, level two modules “Social Exclusion” and “Care”, and the level three module “Reflective and Evidence Based Practice”. Studying these modules has furthered my interest in the social care sector and I believe the knowledge I have accrued during this time will enable me to pick up the content easier and thus make the transition to the Social Work MA a much less onerous task. Another module I have studied at both levels two and three, “Youth Justice Practice”, is taught by a qualified social worker through whom I have developed an understanding of the complexity and high levels of commitment required within the social work profession during my class and external discussions.To date, I have undertaken a number of volunteering activities. These include helping organisations such as the Radford Care Home for the Elderly, Barnardos and the Rushcliffe Crime and Disorder Partnership. A lot of this experience is borne in that during much of my early time at university I had been focusing on a career, working specifically with young people; particularly those at risk from harm or offending. I am also a Social Sciences Ambassador and a Course Representative for my year group; I feel this shows that I have commitment beyond the academia side of the degree.I am currently a community member of Referral Order Panels for the Nottinghamshire Youth Offending Service. The training for this post alone has taught me much with regard to the processes and experiences of being a Youth Offending Team member and the diverse life-experiences of young offenders themselves. I have observed proceedings in both Magistrate and Crown Courts and have visited HMYOI Wetherby, West Yorkshire. In addition, I also have experience outside of the criminal justice sector. During 2006 I spent six weeks, full-time, at Hadden Park High School, Nottingham. This was invaluable as it enabled me to gain first hand understanding of working in a learning environment with children from mostly low income backgrounds. It also taught me many lessons in the art of communication, the formulation of sound working relationships and management, particularly in a school. I will be returning to this school in April 2009 to refresh my previous visit. I would value the opportunity to learn more about the statutory legal framework, which binds the work of local authorities, to their own byelaws, policies and procedures. I am also interested in understanding the complexities which surround the field, particularly when things do not go according to plan (e.g. the cases of Victoria Climbie and Baby P). Consequently, I would value the chance to further study some of the ensuing inquiry reports and to learn how these documents may affect the manner in which social work tasks are performed in the future. I also welcome the prospect of exploring the value base of the social work profession and how this relates to the learning that I have already undertaken with regard to issues such as diversity, anti-discriminatory practice, reflective practice, individual empowerment, and advocacy of rights. Finally, I would value the opportunity to work with vulnerable adults and those who experience mental ill health, as these are areas of work that I have not previously encountered, yet are integral to the sensitive and complex role of the social work practitioner. I am most excited by the prospect of observing the future development of the legislations and practice during my time en route to, and hopefully during, my time in the profession.

[Dubby]

the way I've been here all day, done nothing - have this presentation at 9am that I haven't started that i was supposed to do 2 weeks agojust lol

[DAT_YOUT_FROM_E15]

january im back into education

[Dubby]

Sometimes I can't be bothered with life... wish I could just sleep during the day, computer early evening and go out ravin at night.Still haven't started that essay KMT! I hate how I chose this optional unit and it's giving me so much stress.

[Bardissimo]

done most of the UCAS i can do without help and handed in another UCAS statement, should have this off by next wednesday @ the latest

[Corrigan]

what's my P.S sayingThe ignorant may often claim that History is an ‘irrelevant subject’, in an era that on the surface appears to be dominated by Economics and large-scale businesses. However, I view statements of this nature as incredibly frivolous, because past events and decisions still continue to shape society, affecting the lives of many. One only has to briefly assess the situation in Northern Ireland, to realise that disasters which occurred hundreds of years ago can still have a tremendous effect on the public, even today. Presently, I am studying English Literature, Politics and History, each of these respected studies require great analytical skill that will place me in good stead once I embark upon my postgraduate study of History. Politics have always been an interest of mine, and is a subject that is in many aspects similar to History, particularly in the sense that I have to study decisions from by-gone eras that still bare a significant impact on our lives today. Most importantly I have thoroughly enjoyed History and flourished in it from a young age, and it only seems like natural progression for me to continue this passion into the upper echelons of education. The skills I have acquired from studying History have been of unprecedented importance to me. For example analyzing sources for credibility is an ability I now employ on a day-to-day basis, when either reading the newspaper or watching the news.To supplement my A2 study of History, I have read Ian Kershaw’s “Hitler Myth”. This compelling book has helped broaden my knowledge of Nazi Germany and will most definitely pay dividends once I start my coursework. Outside reading is essential to any degree and I fervently believe my decision to begin this now has rendered me far better prepared for university. My spare time is typically spent at the gym or smoking cannabis. The self-discipline needed to continually train at the gym and maintain your personal well-being is incredibly high. This self-discipline is also reflected in my general attitudes towards education, which is entirely focused and never lacking in direction. I also find the solace found on a spliff’s circumference is of unmatched beauty.The dedication I have in regards to the study of History is un-alterable. However, the skill I manifest in the subject is constantly changing for the better and I would relish the opportunity to improve my ability even further at your respected establishment.

[neeko]

Sometimes I can't be bothered with life... wish I could just sleep during the day, computer early evening and go out ravin at night.Still haven't started that essay KMT! I hate how I chose this optional unit and it's giving me so much stress.

lol u be surprised how many are living this dream

[Dubby]

what's my P.S saying

switch the first line around to:-in an era that on the surface appears to be dominated by Economics and large-scale businesses The ignorant may often claim that History is an ‘irrelevant subject’,however I'd recommend you switch the word 'ignorant' out for something that doesn't make it seem like you're attacking people, maybe "some may often claim...."

[Guest Lisa Turtle]

Exams in December, FML.

[Aquaman]

who wants to shot me some a-level maths books?

[Necksta]

"My spare time is typically spent at the gym or smoking cannabis."lmao

[Corrigan]

"My spare time is typically spent at the gym or smoking cannabis."lmao

i dnt c the problem tbh

[Angelo]

LOLHangon?This guy's for real?LMFAO

[Angelo]

1The ignorant may often claim that History is an 'irrelevant subject', in an era that on the surface appears to be dominated by Economics and large-scale businesses. However, I view statements of this nature as incredibly frivolous, 2because past events and decisions still continue to shape society, affecting the lives of many. One only has to briefly assess the situation in Northern Ireland, to realise that 3disasters which occurred hundreds of years ago can still have a tremendous effect on the public, 4even today. 5Presently, I am studying English Literature, Politics and History, each of these respected studies require great analytical skill that will place me in good stead once I embark upon my postgraduate study of History. Politics 6have always been an interest of mine, and is a subject that is in many aspects similar to History, particularly in the sense that I have to study decisions from by-gone eras that still 7bare a significant impact on our lives today. Most importantly I have thoroughly enjoyed History and 8flourished in it from a young age, and it only seems like natural progression for me to continue this passion into the upper echelons of education. The skills I have acquired from studying History have been of unprecedented importance to me. For example analyzing sources for credibility is an ability I now employ on a day-to-day basis, 9when either reading the newspaper or watching the news.To supplement my A2 study of History, I have read Ian Kershaw's "Hitler Myth". This compelling book has helped broaden my knowledge of Nazi Germany and will most definitely pay dividends once I start my coursework. Outside reading is essential to any degree and I fervently believe my decision to begin this now has rendered me far better prepared for university. 10My spare time is typically spent at the gym or smoking cannabis. The self-discipline needed to continually train at the gym and maintain your personal well-being is incredibly high. This self-discipline is also reflected in my general attitudes towards education, which is entirely focused and never lacking in direction. 11I also find the solace found on a spliff's circumference is of unmatched beauty.The dedication I have in regards to the study of History is 12un-alterable. 13However, the skill I manifest in the subject is 14constantly changing for the better and I would relish the opportunity to improve my ability even further at 15your respected establishment.

1 - Reword. Don't start with "The Ignorant". You're immediately having a go. Never start with a negative or a perceived "attack".2 - Try to avoid backing your claims with "because", especially in the context you've used the word. It tends to sound juvenile and unrefined.3 - Hyperbole, and wrong context. Doesn't sound thought through.4 - You're repeating yourself. You've already said "still have a tremendous..."5 - Reword. Doesn't flow well. Maybe "I am currently" or something along those lines.6 - "Politics has", not "have"7 - "bear", not "bare"8 - Poor word choice and bad english. Reword. Also the Upper Echelons section is a bit fruity - but it's not so drastic as to remove. It's up to you. It sounds very, very wishy washy.9 - Small continuity - "whether" instead of when either.10 - You can't be serious.11 - Again, not serious.12 - Too much. Don't milk it. You're interested in history, cool. You wouldn't be applying otherwise.13 - Why are you starting a sentence with "However" if it agrees with your previous one?14 - Repetitive and slightly jarring now.15 -Put the name of the university if you can send a separate personal statement to each university. Otherwise this is just insulting.It's not bad. Most errors are continuity and slight repetitiveness. Never, EVER make spelling mistakes in PS. You can use all the flowery words and clearly jacked phrases you want, but you will look like an imbecile when you spell common words wrong or use them in the wrong context. It screams out that you're trying to portray someone you're not. There's a difference between selling yourself and faking it.

[Guest Medic]

Nice breakdown, lol @ 10 and 11

[Corrigan]

1The ignorant may often claim that History is an 'irrelevant subject', in an era that on the surface appears to be dominated by Economics and large-scale businesses. However, I view statements of this nature as incredibly frivolous, 2because past events and decisions still continue to shape society, affecting the lives of many. One only has to briefly assess the situation in Northern Ireland, to realise that 3disasters which occurred hundreds of years ago can still have a tremendous effect on the public, 4even today. 5Presently, I am studying English Literature, Politics and History, each of these respected studies require great analytical skill that will place me in good stead once I embark upon my postgraduate study of History. Politics 6have always been an interest of mine, and is a subject that is in many aspects similar to History, particularly in the sense that I have to study decisions from by-gone eras that still 7bare a significant impact on our lives today. Most importantly I have thoroughly enjoyed History and 8flourished in it from a young age, and it only seems like natural progression for me to continue this passion into the upper echelons of education. The skills I have acquired from studying History have been of unprecedented importance to me. For example analyzing sources for credibility is an ability I now employ on a day-to-day basis, 9when either reading the newspaper or watching the news.To supplement my A2 study of History, I have read Ian Kershaw's "Hitler Myth". This compelling book has helped broaden my knowledge of Nazi Germany and will most definitely pay dividends once I start my coursework. Outside reading is essential to any degree and I fervently believe my decision to begin this now has rendered me far better prepared for university. 10My spare time is typically spent at the gym or smoking cannabis. The self-discipline needed to continually train at the gym and maintain your personal well-being is incredibly high. This self-discipline is also reflected in my general attitudes towards education, which is entirely focused and never lacking in direction. 11I also find the solace found on a spliff's circumference is of unmatched beauty.The dedication I have in regards to the study of History is 12un-alterable. 13However, the skill I manifest in the subject is 14constantly changing for the better and I would relish the opportunity to improve my ability even further at 15your respected establishment.

1 - Reword. Don't start with "The Ignorant". You're immediately having a go. Never start with a negative or a perceived "attack".2 - Try to avoid backing your claims with "because", especially in the context you've used the word. It tends to sound juvenile and unrefined.3 - Hyperbole, and wrong context. Doesn't sound thought through.4 - You're repeating yourself. You've already said "still have a tremendous..."5 - Reword. Doesn't flow well. Maybe "I am currently" or something along those lines.6 - "Politics has", not "have"7 - "bear", not "bare"8 - Poor word choice and bad english. Reword. Also the Upper Echelons section is a bit fruity - but it's not so drastic as to remove. It's up to you. It sounds very, very wishy washy.9 - Small continuity - "whether" instead of when either.10 - You can't be serious.11 - Again, not serious.12 - Too much. Don't milk it. You're interested in history, cool. You wouldn't be applying otherwise.13 - Why are you starting a sentence with "However" if it agrees with your previous one?14 - Repetitive and slightly jarring now.15 -Put the name of the university if you can send a separate personal statement to each university. Otherwise this is just insulting.It's not bad. Most errors are continuity and slight repetitiveness. Never, EVER make spelling mistakes in PS. You can use all the flowery words and clearly jacked phrases you want, but you will look like an imbecile when you spell common words wrong or use them in the wrong context. It screams out that you're trying to portray someone you're not. There's a difference between selling yourself and faking it.

SAFEbut @ Red,i did't jack anyfing

[Angelo]

NP.In that case that's good. But if you have something you think sounds professional and intellectual, make sure it's in tune with the rest of your statement, otherwise it can stand out and look forced or pretentious.

[Rippy]

"My spare time is typically spent at the gym or smoking cannabis."lmao

:lol:/You're still adding more to it, right?

[Corrigan]

"My spare time is typically spent at the gym or smoking cannabis."lmao

:lol:/You're still adding more to it, right?

they have 2 maximum of 400 wrds

[Natalie]

*gets marlon to check personal statement*

[Rippy]

400 words? The f*ck...Where are you applying to?

[Dubby]

"You can enter up to 4,000 characters (this includes spaces) or 47 lines of text (this includes blank lines), whichever comes first."Doubt all your words are 9 characters long, but yeah.LMAO @ mentioning cannabis in your personal statement, I hope for your sake it was a joke for the VIP2 heads, 'cause stating that you consume class B drugs on your personal statement is just plain retarded. In fact, stating that you consume anything is just waste, why would that help you get into uni?

[Michel Kane]

Need to come off this forum, I got sh*t to do.f*ck.

[The Infamous]

lolol

[Mr Q]

LMAO @ mentioning cannabis in your personal statement, I hope for your sake it was a joke for the VIP2 heads, 'cause stating that you consume class B drugs on your personal statement is just plain retarded. In fact, stating that you consume anything is just waste, why would that help you get into uni?

C/SI am in pieces though, that is just hilarious!