Writing a personal statement for a language course can feel daunting, especially when you're applying to competitive universities. It’s your opportunity to show what makes you unique beyond your grades and academic achievements. With a strong focus on Spanish, here are 10 key things to consider when crafting your personal statement for languages at university.
1. Highlight a Genuine, Unique Interest in the Subject
Many applicants will mention standard texts (like Como Agua Para Chocolate) or school trips, so it's important to find something that sets you apart. Think about what really sparked your interest in the language beyond the classroom. Perhaps you saw a play that explored the role of women in Latin American societies, or maybe you became fascinated by the Spanish Civil War after reading a historical account. These experiences add depth to your statement, showcasing your unique perspective.
Focus on what makes your story different - a personal connection or niche interest will make your application stand out. The key is to show genuine passion and intellectual curiosity that goes beyond what most students will mention.
2. Contact Your Supervisor for Guidance
Your supervisor is an invaluable resource, so make sure to reach out early on. Ask for their recommendations on books, articles, or other materials you should read. This demonstrates that you’re taking initiative and are proactive about your education.
And yes, read the books - even if you read them in English (or a pocket version) to get a broader overview. You can include them in your personal statement to show you’ve engaged deeply with the subject, which is something that admissions tutors value highly.
3. Look at Published Reading Lists and Modules
Take the time to research the reading lists and modules offered by your desired universities. These lists can give you a sense of what they prioritise in their courses. For example, if a university focuses heavily on colonialism, you could bring this into your personal statement by showing you’ve read up on the impact of colonialism in the Spanish-speaking world.
Tailoring (or complimenting) your personal statement in this way demonstrates that you’ve done your research and understand what the course entails. It also positions you as someone genuinely interested in what they will be learning.
4. Speak with Your Language Assistants
Language assistants are often an underutilised resource, but they can provide incredibly valuable insights for your personal statement. Since they come from the countries whose languages you’re studying, they can point you toward books, films, and historical periods that might not be on your radar.
For instance, they may introduce you to contemporary Latin American literature or suggest exploring a particular aspect of Spanish history, such as the Reconquista. These suggestions can provide you with unique content to include in your personal statement, helping you stand out with a fresh perspective that goes beyond what’s commonly mentioned by other applicants.
Moreover, they can share anecdotes about their own experiences, offering cultural insights that will enrich your understanding of the language and its context. Engaging with these conversations not only makes for a stronger application but also shows admissions tutors that you’re actively broadening your knowledge.
5. Use Our Independent Learners Area to Expand Your Cultural Capital
Boosting your cultural capital is crucial for a compelling personal statement. Make sure to take advantage of our Independent Learners Area, which provides a wealth of resources on the Spanish-speaking world. From films and literature to art and music, you can explore these areas to deepen your understanding of the language and its cultural context.
Not only will this help you make a more informed and nuanced personal statement, but it will also give you ideas for topics to discuss that go beyond the typical material most students will have covered. Engaging with this content will allow you to present yourself as someone genuinely passionate about all aspects of the language - not just the grammar. Remember, while a language degree will definitely improve your level (to around the equivalent of CERF C1), it's the literature and culture analysis that often makes it (and you) stand out.
6. Engage Quickly with Supervisor Feedback
Your supervisor is likely juggling a heavy workload, so the earlier you engage with their feedback, the more focused and thorough their responses will be. If you’re organised and prompt, you’re more likely to get detailed guidance that can really strengthen your statement.
Start your drafts early and submit them to your supervisor with plenty of time for them to review and offer suggestions. Engaging in a back-and-forth dialogue not only shows that you’re committed to refining your work but also gives you the benefit of their experience and insight into what admissions tutors are looking for.
From the supervisor’s perspective, it’s also crucial to actively engage with the feedback you receive. There’s little more frustrating than seeing advice not being acted on when you review a new or updated draft. That said, in my experience, overlooking something like spelling mistakes in the titles of the books you mention is probably the quickest way to undermine your application - so be sure to also pay attention to those small but important details.
7. Look at the Future Development of Your Course
It’s essential to think beyond the beginning of your degree, especially when it comes to the year abroad - a pivotal part of most language courses. With Brexit impacting year-abroad options, it’s important to investigate how your chosen universities handle this. Are there opportunities to study in multiple countries, or are you limited to one? Can you work, attend a language school, or study at a university during this time?
Additionally, some universities may require students to focus on just one language during the year abroad (and in the final year), which could be a deal-breaker if you're passionate about studying more than one language. Make sure to research this aspect when choosing your university.
In your personal statement, consider mentioning how you plan to use the year abroad and how it aligns with your long-term language goals. This shows that you’re not only excited about the degree but also have a clear vision of how you’ll make the most of the opportunities it offers. However, this advice also applies when selecting and visiting universities, so make sure to keep it in mind throughout the application process.
8. Demonstrate Independent Learning Through Your Curiosity
Universities are looking for students who go beyond the standard curriculum and actively pursue their own learning. So, use your personal statement to show how you’ve taken ownership of your language studies outside of the classroom. This could be through watching films in the target language, reading books from Spanish-speaking authors, or even keeping up with podcasts or YouTube channels that discuss cultural and linguistic topics.
For instance, if you’ve started exploring Spanish cinema or literature on your own, talk about what drew you in and what you’ve learned. Maybe a film helped you understand the intricacies of social issues in Latin America, or a novel opened your eyes to the depth of Spanish history. Highlight these self-directed learning experiences to show that you’re proactive and motivated to dig deeper into the language and its surrounding culture.
9. Get Familiar with Current Affairs in the Spanish-Speaking World
Keeping up with current affairs can significantly strengthen your personal statement. It shows that you understand the relevance of the language today. One way to stay updated (beyond our wonderful resources) is by reading BBC Mundo, or Spanish editions of outlets like The Independent and The New York Times.
For example, explore topics like the Mediterranean "pateras" (migrant boats) or the Venezuelan crisis, and think about how these contemporary issues impact the Spanish-speaking world. Showing awareness of modern-day challenges in these regions will make your application stand out as well-rounded and informed.
10. Be Honest and Authentic
Finally, it’s important to be genuine in your personal statement. Admissions tutors can spot exaggeration or insincerity a mile off, so don’t feel pressured to embellish your experience. Focus on your true passions and interests in the language. After all, it’s you who will be studying this subject for four years or more, so it’s important to reflect your real enthusiasm.
Being honest about what excites you, whether it’s the nuances of a historical event or the way a particular literary figure shaped the culture, will come across as much more authentic than trying to check all the boxes. Universities want to see who you are, so let your personal statement reflect your genuine interests.