Personal Statement

 This post shows my first and final draft of my personal statement. This is a document used when applying to university through UCAS and may also be required in apprenticeships or jobs. I used class resources which showed me how to structure my statement and what should go into each paragraphs content. I attended two UCAS workshops in college in which my work was checked by three lecturers and I made adaptions according to their advice. The final version is currently with UCAS and I am happy with the outcome and believe I have included all necessary information about myself and my works. One occurring issue that did crop up several times was the 4000 character limit and line limit. I was under the character count but it remained over the maximum amount of lines. I didn't want to strip down the statement anymore and so removed a paragraph line between the 3rd and 4th paragraph which allowed me to submit it according to both the word and line count. 

First draft before lecturer feedback:

Feedback received and actions taken:

Advice given:  "Use I am or it is as oppose to I'm and it's ".

Action Taken:  I have since went through and amended many of these contractions, however this also meant eliminating some other words or lines in order to stay under the character limit.

Advice Given: Amend the sentence about my course change- reader found it slightly confusing.

Action Taken: This sentence has been reworded and is much clearer now. 

Advice Given: Be more certain in what you are saying, instead of saying "I believe/I feel that" say "I am". For example:  "I feel that I have developed both theoretical and practical..."

Action Taken: Multiple sentences such as this have been reworded. This now says "I have developed both theoretical and practical..."

Personal statement after feedback (version sent to UCAS)

Media is something that I have developed a passion for since starting college. Analysing media texts and using my creative freedom for campaigns, video productions and postproduction editing is something that I have really found myself fascinated with. My keenness for the subject also lies beyond an educational sense- I take the time to create my own media products at home too such as video and sound editing because it’s just something I really enjoy doing. A lot of what I do is with my career goal in mind, I am keen to develop my technical skills and experiences so that I can go on to a career in media- the subject that is fulfilling to me and that I am passionate about. Looking into theories and how they relate to different texts is something I also find captivating about the industry, particularly that of audience and media language theory. Media products have an effect on everyone’s lives and I am excited to contribute to such an influential industry.

 

I studied AS level Film, Media and English Language for my first year at Sunderland College and then transferred onto a full-time Media course for the next two years. Doing AS level gave me a head start for my BTEC course and allowed me to develop the way I interpret media forms on an analytical level. The exploration of codes, conventions and micro elements within Media and Film has given me the ability to formulate my own critical response to different forms of media, solidifying my evaluations of both my own and others’ works. I have developed both theoretical and practical skills in media and my current course has reinforced my desire to continue with this area of study in both education and occupation. I demonstrate good time management by balancing my education and two jobs which would help support me financially. My college projects are always up to great standard for the hand in date and I have excellent levels of attendance in my both of my jobs and college course. My BTEC Creative Media course has allowed me to advance my technical skills in that of Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Logic Pro X meaning I have a range of software that I can navigate and use in a professional sense. Practical assignments such as video productions has also given me the chance to take leadership where needed- such as directing group video projects.

 

Creating media products will always come at the forefront on what I like doing. In college I have created many different forms of media products and have also taken this outside of college too. AS level gave me the foundations for some of my interests, mainly from our analysis on the film ‘Vertigo’. The work of director Alfred Hitchcock is something I find absolutely fascinating, from his openings, micro elements and narratives. The director is someone I have vastly watched and researched and inspires some of my work too. As well as learning guitar in my school years and doing several gigs for charity events, I was also involved in being a peer mentor and games captain which grew my confidence and allowed me try out leadership over a team and motivate others; this is something I am now quite comfortable doing, both in college and in a professional sense when working. It comes in beneficial for my pathway in media, as interacting with new projects and new people is something I do regularly. This has transferred over into my work life too. There have been multiple occasions where I have been buddied up with new starters, so I pride myself on being a reliable employee who has the commitment and drive to contribute to business growth.

Motivation for my career is at the heart of what I do, I am always striving to better my skillset and knowledge. I take the time both inside and out of college to go above and beyond to benefit my future, meeting and exceeding my given target grades and giving 100% in projects I am presented with. I am eager to expand my skillset and contribute to the industry I have a passion for.