When applying to Morling College, your personal statement is a key component of your application. This is where you can share your academic aspirations, spiritual journey, and reasons for choosing your course. The personal statement is more than just a formality—it’s a chance to reflect deeply on your path and communicate it authentically. Below is a guide to help you craft thoughtful responses to each part of the personal statement prompt.
1. Why do you wish to study this course at Morling College? What are your goals for study?
Start by asking yourself why Morling College, in particular, appeals to you. What draws you to this course? Next, consider your academic and personal goals. How to write this section:
- Begin by jotting down your thoughts. Free writing can help you capture your initial thoughts.
- Identify your key points. Highlight the most important reasons and goals you want to communicate.
- Structure these points into a cohesive paragraph or two that directly answers the two parts of the question.
2. What relevant experience have you had in your proposed field of study? Are there ways that these experiences have led you to apply for this course?
Here, you can highlight your prior experiences that are relevant to the course you’re applying for. Whether it’s through work, ministry, volunteering, or personal study, this section allows you to showcase how these experiences have shaped your decision to pursue further education in this field.
How to approach this section:
- Start by listing any experiences that relate directly to your chosen field of study. Whether that is Bible and Theology, Counselling, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care or Education.
- Reflect on how these experiences have informed your decision to apply. Did they spark a deeper interest in the field? Did they help you realise your calling?
- Be specific about the skills or insights you’ve gained from these experiences and how they connect to your studies.
- You could structure your response in a cohesive paragraph or you could use a table with a list of experiences in one column and any reflections in a second column.
3. Share how your Christian faith relates to your decision to apply to this course. If you want to, explain any personal convictions/opinions you might hold about the foundational beliefs of Christianity.
This section allows you to explore the connection between your faith and your academic goals. Morling College values students who are not only academically driven but also grounded in their Christian faith, and this is your opportunity to share how the two intersect.
How to approach this section:
- Reflect on how your faith has influenced your decision to pursue this course. How does your Christian worldview shape your understanding of the subject matter?
- If you wish, share any personal convictions or opinions you hold regarding foundational Christian beliefs, such as the Trinity, salvation, or the authority of Scripture. Your church's foundational beliefs may be a starting point.
- Consider discussing any significant experiences that have deepened your faith and how your faith will guide you through your studies and your future career or ministry.
- Structure these points into a cohesive paragraph or two that directly answers the question.
4. For students appling for the Master of Educational Leadership Course there is an additional question. Please briefly explain (from a biblical perspective) why you want to lead others.
- Reflect on your own experience as a Christian leader and on those who have influenced you. How does this motivate you to want to lead others?
- Consider specific bible verses or biblical principles that resonate with your motivation to lead others in an educational setting.
- Discuss how you see yourself applying these principles in practice. For example, describe servant leadership as exemplified by Jesus and how this can be practised in an educational community.
5. Do you have any further information you wish to disclose which would be helpful as we assess your application?
This is an open-ended section where you can provide any additional information that you think might be relevant to your application.
How to approach this section:
- Think about anything else that might be important for the admissions committee to know. Are there personal challenges, health issues, or other circumstances that should be considered?
- You might also include any special skills, achievements, or experiences that set you apart and demonstrate your readiness for this course.
We look forward to receiving your application. Remember to approach each question with honesty and clarity, ensuring that you not only answer the questions directly but also provide a glimpse of who you are - your faith, your calling and your goals. Apply now