Psychology and Philosophy Oxbridge Model Personal Statement
This is a model personal statement by a successful Oxbridge Psychology and Philosophy applicant
Will we ever truly understand the human mind? I believe this is not a question only one branch of knowledge can answer. While psychology allows us to observe the mind's more measurable aspects, philosophy offers a more subjective insight into thought and intellect. I have enjoyed studying these disciplines together, as it has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of human consciousness.
[1] The personal statement effectively introduces the topic of understanding the human mind and emphasises the interdisciplinary nature of the inquiry.
[2] The statement highlights the applicant's appreciation for the integration of psychology and philosophy, showcasing a deeper understanding of the complexity of human consciousness.
Studying Psychology this year, I was particularly interested in how drastically behaviour can be affected by social influences. To extend my study into the bases of deviant actions, I decided to read 'The Lucifer Effect' by Philip Zimbardo. The book illustrates how the processes of anonymity and diffusion of responsibility involved in forming the 'guards' of the Stanford Prison Experiment can be identified at a much more extreme level in the real world, such as at the brutal prison in Abu Ghraib. The horrifying events described in the book showed me that every one of us can be led to act destructively if unaware of external factors. This has philosophical roots in the concept of the 'banality of evil', as defined by Hannah Arendt during the Eichmann Trials, which was a vital contribution to the idea that we cannot think of evil as a trait unique to 'monstrous' people.
[3] The mention of 'The Lucifer Effect' by Philip Zimbardo demonstrates the applicant's engagement with relevant literature and their ability to draw connections between psychological experiments and real-world events, such as the Abu Ghraib prison.
[4] By referencing the concept of the 'banality of evil' coined by Hannah Arendt, the applicant shows an awareness of broader philosophical debates and their implications for understanding human behaviour.
Linked to my interest in the human mind is my love for the many ways we communicate with each other, such as through music, art and language, and how they affect the way we think. Being bilingual in Chinese and with many years' study of French and German, I have experienced the similarities and differences between languages first-hand, and how they affect the way we behave towards each other. Observing how a subtle change in language can completely alter one's perceptions of reality is a part of psychology that I really enjoy. I believe the work that made me consider this most deeply is George Orwell's '1984'. The 'Newspeak' of the book is imposed by the Party in order to narrow the range of human expression, literally to make it impossible to form a thought of which it does not approve. This in turn reminds me of an idea of Wittgenstein, that 'the limits of my language are the limits of my world', suggesting that the way we express ourselves is not only a medium for our ideas, but also a key factor in their nature. This parallels the restriction of free speech in past and present totalitarian states, and illustrates the dangers in manipulating psychology through language.
[5] The personal statement showcases the applicant's interest in the impact of language on perception, drawing upon examples from literature like George Orwell's '1984' and philosophical ideas from Wittgenstein. This demonstrates critical thinking and an ability to explore the intersection of psychology and language.
Alongside Psychology and Philosophy, I study Maths, which has developed my analytical skills and powers of reasoning, allowing me to better understand the importance of rigorous hypothesis testing in psychology. Studying Philosophy has also given me an advantage in identifying any logical leaps from psychological data to the conclusion of research, as I have learnt how to evaluate the soundness of an argument, as well as improve the fluency of my writing. This has been invaluable in developing my ability to communicate persuasively on paper as well as in speech.
[6] The inclusion of Mathematics as a subject highlights the applicant's analytical skills and their relevance to hypothesis testing in psychology. This conveys the applicant's ability to approach psychological research with rigour and logical reasoning.
I was also able to develop these skills when I led a confident pitch for funding as Team Leader during NCS, which enabled my team to organise a successful charity event for Oxfam. This not only improved my public speaking, but also helped me to better understand and communicate with my peers. I have since been elected to the role of Deputy Head Girl at school, and hope to work with others to make the school a more cooperative and supportive society for all. Effective time management has been crucial for me to achieve consistent high grades in all of my four subjects, as well as to take an active part in school life. I welcome any opportunity to expand my knowledge, attending talks and taking part in extra-curricular groups such as A Capella Choir and Debate Society, and I hope to bring this love for learning and desire for improvement into university life; working at a higher level will be a welcome and enjoyable challenge.
[7] The applicant's experience as a Team Leader during NCS and their role as Deputy Head Girl demonstrates leadership, communication, and organisational skills. These qualities are valuable in academia and indicate the applicant's potential for contributing to university life.
[8] The personal statement mentions the importance of time management and achieving high grades across multiple subjects. This indicates the applicant's dedication, discipline, and ability to handle academic responsibilities effectively.
[9] The applicant's participation in extracurricular activities such as A Capella Choir and Debate Society reflects a well-rounded personality and a passion for learning beyond the classroom.
[10] The conclusion highlights the applicant's enthusiasm for higher-level education and their willingness to embrace challenges. This conveys a strong motivation for academic growth and personal development.
Why is this a good Oxbridge Psychology and Philosophy personal statement?
This personal statement adeptly integrates multiple disciplines, including psychology, philosophy, language, leadership, and extracurricular activities, highlighting the applicant's diverse interests and interdisciplinary approach to learning.
The applicant demonstrates strong critical thinking skills through their exploration of the human mind, incorporating insights from both psychology and philosophy to gain a deeper understanding.
Their language proficiency and bilingualism add another dimension to their understanding of human communication and behavior. The applicant's leadership experiences, such as leading a team in a charity event and being elected as Deputy Head Girl, showcase their ability to take initiative and foster a supportive community.
Additionally, their active involvement in extracurricular pursuits, such as participating in debate societies and music groups, reflects their well-roundedness and passion for personal growth.
Overall, this personal statement highlights the applicant's intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary mindset, critical thinking abilities, and their genuine enthusiasm for comprehending the complexities of the human mind.
