personal statement psychology examples

Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology

A student smiling while holding a pen and writing a personal statmement

Why Strong Personal Statements are so Important for Graduate School

In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you’re a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story. Crafting a compelling personal statement requires insight, precision, and guidance. However, finding quality personal statement for graduate school examples can be challenging. Magoosh is committed to supporting graduate applications with detailed analyses, specific feedback, and comprehensive support throughout the admissions process.

Spotlight on Successful Psychology Personal Statements

We’re excited to showcase two standout personal statement for graduate school examples covering two different psychology tracks. The first, used to apply to Columbia University, explores the therapeutic power of storytelling in the aftermath of trauma and the writer’s dedication to studying the pathways from traumatic experiences to psychopathology. This essay seamlessly weaves together the applicant’s academic pursuits and professional experiences, underlining a deep-seated commitment to understanding and fostering resilience and growth post-trauma.

Second, written for UC Berkeley, takes us on a captivating journey—from volunteering in Haiti to navigating the urban complexity of New York, and finally, to a meaningful role in tutoring across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. This narrative eloquently captures the author’s evolving insight into the significant role counseling plays in psychological well-being and the drive to effect change within the psychology field.

Examples with Expert Annotated Feedback

Our feedback on each personal statement highlights strengths, suggests improvements, and offers strategic advice to boost the essay’s impact and emotional appeal. This feedback reflects our thorough grasp of the admissions process and our dedication to helping candidates refine their narratives.

Now explore our personal statements and expert commentary for inspiration on your application narratives. Whether starting your essay or finalizing it, our resources, expertise, and support guide you through the admissions journey.

Finally, our aim is to help you create a personal statement that surpasses admissions expectations, compellingly showcasing your unique story. Explore our blog for further tips, inspirational success stories, and expert advice , and move forward in your graduate school journey with confidence. Our platform is your ally in turning your graduate school aspirations into achievements.

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Successful Personal Statement For Psychology At Oxford

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

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 Psychology applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Psychology Course at Oxford is a scientific discipline, involving the rigorous formulation and testing of ideas. It works through experiments and systematic observation rather than introspection.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates their academic interests and initiative.

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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Psychology Personal Statement

How does the mind work? The mind is a mystery housed within the most complex mechanism known to man: the human brain. My innate curiosity compels me to find out more about such a mystery through the study of Psychology.

I have long been interested in how our minds differ: for example, why have I always been a strong mathematician while my brother finds it challenging? Being a musician, I found Kathryn Vaughn’s research supporting a correlation between musical and mathematical abilities particularly thought provoking, while I have also wondered whether my childhood obsession with jigsaws helped me develop problem-solving skills, which are particularly relevant in Geometry: the area with the biggest rift in our abilities. Ann Dowker’s argument, in ‘Individual Differences’, that educational methods influence such differences was also particularly compelling. Therefore, in my gap year, whilst helping struggling learners in KS3 Mathematics at a local school, and, when I help educate children in Tanzania as an International Citizen Service volunteer with the VSO charity, I will evaluate the success of different educational methods. This will give me experience of carrying out my own research, and, will develop skills such as empathy, which is important in the more sensitive areas of Psychology. Furthermore, I recently assisted a University of Oxford researcher conducting follow-up assessments with children in local primary schools. These measured reading-age, language comprehension and numeracy level, and are used to gauge and refine the Catch-Up charity’s numeracy intervention programme. As some of the children being assessed were from a control group, my involvement also enlightened me to ethical aspects of research.

Differences that occur in the criminal mind are also of great interest to me. As an elected Student Ambassador for the Holocaust Educational Trust, I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau earlier this year, where I learnt about Rudolf Hoess. Hoess exterminated thousands of families, yet lived with his own family just outside the camp. This ignited an interest in complex behaviour; therefore I read Stanley Milgram’s research into whether ‘the Germans are different’, and learnt about his Theory of Obedience. This developed an interest in Forensic Psychology, and I subsequently attended a Forensics course at Nottingham University, where I learnt about a Forensic Psychologist’s role, during Mental Health tribunals, for example.

Deterioration of the mind, and methods to counteract this, also interest me. Reading the Psychologist has given me an insight into how the effectiveness of such methods could be analysed using a high-resolution 3D brain atlas; while a presentation from Claire Rytina enlightened me to useful cognitive treatment designed to rebuild and retrieve memory following her Viral Encephalitis. I have also voluntarily worked at a Nursing Home with some Dementia sufferers, and noticed that many sufferers enjoyed me playing music from their past, and sometimes, this triggered some of their memories. This made me wonder whether the music stimulated neurones which had lain dormant for years, similarly to when neurones are used for the first time, as Hubel and Weisel’s nature/nurture research has shown. Studying this in A level Biology gave me an interest in neuroscience, while Biology also stressed the importance of controls and fair tests, which are invaluable during Psychology experiments too. My mathematical skills in statistics will also be beneficial when analysing empirical evidence; and, the deep level of analysis and evaluation used for varying sources in A level History will be useful when studying case studies, while my essay techniques will help me when writing reports, and when considering issues from different perspectives.

Overall, I feel that my broad interests and skills will enable me to thrive as a Psychology student at a demanding University, where I would also make a positive contribution to University life.

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

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This statement is powered by a broad range of academic interests — all of which the candidate has explored to a deep and commendable level. They are able to articulate how these interests came about, why they are important and how they intersect. In so doing, the candidate clearly demonstrates their ability to think independently, undertake independent projects and foster a wide-ranging curiosity. Furthermore, they clearly illustrate how their academic interests have had a bearing on their actions outside of the classroom; activities that require a substantial amount of initiative and endeavour.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

While the consideration of a range of different areas of psychology is illustrative of a consistently curious individual, this statement would have benefited from greater cohesion as an overall piece. The candidate could have also found a less rhetorical way of opening their statement; their tone at this point is not a mode of speech that they return to elsewhere, and as such, it seems somewhat like a non-sequitur. Their prose thereafter is much more engaging, and it seems unfulfilling and irrelevant to include such mystifying text at the start.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This candidate maturely presents their academic interests and particular areas of personal pursuit. As a result of this, they are able to demonstrate moments at which they have taken impressive amounts of initiative, and have really gone out of their way in order to experience their academic interests outside of the classroom. They are thereby able to fashion themselves as a curious, energetic, academic individual, who is able to think independently and develop their own work. There are potential areas for stylistic improvement within the statement, but they do not hinder the overall impression given of a capable and committed candidate.

This Personal Statement for Psychology is a great example of demonstrating academic interest and initiative. The candidate’s interest and passion are clearly shown which is 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.

Go to our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

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Personal Statements

What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs. The following tips will help you get started in addition to the supplemental articles from the APA. Students who are looking for a course that breaks down all of the steps in applying to graduate school (including writing your Personal Statement) should consider taking PSY 396C , Preparation for Graduate Programs in the Field of Psychology. This course is recommended Fall of junior year.

General Tips for any Personal Statement

Follow the directions and answer any questions or prompts provided by your programs.
Your Introductory Paragraph should share what ignited your passion or interest for the field (NOT TOO PERSONAL).
Give details, include names of agencies, labs, and or faculty to help paint the picture of what you did.
Share not only your duties but also what you learned from the experience and how that has solidified the work you want to do.
The conclusion needs to show fit to the school/program/faculty member. (PhD programs you need to name who you are applying to specifically).
Ensure your statement flows. Paragraphs need to have transition sentences to connect the ideas. Telling your professional story chronologically helps.
Edit, edit, and edit again. Ask many people to read and edit your statement before submitting it to your programs.

Personal Statements for Applied Masters Programs

An applied master's program is a program that is hands-on and provides coursework and experiences such as internships and field placements to train you to do the work in your chosen field. Some examples are Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. There are many others. These statements aim to convey your interest for the field, share your relevant hands-on experiences as evidence of your preparation, and demonstrate how you are a good match for the program.

Personal Statements for PhD Programs

Ph.D. programs are primarily research-based programs. Even if they provide Clinical Training (e.g. Clinical and Counseling Psychology), they are still fundamentally rooted in producing scientific research. Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself in terms of your research interests, previous research experience, and research goals. Your writing should be clear, concise, grammatically correct, and professional in tone.

Personal Statement Editing

Are you in the process of writing your personal statement for graduate or professional programs and need tutoring/editing services? The University of Arizona Writing Skills Improvement Program is your answer! They offer free and fee-based services. Students can schedule appointments or attend drop-in tutoring . Check it out!

Advice from the American Psychological Association

Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement

Preparing your Personal Statement for Graduate applications

Finding Fit: Personal Statements

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Psychology personal statement

Postgraduate Diplomas (PGDip) and Masters courses in psychology are one of the most popular conversion courses available. Take a look at our personal statement example to help with your application

A personal statement for a psychology conversion course isn't significantly different from an application for any other subject. You'll still be expected to discuss your reasons for choosing the course and particular institution, as well as your relevant skills and experience along with your career goals.

In addition, you will also need to cover:

your motivation to change subjects/careers, with evidence to back up your decision
any preparation you have done to help you study psychology at postgraduate level. This might include relevant aspects of your current undergraduate degree, independent reading or other ways you have engaged with the subject.

If you are thinking of pursuing a career in a psychological profession, relevant volunteer or work experience is valuable evidence to back up your decision to move into psychology. Rather than describing your experience, reflect on how it has shaped your motivation and what you have learned about your chosen profession.

This example should be used for guidance only. Copying any of this text could significantly harm your chances of securing a place on a course.

Psychology personal statement example

Working as a listening volunteer with Nightline throughout my degree in politics and international relations prompted me to embark on a career that helps others. Here, I gained an insight into mental health conditions and saw the impact that empathetic listening and an opportunity to talk can have on those experiencing them. The training I received was my first insight into psychology, introducing me to concepts that inform our approach, such as the development of self-concept and the role of unconditional positive regard in building rapport with callers.

Learning about the theory underpinning my work at Nightline motivated me to develop a deeper understanding of psychological theories and approaches. I have undertaken a range of independent reading that I can build upon in a more structured way through the MSc in Psychology. Reading texts such as How Emotions are Made and The Body Keeps the Score to learn more about the experiences of Nightline callers has given me an insight into the complex interplay of biological and social factors that shape emotions and responses to trauma, while introducing me to research from biological and social psychology, psychiatry and neuroscience.

I am now working as a support worker in a community mental health team where I have observed the different applications of psychological approaches by clinical psychologists, therapists and counsellors. I have recently been able to sit in on meetings between clients and a clinical psychologist and observe the different approaches to assessing client's conditions as well as witness the ways the psychologist worked in partnership with clients to develop and monitor a tailored combination of practical and therapeutic support. The focus on taking evidence-informed approaches and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions motivated me to apply for the Masters in psychology to develop an in-depth understanding of the research that underpins psychological perspectives and theoretical approaches.

I chose the course at XX University due to the optional modules focused on mental health. I am excited by the applied focus of these modules and the opportunity to learn from the research practitioners teaching on the course. I have a particular interest in mental health stigma and holistic approaches to mental health management that I look forward to exploring in more depth with a view to completing my dissertation in this area.

My undergraduate degree has prepared me to engage with the scientific approaches used in psychology. Modules on social science research methods and an introduction to statistics have provided me with a good grounding on qualitative and quantitative research design that I can build upon during the MSc course. I applied my learning from the introduction to statistics module in my dissertation where I conducted statistical modelling using previous voting patterns to assess the potential impact of proposed constituency changes on future local and general elections. Throughout my degree I organised my time effectively to complete coursework, presentations and group tasks alongside my volunteer role and part-time work, consistently achieving a 2:1 in my work.

I intend to continue my support worker role part-time alongside the Masters in psychology to apply my learning and build further experience to support my application for an assistant psychologist post on graduation. The Masters in psychology is an exciting step towards my goal of becoming a clinical psychologist and, in combination with my work experience will support me in pursuing the Doctorate in clinical psychology in the longer term.

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Undergraduate Personal Statement Example: Psychology

Reading examples of personal statements can be valuable when applying to a university or college course.

After all, personal statement examples can teach you how to write and structure your application, and you can quickly learn how to write a personal statement by examining others.

But with so many university personal statement examples available, how do you know if you’re reading a good one?

Undergraduate personal statements should highlight relevant academic and practical experience, academic skills, ambitions and suitability for the degree field. This undergraduate personal statement example for Psychology clearly illustrates these three critical elements.

Undergraduate degree personal statement examples are sometimes referred to as personal mission statements or statements of purpose , so if you’re tasked with writing a personal mission statement, the following example will work for you.

I’ve broken down this personal statement example section by section, with a commentary on each element.

That way, you’ll see its strengths and weaknesses and get some inspiration for your own personal statement .

Once you’ve read the personal statement example and analysis, you’ll be able to download a pdf of the whole document, to use as inspiration for your own!

Personal Statement Example: Introduction

“As a result of continued progress in the field of psychology over recent decades, researchers and psychologists can now offer increasingly meaningful observations and analyses regarding human behaviours, processes and emotions. Consequently, millions of people around the world are better placed to understand themselves and others, improving the quality of their lived experience. It is well known that life events frequently determine and shape behaviour, and our childhood years play a crucial role in developing patterns of thought and response. However, I find the dilemmas and challenges that psychologists encounter when forming a detailed diagnosis of the complexity of the human mind fascinating. Ultimately, psychology’s inherent potential for positive change inspires my interest in this compelling discipline.”

Commentary and Analysis

The writer has taken a positive, relevant and informed approach to the opening of this undergraduate personal statement, which links well with their subsequent personal connection to psychology.

However, I would have expected a reference/quote/evidence of reading that reinforces this statement and show research beyond the curriculum – there’s very little evidence in this entire statement of tangible knowledge of the subject they’re applying for. That’s a problem, as an admissions reader will be keen to see specific subject knowledge, especially for such a competitive course.

I like the structure and sense of the points made above, as they outline some key areas of psychology. It also offers a justification for the writer’s motivation to study the subject at a higher level. Again though, a reference to a particular theory, movement, publication or practitioner would have added weight.

If you’re struggling with your personal statement introduction, check out my article on how to write perfect opening paragraphs here .

Personal Statement Example: Section 2

“When I was younger, I suffered from panic attacks and anxiety. I communicated these feelings to my parents, and we sought help from a psychologist. After attending several sessions with my psychologist, I was surprised and relieved by the effectiveness of that therapy. I was fortunate to find a qualified psychologist who helped me to understand my feelings and gave me the tools to manage them.

Realising how my mind functioned concerning my issues and discovering healthier ways to react in challenging situations was illuminating on several levels. During these sessions, I felt comfortable speaking freely without fear of judgement. It was clear that empathy and the ability to listen are key skills for psychologists when assessing patients and providing pathways for change. Witnessing first-hand the transformational potential of psychology played an important role in forming decisions about my future and is a compelling factor behind this application.”

Commentary and Analysis

This section would have been a good opportunity to display some knowledge by indicating what some of these tools were, but the personal connection with the subject is a good one, and valid in an undergraduate statement.

These two sentences above are less relevant, and the personal statement example would have been improved if more valuable and relevant material had been included. What we really need to see is tangible academic research or example of academic skills that will assist the writer during their undergraduate degree.

If you’d like to learn more about how to structure your personal statement or statement of purpose , check out my awesome Personal Statement Template eBook here . It’s full of detailed examples of what to include!

Personal Statement Example: Section 3

“My high school study of English, French and Spanish improved my written and verbal communication skills and my ability to express ideas clearly. While Italian is my mother tongue, I also speak the language of my parents, Romanian. Mastering several languages and travelling extensively, I have developed a high degree of cultural openness and a strong sense of self-reliance, maturity and personal responsibility. Studying maths improved my critical and numerical skills and sharpened my ability to construct logical arguments and expose illogical hypotheses. Alongside techniques related to gathering, analysing and interpreting data which I gained through the study of physics, I am confident my academic skills will provide a firm knowledge foundation and enable me to excel in this course.”

This passage shows that the writer is a strong language scholar, but it doesn’t formally make a connection between the skills associated with language acquisition and their links with psychology (there are many). Even if it doesn’t seem obvious, it’s a good idea to find transferable skills from all of your academic experiences. This passage doesn’t outline any transferable study skills – it would have been a good way to show how this experience added value to a somewhat unrelated psychology application.

References to maturity and personal responsibility are critical for psychology applications, and the writer is clearly a confident and independent person, which is ideal for any kind of undergraduate study. But of far more importance are the writer’s skills in maths. The writer needs to add more here, particularly as psychology at the degree level focuses on constructing frameworks using qualitative and quantitative data and statistics and modelling outcomes using coding through Python, R and MatLab.

Given there is very little academic content in this personal statement, this would have been an opportunity to explain the writer’s maths skills and suitability in a bit more depth.

Check out lots more examples of personal statements here , and see how they can inspire your application!

Personal Statement Example: Section 4

“In 2022 I was proud to be selected by a regional committee for an Erasmus program. There were only nine places for all high school students across the region of Lazio, and I received a grant to move to Ireland for four months and work as an HR intern for a company called The Buckley. I handled the recruitment and selection process, assisted with payroll tasks and helped induct new employees. Although initially challenging, I quickly became part of the team and provided effective assistance when needed. This improved my organisational skills, and as a proactive team member, I learned the value of collaboration when working towards my goals.”

Commentary and Analysis:

The most important and convincing element of the above section is the award, which shows competitiveness, quality and responsibility. The travel aspect again shows cultural understanding and independence, giving the reader confidence that the writer will manage in a university environment.

However, the skills outcomes need to be more specifically related to psychology content for the passage to be fully effective.

The one thing that all successful personal statements have in common is that they are concise, engaging and accurate in spelling, punctuation and grammar. Consequently, I always recommend Grammarly to my students and clients.

It’s an outstanding tool for ensuring your personal statement is rich with detail whilst hitting those all-important word limits. Check out the free version of Grammarly here , or hit the banner for more information.

Personal Statement Example: Conclusion

“Working as a babysitter over the last five summers, I took on many responsibilities and learned the importance of listening and letting others express themselves. When some children were not always capable of communicating feelings or needs, I took the opportunity to improve my emotional and empathetic skills, which I consider critical for this degree course.

I aim to become a qualified psychologist and help those suffering from mental health issues, depression and associated disorders. This course is, therefore, a vital next step on my academic journey. I look forward to drawing on my unique experiences to actively contribute to this course, offering my strengths to others and accepting help to overcome the challenges of undergraduate study.”

Aside from showing reliability, the above paragraph doesn’t add much value. Whilst skills such as empathy are tremendously valuable, the writer should have prioritised their academic and research abilities.

Generally speaking, the conclusion works well in that it doesn’t repeat previous material and makes connections between the writer’s personal ambitions and the courses they’re applying to, which is ideal.

Overall, I would argue that there is not enough academic content included to convince a reader that this candidate is well suited to the demands of a degree in psychology. Nor is there enough content which relates directly to the general aspects of psychology taught at the undergraduate level, so the reader won’t always be convinced that the writer has researched the courses and understands the content.

However, the impression is of a worldly, capable and engaged student who clearly has a genuine interest in the subject.

For more great advice, check out my article on writing an excellent final personal statement paragraph here .

Click here or on the banner below to get your free download of this complete personal statement example.

Whether you’re looking for personal mission statement examples or an example of personal purpose statement, I hope this personal statement example has been helpful. Above all, I wish you every success in your academic career.

If you’d like to work with me to develop your personal statement 1:1 and write a powerful mission statement, I’d be delighted to hear from you.

Find out about my personal statement support services by clicking here or on the image below.

Research and content verified by Personal Statement Planet .

David Hallen

I've worked in the Further Education and University Admissions sector for nearly 20 years as a teacher, department head, Head of Sixth Form, UCAS Admissions Advisor, UK Centre Lead and freelance personal statement advisor, editor and writer. And now I'm here for you...

Personal Statement Example For Psychology

With every academic paper and publication, I read since studying Psychology at GCSE, my interest in the subject has grown. In light of my fascination with behaviour and the mind, as well as my interest in science, Psychology is my chosen subject for further study. It is extremely important to me to continue learning and building upon my knowledge, and I am passionate about engrossing myself in this subject at university.

At present, the debate of nature versus nurture is the most significant area of academic psychology that I am interested in. As a result of my interest in this argument, I have read Philip Zimbardo’s Lucifer Effect, which has furthered my intrigue and guided me in new directions. My fascination with environmental influences on human behaviour, and the idea that our surroundings can influence how we treat others, is greatly enhanced by my exploration of these concepts. Through my undergraduate degree, I hope to pursue research in this field of persuasion-based behavioural studies based on Cialdini’s principles of social influence.

Weekend jobs have helped me broaden my skill base and diversify my already acquired competencies while in school, as I have been able to widen my skill base and diversify my competencies. Having worked in a Deli with one other colleague gave me the opportunity to develop my organizational and motivational skills. We ran the shop alone and worked both as a team and alone while providing high-quality customer service under pressure. I gained confidence in my leadership abilities and also learned how to function well within our small team, hit set targets, deal with customers, and assist my colleague when he was short-handed. I feel prepared for large workloads, pressured deadlines, and projects involving both team and individual work, as I have made an effort to prepare myself for the demands of higher education by having these skills while studying psychology – the benefits of having these skills will be invaluable whilst reading psychology.

As a credit controller for Harlands Services, I have developed my analytical and statistical skills and developed my eye for detail. As a result of examining and investigating unpaid contracts, my critical and numerical skills have greatly improved; I am confident of my capabilities in this field and look forward to applying them in the future. Having this position at Harlands has also been valuable – it has taught me persuasive tact when dealing with outstanding payments, and it has illustrated the benefits of dealing patiently with sometimes abusive clients. In order to develop these communication skills, I worked in the community teaching skateboarding – communication is an essential aspect of psychology, and I intend to use this aptitude in practical seminars and in projects that require interviews and verbal testing.

My ambition is to continue my studies and pursue a PhD, eventually leading to a career in academia. As part of my postgraduate studies, I am interested in the British prison environment and rehabilitation process, as well as institutional aggression. During my undergraduate studies, I realize that these interests can be developed, or even superseded.

As a member of The British Psychological Society and avid reader of The Psychologist, I have attempted to academically prepare myself for my undergraduate course over the past two years. In addition to providing excellent insight into world news and opinion, The Economist also provides informed writers and a diverse range of viewpoints. Being able to study at university offers us many opportunities to positively influence our environment and to support others. I value being aware of global events and issues.

My dedication and perseverance show that I am motivated to study psychology for academic reasons as well as to acquire the crucial skills required to be successful in college.

My career will be launched with this undergraduate degree, thus my expectation and motivation are already very high. As someone who studied psychology at both the GCSE and A Level, I feel prepared for the challenges that lie ahead and am eager to meet them with the knowledge and abilities I have gained from work experience and education, as well as those I have yet to acquire.

Read our guides:

How To Write A Personal Statement For Psychology
UCAS Personal Statement
Psychiatry Personal Statements
Neuroscience Personal Statements

Successful Psychology personal statement example

Growing up, I was fascinated by psychology after seeing a psychiatry and researching Milgram’s Electric Shock Experiment. People can apply potentially fatal shocks to innocent people, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can shape a person’s mental state. As a result of these early exposures, I developed a passion for psychology and a desire to specialize in childhood development psychology to help others navigate their own internal struggles much as my psychiatrist had helped me.

This desire was further reinforced when I had the opportunity to serve as a reading mentor to a group of children, including one with autism. This role allowed me to work with a diverse group of children, hone my patience, and observe firsthand the impact of various learning styles. I also initiated a mentoring program for children with Type 1 Diabetes, drawing on my own experiences with the condition to provide support and reassurance. My work in a pharmacy and participation in campaigns to raise funding and awareness for diabetes research have also given me valuable experience interacting with patients and advocating for their needs.

In addition to psychology, I am currently studying sociology, and business studies, and have previously studied government and politics. Group work and presentations are a regular part of my studies, enabling me to strengthen my teamwork and presentation skills. One of my favourite theories that I have explored in psychology is Bowlby’s attachment theory, which delves into how children form attachments and how these shape their development, ultimately influencing the person they will become.

Over the last 5 years, I have volunteered at a local independent charity shop on Saturdays and during my last 5 summer holidays, I volunteered three times a week. I am entrusted with a great deal of responsibility, including handling the day’s banking. I am also actively involved in campaigns to raise funding and awareness for diabetes research, including participating in walks and writing letters to my local MP. In my free time, I enjoy listening to psychology podcasts from the University of Oxford, such as “How is depression treated?” These podcasts have provided me with insight into the evolution of treatments and the varied effects of physical and psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

I also gained practical experience collecting qualitative and quantitative data as part of a joint study between the University of Manchester and the University of Bristol on cyber-safety. Aside from attending lectures, I also worked with final-year undergraduates on their projects at the University of Bristol’s Brain Week. During his research, one student examined the effects of alcohol on coordination while driving. In spite of its brief duration, this experience was extremely enlightening and sparked my excitement regarding the possibility of attending university, deepening my knowledge and understanding, and possibly conducting my own research.

Health Psychology personal statement example

I am excited to apply to study psychology at the university level as someone who has always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology first developed during my time at King David School, where I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to participate in a psychology research project as part of the UK secondary school competition. This experience sparked my curiosity and passion for understanding the complexities of human behaviour, and I knew that I wanted to pursue this further.

Throughout my time in secondary school, I was an active member of the psychology club, where I enjoyed discussing and debating various psychological theories with my peers. I also took an extra-curricular psychology course, which allowed me to delve deeper into the subject and develop a greater understanding of its various sub-disciplines. In addition to my coursework, I also completed several independent research projects on topics such as the effects of social media on mental health and the role of attachment in romantic relationships. These projects further fueled my desire to explore the psychology and deepen my understanding of the human experience.

Outside of the classroom, I have always been drawn to helping others and have volunteered at a local mental health clinic, where I was able to witness firsthand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. This experience further solidified my desire to enter psychology and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

I am confident that my passion, curiosity, and dedication to psychology make me an ideal candidate for this program, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my studies at the University level. I believe that the combination of my academic achievements and real-world experience makes me uniquely qualified for this program, and I am eager to contribute to the dynamic and diverse community at the University.

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I enjoyed research methodology as I gained a deeper understanding of how to conduct research, the different methods in research and the importance it plays in psychology as it gives scientific evidence on the new perspectives of psychology, psychological theories and factors affecting mental health.

In addition to the courses, I did an internship at Agnes Special School where I worked as a special educator for children with Learning Disability, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism and Mental Retardation.

Through this internship, I got to know more about childhood disorders and the obstacles they face in their everyday lives. It was extremely challenging

During, my second semester I had courses such as physiological psychology, personality theories, psychological testing and positive psychology.

I enjoyed reading about personality theories especially, Alfred Adler’s Individual psychology where he describes inferiority and superiority complexes and also about the birth order and how it influences the style of life.

By learning the theories, I gained insight on how personality influences human behaviour. I also had a practical paper on Assessment of Personality where, I was exposed to the various types of personality tests such as Draw a person test, Eysenck personality questionnaire, locus of control, Neo five-factor inventory and many more.

During the third semester, I learned about counselling psychology, psychological intervention and psychopathology.

I found psychopathology very interesting as it taught me about the different psychological disorders, their aetiology, diagnosis and the signs and symptoms that make up the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.

I became interested in relationships between various biological and environmental factors which can induce disorders.

By the end of my third semester, I worked as an intern for two months at two hospitals. My first clinical internship was at XXX for 3 weeks under Dr. XXX. During my time there, I learned how to collect case histories and conduct Mental Status Examinations (MSE).

I conducted various psychometric tests such as Standard and Coloured Progressive Matrices, Seguin Form Board and LD checklist, and also observed various behaviour therapies, parent guidance and counselling, sessions for home training for children with special needs on conditions like mental retardation, learning disability, autism, hearing impairments, cerebral palsy and multiple handicaps.

I also presented a poster on Learning Disability as a part of the academic presentation, defining Learning Disability, the problems children with LD face, the management of LD and the rights these children have.

My second clinical internship was at XXX for four weeks where I worked under the supervision of XXX at the Psychiatric Department. The hospital had in-patient care as well as outpatient care where I could collect case histories and conduct Mental Status Examinations.

I got insights into the numerous disorders. I gained an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a clinical psychologist. I also attended several therapies that the psychologist conducted such as Group Therapy for de-addiction patients, Stress Management and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and various psychometric tests such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and Rorschach inkblot test.

I also conducted psychometric tests such as Wechsler’s Intelligence Scale for Children, CAGE questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Binet Kamat Test etc.

In the fourth semester, I had courses on behaviour modification and counselling children, adolescents and adults. I was trained in numerous psychotherapy techniques such as Jacobsons Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenic Training, Systematic Desensitisation, and Yoga.

I also had to present several case studies that I collected during my internships. I had a 5 days internship at XXX Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts which was aimed at preventing and management of Substance abuse with the focus soon early intervention , community based holistic approach and people’s participation.

During my time here, I interacted with several patients who has problems with substance abuse where I was able to take a session on assertiveness training for the patients and also conducted several relaxation techniques such as JPMR and Autogenic training.

Further, I got to know how the rehab centre worked and the different treatment methods used for the patients. I had another 5 days internship at XXX Palliative care, where I counselled with patients who were terminally ill by giving psychological snd social support to the patients and their caregivers.

Another internship I had was at Riya Hope Farm which was a residential centre for children with special needs. I was assigned to a child who had autism and conducted behavioural assessment of the child. Once the assessment was over, behaviour modification process was started as the child had difficulty in following the instruction that were given to him.

I also had to submit a dissertation as a part of the master’s programme where I presented a research study on “ Marital Adjustment in relation to Life Satisfaction and Gender among Young Adult Married Couples.”

I was interested in this topic due to the increasing divorce rates in India notably among the Young - Adult population and to find out whether life satisfaction influences the marital adjustment between couples.

In addition to my courses, I have attended several workshops on counselling and psychotherapy, basic and advanced hypnosis, “Dementia - Remember me” and Paranormality.

After finishing my master’s in psychology, I am currently interning at a psychiatric clinic for where I am working as an assistant counselling psychologist under the guidance of Dr XXXp.

During my time here, I have met patients with a wide range of mental health problems that may occur such as mental health disorders including depression, psychosis, personality disorder, negative life events, bereavement, domestic violence, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, traumas and relationship issues.

I have witnessed counselling of both clients and their families, and I have learned to administer and score several psychological tests used in clinical assessment.

I have enjoyed working in the clinic and found it very rewarding, not only because of the idea of helping but also because the work was interesting and challenging, as every patient is different and different approaches of counselling are needed.

As an assistant counselling psychologist, I was able to learn the different counselling techniques and how to guide patients through empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Upon completion of this masters programme, I intend join a Doctoral programme in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) and to practice as a clinical psychologist, where I can provide a positive influence in the lives of people struggling with psychiatric disorders.

My personal characteristics are perfectly adaptable to this profession and I’m highly interested in this field. Moreover, my academic achievements signify my capability to reach the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.

I’m also interested in research work and understanding the various mental illness, their treatment as well as their effectiveness. My work experience has proven to me how much more I need to learn before I can attain my goal of becoming an accomplished clinical psychologist.

I am interested to join Goldsmith’s University of London for the Masters course in Foundation in Clinical Psychology and Health Services by the strong emphasis on clinical practice and research methodology as it goes particularly well with what I am looking for in a program.

I would be very excited to join the upcoming class for 2018. I feel I am well prepared to enter graduate study, and my strong motivation and career goals are a good match for what the university has to offer.

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How to Write a Personal Statement for Psychology: With [Examples]

In this article, we discuss how to write a personal statement for psychology courses with helpful tips and examples.

What do a volunteer in a program for homeless children, a future college lecturer, and a medical student with a passion for supporting high achievers with ADHD have in common? They all want to study psychology.

By the end of this guide, you will have everything you need to write an outstanding personal statement for psychology.

What is a psychology personal statement, what are the different stages of writing a personal statement for psychology, psychology personal statement example #1, psychology personal statement example #2, psychology personal statement example #3, faq (frequently asked questions), more personal statement tutorials.

It’s a professional essay that outlines your interest and knowledge in the field, along with your relevant qualifications and career goals. You will also explain how you fit with the psychology program to which you are applying.

A well-crafted personal statement can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your commitment to psychology and your enthusiasm for learning. The statement should provide insight into why you are interested in studying psychology.

Furthermore, the statement should highlight any skills and experiences you have, such as research experience or volunteer work.

For example,

“I also volunteered at a local after-school club for vulnerable teens, where I was able to witness first-hand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. I believe that I learned as much from the experienced, committed counsellors there as I did in my early classes in psychology. I am deeply committed to entering psychology and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

1. Understand the Course and Application Requirements

Before you start writing, make sure you understand the specific requirements of the psychology course you’re applying for.

Ask your chosen university or college for any specific guidance they may have and read it carefully.

Make sure you familiarise yourself with any guidelines including word count, and list any information you should include in your personal statement.

2. Identify your interests

Writing a personal statement for a psychology course can seem daunting, but breaking it down into individual steps can be much easier.

Start by identifying your experience, interests and skills, including, work experience, conferences you have attended, and voluntary work.

“With this in mind, I have volunteered for the past three summers at Rainbow House, where counsellors and psychologists help support people struggling with a range of addictions access counselling, and practical training and prepare to re-enter the workforce. I believe that without counselling as an intrinsic part of the process, they would not see the levels of success that they have.”

Be sure to explain reasons for your interest in the branches of psychology that the course may cover, and provide examples from your own life when possible.

Let your passion for the subject and your natural curiosity shine through in your personal statement, and make sure it is original and specific to your experiences.

3. Write down your initial ideas

When writing a personal statement for psychology, it is important to plan properly by writing down your initial ideas.

This idea list should include your experiences, interests, and skills related to psychology and why you are applying to study psychology.

Use your initial ideas to create an outline for your personal statement that includes a brief introduction about yourself and why you want to study psychology. Choose the experiences that made an impact on you, particularly if they relate to your future career.

“…my ambition is to continue my studies and complete a PhD, in order to lecture in psychology at college level. I believe that every field of medicine should have experts who are passionate about academic excellence and I want to use my talent for coaching and tutoring my peers at a higher level.”

Think about how to make your opening sentences captivating and relevant, as this will be your first impression on the reader. Use short, punchy sentences to grab the reader’s attention.

4. Write your personal statement

Start with an engaging opening paragraph. Make sure to use a professional and formal writing style, avoid jokes, and make sure your personality comes through in your writing.

‘I am excited to apply to study psychology at postgraduate level as I have always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology was there from a very early age, when I tested in the 90th percentile as being very empathetic and supportive of other pupils at elementary school. During High School I was able to volunteer to work on homework with young children who were homeless and seeing them cope with challenging emotional issues filled me with admiration for their resilience while wanting to let them know that I was there to offer academic support also.’

Allocate one paragraph to each point on your list. Make sure your statement is specific and original, and avoid long-winded sentences.

Once you have your first draft, seek feedback from classmates as well as tutors. Incorporate any comments, feedback, and suggestions that improve your statement.

5. Revise your personal statement

Wait 24 hours, then read over your final draft and check for grammar or spelling mistakes. Read it out loud or have someone else read it for you to ensure it is clear, informative and personal.
Ensure your personal statement is original and specific to your experiences.
Stay away from any negative content unless talking about how a difficult experience has made you stronger and more resilient, which will make you a better student.
Keep redrafting until you feel it is as polished as possible.

I am excited to apply to study psychology at a postgraduate level as I have always been fascinated by how the mind works. My interest in this psychology was there from a very early age when I tested in the 90th percentile as being very empathetic and supportive of other pupils at elementary school. During High School, I was able to volunteer to work on homework with young children who were homeless and seeing them cope with challenging emotional issues filled me with admiration for their resilience while wanting to let them know that I was there to offer academic support also.

During my undergraduate degree in biology, I was the president of the psychology club, where I worked with graduate students to complete several independent research projects on topics relating to young learners. As a result, I am keen to become a child psychologist, focusing on supporting young people who are homeless and in the foster care system.

I also volunteered at a local after-school club for vulnerable teens, where I was able to witness first-hand the impact that psychological support can have on an individual’s well-being. I believe that I learned as much from the experienced, committed counsellors there as I did in my early classes in psychology. I am deeply committed to entering psychology and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

I am confident that my passion, curiosity, and dedication to psychology make me a strong candidate for this program, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my studies at a higher level and become part of a new learning community.

With every academic paper and publication, I read since beginning to study medicine and psychology, my interest in the subject has grown. In light of my fascination with behaviour and the mind, as well as my interest in helping patients, psychology is my chosen subject for further study. It is extremely important to me to continue learning and building upon my knowledge, and I am full of admiration for grassroots charities making sure that all patients can access high-quality, affordable care.

With this in mind, I have volunteered for the past three summers at Rainbow House, where counsellors and psychologists help support people struggling with a range of addictions access counselling, and practical training and prepare to re-enter the workforce. I believe that without counselling as an intrinsic part of the process, they would not see the levels of success that they have.

While I enjoy being involved in this type of community project and foresee my involvement continuing for many years, my ambition is to continue my studies and complete a PhD, in order to lecture in psychology at college level. I believe that every field of medicine should have experts who are passionate about academic excellence and I want to use my talent for coaching and tutoring my peers at a higher level. I maintain a 4.0 GPA and have taken three extra credit courses while acting as a research assistant for Professor Dimbleby one day a week.

I feel prepared for the challenges that lie ahead and am eager to join a world-class team at Cornell to become the best that I can be and support others to be their best.

I have long had an interest in better understanding psychopathologies and wish to pursue a psychiatry residency at Ramsey Hospital after graduating from Cold Springs University Medical School. It has been fascinating to see the societal change in terms of acknowledging and talking about mental and social issues such as depression and anxiety as well as the contribution and importance of the inclusion of neurodivergent people in our communities. As a future psychiatrist, I am committed to treating every patient with respect and dignity, ensuring I am treating the person rather than focusing only on the diagnosis.

My psychiatry rotation during medical school was an enriching experience and I became confident in taking patients’ psychiatric history and conducting mental status exams. My ability to build rapport with patients and question them directly but respectfully, improved over the six weeks and I look forward to focusing more on these skills as I gain a deeper understanding of effective psychiatric care.

Last year I volunteered with a charity supporting mental health and neurodivergence awareness in Hanoi, Viet Nam, as I feel a deep connection with that country, thanks to having Vietnamese-American relatives. I learned that there are very few psychologists and even fewer clinical psychiatrists who can prescribe medication and treatment. As increasing numbers of teenagers and adults as well as younger children are being diagnosed with ADHD, as in the US, there are often long waiting times, and challenges in accessing medication. There is much work to be done on the use of non-stimulants to treat ADHD where stimulants such as amphetamines are ineffective and I completed my final research paper on this topic.

In Vietnam it was interesting to me to encounter some of the same prejudices as my older sister encountered from relatives and her primary care doctor, who insisted that my sister could not have ADHD because she is a well-paid, successful accountant. The struggle to balance and often hide symptoms of her condition has left my sister battling anxiety and depression and I am particularly interested in developments in treating ADHD in combination with depression, severe anxiety and other psychiatric conditions.

Following my residency my goal is to qualify as a psychologist and practice locally in Arizona while offering continuing long-distance support via Zoom to the team in Hanoi. I am determined to become an outstanding psychiatrist, enhancing my patients’ emotional well-being while supporting them as individuals with the best and most professional care.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What format should I use for my personal statement for psychology?

Your personal statement should include a brief introduction about yourself, your experiences, any past knowledge and why you want to study this specific course. Also include details of your relevant hands-on experiences (research, internship, volunteer, work, etc.) and what you learned from them.

Additionally, if you are applying to a PhD program, make sure to mention the name of the faculty member(s) you are applying to.

How should I structure my personal statement for psychology?

A personal statement for psychology should begin with an introduction about yourself, such as your experiences and any past knowledge that relates to the field, as well as why you want to study psychology.

The body of your statement should go into depth on your relevant hands-on experiences, such as research, internships, volunteering, or work. Be sure to provide details about what you did, the names of any organizations or people you worked with, and what you learned from the experience.

The conclusion should show how you are a good fit for the school/program/faculty member you are applying to, such as how the experience you mentioned has solidified your interest in the field.

Finally, it is important to ensure your statement flows. Take time to edit and proofread your statement to make sure everything connects and is cohesive.

What topics should I focus on in my personal statement for psychology?

Consider the aspects of the psychology course that you enjoy the most and do some additional reading beyond what you’ve been taught.

Additionally, provide specific examples of how you’ve pursued your interest in the subject, such as writing about a topic you’ve studied that you find fascinating or discussing a book or blog post that made you want to learn more.

Finally, consider which field of psychology you would like to specialize in and why.

What level of detail should I go into for my personal statement for psychology?

It’s important to go into specific detail about your interests and skills.

Avoid sweeping generalisations (I always get high grades) and give focused details (I maintain a 3.9 GPA).

Research the course you are applying for so you have a realistic idea of what you will be doing on it, and make sure to articulate why you want to study psychology.

What should I avoid when writing my personal statement for psychology?

When writing your personal statement for psychology, there are a few things you should avoid in order to give yourself the best chance of getting onto your desired course.

Firstly, avoid using an informal writing style or telling jokes. Use a professional and formal tone when injecting personality into your statement.
Be mindful of not giving too much personal information in terms of speaking about your own life events, mental health challenges, or learning difficulties unless they have made you stronger.
Finally, pay attention to your tone and avoid phrases such as “less fortunate people”. Stay away from using sophisticated language or phrases if you don’t understand them. Be honest and original.

How can I get feedback on my personal statement for psychology?

Ask trusted individuals, such as professors, mentors, and friends, to read over your statement and give feedback. This will help you to identify any errors or missing information that you may have overlooked.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Psychology Personal Statement

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Psychology Personal Statement

My desire for wanting to pursue psychology in higher education not only stems from a personal perspective but also from hearing and reading about people not receiving adequate treatment for various psychological illnesses such as depression, eating disorders and substance abuse. In the same way research into attachment has helped to improve childcare practices I would like to use my degree in psychology to improve the treatment of mentally ill patients, especially in third world countries where mental health care is restrained by resource constraints.

Psychology is a subject that really stimulates my mind and my desire to challenge my perception of mental health. As well as this, my interest has come from a personal point. Witnessing a family member with mental health issues has made me want to understand why he behaves that way and why his illness cannot be treated in the same way we treat a common cold. There is so much information on the anatomy of the human body however I feel like we have not explored far enough into the human mind to find out the underlying causes that explain our daily behaviour. Furthermore, coming from an African background whereby there is a stigma surrounding mental health or what is considered abnormal behaviour has only pushed me to further educate myself on a topic that may not be understood my many.

Spending a week of my summer holidays at a summer school at I was able to go into more depth and detail on topics in psychology than I had been able to in college. During this week I learnt about evolutionary psychology which explained the concept of mate selection. Prior to the summer school it had never occurred to me that there were deeper underlying factors that influenced how we select our partners. A session on social psychology proved to be very intriguing as it applied social identity to the consumer and from this I was able to gain an understanding on why we are drawn to certain brands. I found these taster sessions to be highly interesting as I realised that psychology can be applied to various areas of life. This further reinforced my decision that psychology is something I want to do at degree level.

Furthermore, I took the initiative to find a mental health expert and discuss their job. They informed me that their occupation involved assessing and talking to patients about their problems and discussing the best way to plan and deliver their care. I found this to be relevant to my aspiration to be a counselling psychologist as it would involve similar duties. Seeking further information helped me to look beyond more than university and to begin considering a variety of career paths that I could pursue with my degree. This as well as attending the summer school and open days at different universities has been very helpful in providing an insight to what studying psychology will be like and what careers a degree in psychology could lead to.

Being a prefect and a class representative has helped me learn how to deal with different personalities and how to handle difficult situations which I believe to be useful skills for a degree that largely involves interaction with people. These leadership positions have taught me how to manage my time and how to deal with conflicting priorities as well as moral dilemmas. Studying in university will require good time management in order to deal with an increased workload and having roles of responsibility from an early age has prepared me well enough to be able to deal with the jump of going from sixth form to university.

In conclusion, with my personal interest in understanding human psychology as well as my academic background, I am convinced that I will enjoy and excel studying a degree in psychology. I intend to use this degree to pursue a career as a professional in mental health or counselling.

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Psychology Personal Statement Writing Guide and Example
How to write a psychology personal statement. Here are some steps to help you write your personal statement: 1. Read the instructions thoroughly. The first step to writing an effective personal statement is to know what your audience expects from your essay. Take time to read the essay instructions for all the institutions for which you plan to ...
Psychology Personal Statement Examples
Discover personal statement examples written by students accepted onto and related courses. Read through the examples to help shape your own personal statement. Calling all curious minds! Delve into the depths of human behaviour at Swansea. Get expert scientific training and unlock the secrets of the mind with Swansea's Psychology degrees.
Psychology Personal Statement Examples
Find inspiration and tips for writing your own psychology personal statement with examples from students who have applied for a psychology degree in the past. Learn what to include, how to structure, and what to avoid in your statement. Explore different topics and applications of psychology in various fields and contexts.
Personal Statement for Graduate School Examples: Psychology
In your psychology graduate degree application, the personal statement is crucial. It showcases your academic achievements, personal journey, career goals, and why you're a great fit for the program. This is your chance to move beyond mere statistics—GPA, test scores, work experience—and tell your unique story.
Successful Personal Statement For Psychology At Oxford
We have developed an 80-page E-Book filled with expert Personal Statement Advice. Inside, you'll find guides on planning and writing your personal statement, as well as our full collection of 25+ Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements. Download our FREE 80-page. Personal Statement starter guide.
Psychology Masters Personal Statement Sample
This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Psychology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement. The effects of psychological trauma can be diffuse and difficult to treat, with wide-ranging causes and an unfortunate range of symptoms. Having witnessed first-hand the consequences ...
Preparing your personal statement for graduate school applications
Nearly all doctoral programs and many master's degree programs in psychology require submission of a personal statement as part of the application package. In my experience advising students as well as serving as a graduate dean for many years, few things in the application process cause students as much anxiety and prompt so many questions.
Writing a psychology personal statement: expert advice from
Remember that a personal statement should be written to persuade the admissions tutor that you're a good fit for the course and have the skills to succeed. Put yourself in their shoes and think about what would convince you. Be honest but avoid false modesty. Sell yourself as a future psychologist in the making.
Personal Statements
A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs. ... Some examples are Social ...
Psychology Personal Statement Advice
Five things to include in your psychology personal statement. The University of Bristol highlights five elements of a strong, academically focused psychology statement: Ensure it is well structured and well written. Give details of any specific interests or ambitions you have that relate to the content of the course.
Writing a Personal Statement
When applying to graduate schools, you will be expected to write a statement of purpose, commonly called a personal statement, or personal essay. This is a very important part of the application process, and it is your one opportunity to showcase your best qualities and achievements. Graduate committees from the colleges and universities that you apply to will review this document to help in ...
Psychology personal statements
These psychology 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 Royal Holloway, Aberystwyth and Aberdeen. ... Clinical psychology degree personal statement example (1a) MSc P. Personal Statement:Psychology with linguistics ...
PDF Personal Statement Workshop
Example: UNC-CH Personal Statement Prompt § On a separate page, write a personal statement that includes the following: • a. Description of any work experience relevant to psychology and research (bibliographic, laboratory or other) that you may have done (or are doing) either as part of employment or to complete your present program.
Psychology personal statement
Psychology personal statement example. Working as a listening volunteer with Nightline throughout my degree in politics and international relations prompted me to embark on a career that helps others. Here, I gained an insight into mental health conditions and saw the impact that empathetic listening and an opportunity to talk can have on those ...
How to Write Your Personal Statement
Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene. An effective way to catch the reader's attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you're stuck, try thinking about: A personal experience that changed your perspective. A story from your family's history.
Undergraduate Personal Statement Example: Psychology
Personal Statement Example: Section 2. "When I was younger, I suffered from panic attacks and anxiety. I communicated these feelings to my parents, and we sought help from a psychologist. After attending several sessions with my psychologist, I was surprised and relieved by the effectiveness of that therapy.
Exemplar Psychology Personal Statement with annotations from ...
How to write the PERFECT Russell Group Psychology Personal Statement An example personal statement with annotations from a successful applicant. The study of Psychology appeals to me because it involves both the logic and rigour of science as well as the humanity of art. I first discovered this duality in Sacks' "The Man Who Mistook His ...
PDF KM 754e-20180919092539
KM 754e-20180919092539. Sample Persmcd Major Code: SCP Personal Statement— My academic goal is to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy degree in the field of psychology. I am the first person in my family to pursue a baccalaureate degree. Achieving my academic goal will also make me the first person in my family to receive a graduate degree.
Psychology Personal Statement Examples
Successful Psychology personal statement example. Growing up, I was fascinated by psychology after seeing a psychiatry and researching Milgram's Electric Shock Experiment. People can apply potentially fatal shocks to innocent people, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can shape a person's mental state.
Postgraduate Clinical Psychology Personal Statement Example
This personal statement is unrated. My initial decision to major in psychology was rationalised with the idea that I could use my degree to help people. Everyone struggles at one point in their lives and being able to help someone is a great opportunity. Furthermore, studying psychology provided something for me that the other subjects didn't ...
PDF Organizing Your Personal Statement
Eye on Psi Chi, 1(1), 14-15. Merry Sleigh, PhD, earned her BA in psychology and English from James Madison University (VA). In 1996, she received her PhD in developmental psychology from Virginia Tech, with a specialization in prenatal and infant development. She first served as faculty advisor to Psi Chi at George Mason University (VA), where ...
Personal Statement for Psychology: With Tips and Examples
Psychology Personal Statement Example #2. With every academic paper and publication, I read since beginning to study medicine and psychology, my interest in the subject has grown. In light of my fascination with behaviour and the mind, as well as my interest in helping patients, psychology is my chosen subject for further study.
Psychology Personal Statement 5
Psychology is a subject that really stimulates my mind and my desire to challenge my perception of mental health. As well as this, my interest has come from a personal point. Witnessing a family member with mental health issues has made me want to understand why he behaves that way and why his illness cannot be treated in the same way we treat ...
Psychology Resume Examples and Templates for 2024
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) Clinical Psychology University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA May 2011 - May 2016. Master of Science (M.S.) Psychology University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA May 2009 - May 2011. Key Skills. Clinical Psychology; Patient Assessment; Behavioral Analysis; Case Management; Group Therapy; Certifications
A meta reinforcement learning account of behavioral ...
Natural environments often exhibit various degrees of volatility, ranging from slowly changing to rapidly changing contingencies. How learners adapt to changing environments is a central issue in both reinforcement learning theory and psychology. For example, learners may adapt to changes in volatility by increasing learning if volatility increases, and reducing it if volatility decreases.

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How to Write a Personal Statement for Psychology: With [Examples]

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1. Understand the Course and Application Requirements

2. Identify your interests

3. Write down your initial ideas

4. Write your personal statement

5. Revise your personal statement

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How should I structure my personal statement for psychology?

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Psychology Personal Statement

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