personal statement american studies

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American studies personal statement example 1.

Barack Obama once said, “I’m so overexposed, I make Paris Hilton look like a recluse.” This epitomises my whole fascination with North America, and why I wish to study it in depth at University. The main aspect of the U.S.A that interests me is their political history. Civil rights, particularly the story of Martin Luther King Jr. and how he fought for freedom despite facing extreme challenges, has inspired me to learn more about the U.S.A, from the Founding Fathers and George Washington, to Barack Obama himself. Currently, I’m reading ‘To Be President, Quest For The White House 2008’ by Ian Leslie, which documents the recent election and is helping me to understand how the American government works. In GCSE history, I was intrigued with our topics on the Gold Rush, the first cowboys, outlaws, vigilantes and the manipulation of the Native Americans which led to their ultimate demise. In English, we are reading ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood, learning her views on the oppression of women within modern society. Doing further research on dictatorships and the dominance of power such as in the U.S.A has fascinated me greatly. Reading ‘The Big Sleep’ by Raymond Chandler last year was exciting due to the links with 1930’s prohibition America and the corrupt police force; all dramatised as a novel. Studying it allowed me to formulate my opinions about the novel into an analytical argument under a strict deadline. The American penitentiary system has also become a fascinating insight into modern America to me. From watching ‘The Green Mile’ and Fox news, reading online American news articles and ‘Women On Death Row’ by Mike James, I have started to research the use of capital punishment, particularly the controversy that extended into the early 2000s of the electric chair or ‘Old Sparky’ as it was informally known and whether it was a cruel and unjust punishment.

When I worked in the entertainment department and at the congregation ceremonies of my local university in 2008, it not only started my dream of being a student, but made me consider a future career at a university: maybe in the international office recruiting new students. I have also considered maybe working for the government in a British embassy abroad.

I have been commended for my GCSEs at my awards evening and in particular, my effort and progress in English. During sixth form, I volunteered in the English department with lower school students helping them with their reading and essay writing skills. I feel these commitments prove I have the capabilities to succeed by working hard within my degree. On top of this, I was presented with the Lion’s Community Service shield, given to highlight the effort I gave towards the school community - as a prefect and chairperson of school council in Year 11. This shows my commitment and determination in trying to improve things wherever I can. Furthermore being a part of the School Council helped me to develop my teamwork and communication skills. I also was given the responsibility to help supervise younger children on a school trip to France. This was daunting, but I improved my leadership and how to deal with situations under pressure. Outside of school, I am part of a youth radio station. We have taken part in many local events for charity and I have been able to enhance my management skills by planning these events. I would be keen to participate with any voluntary projects within the university community whilst I am studying as, aside from SNYA Radio, I have done charity work raising money over Christmas. In my spare time, I like to watch sports. I enjoy NFL American Football and NBA Basketball on TV and I am a devoted season ticket holder at Norwich City FC. As well, I really enjoy travelling, which is a factor for choosing the four year course and I am looking forward to experiencing student life at an American university.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by chloej18 for application in 2011.

chloej18's university choices The University of Birmingham The University of Nottingham The University of Essex University of Leicester University of Sussex

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree American Studies at University of Sussex

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Tue, 23/07/2013 - 20:45

Looking forward to reading more. Great blog article. Great.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE American and Canadian Studies (with a Year Abroad)

Submitted by Navpreet

American and Canadian Studies (with a Year Abroad)

"American history is not something dead and over. It is always alive, always growing, always unfinished." This quotation by President John. F Kennedy summarises my enthusiasm for the American culture strongly influencing me to opt for a degree in American Studies with history. America is a world superpower and is a country full of contradictions and the cultural and political divide currently evident in America interests me greatly. The clash between the liberal metropolitan areas and the more conservative rural areas and the controversies surrounding gay marriage, abortion, race relations and gun control are all very current and have a huge influence on people's lives in America and beyond. I am excited to study the history of these issues, what led to these apparent divides and what the future holds.

As part of my A-Level studies, I have been studying a range of American history and literature. One history module that I have relished studying is The USA 1955-92: conformity and challenge. This has included studying the effects of the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, the oil crisis as well as the policies of presidents from Eisenhower to Bush Sr and evaluating their effectiveness.

Despite knowing of the Civil Rights Act from an early age the module enabled me to study, in-depth, the ways in which the campaigns were fought and the struggles faced by black Americans. Studying English language & literature has also added to my passion for studying American studies. I became submerged in 1920s America whilst reading The Great Gatsby. It enabled me to experience American culture through the eyes of Nick Carraway who Fitzgerald wrote to represent his views that the 1920s was a time of moral failure and hypocrisy. It allowed for me to experience the jazz music scene, the lavish social scene and the conforming society many American's lived in.

I enjoy reading American literature outside my studies too, seeing how the 'American dream' is a constant theme in novels such as Revolutionary Road and The Grapes of Wrath. I am looking forward to studying how Americans live up to the challenge for freedom, democracy and independence. I believe that I have the skills to succeed on the course as I have proven myself to be a persevering and versatile student. I have attended a number of university taster courses to prepare for higher-level study. These have included a history course at an Oxford University residential with sample lectures and research.

Whilst attending a summer school at King's College London, I put what I learnt into practise by taking part in a mock trial where I used my communication and collaborative skills to present my defence. From these courses, I learned the importance of research, wide reading and independent learning. I will be attending an American Studies masterclass at the University of Birmingham where I will gain a further insight on the course. I have taken part in a range of extracurricular activities which have developed my independence, confidence and team-work skills. I have had the privilege of being the Head Girl which allowed me to take responsibility, make use of my organisational skills and lead by example.

During my Duke of Edinburgh expedition, I took the active lead and guided my group whilst overcoming obstacles such as providing aid to a team-member who had broken her ankle. I enjoy keeping fit and have done so through playing team sports such as netball and football whilst representing my school. The National Citizenship Service allowed me to campaign for mental health awareness and enhanced social skills. Through these activities, and in my role as a Sales Assistant at Next, I have learnt to effectively manage my time, a critical skill in order to succeed at university. I believe that my passion and determination for studying the course, as well as my excitement and eagerness to learn and appreciate more about the history of America, makes me a very suitable candidate for this course.

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