personal statement for history and international relations

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• International Relations Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Ben Taylor

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in International Relations. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

In today’s unstable political climate, a nuanced, multifaceted understanding of international relations seems more important than ever, with the emergence of right-wing populism around the world and the imminent reckoning of the climate crisis (not to mention the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic). Being able to grasp the power dynamics at play between (and within) nations seems crucial to maintaining some semblance of continuity in the international community.

Having studied History and Politics at undergraduate level, one of the aspects of your Masters in International Relations programme that appeals to me the most is its interdisciplinary nature. Sociology, international law and history are all incredibly important when it comes to understanding our current moment and I look forward to studying the myriad ways in which they inform each other.

My undergraduate dissertation focused on the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent Dayton Accords peace agreement, and was informed by my time at an NGO in Sarajevo in 2017. This organisation promoted human rights in the Balkan region and I helped with the development of several campaigns to support judicial and civic reform. I’m eager to expand on this research for my Masters and have already secured another internship working for a Zagreb-based refugee organisation next summer.

While at university I was active in several student societies, including being on the committee for the Amnesty International Society, where I helped organise several keynote speeches and letter-writing campaigns. I was also the social secretary for the History Society and the treasurer for the Alternative Music Society, putting on several financially lucrative gigs around the city.

After graduating in 2018, I started working as an account manager for a marketing agency, drumming up sales and also acting as a liaison between our clients and the in-house team of creatives. I like to think that this experience has boosted my interpersonal communication skills and given me a knack for negotiation and managing expectations.

Despite working full-time, I’ve continued to travel widely wherever possible, returning to the Balkans on several occasions and also making self-guided study trips to the International Criminal Court in the Hague, the UN Headquarters in New York City and the United Nations Office at Geneva.

I hope that your Masters programme will provide the scope to expand on my existing experience and give me opportunities to develop expertise in new and exciting areas. Once my studies have finished, I hope to find work in a more senior role at an NGO in the Balkans and I’m sure that your programme will act as the perfect springboard for this goal.

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Effective History and International Relations Personal Statement to Try

Table of Contents

Are you considering studying history and international relations? Or you may be curious about what a degree in this field offers.

This blog aims to provide an overview of the growing field of history and international relations. It stems from what kind of courses are available to potential career paths.

Read on for History and International Relations Personal Statement examples to explore!

What Is History and International Relations?

History and international relations is an interdisciplinary field that combines historical knowledge with understanding current global affairs.

Students who major in this field can expect to know how the past shapes our present and future. As well as learn vital skills such as research analysis, problem-solving, communication, and negotiation.

Courses Available in History and International Relations

The range of courses offered under the history and international relations major will depend on the university or college you attend. Some of the more popular courses include:

• Global History
• International Law
• Conflict Studies
• Ethical Debate and Decision Making
• Theories of International Relations

Career Paths for History and International Relations Majors

Students who obtain a history and international relations degree can pursue various career paths. With an understanding of historical events and current global affairs, graduates are considered ideal candidates for positions in different fields.

Fields like foreign service, government organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), military agencies, think tanks, research institutions, academic institutions, and international businesses. For example, some graduates choose to pursue roles in diplomacy, such as diplomatic attachés, ambassadors, and foreign policy advisors.

Others may opt for non-diplomatic roles, such as political analysts, international journalists, or intelligence officers.

What Is a History and International Relations Personal Statement?

You may be asked to submit a personal statement when applying to a university or college as a history and international relations major. This is your opportunity to showcase who you are and why you are interested in this field of study .

Your statement should provide evidence that you have the qualifications, skills, and motivation needed for the program. It should also demonstrate how your experience has prepared you for studying history and international relations.

How to Write a History and International Relations Personal Statement

To write an effective history and international relations personal statement :

• Consider why you are interested in the field.
• Think about your experience that can demonstrate your skills and knowledge related to this major.
• Think of specific examples from your academic or professional life that illustrate your aptitude for problem-solving, research analysis, communication, and negotiation.
• Explain how studying history and international relations will help you reach your goals.

History and International Relations Personal Statement Examples

Here are some examples of history and international relations personal statements:

“After spending four years working in a research lab, I developed an appreciation for the complex network of global systems that affect our lives. This experience has sparked my interest to further explore the intersection between history and international affairs.

As I pursue a degree in history and international relations, I look forward to developing an understanding of current global issues. I want to learn how they have been shaped by historical events.”

“I am eager to use my passion for problem-solving, analytical thinking, and research to understand global politics’ complexities.

Through studying history and international relations, I hope to develop knowledge about current world events and the impact of past decisions. This degree will equip me with the skills needed to help foster peace and understanding between nations.

The Bottom Line

Studying history and international relations can open up many career paths. It is vital to demonstrate your knowledge, qualifications, and motivation in your personal statement.

These will help you to be considered for admission into a university or college program . Highlight your past experiences and outlining how you plan to use the degree. You can showcase why you are an ideal candidate for this major. Good luck!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Successful Personal Statement For History At Oxford

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

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 History applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The History Course at Oxford combines the examination of large regions over extended periods of time with more focused work on smaller social groups, shorter periods and particular themes.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates that they can understand and analyse history.  

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:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge History comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

History Personal Statement

My passion for history can best be explained by discussing the period of German Unification, which displays the most engrossing virtues of studying the subject. Firstly there is great scope for debate and exploration of the interlocking causations, examining the relative importance of Bismarck’s own role against the military strengthening of Prussia or the shifting international relations. But most interestingly it is a defining period in the shaping of modern Europe and the way in which it links the past to the present is most fascinating. Studying this period reveals how international relations progressed after the Napoleonic era leading to the way in which Germany was unified through war and thus became a country built around war. It is therefore arguable that this era created the state which would then trigger the two wars which have shaped the modern world. This period shows how history can give us a more rounded understanding of the world we live in, linking our mysterious and intriguing past to our all too familiar present surroundings. It is partly this, which motivates me to study history as in doing so I gain immense satisfaction from learning how our world has evolved.

An understanding of history also provides a fundamental backdrop for any other areas of study. I have found this through my other A-Level subjects, for example historical knowledge of politics in Britain was essential to AS politics, particularly when studying the political situation in Ireland. An understanding of past conflicts is indispensable when it comes to managing contemporary politics. Furthermore, whilst taking French the study of Un Sac De Billes by Joseph Joffo unearthed experiences of living under Vichy France. To learn a language fully it is important to immerse oneself in the culture and history of the country in order to develop a more rounded understanding of the people who live there. Thus it seems that history is inescapable; it not only provides vital background knowledge but also helps bring to life every other academic subject, which is why in my opinion, it is the most important.     

During my A Level history course, the Napoleonic era particularly fascinated me and I pursued my interest through further reading, looking specifically at Napoleon’s downfall, an area I found most compelling as it offers the greatest exposition of the psychology of this exceptional man. I read Digby Smith’s ‘The Decline and Fall of Napoleon’s Empire’ as well as Zamoyski’s ‘1812’. I picked up on several themes throughout Zamoyski’s book and developed my own opinions such as sympathetic stances towards General Barclay and the Tsar, but was particularly intrigued by how Napoleon let his ego drive his pre-war diplomacy and how Napoleon’s own role in the breakdown of the Treaty of Tilsit perhaps triggered his eventual downfall. The fact that I was so gripped by so many different themes within an historical study of one war also reveals another aspect of history that is so appealing to me. It offers vast numbers of different avenues to pursue in one’s research, whether it is Napoleon’s diplomacy or the fallibility of the Russian command.

Outside of my academic studies, I am a dedicated sportsman but have particularly flourished musically as a cellist, obtaining a grade 8 standard in year 11 and am a committed member of various ensembles. Music has coloured my historical studies, for example, I played various Shostakovich symphonies coinciding with my study of Stalinist Russia at GCSE, each with a very different feel depending upon his relationship with Stalin, but perhaps most moving was playing his 10 th symphony, a purely self-indulgent expression of relief after the death of the dictator. It is impossible to appreciate this great work without its historical context, which transforms the piece into something personal, attaching the listener emotionally. History is not only fascinating in itself, but it enriches our appreciation of all other interests.

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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The student speaks intelligently and successfully links their interests – both within history and outside of history – to the study of history on a wider scale. The statement is well organised and reads well. Paragraph three, in particular, has many strong points with a greater focus on what really interests the student and why. The student does well to focus on the different areas of exploration within history showing a strong awareness of the nuances within historical study.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The statement focuses too much on what the student knows, rather than what interests the student – the first paragraph, in particular, reads too much like an essay, and less like an exploration of why this student actually wants to study history. The student risks falling into a trap of trying to teach and impress the admissions tutor with their knowledge instead of offering a more personal approach. The student also needs to try to avoid repetition, for example ‘most interestingly’ and ‘most fascinating’ within the same sentence in order to ensure the whole statement flows better.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is a very strong, well-written Personal Statement. The student has clearly proved they can both understand and analyse history. The student perhaps needs to focus more on their own motivations behind studying history, but overall, the statement suggests a student with great potential and zeal for the subject. What would make the student stand out even more is a stronger closing statement – something to bring the whole personal statement together.

This Personal Statement for History is a great example of a strong, well-written Statement. The candidate’s interest and achievements 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.

There are plenty more successful personal statements and expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford History application.

With our  Oxbridge History Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , score highly on the HAT and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

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Sample International Relations Personal Statement (Columbia, Cornell, Kings)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following essay is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in international relations and affairs (Masters in IR). Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Columbia’s SIPA school, Cornell’s ILR school and Kings College London. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in international relations and affairs should look like.

Sample Personal Statement in International Relations and Affairs

After GCE A-levels, I was so smitten with Economics that I wanted it to stay with me for life. As it happens to be, that did turn out to be true. I received a scholarship to the London School of Economics (LSE) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. While at the LSE, I developed an interest in economic research. I interned at the Center for Economic Research in Washington, DC, every summer for four years. My work in DC was based on Evidence-Based Procurement Reforms. The project aimed to evaluate public sector institutes’ procurement process to increase efficiency in their procurement workflow. The fieldwork required me to work with government officials and help them digitize the procurement process. I realized that even though the officials wanted public sector organizations to work efficiently, such changes were not easy to bring unless better policies were designed.

During my junior year at LSE, I worked as a research assistant at the Center for Research in Economics and Business (CREB). At CREB, I worked with Professor Antony Bert on a preliminary report to evaluate the impact of microcredit on women in developing countries. The study was conducted in collaboration with a nonprofit, and it helped me see the difference my work could make in the lives of women entrepreneurs.

During my senior year at LSE, I was selected for the Global UGRAD program. My time at Utica College helped me decide where I wanted to proceed with economics. The rich discussions in my “international political economy” and “international relations” classes gave me a lot to think about. I especially remember when I led a seminar on how the West could help the East solve its economic problems. The classroom was an amalgamation of different nationalities, so the varying viewpoints were very interesting.

The thought that developing countries may be a burden for the developed world to bear saddened me. I had previously given little thought to my country’s role in the global economy. It became apparent to me that the resources, even in the wealthiest countries, are scarce, and development is a pressing issue. At the same time, interacting with people from different ethnicities opened my mind to what I needed to do for developing countries. Talking about the problems of developing countries with others motivated me to play my part in making them better, and working for their development, seemed the right place to start.

My fascination with economics grew further when I heard Professor Kaushik Basu, the Chief Economist at World Bank, talk about the challenges facing the South Asian region at the 11th South Asian Economics Students’ Meet (SAESM) in Bhutan. He stated that the South Asian region could greatly benefit from regional integration if its countries overcame problems, such as mutual mistrust, by formulating policies to help eradicate such barriers. This increased my proclivity toward development economics and sparked an interest in studying policymaking.

Recently, I got the opportunity to intern at the Planning and Development Department of India. It was a window for me to peek into the world of policymaking, which did not turn out to be as I had hoped. Millions of dollars were allocated to different projects, yet with no significant improvement in the common man’s life. I became certain that much more is needed to be done to make public policies more effective. For example, there was no proper cost-benefit analysis of projects, and there were instances where funds were tied up in projects due to bureaucratic delays.

I was thrilled to start working as a Research Assistant for a Tax project. As I had become enamored with public policy by now, I was excited to work for evidence-based policy reform. The project intends to strengthen the social relationship between the government and the taxpayers by highlighting the link between property tax revenues and public services. I have been coordinating and working closely with the Excise and Taxation Department and have also been involved in collecting and cleaning taxpayer data. While I am learning a lot here at The Indian Econometric Society (TIES), it has helped me identify the gaps in my knowledge. For example, I lack the econometric skills to analyze public programs and policies.

I hope that graduate studies will help me obtain these skills and tools. I want to pursue a Master’s in International Relations specializing in international development policy, as I want to evaluate third-world countries’ policies in an international setting. My experiences provide a great opportunity to get a graduate degree and experience the cultural exchange experience again, where I can share more experiences from my work with the new people I meet. I hope to return to India better prepared to work on policy analysis by working for developmental organizations and agencies.

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International Relations Personal Statement Example

The personal statement for international relations should emphasize your passion for the field as well as your unique experiences and qualities. The following is an example of an international relations personal statement .

As an avid reader of international news and a participant in Model United Nations conferences, I have long been fascinated by the complexities and challenges of global politics . I am drawn to the field of international relations because it offers a unique perspective on how countries interact with each other and how their decisions impact the world at large.

I believe that the study of international relations is crucial for understanding and addressing the most pressing issues of our time, such as climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality. In particular, I am interested in the role of international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank, in promoting cooperation and resolving conflicts among nations. I am also fascinated by the concept of international law and how it can be used to protect human rights and uphold global standards.

In college, I pursued a major in political science and a minor in economics, taking courses in international relations, comparative politics, and global governance. I have also had the opportunity to intern with the U.S. Department of State, where I assisted in the preparation of briefing materials and provided support to senior officials working on international affairs. This experience has deepened my understanding of the inner workings of the foreign policy process and has reinforced my desire to pursue a career in international relations.

I am now eager to take the next step in my academic and professional journey by pursuing a graduate degree in international relations. I am confident that the knowledge and skills I gain through this program will prepare me to make meaningful contributions to the field and to be a leader in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous world.

International Relations Personal Statement Writing Tips

Read our tips for writing a personal statement for international relations :

• Start by thinking about why you are interested in international relations. What sparked your curiosity about the field? What specific issues or topics are you passionate about? By explaining your motivations and interests, you can give the admissions committee a sense of your personality and why you are a good fit for the program.
• Next, highlight your relevant academic and professional experiences. Have you taken classes in international relations or related subjects? Have you interned or worked in a related field? Be sure to mention any research projects, study abroad experiences, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to international relations.
• Explain how a graduate degree in international relations will help you achieve your career goals. What do you hope to do after you graduate? How will this program prepare you to succeed in your chosen field?
• Keep your writing clear and concise. A personal statement is a short piece of writing, so you will need to be selective about what you include. Avoid overly complex sentences and jargon, and focus on communicating your ideas straightforwardly and engagingly.
• Proofread and edit your statement carefully. A personal statement is a reflection of your writing skills and attention to detail, so it’s important to make sure your statement is free of errors and written. Ask a friend or family member to read over your statement and provide feedback, and be sure to review it yourself multiple times to catch any mistakes.

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• History personal statements

Personal Statement - History and International Relations

History & international relations.

The study of history is a lens through which political developments can be viewed, enabling us to see how past policies between nations have sculpted western society today. The intertwinement of history and political relations was best epitomised through my discovery of historical revisionism and negationism; how the realities of history can be altered and distorted in the name of political gain. The ability to interpret and form my own judgement based on uncertain past historical inquests is an experience I find truly gratifying.

The study of 19th Century Britain confirmed my interest in political history, and inspired me to read a number of books-Norman Gash's 'Aristocracy and People' and Boyd Hilton's 'England 1783-1846' made a lasting impression. Gash's perspective that Peel's politics architected Victorian prosperity contrasts directly with Hilton's interpretation of Peel as a doctrinaire, a dichotomy of viewpoints that I find compelling in this argument, and throughout the discipline as a whole. Keen to read texts not confined to the syllabus, 'The Crushing of Eastern Europe' helped simplify complex international relations of post-war Europe, and having a Polish heritage, provided insight into my personal history. I believe that the uniting of peoples against an autocratic regime during this period can be paralleled by current events in the Middle-East; lessons from 60 years ago are a stark reminder that global democracy must still be fought for. Furthermore, the works of Marx have instilled in me the importance of understanding the structure of society and the economy, the fabric of which history is made of, and though I disagree with his rejection of private ownership and advocacy of centralization, my open-mindedness to differing political opinions has been broadened.

Exploring beyond the limitations of the classroom has honed my research skills, evidenced during a visit to Plaszow in Poland, where local history became a transcendental experience. Blighted by war and hardship, their history has effectively been moulded to create present-day reality; a journey that highlights history's intrinsic power for change, yet still echoes Trotsky's voice from beyond the grave, that War is the locomotive of change. I hope to discover ways of implementing change without the need for such conflict.

Studying English has been highly beneficial in allowing me to look at a source more analytically and perfecting my ability to synthesize a well-reasoned argument. The study of politics has enriched my interest in the intricate operations within the EU, and inspired me to debate the entrance of Turkey with the Central London Debating Society- my citation of concerns about human rights and the straining of the EU's economy ignited a variety of responses; arbitrating between opposing views is a unique experience, and one I find stimulating. Recent work experience at John Soane's Museum aided my study of history. Being exposed to tangible, historical artefacts-the products that history books can only describe- evoked awe-inspiring questions that furthered my, already well cemented, fascination of the past.

Chairing my school's History Society has given me the honour of discovering historic affairs and engaging with historians such as Ronald Hutton, enhancing my familiarity with past events. In volunteering at The Passage, a multi-ethnic homeless shelter, I have applied my bilingual fluency, allowing not only for interpersonal development, but for the appreciation of the diverse historical and political views of different cultures. Being a member of the ReachOut programme and mentoring schoolchildren in reading has been a thoroughly rewarding experience, and has solidified my desire to enter the field of academia, and teaching. At the risk of sounding trite, I hope to learn from history's past mistakes in order to better global relations today. Under the tutelage of today's experts at University, I hope this can be made a reality.

Universities Applied to:

• University of East Anglia (Modern History and International Relations) - Offer (ABB) INSURANCE
• Loughborough University (History and International Relations) - Offer(AAB)
• The University of Manchester (History and Modern Politics) - Offer (AAB)
• The University of Exeter (History and International Relations) - Offer (AAA) FIRM --(Achieved)--
• The University of Southampton (Modern History and Politics) - Offer (AAB)

Grades Achieved:

• Politics & Government (AS) - A
• English (A2) - A
• German (A2) - A
• History (A2) - A*

General Comments:

Comments on the statement:.

Spent a lot of time on this, and made constant modifications over the 6-ish weeks I properly worked on it. My main advice would be to limit discussion about extra-curricular activities unless they can be linked back to the course you're studying. Main aim is to display genuine interest in the subject- achieved through discussion of books/places. Giving your own point of view is IMO powerful and effective. This wasn't easy, but after receiving offers from my 5 choices and currently settled at Exeter University in my first year, it was certainly worth it. Good luck. Message me for any help

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Writing Your Personal Statements

Your personal statement must demonstrate to the admissions committee that you have considered graduate school and their specific program seriously. It’s your opportunity to summarize your academic and research experiences. You must also communicate how your experiences are relevant to preparing you for the graduate degree that you will be pursuing and explain why a given program is the right one for you.

The personal statement is where you highlight your strengths. Make your strengths absolutely clear to the reviewers, because they will often be reading many other statements. Your self-assessments and honest conversations with peers and advisors should have also revealed your strengths. But you must also address (not blame others for) weaknesses or unusual aspects of your application or academic background.

Your personal statement should focus on two main aspects: your competence and commitment.

1. Identify your strengths in terms of competence that indicate that you will succeed in the grad program and provide examples to support your claims. Start your statement by describing your strengths immediately. Because faculty will be reading many statements, it’s important to start off with your strengths and not “bury your lede.” Consider traits of successful graduate students from your informational interviews, and identify which of these traits you have. These traits could involve research skills and experiences, expertise in working with techniques or instruments, familiarity with professional networks and resources in your field, etc.

• Check your responses from the exercises in the self-assessment section. You may wish to consult notes from your informational interviews and your Seven Stories . Write concise summaries and stories that demonstrate your strengths, e.g. how your strengths helped you to achieve certain goals or overcome obstacles.
• Summarize your research experience(s). What were the main project goals and the “big picture” questions? What was your role in this project? What did you accomplish? What did you learn, and how did you grow as a result of the experience(s)?

My research examines the interplay between U.S. domestic politics and foreign policy during the Cold War. As a native New Yorker, I saw firsthand how dramatically my city changed after 9/11, which prompted my early interest in U.S. policy at home and abroad. As an undergraduate at the City College of New York, I planned to study international relations with a focus on U.S. foreign affairs. I also quickly became involved in student activist groups that focused on raising awareness about a wide range of human rights issues, from the Syrian refugee crisis to asylum seekers from Central America.

The more I learned about the crises in the present, the more I realized that I needed a deeper understanding of the past to fully grasp them. I decided to pursue a PhD in history in order to gain a clearer understanding of human rights issues in the present and to empower young student-activists like myself.

— Vannessa Velez, PhD candidate in History

Addressing weaknesses or unusual aspects

• Identify weaknesses or unusual aspects in your application—e.g., a significant drop in your GPA during a term; weak GRE scores; changes in your academic trajectory, etc. Don’t ignore them, because ignoring them might be interpreted as blind spots for you. If you’re unsure if a particular issue is significant enough to address, seek advice from faculty mentors.
• Explain how you’ll improve and strengthen those areas or work around your weakness. Determine how you will address them in a positive light, e.g., by discussing how you overcame obstacles through persistence, what you learned from challenges, and how you grew from failures. Focusing on a growth mindset  or grit  and this blog on weaknesses might also help.
• Deal with any significant unusual aspects later in the statement to allow a positive impression to develop first.
• Explain, rather than provide excuses—i.e., address the issue directly and don’t blame others (even if you believe someone else is responsible). Draft it and get feedback from others to see if the explanation is working as you want it to.
• Provide supporting empirical evidence if possible. For example, “Adjusting to college was a major step for me, coming from a small high school and as a first-generation college student. My freshman GPA was not up to par with my typical achievements, as demonstrated by my improved  GPA of 3.8 during my second and third years in college."
• Be concise (don’t dwell on the issues), but also be complete (don’t lead to other potentially unanswered questions). For example, if a drop in grades during a term was due to a health issue, explain whether the health issue is recurring, managed now with medication, resolved, etc.

2. Explain your commitment to research and their graduate program, including your motivation for why you are applying to this graduate program at this university. Be as specific as possible. Identify several faculty members with whom you are interested in working, and explain why their research interests you.

• Descriptions of your commitment should explain why you’re passionate about this particular academic field and provide demonstrations of your commitment with stories (e.g., working long hours to solve a problem, overcoming challenges in research, resilience in pursuing problems). Don’t merely assert your commitment.
• Explain why you are applying to graduate school, as opposed to seeking a professional degree or a job. Discuss your interest and motivation for grad school, along with your future career aspirations.

I am definitely not your traditional graduate student. As a biracial (Native American and white), first-generation PhD student from a military family, I had very limited guidance on how best to pursue my education, especially when I decided that graduate school was a good idea. I ended up coming to this PhD in a very circuitous manner, stopping first to get a JD and, later, an MFA in Young Adult Literature. With each degree, I took time to work and apply what I’d learned, as a lawyer and as an educator. Each time, I realized that I was circling around questions that I couldn’t let go of—not just because I found them to be fascinating, but because I did (and still do!) feel that my research could help to bridge a gap that desperately needs bridging. Because my work is quite interdisciplinary, I strongly feel that I wouldn’t have been able to pursue this line of research without the degrees and life experience I gained before coming to this program.

— Jamie Fine, PhD candidate in Modern Thought and Literature

Statement of Purpose: subtle aspects

• Think in terms of engaging faculty in a conversation rather than pleading with them that you should be admitted. Ask reviewers to read drafts with this concern in mind.
• With later drafts, try developing an overall narrative theme. See if one emerges as you work.
• Write at least 10 drafts and expect your thinking and the essay to change quite a bit over time.
• Read drafts out loud to help you catch errors.
• Expect the "you' that emerges in your essay to be incomplete. . . that’s OK.
• You’re sharing a professional/scholarly slice of "you."
• Avoid humor (do you really know what senior academics find funny?) and flashy openings and closings. Think of pitching the essay to an educated person in the field, but not necessarily in your specialty. Avoid emotionally laden words (such as "love" or "passion"). Remember, your audience is a group of professors! Overly emotional appeals might make them uncomfortable. They are looking for scholarly colleagues.

© Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305

• Personal statement advice: politics

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Politics: less can be more

Demonstrating your understanding of and interest in studying politics is a key way of impressing tutors:

‘The most persuasive statements are those that are clearly written and which get straight to the point. Less is often more. I simply want it made clear to me that an applicant is academically interested in studying the subject at university, that they’ve done their homework, and have a sense of what the academic study of politics is actually about… that it’s not just current affairs.

The University of Bristol helpfully outlines what tutors are looking for in politics applicants on its website – you need to show evidence of:

• your engagement with the subject beyond the A level (or equivalent) syllabus
• what it is that specifically and explicitly enthuses you about the debates you engage with, the books you read, and the ideas you discuss

They would also be very interested in your reflections on any relevant volunteering or campaigning you might have done, but it’s you as an individual and your intellectual engagement with ideas that they most want to get a feel for. There's no model answer – it just needs to be unique to you. Or one other way you might stand out, in Dr Allen's view, is by speaking to an admissions tutor at an open day and following it up with an email exchange.

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Do you need to take an english test to study at university in the uk, five reasons to sign up to the ucas newsletter, uniquely awards a uk and us degree.

History and International Relations personal statement

• Reading time: 3 minutes
• Price: Free download
• Published: 21st October 2021
• Word count: 612 words
• File format: Text

My appetite for History and International Relations has flourished over the past four years. As society continues to evolve, and as globalisation takes centre stage, the applied  discipline of the historian offers us a rich resource from which to draw lessons. There is little that mankind has not already experienced and from which we can learn. Tim Marshall’s ‘Prisoners of Geography’ and ‘ Worth Dying For ‘ have informed my perspective on current international politics and the motives behind some of the challenging developments we see on the current world stage, such as the conflicts in Libya and Syria, fuelled by the influence of terrorist organisations and weak democracies. Such hotspots fall into the category of ‘wicked problems’; those that have no straightforward resolution.

Combined, I think the practice of International Relations and the wisdom of history bring to light the challenges and opportunities of globalisation. For example, after studying Imperial Russia I understood how past events influence current global politics. In 1762 Catherine the Great annexed Crimea. Two hundred and fifty-two years on, Putin annexed Crimea. Their motives had much in common across a span of two and a half centuries. My interest in Russia brought me to ‘The Romanovs; 1613 – 1917’ by Simon Sebag Montefiore. This inspired me to evaluate, for my  EPQ, whether Catherine the Great deserves her title. Researching this has refined my source-analysis, essay-writing and ability to think critically; skills required to be an effective and academically independent historian.

In addition to my interest in Imperial Russia, I have enjoyed a range of FutureLearn courses  including Empire, Cooperation in the Contemporary World and Why the European Union? These, delivered by a range of universities, have given me the opportunity to engage in areas of History and International Relations not covered by the school curriculum. Interaction with participants and tutors, along with my commitment to these courses, proves me to be an enthusiastic learner.

As school History Club Captain I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for history . I have been able to examine the degree to which historical events are sensationalised in books, films and television and the impact this has on an audience’s historical understanding.

My role as International Prefect helped hone my public speaking skills, as I delivered whole school assemblies and took a leading role in our annual International Cultural Fair. Participating in a Japanese exchange in February allowed me to immerse myself in another culture and share my own. I also gained an insight into issues facing Japan, such as the influence of the monarchy. Independent trips to Poland and Croatia have further extended my understanding of the way in which the past is reflected upon in other countries and the effect this has on decision-making and diplomacy today.

My self-confidence has developed through 14 years in Performing Arts and I am working towards my Diploma in Musical Theatre, having achieved my Grade 8 exam. Last summer I also had the joy and privilege of a week ‘Exploring Shakespeare’ at RADA. I enjoy weekly work experience at the Hazlitt Youth Theatre leading drama workshops for children. This has developed my patience and understanding for the unbounded, but sometimes unfocused, enthusiasm of younger people!

Furthermore, as Head Girl I am a role model for younger students, displaying professionalism and perseverance at all times. Through the competitive selection process, I proved myself to be an organised, dedicated and enthusiastic ambassador for my school and my leadership     qualities are evident as I manage a team of Senior Prefects throughout the school year.

As a student of history and politics , I believe you will find me to be an exceptional  candidate, prepared to take on the opportunities of university study – with a smile.

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Privacy Overview

• PhD History
• Prospective Students
• MA Programs

The Department of History offers a PhD program centered on rigorous research within a vibrant and diverse intellectual community. While most of our students have a history degree (BA) or degrees (BA and MA), we accept students with a variety of backgrounds and interests. 

Admission is highly competitive. All offers include a full university fellowship for the duration of the program. Between 2017 and 2024, a number of excellent students selected for admission were named  Neubauer Family Distinguished Doctoral Fellows and received additional fellowship support over for five years.

Admissions Deadline (Autumn 2025 program start):  December 5, 2024 at 11:55 

Application Process

Interested students apply to the PhD program through the  Division of the Social Sciences . For questions regarding the application submission and fee waivers, please contact  SSD Admissions.  For questions regarding the History PhD Program or History-specific application components, please contact our  graduate affairs administrator .

Official decisions are sent by the Social Science Admissions Office by late February. The Department cannot release any information on admissions decisions.

Application Advice

The requirements for the application can be found on the divisional  admissions pages . The following advice is specific to your application to the Department of History.

Your  writing sample  should be a complete self-contained work. The ideal sample should be in the field of history (or a closely related field) that you plan to pursue at Chicago. Include the class or publication for which the sample was written. We do not have a page or word limit for writing samples. For papers longer than thirty pages, please flag a section for the committee.

Your  candidate statement  provides us with vital insight into the intersection of your intellectual goals and personal trajectory. It should communicate: 1) the ambitions you wish to pursue through doctoral work in history; 2) the specific questions and themes that will shape your dissertation research; 3) the personal and intellectual trajectory that has brought you to those themes and questions and prepared you to pursue them; and 4) the reasons that the University of Chicago and its faculty are well-matched to your doctoral plans.

The most helpful  letters of recommendation  come from faculty members who can assess your ability to work on your proposed historical topic.

Prospective students are asked to identify one or two primary fields of scholarly interest from a list in the application. Our faculty pages are sorted by field. Please see those pages for more information on faculty working in your field of interest. Please note, however, that we highly encourage applicants who work across field boundaries and do not apportion admissions by field.

There is no minimum  foreign language requirement  to enter the program, but successful applicants should possess strong language skills in their proposed research language(s) and be aware of the  language requirements for the various fields . All students are required to take a language exam in the first quarter of the program.

The University sets the  English-language assessment  requirements. Refer to the  Division of the Social Sciences  for English-language requirements and waivers.

Submission of  GRE scores  is entirely optional. Those who choose not to submit scores will not be disadvantaged in the admissions process.

MA Program Consideration

All applicants who are not admitted to our PhD program are automatically forwarded for consideration by our MA programs, unless the applicant specifically opts out of this process on their application. That said, as referred applications are considered later than most other MA applications, scholarship assistance for students admitted to an MA program through the referral process may be limited. If you are interested in our MA programs and would need scholarship assistance to attend, we would encourage you to apply directly to the MA as well as our program (note that this would require a separate application and application fee). MA applications are accepted  multiple times per year  with decisions typically issued within 6 to 8 weeks. Questions about applying to an MA program should be directed to  [email protected] .

Campus Visits

We encourage prospective students to reach out to potential faculty mentors through email. Please consult our faculty page to find professors who share your interests. Our graduate affairs administrator can provide additional information about the program.

The University also offers  graduate campus tours  throughout the year that are led by graduate students. Please check their website for campus visitor updates.

Admitted PhD students are invited to visit campus for "History Day" at the beginning of Spring Quarter.

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Politics and International Relations

Author: jack long-martinez, applied in: winter 2015, university offers: lse, warwick, york.

In The Soldier and the State Samuel P. Huntington writes that “collective will supplants individual whim”, and it is this notion of the collaborative power of humanity which is key to my desire to study politics. I find both mankind’s ability to draw strength from the creation of societies and the interrelationships between political powers intriguing and I am eager, therefore, to explore the world’s civilisations in detail.

As an introduction to my study of global political cultures, I read J. Stiglitz’s novel The Price of Inequality; his exposure of the flaws in US social structure prior to the Great Recession gave an insight into the workings of contemporary American society, with the author focusing in particular on the relationship between the nation’s reckless financial sector and the suffering of the USA’s “99 percent”. I subsequently read F. Fukuyama’s After the Neocons. This text furthered my understanding of American politics, discussing the consequences of the Bush administration’s incorrect application of neoconservative theory with regards to foreign policy and criticising its reliance on overwhelming military force as the key driver of cultural development.

Undertaking an extended project concerning the extent to which Francoist Spain was a fascist state allowed me to explore the political history of both Spain and Europe as a whole. My research led me to conclude that, in spite of sharing traits with its Fascist contemporaries, the absence of typically fascist ideals such as militaristic expansion and utopianism meant that the regime could never itself be truly classed as fascist. This view echoes that of S J Woolf, who labelled Franco’s fascism as “at best…half hearted”.

In order to understand international politics in a broader context, I also read Fukuyama’s The End of History and the Last Man; through his analysis of political development over the course of history and identification of Western liberal democracy as the ultimate political system, the author indicates the past’s importance in shaping today’s politics. It is questionable, however, whether Fukuyama’s views concerning Western society are valid, with the prominence of competing cultures-particularly Islam-casting doubt over their legitimacy. His argument has, therefore, been widely disputed, with S. Huntington, for example, describing belief in “the universality of Western culture” as “false” and “immoral”.

Politics and social organisation is not, however, only important on an international scale. It governs interaction at any level, be it within government or among communities, which inspires me to explore all forms of political activity. Publications such as The Economist and literature such as R.Peston’s How do we Fix this Mess? developed my interest in national politics. Work experience with Norman Lamb MP achieved similar outcomes; I gained a practical insight into the varied role of an MP at local level, with my drafting of letters to constituents, policy research and exchanges with Mr Lamb and his staff all proving to be invaluable in expanding my understanding and appreciation of Britain’s political system.

Outside the classroom, I have been heavily involved in charitable work. I raised several thousand pounds as an executive on Norwich School’s Appeals Committee and worked with the international charity ‘Smile’, for which I delivered speeches to audiences of over 900 people within Norwich Cathedral. Communication was also crucial to my role as Managing Director of a Young Enterprise company, through which I appeared on BBC Radio Norfolk. In addition, I have provided mathematics tutoring to GCSE pupils in school and played tennis to national standard. Moreover, I have recently been appointed Deputy Head of Norwich School, making me responsible for various aspects of school life, such as the Consultative Committee-the large pupil-led body which exists to voice students’ concerns on school matters-and the prefect body.

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

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Ministers Anandasangaree, Hajdu, and Vandal’s statement on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

From: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Today, on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures and important contributions of Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada and around the world.

Ottawa, Ontario (August 9, 2024) — Traditional Unceded Algonquin Territory

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, and the Honourable Dan Vandal, issued the following statement today:

“Today, on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples , we recognize and celebrate the histories, cultures and important contributions of Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada and around the world.

“Indigenous communities around the world are keepers of their cultures, languages, and wisdom. In all their diversity, they share the common challenges of protecting their autonomy, preserving their histories, and upholding their ways of life.

“It is essential that we work to protect Indigenous ways of life and perspectives not just in Canada, but globally. Here in Canada, we are working to advance self-determination and ensure that Indigenous communities’ rights and political, economic, and social structures are protected. In partnership with First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Indigenous Modern Treaty partners, we are re-establishing Nation-to-Nation relationships and advancing Indigenous visions for self-determination. In doing so, we are working with Indigenous partners to put the UN Declaration Act into action, as reflected in the UN Declaration Act Action Plan .

“As we celebrate this day, we recognize the importance of preserving the distinct cultures and traditions of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and throughout the world. Their invaluable contributions to economic development, climate resilience, and cultural diversity are vital to our collective future. By respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and supporting their vision for self-determination, we not only honour their significance, but ensure a more diverse and sustainable world for all.”

For more information, media may contact:

Matthieu Perrotin Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations [email protected]

Media Relations Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada 819-934-2302 [email protected]

Jennifer Kozelj Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor [email protected]

Media Relations Indigenous Services Canada 819-953-1160 [email protected]

Carson Debert Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Dan Vandal Minister of Northern Affairs [email protected]

Stay connected

Join the conversation about Indigenous Peoples in Canada:

X: @GCIndigenous Facebook: @GCIndigenous Instagram: @gcindigenous

Join the conversation about the North:

Twitter: @GovCanNorth Facebook: @GovCanNorth

You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.cirnac.gc.ca/RSS .

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Olympic Boxer Imane Khelif Is Neither Trans Nor Male

A short fight between algerian boxer imane khelif and italian boxer angela carini lead to a long and sustained bout of misinformation., alex kasprak, published aug. 5, 2024.

In early August 2024, an Algerian female boxer at the 2024 Paris Olympics named Imane Khelif was forced into American culture wars over allegations she was a man identifying as a woman to cheat her way to the top. The news cycle began after Khelif's unusually short victory over Italian boxer Angela Carini.

On Aug. 1, 2024,  Khelif faced Carini in an opening bout of the women's welterweight boxing tournament at the 2024 Games. Forty-six seconds into the bout, Carini ended the fight early after being punched a few times, delivering an unusual win to Khelif.

Carini later said she ended the fight due to severe nose pain following one of Khelif's blows. Video showed her sobbing after her loss and not shaking Khelif's hand when offered to her. "I have never felt a punch like this," she said after the fight.

Anti-trans activists and social media pundits immediately painted this fight as an example of the alleged unfairness and danger of allowing trans women to fight against those assigned female at birth. 

The author J.K. Rowling, for example, described the match on X as "a young female boxer" having "everything she's worked and trained for snatched away because [the International Olympic Committee] allowed a male to get in the ring with her."

The virulently anti-trans X account Libs of TikTok also weighed in , describing Khelif as "a man … being allowed to compete in women's Olympic boxing in Paris."

Former U.S. President Donald Trump chimed in as well, describing Khelif as "a person that transitioned": 

The problem with these arguments was Khelif is neither trans nor male. She was born, and has lived her entire life, as a female. The sanctioned International Boxing Association (IBA) alleged in a confidential report she did not meet the World Boxing Championship requirements for female competition in 2023, despite having competed as a woman in that same competition for many years prior, winning silver in 2022.

Khelif's eligibility was challenged only after she beat a Russian opponent to advance to the World Championship quarterfinal round in 2023. The IBA was once recognized by the IOC as the official governing body for boxing — but that title was rescinded in April 2023 following, among other things, allegations of corruption and ties to Russian money . As a result, the IOC, not the IBA, sets the rules for Olympic women's boxing.

Who is Imane Khelif?

Khelif is an Algerian boxer who has competed, as a woman, at the international level for years. She has always identified as a woman, and as a UNICEF ambassador has discussed the role that being a young girl in a tiny rural village has had on her development as a boxer:

When Imane Khelif, 24, one of Algeria's top female boxers is asked what achievements she is most proud of, she says, "It's being able to overcome the obstacles in my life." Imane recalls how at 16 she managed to excel in football in her rural village in Tiaret in western Algeria despite football not being seen as a game fit for girls. Moreover, the boys in her village felt threatened and picked fights with her. Ironically it was her ability to dodge the boys' punches that got her into boxing.

She came in 17th at the 2018 IBA World Boxing Championships and 33rd in the 2019 IBA World Boxing Championships. She represented Algeria in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In those games, she lost to the tournament's bronze medalist, Ireland's Kellie Harrington. Her presence did not generate any controversy. She went on to win silver in the 2022 World Boxing Championships.

What Happened in 2023?

Khelif also competed in the 2023 IBA World Championships in New Delhi — that is, until she beat a Russian boxer. On March 22, 2023, Khelif " dominated " Russian boxer Amineva Azalia with a 4-1 victory, securing her a position in the quarterfinals scheduled to begin a few days later.

On March 24, however, the IBA disqualified Khelif, suggesting a "failure to meet the eligibility criteria for participating in the women's competition." In 2023, the head of the IBA told the Russian news agency TASS that DNA tests had "proved they had XY chromosomes and were thus excluded from the sports events." XY chromosomes are typically associated with males.

Responding to controversy a year later, however, the IBA more generally claimed that Khelif was "subject to [a] … recognized test" but that "the specifics remain confidential." The IOC had suggested the 2023 disqualification was due to her testosterone level, but the IBA pushed back on that claim.

Can Women Have XY Chromosomes or Elevated Testosterone?

Gender testing for women's sports remains controversial . The rationale is that the process of going through puberty as a male imparts significant physical advantages over females that could make competition between the sexes dangerous. The controversy, historically at least, has largely been over how these tests should work and how to handle cases complicated by the natural genetic diversity of human life.

There are genetic conditions, termed differences of sexual development, in which biological females are born with XY chromosomes but possess female anatomy, or that affect how a biological female regulates and reacts to testosterone, causing levels typically associated with males. Though there is no independent confirmation that Khelif has these conditions, people born this way would legally be considered female or intersex.

Debates over these issues in the context of women's sports have nothing to do with a purported "woke" or "trans agenda," because such instances involve women who were born as women, identify as women and have not undergone any sex reassignment surgery or procedure to change this fact. That is what IOC spokesperson Mark Adams meant when he clarified to the press "this is not a transgender issue."

Gender-reassignment procedures require significant financial and medical resources. The notion that a woman from a rural western Algerian village who sold scrap metal to support her boxing career would have had the ability to undergo such a procedure in a deeply conservative Muslim country that prohibits the practice is extremely unlikely , at best.

IOC Responds

On Aug. 1, 2024, the day Khelif defeated Carini, the IOC released a statement defending both Khelif and another boxer facing similar accusations, Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting:

We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years in the women's category, including the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, International Boxing Association (IBA) World Championships and IBA-sanctioned tournaments. … The current aggression against these two athletes is based entirely on this arbitrary decision, which was taken without any proper procedure – especially considering that these athletes had been competing in top-level competition for many years. Such an approach is contrary to good governance. Eligibility rules should not be changed during ongoing competition, and any rule change must follow appropriate processes and should be based on scientific evidence.

The IOC stated that both boxers have met the IOC eligibility requirements for competition as a woman in boxing.

Angela Carini Was Not Making a Political Statement

Social media accounts falsely attempting to make this story about transgender athletes attempted to paint a sorrowful picture of Carini's loss, describing her dreams as having been crushed by a man pretending to be a woman and suggesting that photos of the fight and of Carini's tearful reaction evoked images of domestic violence . Carini's tears and her not shaking Khelif's hand were used to support this narrative.

But according to The Associated Press, Carini was not making a political statement at all, and did not intend to refuse to shake Khelif's hand:

"All this controversy makes me sad," Carini said. "I'm sorry for my opponent, too. … If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision." Carini was apologetic for not shaking Khelif's hand after the bout. "It wasn't something I intended to do," Carini said. "Actually, I want to apologize to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke. I don't have anything against Khelif. Actually, if I were to meet her again I would embrace her."

It is not uncommon for athletes of any gender to shed tears after losing a shot at a medal in the Olympic Games, nor is it uncommon for a punch to the head from an Olympic boxer to cause pain. Boxing is a sport in which two people try to punch each other hard enough to cause a knockout.

Bottom Line

The only purported evidence for the claim that Khelif is trans comes from an undisclosed test performed by an allegedly corrupt sports governing body that may have shown she has a DSD condition. The IOC has said Khelif meets its requirements for participation, with Adams, the IOC spokesman, specifically clarifying , "This is not a transgender issue."

Because Khelif is not transgender, claims attempting to make her victory against Carini an issue about transgender rights or "woke" politics are without basis.

Snopes reporter Jordan Liles contributed to this report.

"Algeria Boxer Imane Khelif Wins First Olympic Fight When Opponent Angela Carini Quits." AP News, 1 Aug. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/olympics-2024-boxing-gender-4b6eb881cce9c34484d30c68ad979127.

Boxing/Women's World Championships (Day 6): Algerian Imane Khelif Secures Her Ticket to the Quarter-Finals. https://al24news.com/fr/boxe-championnats-du-monde-feminin-6e-journee-lalgerienne-imane-khelif-valide-son-billet-pour-les-quarts-de-finale/. Accessed 2 Aug. 2024.

"Childhood of Boxer Imane Khelif as She Faces Accusations of Being 'Biological Male.'" The Independent, 2 Aug. 2024, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/imane-khelif-olympics-boxer-trans-debate-gender-carini-b2590229.html.

Ewing, Lori. "Explainer: Olympics-DSD Rules in Focus in Women's Boxing." Reuters, 31 July 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/sports/olympics/olympics-dsd-rules-focus-womens-boxing-2024-07-31/.

"Joint Paris 2024 Boxing Unit/IOC Statement." Olympics.Com, 1 Aug. 2024, https://olympics.com/ioc/news/joint-paris-2024-boxing-unit-ioc-statement.

"Lin Yu-Ting and Imane Khelif: Boxers Cleared for Paris Olympics." BBC Sport, 30 July 2024, https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/articles/c4ngr93d9pgo.

Newsweek. Olympics Officials Make It "Absolutely Clear" On Women Boxers Controversy. 2024. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0do8voeKFNY.

"Olympic Association Calls for Successor to Run Boxing's Global Duties after Excluding IBA." BBC Sport, 9 Apr. 2024. www.bbc.com, https://www.bbc.com/sport/boxing/68773451.

"Statement Made by the International Boxing Association Regarding Athletes Disqualifications in World Boxing Championships 2023." IBA, 31 July 2024, https://www.iba.sport/news/statement-made-by-the-international-boxing-association-regarding-athletes-disqualifications-in-world-boxing-championships-2023.

Tokyo 2020: Harrington Guarantees Medal with Khelif Win. Aug. 2021. www.rte.ie, https://www.rte.ie/sport/olympics/2021/0803/1238700-tokyo-2020-harrington-guarantees-medal-with-khelif-win/.

"Who Is Italian Boxer Angela Carini and Why Did She Quit Her Fight against Imane Khelif?" AP News, 2 Aug. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/angela-carini-imane-khelif-boxing-63e9dbaa30f1e29196d4162c72c2babf.

By Alex Kasprak

Alex Kasprak is an investigative journalist and science writer reporting on scientific misinformation, online fraud, and financial crime.

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International relations and politics personal statement example 1.

Since childhood, I have been fascinated by the constantly changing world that we live in, wanting to understand and explore the causes and effects of current and future human interactions. During my teenage years I started listening to the BBC World Service and reading internationally recognized journals and magazines.

I have become convinced that a third level education relevant to world affairs would help me gain knowledge that would allow me to pursue a wide range of possibilities. My current career ambition is to find a suitable role within an international organisation, such as the UN, ideally with specific focus on assisting people who have been displaced due to civil unrest, war, famine or other natural disaster.

I was born in Australia to a family of political refugees who had escaped communist Czechoslovakia. After my country’s Velvet Revolution, my family returned to Prague, the capital of a then newly formed democracy. This radical change helped to widen my perspective and see the world from a different point of view. Today I am a bi-national avid traveler, having visited more than 40 countries. I have attended six exchange programmes with partner schools: one in Sweden, one in Germany and four in France.

I have also been on two volunteer programmes with Earthwatch, firstly being in Spain, where we helped gather information to design marine protected areas and then in Tanzania, helping to determine the impact of forest fragmentation through monitoring rainforest bird populations.

The Tanzanian expedition in particular was an eye opener, not only because of the local cultural differences and the poverty, but also because of the amount of teamwork and hardship we had to face living in a remote area like the Usambara Mountains. The experience also made me aware of how foreign countries and NGOs are helping to alleviate the poverty in Tanzania.

At school, my position as the only girl in my class has ensured that I have maintained a somewhat independent approach to my studies. I have chosen a broad range of subjects for my Final Exams, not only because I like challenges, but also because I believe I will obtain a lot of all-around knowledge and skills from them: Mathematics and Physics have helped me understand the physical and abstract world around me, while Czech and English have shown the beauty of literature, which has become a great passion for me, Herman Hesse being my favourite author. I currently represent my school in the Prague Model of the United Nations, where I am I delegate for Germany in the Third Committee.

Aside from academia, I have a passion for a number of hobbies. Ever since I first visited Egypt, as a 12 years old, I have enjoyed egyptology, with all the facts and mysteries surrounding it. I enjoy the arts in many aspects opera has a special place for me, as my mother was, in her youth one of Czechoslovakia’s most promising opera singers. I also enjoy Photography, particularly black and white. I held a small exhibition of my work in Prague last year. As a child I enjoyed ballet, and even competed in local events.

Now, sports have become more important to me: while being in the Czech Quiksilver Snowboarding team, I have achieved commendable results in freestyling contests on a national level. I am looking forward to improve my technique and hope to participate in international competitions.

Every summer I spend at least one month in France perfecting my French. Apart from speaking fluent French, English, Czech and Slovak, I have been studying German at school and have also been trying to self-study Hebrew. I am a active member of Mensa, Net-Aid.org, Greenpeace and the Czech–Japanese association.

I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that studying in the UK will present. I value very greatly the chance to be a part of such a reknowned institution as your college is, and I believe that in some small way I may add to its whole, through my personality, work effort and experiences to date.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Rikku.

Rikku's university choices King's College London School of Oriental and African Studies School of Oriental and African Studies School of Oriental and African Studies London School of Economics

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Related Personal Statements

Seriously i know you are.

Thu, 18/11/2004 - 00:00

Seriously!! I know you are meant to big yourself up but come on surely this persons lying - what about personal statements for us normal people!!

Sounds good

Sun, 18/12/2005 - 00:00

I definately think this person wasn't lying. My personal statement will probably look a lot like this one. It is possible! I like the simple structure, it makes it easy to follow. Just a little too much focus on activities instead of what really defines you.

She managed to do 6 exchange

Tue, 10/01/2006 - 00:00

She managed to do 6 exchange schemes?

Fri, 31/03/2006 - 00:00

Excellent!!! she’s proablly telling the truth but the admissions tutors reading it will prbally say “cobblers” NEXT!! ..

I can't believe she got

Mon, 11/09/2006 - 00:00

I can't believe she got rejected by LSE! The PS obviously prove that she is a very interesting & committed student.

Impressive indeed...

Tue, 12/09/2006 - 00:00

Impressive indeed... My main criticism would be of the last sentence; "such a reknowned institution as your college is" sounds insincere and sycophantic.

Omg! This is exactly like my

Tue, 10/10/2006 - 15:36

Omg! This is exactly like my personal statement i am currently writing atm. I am really interested in Third World Politics and have talked about how my visit to Tanzania last year has fully inspired me to study the subject.lol!

this personal statement is

Sun, 05/11/2006 - 18:46

this personal statement is really good - however, i think it probably exhibits how much money the student has more than anything - i think very few people have visited 40 countries or gone on 6 exchange programmes!

Something missing

Sat, 11/11/2006 - 16:58

While I think your statement is impressive in fact very impressive, I feel you lack a humility. I know that personal statements are about "bigging yourself up" but I think you need to acknowledge the fact that money and opporuntunities have come easily to you. Maybe use the word opporuntity or say that you were lucky or honoured to be picked for thses exchanges- i think its important that an addmissions tutor likes you i dont mean as a person per se but sees in you a willingness to learn not that jsut sees the univiesty as a step to your career in the UN

May I ask for which courses

Sat, 12/05/2007 - 14:16

May I ask for which courses you applied at SOAS? Thank you.

Very very impressive. 6

Mon, 09/07/2007 - 22:16

Very very impressive. 6 exchange schemes is incredible

Wed, 08/08/2007 - 03:10

I just finished my personal statement........and now i'm throwing it in the trash. Thanx.

I think this girl does not

Fri, 21/09/2007 - 17:26

I think this girl does not understand that lying will not help her to get a place... or maybe I am just jealous!

I would reccomend every one to apply somewhere in Wales, so I can increase my chances!

well she's in....

Mon, 22/10/2007 - 08:35

there is not enough time in

Thu, 25/10/2007 - 21:55

there is not enough time in the day for half of these things to go on. when does she chill out?

That's impressive but she

Mon, 19/11/2007 - 04:21

That's impressive but she really places too much emphasis on what she has done and where she has been, rather than what she will do or what she really finds interesting-there is little insight and although she is clearly incredibly committed and courageous I don't think that somebody should necessarily be given extra credit just because theyve been to 40 countries and listen to opera-she needed to relate these more closely to her interests in politics and international relations with a bit more insght, otherwise she just seems really rich, and priveliged-i know I haven't had access to the things that she has, so why should i be punished for it? Similarly, why should she be rewarded? They say a lot for her charachter, but academically a little more insight and focus would have really rounded off the statement.

this is an excellent

Tue, 01/07/2008 - 20:15

this is an excellent statement, well structured......... what do i do now

it is interesting that the

Sun, 20/07/2008 - 07:43

it is interesting that the writer comes from a former communism nation and escapes with her family because of the non-freedom.however,can this special experience serve as proof that the writer should be accepted?

kul! .......but

Thu, 21/08/2008 - 22:17

i think its kul but sure we need something real

Another Flavour

Sun, 21/09/2008 - 16:59

this simply goes to show that real life experience, whether got through hard work or the luck of your birth really goes towards what makes an impressive personal statement. i don't doubt for a second all of the claims Rikku, the japanese-czech, refugee, citizen of the modern world makes. she's had more opportunities to indulge her love of the international than anyone i know or have heard of. yet i think equality of opportunities, when it comes down to it, are irrelevant. of two candidates, she is the one with the proven, concrete international credentials and interest. to an admissions tutor this is immediately interesting. in a department that depends on diversity to remain in touch with international affairs, she will add another flavour to the students around her as well as the academics teaching her. her life seems to qualify her for the degree in international relations course; doubtless her grades simply confirm her suitability, rather than create the basis for it.

I'm applying to the same and

Sun, 16/11/2008 - 18:28

I'm applying to the same and very similar courses e.g. Politics and Arabic at SOAS.

What grades did you get?

is there any1 out there with

Sat, 06/12/2008 - 16:41

is there any1 out there with a normal statment?????????

International relations in King's College London?

Mon, 12/01/2009 - 12:23

Hi, I think this is a terrific personal statement but I was just wondering... It says on the side bar that you were offered a place in King's College London, do they even offer a course study for International Relations? I also want to take int. relations, but I didn't find any courses indicating the King's have any int. relations course...

IR? not happening

Sat, 26/09/2009 - 22:06

I feel about this big >>*squishes fingers*

Sun, 27/09/2009 - 00:00

OK, seriously.. this was like... wow! if it is all true (which I believe it is) you are my role-model. The bad thing is that a lot of things you have done I have done too (exchange, volunteering). I am also multilingual and even have connections to Czech Rep. I would definitely cut out that bit about your mother. It is irrelevant cos it is not about you. You probably wanted to suggest that you must be a terribly good singer. And my explanation why you was not offered a place on LSE? They are looking for passion rather than knowledge. They want to teach you, not to listen to your experience. They might have thought that you are kind of over-educated in the area. Well, I would not offer you a place bcs I would probably think that you have done more than our future students will manage to do during their 3 year degree. What I mean is that you do not a degree - you probably already know enough.

Thu, 01/10/2009 - 22:34

Yeas lots of good stuff but theirs very little about the course itself thats what will lead people to think its all made up!

this is a very interesting

Fri, 09/10/2009 - 07:18

this is a very interesting read if its true!

ok, how can anybody have that

Sun, 11/10/2009 - 16:12

ok, how can anybody have that amount of applicable qualities? and achievements? and language? how are normal, underachieving people meant to be inspired by that?

Fri, 23/07/2010 - 17:59

i never read a such a personal statement like this,well done rukki

I really enjoy reading your

Sat, 04/12/2010 - 15:08

I really enjoy reading your motivation and background in international relations.Tunde Fajimbola,Nigeria.

When looking at your offers

Wed, 20/07/2011 - 10:00

When looking at your offers it would be usefel to know what grades you got as well

Thu, 13/10/2011 - 15:06

YOU ARE A LIAR

Amazing achievements! If only

Tue, 01/11/2011 - 22:10

Amazing achievements! If only all of us were wealthy enough to afford 'french-perfecting' jaunts to Europe every summer. What a load of pretentious drivel! Less about you and your cash, more about the course, and maybe LSE would have considered you.

Tue, 30/07/2013 - 14:20

It may be a good statement to please the university, However this is something that can also reduce the chances for other people to be given a place. as not everyone can apply to a UNIVERSITY In first place with this good writing if no one wrote for you. Think about leaving College to Uni

Sun, 15/09/2013 - 13:29

She did four exchanges in France without apparently taking French at her Final Exams ? Weird.

very bad. how can a student

Fri, 20/09/2013 - 20:18

very bad. how can a student like this get a chance in kings!!!!

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