Psychology Personal Statement Example 32

It is human nature to question, to want to unearth the knowledge we do not have; an area of discovery I find most intriguing is in the study of and exploration into the nature of the human mind.

There are so many areas of psychology that interest me and make me determined to learn more about, such as the science behind memory and cognition, the emotion and reasoning behind motivation and perception, and how all aspects intertwine to form who we are, what we know, and what we believe.

I have always been an avid reader. 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath was fascinating to study because of the depth Plath goes into when describing Esther's thoughts, enabling the reader to feel they know just how Esther is feeling through-out her mental breakdown.

This also gives a good insight into the workings of mental institutions and what abnormal psychology really is, or is classed as- and how this has changed over the years.

I found this also true of Jodi Picoult's 'Second Glance' which told of the history of eugenics as well as how people were actually classed as mentally ill because they did not conform to the 'normal' attitudes and beliefs of society.

Studying Biology and Chemistry at A level has increased my knowledge and understanding of how the body works and how our thoughts are affected by physical processes, and finding out about the relationship between psychological disorders and brain chemistry is of great interest to me.

Studying and developing arguments for and against the nature-nurture debate was additionally very fascinating. Also, during my gap year I have had a work placement with a care organisation, and had the chance to care for an Alzheimer's patient.

Seeing how some days she could not remember anything about where she was or how to take care of herself, and then on other days required no care whatsoever, was captivating and made me even more want to study psychology to look into the science behind this horrible but interesting disease.

To relax I enjoy music, including playing it. I achieved grade 5 with distinction on the clarinet and am working towards grade 6.

I also enjoy outdoor pursuits and was one of the crew aboard the Rona 11, sailing from Bergen to Den Helder in the 2008 Tall Ships Race, in which we came second within our group.

I have now been selected again for the Rona 11 in the Transatlantic Tall Ships Race 2009, in which we will be sailing from Tenerife to Bermuda.

These races are not only a challenge- which I love- but they are also a chance to travel the world, participate in something as exhilarating as sailing, and work as part of an entertaining and supportive team.

Over the past 5 years I have also been involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. I have my bronze and silver awards and recently completed my gold, for which my service entailed training younger students in navigation and compass work.

In addition, I have successfully completed the Ten Tors 45 mile Challenge which involved, along with 5 of my school team mates, hiking up ten of Dartmoor's Tors within a set time limit of two days.

This involved a lot of training and dedication throughout my GCSE year, including hiking in the wet and cold every other weekend throughout the winter.

However, it was definitely worth it because, although it may not sound it, it was fun, and knowing you can push yourself to the limit like that leaves you utterly elated, and craving for new challenges.

I believe I have the aptitude, drive and commitment to make an excellent student for a degree in psychology, and eagerly anticipate commencing study.