architecture a level personal statement

• Telephone Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
• Email Email: [email protected]

Strategic Guidance

• Private Oxbridge Consultation
• International Oxbridge Consultation
• Postgraduate Applications Guidance
• Book a Complimentary Call

Comprehensive Support

• The Premier Service
• Oxford and Cambridge Interview Preparation Weekend

Targeted Support

• Oxbridge Personal Statement Support
• Oxbridge Admissions Test Support
• Oxbridge Interview Preparation Support
• Admissions Test Preparation Day 2024

Application Guidance

• ‘Aspiring to Oxbridge’ School Talk
• Teacher Training Workshop
• Individual Guidance Consultations

Personal Statement Support

• Personal Statement Group Workshop
• Personal Statement Consultations

Admissions Test Preparation

• Admissions Test Day
• Admissions Test Course

Interview Preparation

• Interview Preparation Day
• Interview Preparation Course

Free Library

• Oxbridge Interview Resources
• Admissions Tests Resources
• Student Library
• Teacher Library
• Keeping You Current
• Webinar Library

Our Publications

Course reports, oxbridge applications.

• Become A Tutor
• Our Offices
• Dukes Education

News & Press

• Widening Access
• Publications
• Sign In Register
• Sign In    Register

Architecture Personal Statement Guide

Your application to university is one of the most important you’ll make; it’s not an easy process as it requires a lot from you. The personal statement is one step in that process, but it’s also one of the more challenging ones because of what it demands.

A good personal statement will be introspective and analytical in the right places, but also informative and hopefully enjoyable to read. Its purpose is simple: to tell someone who doesn't know you why you’d be a good fit for a degree course in a subject you’re passionate about.

That said, writing a personal statement is far from simple. Not only are you constrained by space limitations, so will have to exclude much of what you’d like to say, but you also have to satisfy several criteria in very few words to make it an effective testimonial to you and your skills .

Don’t worry, though, everyone’s in the same boat and this guide is here to help you face the writing of it step-by-step, including:

• Why are Personal Statements Important?
• What Should I Include in an Architecture Personal Statement?  
• What Should I Avoid in an Architecture   Personal Statement ?  
• Advice on How to Start an Architecture Personal Statement
• Advice on How to Finish an Architecture Personal Statement

What Should I Avoid in an Architecture Personal Statement ?  

While it’s important to show a knowledge of architecture and an active engagement with it, it’s not beneficial simply to list your favourite architects, buildings, or places you’ve visited on holiday without further analysis , as admissions tutors simply won’t be interested.

Instead, you should discuss particular architects or buildings as part of a broader point you’re making, or to demonstrate a particular interest or inspiration in your architecture journey so far. This goes for all resources, including books, films, podcasts, exhibitions, artists; you should never name-drop something or someone in isolation, but rather discuss it analytically.

You should avoid familiar and informal language , but also avoid pretentious and affected turns of phrase and expressions . Equally, don’t include lots of quotations or rely on clichéd lines about ‘always appreciating architraves for as long as I can remember’ as no one will believe you. Any extra-curricular activities or interests should be related back to your proposal to study architecture , so mentioning your Grade 8 flute award is unlikely to add any value.

Register to access our complimentary e-book "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…"

Advice on How to Start an Architecture Personal Statement  

Beginning any piece of writing can be a struggle, and personal statements are no exception. There are lots of ways to open your personal statement, so here are a few options that students have gone with in the past.

You could open the personal statement by reflecting on the beginning of your interest in architecture , i.e. where did it all start? Remembering to avoid clichéd openings, grab the reader’s attention by letting them know what first grabbed your attention. Was it a church? Your school? The Pantheon? Whatever it was, communicate how your personal relationship with architecture began and how it burgeoned into a passion.

Alternatively, you could begin by jumping straight into an academic discussion around a particular architect, building, or exhibition that has inspired you. You don't need to have personal connections to the work other than your academic interest, but make sure that you have researched the work or architect in question and have something analytical or interesting to say about it (rather than just stating facts about it). This could be a useful jumping off point for the rest of your personal statement.

However you open your statement, be direct and use uncomplicated language whilst making it as memorable and enticing as possible. The first impression is all important, and you want to encourage the reader to continue further into the statement.

Advice on How to Finish an Architecture Personal Statement  

As with an essay, the end of your statement should draw together what you’ve discussed up until that point . In statement terms, this should cover your suitability to undertake a degree in architecture and how enthused by the prospect of this you are. You’ve also hopefully relied on substantial examples to demonstrate your passion, so writing the statement’s conclusion shouldn’t be too difficult.

Remember not to repeat yourself ; the idea is to emphasise what you’ve said already, rather than to say it again verbatim. These will be your departing words to the reader so, as with the introduction, you want to be remembered and leave a positive impression that leads to the next stage, be that an interview or an offer.

• What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Architecture Personal Statement?
• How Long Should my Architecture Personal Statement Be?
• What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Architecture Personal Statement?
• How Can I Tailor my Architecture Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

Architecture degrees are a blend of theory and practice, so it’s advisable that you express an interest in both aspects of the discipline. As with all else you mention, it’s important to use examples from your research to support your points, so don’t just assert your interest – prove it! You should also look at modules that are common to all the universities you’re applying to; this way you can narrow down what appeals to you and show that you’ve looked into the degrees themselves.

Think hard about why you’re interested in architecture as a subject in general and in studying it at university in particular. This isn’t easy, as likes and dislikes are always difficult to scrutinise. That said, admissions tutors will want to see a good level of consideration from you as they won’t want to admit anyone who has applied on a whim or because they couldn’t think of anything else to do.

The length of your architecture personal statement, like all personal statements, is limited by UCAS. They’ve set a restriction of 4000 characters (including spaces), or alternatively 47 lines of the UCAS form; the relevant limit is the one you reach first. For this reason, it’s imperative you plan the statement’s structure and content as you don’t want to waste valuable words.

You’re lucky in that architecture is a subject that we’re all involved with to some extent. Buildings and structures are part of our everyday lives, and we can’t escape them. When it comes to extra-curricular activities, you can draw on anything you deem to be a worthwhile engagement with the built environment, or aesthetic history, or material culture; this includes reading around the subject, of course. As long as you can relate the activity to your interest in architecture, and talk about the benefit derived from it, then it will be relevant.

While you shouldn’t tailor your personal statement to any one university if you’re applying to more than one, it is possible to gauge the specialisms of certain universities and to emphasise your attraction to those, provided this doesn’t by definition rule out any other university in your application. Oxford and Cambridge value academic independence and freedom of thought, so try to be original in your views and be able to support them with evidence from your wider reading and research.

Book your Architecture Personal Statement Package

You can contact our Oxbridge-graduate Consultants on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394 or email [email protected] to discuss our personal statement packages.  

If you’d like to know more about Architecture, we have admissions test guidance and interview preparation readily available.  

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

• Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
• Email: [email protected]

Oxbridge Applications, 58 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ

• Private Oxbridge Application Consultation
• Oxbridge Personal Statement Support Package
• Oxbridge Mock Interview Preparation and Support
• Personal Statement Workshop and Checks
• Schools Mock Interviews – Online and In-School
• Teacher Training Workshops – Online and In-School
• Oxbridge Preparation Days – Online and In-School
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Safeguarding & Child Protection
• Company Registration Number: 3757054

Recently Updated Blogs

Blog what gcse grades do i need for oxbridge, blog how will my gcses impact my university applications, blog updates to the ucas personal statement for 2026 entry, blog you’ve received your a-level results: what next, blog what is the difference between extra-curricular and super-curricular activities, choosing a college, a slippery question, added to cart.

• Personal Statements
• Architecture Personal Statement

Architecture Personal Statements Example

Sample statement.

My parents tell me that I could draw before I could run and this pattern has been evident throughout my life ever since. I enjoy working in many different art media – pencil sketching, watercolour, charcoal – and my greatest pleasure is depicting interesting buildings. My strong interest in art and design lead me to study Graphics and Art as separate GCSEs, and I was awarded at A* in both.

Part of my passion for drawing buildings stems from my need to understand their structure. I have combined Art A level with Physics and maths as I want to have the knowledge and skills to study this in more depth and to pursue a career related to architecture and building design. During the last year I have attended a local college evening class in architectural technology, which has covered the way that the construction industry works and the basics of architectural design. The course also included graphical detailing, the stages of building design and technical drawing as well as a general introduction to surveying, building techniques and the property market.

My choice of architecture as a degree is therefore based on detailed knowledge of what this would involved and I have researched courses across several universities, choosing options that provide a thorough grounding in design combined with an insight into the business skills required.

In addition to my A level studies and evening course, I also work part-time. I feel that gaining experience of the working environment at this stage will be useful wherever my life leads but as an architect, I expect to be dealing with customers and clients on a daily basis. Having a job where I deal with the general public in a fast-food outlet is not the same type of interaction, but I have learned to improve my communication skills, observed how managers diffuse difficult situations and I have come to appreciate the need for good customer services that is always polite but can be firm when the situation demands it.

My time is almost taken up by my studies and my part-time work and to relax I enjoy going to the cinema with friends, listening to music and walking. Sporty I am not, but I keep fit by walking with a club of under 21’s in my local area, hiking between 10 and 15 miles. I find these walks are good for keeping a clear perspective on my objectives and for gathering my thoughts and organising my studying and working time for the week ahead.

Thinking ahead, a degree in architecture should increase my job prospects and would enable me to start working in a field that really interests me. People will always need new buildings and I feel I can make a positive contribution to building design in the future.

University Guides

• Accommodation
• + much more!

Sign up for news & advice about applying to uni

• Universities
• Fees & Finance
• For Parents
• International Students
• Terms and Conditions

Sample Architecture Personal Statement (admitted to Cambridge, Cornell, Yale)

by Talha Omer, M.Eng., Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to top graduate programs in architecture. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at Cambridge, Cornell, and Yale. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in architecture should look like.

Here is the personal statement of the Architecure Student.

I am not particularly fond of tea. However, while working in the Northern regions of XYZ, I realized that sharing a cup of tea was considered a symbol of gratitude by its hospitable populace. This simple gesture transcended the commonplace and made our work for the community all the more personal.

For several weeks I shared many cups of the sugary beverage while volunteering with the Heritage Foundation constructing homes for the people of the XYZ. Their entire dwellings had been destroyed by the floods, and it came to us, a group of young architecture students, to revive this once-thriving community.

The process from etching the lines of chalk for the Women’s Community Centre to seeing it constructed into a beautiful bamboo building to be used for gainful employment is one that affected me deeply. The structures we built stand supported throughout the seasons, representing the enduring strength of the people of the XYZ. By helping to re-establish an entire community affected by an unprecedented natural calamity, I became aware of the power of architectural design to incite social change. Also, the focus on sustainable structures made me realize how designers need to focus on the available resources and capacities of the community they are involved in.

This experience was pivotal in realizing the path I wanted to take as an architect. My fascination with creating and manipulating space, seen from an early age by my experimentation with a Wendy Tent, went to the root of my desire to become an architect. Furthermore, the stories I had heard growing up about my ancestral home in XYZ, a city known for its scorching heat; as well as my childhood divided between XYZ, a country oblivious to any form of energy deficiency, and XYZ, a country struggling with shortages in resources have all served to underscore how design needs to adapt and address the social issues of its environment. This instilled within me a desire to work towards making my homeland self-sustaining.

To channel my proclivity, I applied to the country’s top architecture school, and my joy, I was accepted. During my five years at the XYZ, I studied the fundamental nature of the architectural design. I found its intricacies to be a maze that beckoned alluringly to me. Elected as the Vice President of the Architecture Students’ Association, I was in a position to influence how students would perceive architecture. I led the team representing XYZ and XYZ at the National Architectural Student Convention held in XYZ.

My team was honored with the prestigious Citation Prize for the Rubens Trophy. This victory awarded our design from amongst those submitted from more than a hundred universities. It proved to be a tremendous boost to my belief in achieving the career goals that I had set for myself. It also allowed me to develop a global understanding of architectural design. The following year, I volunteered to go to XYZ, an experience that left an indelible mark on my mind.

I returned with vigor to realize architecture’s power in shaping my community and channeled my motivation into my thesis project. I managed to study the overwhelmingly bustling historic urban center of XYZ and analyzed its context, which resulted in providing macro-level sustainable design solutions. A culmination of my efforts and passion, this project was awarded an ‘honors’ in my thesis.

I followed through with my academic goals by seeking employment at a firm that avidly incorporates sustainability in its design practices. After working at SR Design Works, I was reassured of the practical applications of the theoretical knowledge I attained as part of my undergraduate degree. Furthermore, with a conscious desire to be part of responsible design practices, I became associated with upcoming advocates of green building design. However, at the same time, I also grew aware that to achieve my aims, I would need further education.

While working on individual projects which incorporated the principles of sustainable design, I was exposed to the prospective benefits as well as the limitations of those principles. In light of this nexus, it was apparent that I needed further education to explore all its potential advantages.

Another hurdle I had to overcome in a predominantly patriarchal society like XYZ was to hold my own and work on an equal footing with various people, from clients to retailers; colleagues to contractors. This aspect of my character can be attributed to my mother, who raised my brother and me while working full-time as a real estate agent. She taught me to be independent and not to treat my gender as a disability. I have taken her wisdom to heart and have dared to dream of rising to the zenith in my field.

I realize that many architectural designs in XYZ fail to communicate with their environmental and social context, thus creating more hindrances for its inhabitants rather than presenting solutions. My experience in architecture has made me realize the necessity of greater responsibility and sensibility in building structures in XYZ. I greatly believe in XYZ potential and aim for this country to be a forefront practitioner of sustainable architecture.

I aim to practice sustainable architectural design in its true essence and promote green practices that can help build communities, hopefully sharing many more cups of tea in the process.

WANT MORE AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Outstanding Examples of Personal Statements
• The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Winning Personal Statement
• Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
• Writing a Killer Opening Paragraph for Your Personal Statement
• Ideal Length for a Graduate School Personal Statement
• 100 Inspiring Quotes to Jumpstart Your Personal Statement

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business

Sample Personal Statement for Masters in International Business My journey began amidst the kaleidoscope of Qatar's landscapes, setting the stage for a life attuned to cultural nuances. Transitioning to Riyadh in my teens, I absorbed a mosaic of traditions, sparking a...

Sample Personal Statement for Family Medicine Residency

Personal Statement Prompt: A personal letter is required. We are looking for mature, enthusiastic physicians who bring with them a broad range of life experiences, are committed to providing excellent patient care, and can embrace the depth and breadth of experiences...

[2024] 4 Law School Personal Statement Examples from Top Programs

In this article, I will discuss 4 law school personal statement samples. These statements have been written by successful applicants who gained admission to prestigious US Law schools like Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. The purpose of these examples is to demonstrate...

Sample Personal Statement Cybersecurity

In this article, I will be providing a sample grad school personal statement in the field of cybersecurity. This sample was written by an applicant who got admitted into George Mason, Northeastern and Arizona State University. This example aims to show how prospective...

100+ Grad School Personal Statement Examples

Introduction Importance of a Strong Personal Statement A personal statement is essential in the graduate school application process, as it plays a significant role in shaping the admissions committee's perception of you. In fact, a survey conducted by the Council of...

WANT AMAZING ARTICLES ON GRAD SCHOOL PERSONAL STATEMENTS?

• 100+ Personal Statement Templates

Architecture

Architecture – 2013 ( bath, oxford brookes ).

Architecture combines many disciplines, from physics to art, mathematics to history, it relies on the successful integration of a multitude of skills. I’ve enjoyed art since I was a child.

Architecture – 2013 ( Cambridge Interview, UCL, Bath, Edinburgh, Westminster )

As part of a two week work experience at a London based architectural firm, I was around for the design phase of one of their French projects. The practice ...

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.

Personal statement advice: architecture, building and planning

Applying to university.

• Getting started
• UCAS Tariff points
• Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
• Amendments to the Tariff consultation
• Offer rate calculator
• How to use the offer rate calculator
• Understanding historical entry grades data
• Admissions tests
• Deferred entry
• Personal statement advice and example: computer science
• Personal statement advice: English
• Personal statement advice: Midwifery
• Personal statement advice: animal science
• Personal statement advice: biology
• Personal statement advice: business and management
• Personal statement advice: chemistry
• Personal statement advice: dance
• Personal statement advice: dentistry
• Personal statement advice: drama
• Personal statement advice: economics
• Personal statement advice: engineering
• Personal statement advice: geography
• Personal statement advice: history
• Personal statement advice: law
• Personal statement advice: maths
• Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
• Personal statement advice: medicine
• Personal statement advice: modern languages
• Personal statement advice: music
• Personal statement advice: nursing
• Personal statement advice: pharmacy
• Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
• Personal statement advice: politics
• Personal statement advice: psychology
• Personal statement advice: social work
• Personal statement advice: sociology
• Personal statement advice: sports science
• Personal statement advice: statistics
• Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
• Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
• Personal statement: finance and accounting
• Filling in your application
• Staying safe online
• How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
• The new personal statement for 2026 entry
• How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
• Fraud and similarity
• How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
• How to end your personal statement
• Introducing the personal statement tool
• Personal statement dos and don'ts
• What to include in a personal statement
• Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
• Using your personal statement beyond a university application
• Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
• Personal statement guides
• References for mature students

Architecture: be individual and creative...

Admissions tutors often tell us there is no such thing as a model statement, and architecture is a case in point. For example, tutors at University College London (UCL) want you to write what you find interesting. They don't have any specific things they’re looking for, they don’t necessarily want to know which architects you admire, and they don’t require you to have had any work experience or to have shadowed an architect.

So, it’s more about being individual and creative in your statement. That doesn’t mean being off-the-wall, but having something really interesting, engaging, and relevant to say about what enthuses you and what has motivated you to apply.

...but don't put stuff in just to sound good

Admissions tutors at University of Sheffield take a slightly different stance, saying that ‘a few days’ work experience in a local practice would be beneficial, but not essential'. However, they too share UCL’s point of view by emphasising that 'the most important thing is to be yourself' and that you shouldn’t 'put stuff in because you think it sounds good'. They want it to be enthusiastic and individual to you.

Although there is no such thing as a model statement, you may nonetheless find it helpful to have some guidelines around which to build it. We discussed this with Dan Blott, principal lecturer and schools admissions tutor at the School of Architecture, University of Portsmouth. Dan suggested that you try to answer the following questions:

• What prompted your interest in architecture?
• Are there any buildings and/or places you particularly like? Explain why – don't just list where you've been.
• What architects have you heard of and do you know/like any of their work? What stands out, and why?
• What do you like doing and/or what have you done well in academically that you think is relevant to studying architecture?

Sheffield offers some guidelines too, suggesting you could include why you want to study it, relevant qualities you can bring to the course and to the uni, any achievements, skills, experience or other factors you feel they should know about, and what you think you might want to do with the knowledge you gain.

You're probably starting to notice there are slight contradictions when you compare what different unis say. Don’t be put off by that, just be honest and blend your statement in the way that suits you individually. Be yourself!  

Planning: show your enthusiasm for the subject

We also spoke to Dr Tom Goodfellow, admissions tutor at the Department of Town and Regional Planning at University of Sheffield. For him, it's all about writing your statement in a way that shows you've done your research.

He's looking for students who are attracted to the kind of challenges and opportunities his university's specialist areas will present and who are 'willing to go the extra mile in terms of exploring both the ethical and practical challenges of planning in the twenty-first century’.

Construction: hot tips

Finally, some down-to-earth advice for construction applicants:

‘If you’re applying for courses like construction management, I don't really want to know about what your Dad did, I want to know why you want to be a construction manager and how you are passionate about the construction industry.

‘Or, if you’re applying for a course such as architectural technology, don't tell me about your passion to be an architect, as this just indicates that you regard our course as a fall-back position.’ Delia Forester, Admissions Tutor – University Of Brighton

In other words, be clear about what it is you’re applying for and be specific about why the course you’re applying for appeals to you personally.

We loved Delia’s general tips too:

• 'I don't really want to know that you have been to Florence/Istanbul/New York and were very impressed'
• 'Don’t send in a statement written by the careers department – put it in your own words.'
• 'I do want to know that you already know a bit about the industry, that you are reasonably articulate, and can spell'
• 'Don't use slang or informal or text language.'
• 'Don't have an offensive or inappropriate email address.'

Take a look at our in-depth guide to architecture, building, and planning , covering entry requirements to careers, for some inspiration.

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Clearing: find your future at kent, apply to uel through clearing, join swansea university via clearing.

• Enquire Now
• About SI-UK
• All Global Offices
• Find Your UK University Course
• Free Service
• Premium Service
• Visa Service
• Oxbridge Service
• Medicine Service
• Art and Design Service
• View all Services
• UCAS and Applying
• UK University Rankings 2024
• University Subject Guide
• Scholarships and Funding
• All UK Study Information
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate and Masters
• All Study Options
• UK University Profiles
• UK University Study Guide
• Language Centre Home
• Pearson Academic English Test
• University News
• Open Days and Events
• Work with Us

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to these cookies.

Updates for International Students If you are an international student interested in UK study from January or September 2022 and need advice and support on topics such as travel, quarantine and financing your studies, stay up to date with the latest Studying in the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19) information.

Connect with one of our team who can help with your 2022 UK university application today. Enquire Now Close

Connect with one of our team who can help with your 2022 UK university application today.

Enquire Now Close

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Saudi Arabia
• Philippines

• UK University Blog
• Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement Tips

Tips and Advice for a Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

Architecture Personal Statement

Last updated: 9 May 2024

A personal statement is a pivotal element in the application process for international students seeking admission to a UK university. Its significance is magnified when applying for an architecture degree at the University of Cambridge , one of the world's most famous universities.

In this article, we'll guide you on how to write a strong Cambridge Architecture personal statement to support your candidature. Learn more below, and if you have any questions ahead of the next intake period or want to begin your Oxbridge application, arrange a free consultation today.

Contact SI-UK about your application

Top 5 Tips for Your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

When you write your personal statement for Cambridge, show that you love architecture and have skills that match. Don't just say you're interested; give examples to prove it. Research what Cambridge has achieved in architecture to show you're truly interested.

Also, remember that you might apply to other universities, so don't make your statement all about Cambridge. They'll ask for more details later, so create a shorter version. Your Cambridge Architecture personal statement is your chance to express your love for architecture and why you're a great fit for this special programme. It's not just a piece of paper; it's your moment to shine.

1. Talk About Your Experiences

Just listing your experiences is not enough. You need to explain how these experiences made you interested in architecture or gave you important skills. For example, if you've worked on a design project or been part of a group focusing on architecture, don't just say you did it. Explain how these experiences made you love architecture more, the problems you faced, and how you solved them.

2. Show Your Love for Architecture

Your personal statement should demonstrate your passion for architecture, not just mention it. Explain why you like architecture: Do you enjoy creating spaces that fit the environment? Or you may be fascinated by how buildings change societies and cultures. Share stories of your interest in architecture, like visiting famous buildings or participating in design competitions.

3. Highlight Your Skills

Cambridge wants students who are a good match for their architecture programme . You must show you have the qualities and skills they seek to stand out. For example, architecture needs people who can think creatively and solve problems. You can talk about competitions or projects where you used your creative ideas to find new solutions. Share stories of how you used your problem-solving skills to tackle challenges.

Another important skill in architecture is paying attention to small details. Tell stories of how you noticed little things that made a big difference in a project. This shows that you care about the quality of your work.

4. Show You Know About Architecture

You don't have to be an expert, but your personal statement should show that you know something about architecture and are eager to learn more. You can do this by reading Cambridge's books for future architects. These books have much information that can help you understand the subject better. Also, don't just read books. You can learn from magazines, news articles, podcasts, and documentaries about architecture. This shows that you like to learn from many different sources.

5. Start Early and Check Your Work

Don't wait until the last minute to write your personal statement. Start early so you have time to make it better. Ask your teachers, mentors, or friends for help. They can give you good advice and help you make your statement better. But be careful when asking for help. You don't want to copy someone else's work.

Register for free consultation

Top 5 Things to Avoid in Your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

1. make sure it's well-organised.

Your personal statement should have a clear structure. Begin with an introduction that explains why you're passionate about architecture. Follow this with well-organised paragraphs focusing on a different aspect of your interest in architecture or a specific skill. End your statement with a summary of what you want the admissions committee to remember about you.

2. Don't Rely on What You See in Movies or TV

It's not a good idea to think you know about architecture from what you've seen in movies or TV. Do some research into Cambridge's architecture programme. Understand what they teach and what makes them special. Explain why you want to study there.

3. Keep Your Language Simple

Using big, complicated words may make your writing sound fancy, but it can also make it hard to understand. Use simple words to make your ideas clear. Cambridge prefers personal statements written in plain, easy-to-understand English.

4. Don't Make Vague Claims

Saying you're good at something without giving examples doesn't mean much. Instead of making broad claims, share specific stories about when you used your skills. Give real-life examples of projects you've worked on or problems you've solved.

5. Don't Overcomplicate Your Experiences

When you talk about your experiences, keep it simple. Don't try to say too much at once. Focus on one quality or lesson you learned from each experience. This makes your personal statement more effective.

Your Cambridge Architecture Personal Statement

Writing a strong personal statement for Cambridge Architecture is a big task, but it's essential for getting into one of the world's best architecture programmes. If you need assistance, contact SI-UK today.

Help me to Study in UK

Cambridge Architecture FAQ

Can you send the same personal statement to multiple universities.

Using the same personal statement for different universities is usually not a good idea. Each university is looking for different things, so it's better to tailor your statement to match each university's requirements.

What A-level is best for architecture at Cambridge?

Taking A-levels in Art and Design, Physics, or Maths is a good idea for studying Architecture at Cambridge. These subjects can help you prepare for the course.

Why do people want to study at Cambridge?

People want to study at Cambridge University because it's one of the top universities in the UK and the world. It offers high-quality education, experienced professors, and excellent opportunities for research and learning.

Does Cambridge have a good architecture school?

The Department of Architecture at Cambridge is one of the most important architecture schools in the UK, and Cambridge is known for its great architecture programmes.

Last Updated: 9 May 2024

Universities featured in this article:

You might also be interested in...

Blog ucas personal statement changes: faq, blog how to draft a meaningful uk law school personal statement, blog tips and advice for a cambridge architecture personal statement, blog university of cambridge engineering personal statement writing tips, blog top tips for your university of cambridge medicine personal statement, blog how to write a statement of purpose for uk university entry.

 My consultant was very helpful and motivating. She helped me every step of the way, even when the deadline was so close. I feel I could not have done it without her. I'd highly recommend this service to any and all of my many friends interested.   Brishti Basu Biosciences at Coventry University

Leading Universities and SI-UK Partners

• © 2024 SI-UK
• All rights reserved
• Privacy Policy -->

Book your Free Consultation

A member of the SI-UK team will be in touch within 24 hours to arrange your initial consultation with one of our UK education experts.

• Career Exploration
• Arts, Communications, & Media
• Education, Nonprofit, & Public Health
• Business, Consulting, Finance, & Marketing
• Government, International Affairs, Law, & Public Policy
• Health Professions Advising
• Career Essentials Resources
• Graduate School
• Career Education Placements
• Grants Program
• Lumpkin Non-Profit Internships Program
• Elisabeth Luce Moore ’24 Internships in Asia
• Application Support
• Short Internship Projects (SHIPs)
• Fellowships for Undergraduates
• Fellowships for Graduates
• Class of 2025 Fellowship Planning
• Fellowships for International Students
• Civic Engagement

Writing a Personal Statement

Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

• Who are you?
• What are your goals?
• How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
• What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

• A variation of your college admissions essay
• An academic/research paper
• A narrative version of your resume
• A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
• An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

• Personal Statement(s)
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Sample of written work
• Research proposal

For a quick overview of personal statements, you might begin by watching this "5 Minute Fellowships" video!

If you are writing your first personal statement or working to improve upon an existing personal statement, the video below is a helpful, in-depth resource.

A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

• How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
• Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
• How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
• When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Below is a second 5 Minute Fellowships video that can help you get started!

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

• What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
• What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
• How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
• What distinguishes you from other applicants?
• What would you bring to this program/profession?
• What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
• Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
• How is this program distinct from others?
• What do you hope to gain?
• What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
• Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

• Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
• Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
• Research the institution or organization
• Proofread, proofread, proofread
• How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

• This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
• Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
• Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
• Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
• Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
• Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
• Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
• Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
• A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
• Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
• After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
• Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
• Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
• Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
• “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
• Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
• Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
• Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
• Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
• Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

Related resources

• Applying to Uni
• Apprenticeships
• Health & Relationships
• Money & Finance

Personal Statements

• Postgraduate
• U.S Universities

University Interviews

• Vocational Qualifications
• Accommodation
• ​​​​​​​Budgeting, Money & Finance
• ​​​​​​​Health & Relationships
• ​​​​​​​Jobs & Careers
• ​​​​​​​Socialising

Studying Abroad

• ​​​​​​​Studying & Revision
• ​​​​​​​Technology
• ​​​​​​​University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

You are here

Architecture personal statement example 5.

I have always had a considerable interest in architecture, ever since studying it briefly during my art GCSE course. Since then I've looked at architecture in detail through my work in as-level art, and in as-level technology; where I spent 4 months on an architecture related project, and gathered a huge amount of architectural knowledge.

I think my versatility in coming up with solutions for proposals of any sort, and my articulate manner of communicating these solutions would suggest I would be well suited to the job of an architect. I believe it would be a very interesting career to pursue and could be very rewarding for a, hard working, creative, intellectual person such as myself. I also think my enthusiasm towards the subject would make the transition from 6th form to university much easier

During my time at school I have gathered many key skills and have absorbed a great deal of knowledge. Out of everything I had been taught through my secondary education, my 'creative' and 'problem solving' skills were the most influential and had become my greatest assets. The subjects I chose to study for my AS-levels helped further my technical ability within these two areas.

While mathematics and computing have enhanced my problem solving skills, 'design and technology' and art have enriched my artistic and creative capabilities. When researching architecture during my as-level technology course I learnt how to produce a wide range of imaginative research and while looking at my two favorite architects; Frank Loyd Wright and Eero Saarinen, I was greatly inspired and developed modern design strategies and imaginative ideas. From all the books I've read, the Internet sites I view, and the programs I watch, I've gathered a clear understanding of architecture

I worked at the Imax cinema in Waterloo and then in Merton council for my work experience. In Merton council I was able to use my design and computing skills and I gathered a variety of other useful attributes while working there. In the human resources department I helped design a 20-page booklet about the dangers of smoking, and I was also given tutorial lessons on how to use a computer-aided design (CAD) system in the technology department. I now work part time on a flexible schedule for a catering business, and have worked at many high profile events, including 'party in the park' for the prince's trust

I take pride in the fact that I readily contribute and take part in school charities, including a charity football tournament where I captained my team to the semi-finals. I was a class prefect and spent time after school organizing activities for younger students, including a chess tournament.

I now regularly help out with after school activities, including guiding for prospective applicants on open days and providing general assistance. I was asked to take part in a gifted and talented enrichment program along with several other promising students during my secondary education. I have now accumulated several awards and certificates, my most significant being my 'supreme award', which I received for my academic achievements and my contribution as a student to the school.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Related Personal Statements

Fri, 19/10/2007 - 11:38

i think the above person should give this person a bit more credit . . wish i did that much :)

not enough knowledge about

Tue, 06/11/2007 - 12:37

not enough knowledge about architecture

Thu, 06/03/2008 - 00:58

well^^^^I think this is ok~~~but^^neet ot improve

i agree with others that

Fri, 04/04/2008 - 09:31

i agree with others that there are areas to improve based on increasing more about the subject. however i think it is realy good that she has written about extra curricular activites. this shows that she can bring stuff to the uni, and contribute more, than say someone who solitary talked about architecture.

Sun, 16/11/2008 - 20:19

theyre so up themselves

it made them sound like a

Tue, 15/09/2009 - 10:47

it made them sound like a bellend and a lot of what they talked about was unrelated to architecture, and what was, was linked through obvious and almost pointlessly stated conections.

Not so great

Tue, 15/09/2009 - 10:48

this was good but is't a bit

Mon, 21/09/2009 - 16:28

this was good but is't a bit long i thought ur only allowed 400 word not 521? she goes on abit and doesn't really say anything about how all her attributes relate to how it will help her in the degree of future job.

too long, unrelated, I feel

Mon, 12/10/2009 - 09:16

too long, unrelated, I feel sorry for the admissions tutor having to read it.

Sat, 07/11/2009 - 22:53

u lot are all idiots this is

Sat, 04/09/2010 - 15:10

u lot are all idiots this is only ment to statement be an example of a student

Commented on

Tue, 03/07/2012 - 09:56

I rather enjoy that people feel the need to criticise this work when they, themselves are incapable of proper English. The statement itself is, in areas, rather irrelevant and needs controlling around the topic of interest.

Fri, 02/08/2013 - 15:41

Wow, great article post.Much thanks again.

Needs improvement

Sun, 11/08/2013 - 16:59

The final sentence in the second paragraph looks too vague and modest. It needs more explanation and evidence to why they are interested in Architecture.

The personal statement sounds

Wed, 18/09/2013 - 10:27

The personal statement sounds too cliché. However, he should explain why he should do it rather than talking about the course. Still not bad, it sounds better than mine.

ew joking m8

Thu, 14/11/2013 - 16:05

you mus b avin a laugh boi, dis is der stupidist personel statmente ive eva seen wif my own eyez. fking mongo.

Add new comment

Rearrangement of 3D genome organization in breast cancer epithelial - mesenchymal transition and metastasis organotropism

• Find this author on Google Scholar
• Find this author on PubMed
• Search for this author on this site
• ORCID record for Priyojit Das
• ORCID record for Rebeca San Martin
• ORCID record for Tian Hong
• ORCID record for Rachel Patton McCord
• For correspondence: [email protected]
• Info/History
• Supplementary material
• Preview PDF

Breast cancer cells exhibit organotropism during metastasis, showing preferential homing to certain organs such as bone, lung, liver, and brain. One potential explanation for this organotropic behavior is that cancer cells gain properties that enable thriving in certain microenvironments. Such specific metastatic traits may arise from gene regulation at the primary tumor site. Spatial genome organization plays a crucial role in oncogenic transformation and progression, but the extent to which chromosome architecture contributes to organ-specific metastatic traits is unclear. This work characterizes chromosome architecture changes associated with organotropic metastatic traits. By comparing a collection of genomic data from different subtypes of localized and lung metastatic breast cancer cells with both normal and cancerous lung cells, we find important trends of genomic reorganization. The most striking differences in 3D genome compartments segregate cell types according to their epithelial vs. mesenchymal status. This EMT compartment signature occurs at genomic regions distinct from transcription-defined EMT signatures, suggesting a separate layer of regulation. Specifically querying organotropism, we find 3D genome changes consistent with adaptations needed to survive in a new microenvironment, with lung metastatic breast cells exhibiting compartment switch signatures that shift the genome architecture to a lung cell-like conformation and brain metastatic prostate cancer cells showing compartment shifts toward a brain-like state. TCGA patient data reveals gene expression changes concordant with these organ-permissive compartment changes. These results suggest that genome architecture provides an additional level of cell fate specification informing organotropism and enabling survival at the metastatic site.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

View the discussion thread.

Supplementary Material

Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about bioRxiv.

NOTE: Your email address is requested solely to identify you as the sender of this article.

Citation Manager Formats

• EndNote (tagged)
• EndNote 8 (xml)
• RefWorks Tagged
• Ref Manager
• Tweet Widget
• Facebook Like
• Google Plus One

Subject Area

• Cancer Biology
• Animal Behavior and Cognition (5552)
• Biochemistry (12622)
• Bioengineering (9492)
• Bioinformatics (30937)
• Biophysics (15913)
• Cancer Biology (12988)
• Cell Biology (18586)
• Clinical Trials (138)
• Developmental Biology (10047)
• Ecology (15029)
• Epidemiology (2067)
• Evolutionary Biology (19223)
• Genetics (12786)
• Genomics (17610)
• Immunology (12748)
• Microbiology (29824)
• Molecular Biology (12430)
• Neuroscience (64981)
• Paleontology (483)
• Pathology (2010)
• Pharmacology and Toxicology (3473)
• Physiology (5365)
• Plant Biology (11140)
• Scientific Communication and Education (1730)
• Synthetic Biology (3070)
• Systems Biology (7709)
• Zoology (1735)

• Ask a question Ask
• go advanced Search
• Please enter a title
• Please enter a message
• Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
• post anonymously
• All study help
• Uni applications
• University and HE colleges
• University help and courses
• University student life

Postgraduate

• Careers and jobs
• Teacher training
• Finance and accountancy
• Relationships
• Sexual health
• Give feedback or report a problem
• University and university courses
• Universities and HE colleges
• Life and style
• Entertainment
• Debate and current affairs
• Careers and Jobs
• Scottish qualifications
• Foreign languages
• GCSE articles
• A-level articles
• Exam and revision articles
• What to do after GCSEs
• What to do after A-levels
• When is A-level results day 2024?
• When is GCSE results day 2024?
• Studying, revision and exam support
• Grow your Grades

Exam results articles and chat

• Exam results homepage
• A guide to GCSE and A-level grade boundaries
• Year 13 chat
• Year 12 chat
• Year 11 chat

A-level results

• Guide to A-level results day
• Get help preparing for results day
• A-level retakes and resits
• Exam reviews and remarks
• Here’s what to expect on A-level results day
• Six ways to help results day nerves
• Understanding your A-level results slip

GCSE results

• Guide to GCSE results day
• How GCSE combined science grades work
• Stressed about GCSE results day?
• Understanding your GCSE results slip

Finding a uni in Clearing

• Clearing articles and chat
• UK university contact details
• Guide to Clearing
• Seven things people get wrong about Clearing
• How to make a great Clearing call
• Finding accommodation after Clearing
• How Clearing can help you prepare for results day
• All universities
• Applying through Ucas
• Student finance
• Personal statement
• Postgraduate study
• Uni accommodation
• University life
• All uni courses
• Apprenticeships
• Arts and humanities courses
• Stem courses
• Social science courses

Universities by region

• North of England
• South of England
• Greater London
• Distance learning
• International study

University guides and articles

• All university articles
• Applying to uni articles
• Personal statements
• Personal statement examples
• University open days
• Studying law at university
• Student life at university
• Careers and jobs discussion
• Apprenticeships discussion
• Part-time and temp jobs
• Career forums by sector
• Armed forces careers
• Consultancy careers
• Finance careers
• Legal careers
• Marketing careers
• Medicine and healthcare careers
• Public sector careers
• Stem careers
• Teaching careers
• General chat
• Relationships chat
• Friends, family and colleagues
• Advice on everyday issues
• General health
• Mental health
• UK and world politics
• Educational debate

Undergraduate

• Postgraduate Master’s Loan
• Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
• Disabled Students’ Allowances
• Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

• Parents and partners
• Advanced Learner Loan
• Architecture personal statements

Architecture degree personal statement example (1i)

What strikes me most about the built environment is people's indifference to the buildings around them. As if in a trance, they don't notice their design, nor is there an emotional response. Sometimes, though, a particular building shakes them up and "makes" them take notice. I want to be the one who designs it!

I particularly admire Louis Kahn's work - most notably the National Assembly in Dhaka, where he recreated a sense of ancient monumentality in a modern building. I wonder: How did he manage to give a physical structure a spiritual quality? This question led to others, and I soon found myself spending many hours reflecting on architectural concepts and ideas. These I recorded in my journal and worked into essays - over fifty so far. I look forward to discuss them in depth during an interview.

On an architecture course with the London Arts University last summer, I visited the infamous Robin Hood Gardens estate. Talking to its dwellers left me wondering whether it was worth preserving and whether Lord Forster's insistence on saving it was justified. I learned a valuable lesson: architecture must primarily serve its users rather than itself! Eager to learn more about the different styles I had seen during summer school, I took a course in architectural history with the University of Oxford. I'm now glad I did, as reading 'The Fountainhead' previously had left me with the distinct impression that we must break with the past completely. I must now agree with Peter Ackroyd that "the memory of the past is very much present in the development of the future".

To do a photo series on it, I visited the derelict Battersea Power Station. Examining proposed regeneration plans at an onsite exhibition, the developer's vision left me deeply impressed. While I strongly endorse fusing the old with the new, I thought the EcoDome with its chimney was (figuratively and literally) over the top and will ultimately harm the cause. Though I want them to succeed, I fear that overly ambitious proposals such as these, far too costly to be viable, will once more fail to save the station.

Studying on a Built Environment specific Access course allows me to keep focused on architecture. Its level 3 modules cover subjects such as sustainability, construction technology, surveying and design resolution. Tasked with converting a local gym space into a casino, we use CAD software to design the plans. Previous studies in web design through distance learning not only enabled me to study independently and take responsibility for my own learning, they also allowed me to focus on my artistic side: creating artwork using digital media. My proficiency in Photoshop and Illustrator will also be of benefit on my degree course in architecture.

I enjoy photography and often surprise my tutors by including my own architectural photography in my assignments. I feel that, similar to life drawing, it trains one's eye to "see" - a particularly helpful skill in architecture! To make the most of it, I'm currently studying a course in professional photography with the New York Institute of Photography. Next month I'll be travelling to Stuttgart to do a photo series on Mies van der Rohe's Weissenhof estate and Stirling's Neue Staatsgallerie. To hone my skills in 3D design, I took up sculpting. Working on figure modelling from life and a portrait head in clay, I found sculpting very rewarding; and more natural and intuitive than drawing. The course's 3-hour sessions passed far too quickly; I could easily imagine myself spending the entire day in the studio! This is definitely something I'll be pursuing further, with a more advanced course in spring.

As most people now live in cities, I'd like to focus on urban design, where I can make the biggest impact. I'm also considering a post-diploma MA in sustainability. I realise the road ahead will be arduous, requiring commitment and perseverance. I feel my endeavours so far have demonstrated these qualities.

• Share this story :
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Google+
• Share on Pinterest
• Latest Latest
• Trending Trending
• create my feed
• Edit my feed
• 0 new posts
• Started by: sdfj
• Forum: Forum games
• Replies: 2751
• Last post: 1 minute ago
• Started by: jen0045
• Forum: Student accommodation
• Started by: aaa335
• Forum: GCSEs
• Started by: User12765621
• Forum: University of Manchester
• Last post: 2 minutes ago
• Started by: beomgyv
• Forum: Mathematics
• Last post: 3 minutes ago
• Started by: kenrepjm
• Forum: Personal Statement Advice
• Started by: shaw867
• Forum: University of Warwick
• Started by: agent_duck343
• Replies: 608
• Last post: 4 minutes ago
• Started by: lilwin344
• Started by: Talkative Toad
• Forum: UK and World Politics
• Replies: 1085
• Started by: cxcsgt
• Forum: A-levels
• Last post: 5 minutes ago
• Started by: hh1209
• Replies: 220
• Last post: 6 minutes ago
• Started by: dfwefweafwae
• Forum: Management and consultancy
• Started by: taylor2317
• Replies: 1107
• Started by: Saracen's Fez
• Forum: Food and drink
• Replies: 4086
• Last post: 7 minutes ago
• Started by: Doones
• Forum: University of Cambridge
• Replies: 9716
• Started by: armita1212
• Last post: 8 minutes ago
• Started by: Andrew97
• Forum: News and current affairs
• Last post: 9 minutes ago
• Started by: Anonymous
• Forum: Queen's University Belfast
• Last post: 11 minutes ago
• Started by: mabelkr
• Started by: Scotland Yard
• Forum: Medicine
• Replies: 485
• Last post: 1 hour ago
• Replies: 823
• Started by: maiarhysdavies
• Forum: King's College London
• Replies: 792
• Last post: 12 hours ago
• Started by: Lazlay
• Forum: Civil service, public sector and public services
• Replies: 817
• Last post: 13 hours ago
• Started by: Lc627183
• Replies: 278
• Last post: 15 hours ago
• Forum: Advice on everyday issues
• Replies: 188
• Last post: 20 hours ago
• Started by: Sandtrooper
• Forum: Cambridge Postgraduate
• Replies: 8228
• Last post: 23 hours ago
• Started by: KA_P
• Replies: 1125
• Last post: 1 day ago
• Started by: MOZSH
• Forum: Medical Schools
• Replies: 496
• Started by: Oatmilklattepls
• Forum: Performing arts and music
• Replies: 2888
• Started by: Miss.fcxxx
• Replies: 297
• Started by: reubenn05
• Replies: 988
• Last post: 2 days ago
• Started by: jambarnzi
• Replies: 73
• Last post: 3 days ago
• Started by: aishaslm
• Forum: Legal careers and training
• Replies: 176
• Started by: asdfjkmel
• Forum: Graduate Schemes
• Replies: 2706
• Started by: shooks
• Forum: Secondary school, sixth form and FE college
• Started by: Adam Woodbridge
• Forum: Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Replies: 800
• Last post: 4 days ago
• Started by: Chi chi5
• Replies: 928
• Last post: 5 days ago
• Started by: Fiyero
• Replies: 184
• Last post: 1 week ago
• Started by: crimsonrose3205
• Forum: Mature Students
• Replies: 119
• Great! I exceeded my expectations
• Good, I got what I expected
• Not so good, I didn't get everything I expected
• Terrible, I didn't get any of the grades I wanted
• Tell us more about your answer in the thread

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

• Main topics
• GCSE and A-level
• Exam results
• Life and relationships

Get Started

• Today's posts
• Unanswered posts
• Community guidelines
• TSR help centre
• Cookies & online safety
• Terms & conditions
• Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

© Copyright The Student Room 2023 all rights reserved

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB