Politics personal statement (3)

Reading time: 2 minutes
Price: Free download
Published: 13th September 2019
Word count: 520 words
File format: Text

From a young age, I have always been interested in what happens around the world and why certain groups of people were more advantaged than others, so it stood to reason for why my interest in politics has grown as much as it has over my years in education. My time in secondary education gave me a vague understanding of the well-known political parties that were competing in the British parliamentary system, yet no real grasp of the subject.

The 2015 general election was unquestionably what finalised my decision in wanting to study politics further. As political parties began promoting their policies it became apparent how much it affected my life, even as a non-voter. This made me become very passionate about political participation, as everyone should have the right to their voices being heard. This is especially important as a young person as those who are under eighteen are not represented in Parliament or government, so decisions such as raising tuition fees are not influenced by the people whom it affects.

Throughout the process of selecting my A-levels, I wanted to challenge myself with a subject different from the standard options I had been used to throughout my schooling life, and I was drawn to politics and government. Studying this not only increased my awareness and interest in current affairs but also allowed me to form political opinions of my own. I was learning more and more information involving the political systems and being introduced to the ideologies of other nations – and this especially caught my attention. Studying this subject at school gave me the amazing opportunity to visit the British Houses of Parliament in Westminster which I am grateful for as it strengthened my interest in the subject of politics into a dream of wanting to pursue a future in the matter. Furthermore, my English Literature A-Level further sharpened my analytical skills, while also requiring detailed yet precise essays, creating a valid argument and judgement.

At school, I felt it was important to be a role model for the younger years, this motivated me to become a Lead Prefect in both secondary education and sixth form. Working with other prefect students and staff to become a mentor for the younger years was a rewarding experience which helped to develop my leadership, organisation and communication skills. Being a part of my school community was something I found important and hope to continue through my time at university.

Outside of sixth form, my interests lie in music, literature and socialising with friends. These assisted in providing a healthy balance between my study and leisure time. I have also had a part-time job in retail, which, I feel, shows my ability to be responsible, balance priorities successfully and to work as part of a functional team.

The notion of studying politics excites me and I look forward to the challenge that me undertaking a degree will bring. My motivation along with the skills I have achieved over the years will not only assist me in coping with the pressure but will also enable me to make a real contribution to the course.

Why this example works — strengths and ways to improve

Your statement has a credible starting point: the 2015 election and your sense that under-eighteens lack representation give it a genuine personal angle. It stays general, though. You name interests, a Westminster visit and A-levels without showing what you read, argued or understood. The later paragraphs list skills rather than reflecting, so your motivation feels sincere but underdeveloped.

Subject motivation

those who are under eighteen are not represented in Parliament or government

This is your most distinctive idea. It turns a broad interest into a specific concern about representation and young people. You could deepen it by testing the claim, for example by weighing arguments about votes at sixteen, rather than moving straight on to A-level choices.

Academic preparation

being introduced to the ideologies of other nations

Saying this caught your attention invites detail, but none follows. Name one ideology, comparison or topic from your Government and Politics course and explain what you concluded. The English Literature sentence lists analytical skills without an example of an argument you actually built.

Evidence and reflection

strengthened my interest in the subject of politics into a dream

The Westminster visit is good evidence, but you report its effect without the cause. What did you observe, such as a debate, procedure or the building's symbolism, that changed your thinking? Specific observation would turn gratitude into reflection about how Parliament works.

Relevant experience

I have also had a part-time job in retail

Prefect work and retail are valid evidence. At the moment, though, they only claim generic qualities like responsibility and teamwork. A brief example could connect them to politics, such as handling competing interests as a Lead Prefect or noticing how wage or policy changes affected workplace decisions.

Credibility and voice

The 2015 general election was unquestionably what finalised my decision

Your voice is honest and plausible for your stage, especially your admission of only a vague earlier understanding. Phrases like 'unquestionably', 'amazing opportunity' and 'very passionate' assert intensity instead of demonstrating it. Precise detail would sound more convincing than these intensifiers.

Structure and format

so it stood to reason for why my interest in politics

The order is logical, but this opening sentence is awkward and generic. The conclusion also repeats general claims about motivation and skills. Tighter phrasing, such as 'the matter' replaced with 'politics', and fewer filler clauses would free space for academic content.

What you’ve done well

The link between the 2015 election, tuition fees and under-eighteens' lack of representation gives you a personal and arguable reason for studying politics.
You honestly trace your development from a vague understanding to forming your own opinions, which makes your interest feel credible rather than overstated.

How this draft could improve

Replace general statements about ideologies and current affairs with one or two specific topics, readings or debates, and explain what you think about them and why.
Expand the Westminster visit with concrete observations and what they taught you about parliamentary politics.
Cut the generic skills lists in the prefect, hobbies and conclusion paragraphs, and use that space for reflection connected to the degree.

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