what to include in a geography personal statement

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How to write a personal statement for geography

Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject – and make sure you apply for the right course

"Geography is a living, breathing subject, constantly adapting itself to change. It is dynamic and relevant, a great adventure with a purpose," wrote Michael Palin.

From global warming, to the impact of economic change on communities, geography can be a fascinating subject to study. But first, would-be geographers have to impress admissions tutors in an application.

In a personal statement for geography, tutors look for enthusiasm for the subject, experience and things that demonstrate you are a well-rounded person. There are some important things to include, and some equally important things to avoid.

What to include

Interests: Explain why you are interested in studying the course. "We want to know why on earth you want to do geography," says Peter Mackie, professor of human geography at Cardiff University.

"We're happy for students to express a specialist interest at this stage. You could say 'I'm interested in the Arab spring movement', or 'I'm interested in sustainability and climate change'. A better student can draw on interests outside of the classroom."

Experience: Next, admissions tutors want to hear about your experience. "You've told us about your interest, now we want you to prove it," says Mackie. "Show us the evidence."

"It could be a field trip, a holiday, or something you've seen in the local paper. If you've arranged geography seminars in school, or volunteered with Oxfam, let us know."

Personal qualities: Some tutors are particularly keen to see that you have compassion and empathy. "Students must show empathy with different people, places and environments," says Phil Barker, from Lancaster University's environment centre. "Things like volunteering can be good to talk about."

Other interests: In addition to your course-related experience, admissions tutors want to hear about your other interests. "We want people to be well rounded because all of our graduates go on to do diverse things," says Lucie Bilsbrough, admissions officer at the University of Leeds.

"So if you do ballet or you work at Mcdonalds, let us know. Because that can show that you're good at time management and that you have a life outside of geography."

Personality: It's also good to have an idea of what you want to gain from the course. "Say what you want to do once you leave university, even if you don't know in any detail," says Bilsbrough. "Because it looks good if you have an idea."

This can help to show tutors your personality. "I always advise applicants to try and find their own voice," says Bilsbrough. "Because you see a lot of applications that are very generic."

Communication: Basic grammar and spelling are expected. "The ability to communicate, both written and verbally, is important," says Mackie. "So students could talk about debating societies or a presentation they've given. You have to show you're willing to read and to work hard."

What to avoid doing

Lack of research: What should you avoid in a personal statement? First of all, make sure you apply for the right course. "We sometimes get people who have clearly applied for the wrong thing," says Barker.

"There are students who apply saying 'I'm really interested in a career in geo-physics'. And they've applied for a geography degree. Sometimes things with superficially similar names confuse people, so it's very important to do your research."

Forcing things together: Don't try and connect unrelated experiences to geography. "Some students try to tie unrelated experiences, such as working in Topshop or football coaching, to geography in very strange, weird and wonderful ways," says Mackie.

Lack of depth: It's best not to simply describe what you've done, but to evaluate and explain things. "People tend to be quite descriptive," says Barker. "You should try to be more evaluative to get depth into the statement."

Complicated: Don't try and tackle too many complicated ideas in not enough detail. "Sometimes we get people who try and write a lot about academic literature," says Barker. "But it's hard to do that well with a short amount of words, so it might not be right for the personal statement."

Too brief: But at the same time, make sure you use the space you've got. "Some applicants keep it very short," says Bilsbrough. "That makes you think, do you really want to do this and are you really committed?"

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• Geography Personal Statement Examples

Use these Geography personal statement examples as an inspiration to write your own for the UCAS application . Below you can find real 4 personal statements for the geography course.

My deep belief in the significance of geography in today’s world drives my desire to pursue a degree in the field. Many global issues, including population growth, sustainability, environmental degradation, resource depletion, and natural disasters can be understood through a geographical lens. Furthermore, many natural disasters occur as a result of disregarding the advice of geographers, for example, constructing homes on floodplains, altering water courses, or building nuclear power plants in earthquake-prone areas. The importance of geographical knowledge and understanding for our future well-being cannot be overstated, and the subject appeals to me both for its intrinsic interest and its relevance to our daily lives.

My specific interests include geographical economics, globalisation, and the impact of technology on shrinking the world and creating multicultural societies. Additionally, geographical knowledge allows us to recognise the disparities in the human world, which may become more pronounced as resources become scarcer. With the planet being a finite resource and technology not able to solve all our problems, it is crucial for us to consider the sustainability of western consumption and the effects of climate change, as well as the aftermath of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. However, there is no subject more exhilarating than the dynamism of the Earth.

Academically, I am strong and have held various positions of responsibility at school. As a high achiever in the Geography Department, I led a field trip for younger pupils last year.  I have coached the year 8 hockey competition at my school and served as captain of the hockey team.  I had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of construction during my work experience at a company in London. I conducted building surveys, visited job sites, and learned about the company’s computer system, giving me a glimpse of what it’s like to work in the industry. Additionally, I attended meetings with professionals and visited other companies, further expanding my understanding of the field. Prior to this, I had a placement at a retail store where I worked in a team and received customer service training. These experiences provided me with valuable insights into the job market and taught me the skills necessary to be employable. The transferable nature of many of the skills involved in geography is what drew me to the field, as it opens doors to various possible careers.

In my free time, I am an avid sports enthusiast, with a particular interest in football and hockey, and I am always committed to staying physically fit. Fishing is another hobby that I enjoy as a means of relaxation. I also love to travel and experience different cultures, having had the opportunity to visit Japan on a school trip and various parts of America, including school skiing trips. I am a beginner piano player and I am currently in grade 2. Additionally, I always strive to stay current in my field of study by following the latest developments and trends.

Recommended guides for reading:

• How to Write a Personal Statement for a Master’s Degree
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
• UCAS Application: Process and Deadlines Explained in Details
• Personal Statement Examples

Personal Statement Example for Geography

I have always been fascinated by the subject of Geography and it has been the school subject that has inspired me the most and in which I have achieved the highest grades. The subject holds great intellectual interest for me, but it also seems to be of great importance and relevance in today’s world. Sustainability is an issue that I believe is of the utmost importance and I would like to pursue a degree course that will deepen my understanding of current problems and potentially enable me to contribute to their solutions. I am interested in all aspects of Geography and am considering a career as a teacher of the subject after completing my degree. I believe that geographical and environmental knowledge is essential for any 21st-century individual, as our survival depends on it. I hope to use my training to guide others towards a responsible attitude towards the world we inhabit.

I am aware of the ways in which the environment is changing and the significance of natural disasters, as well as the human implications of poverty and the gap between MDCs and LDCs. I hope that a degree course would delve into the questions of sustainable development, environmental protection, the geopolitics of water usage, carbon management, the development of alternative fuels, recycling, climate change, and the relationship between trade, business and sustainability. The subject also delves into the field of ethics and politics. I also hope to explore how ecosystems function and how technology can be used for conservation rather than being viewed as an enemy. All of these issues are of great importance to me and have inspired me to apply for a degree in Geography.

I am passionate about geography and have had the privilege to travel extensively in Europe and America, which has given me a glimpse of the world’s geographical diversity and how it affects human habitation. I have participated in conferences on tectonic plates and urban geography, as well as in many Geography professional events at the Royal Geographical Society in London. Through my work experience, I have come to believe that teaching is a career path that I would enjoy. I have held leadership roles in my school, which have helped me develop both academically and personally. I am determined, and dedicated, and have a strong academic record. As the first in my family to consider a university course, I am hardworking, organised, and socially responsible.

In 2008, I had the opportunity to go on a trip to Iceland where I saw firsthand the effects of pollution on glaciers, and was able to visit many sites that were fascinating to a true geographer. It was an extraordinary experience to visit a terrain that was so different from what I was used to. I have also been fortunate to follow geographical topics whenever I can. I read newspaper articles on all geographical subjects eagerly, and I attended a conference on the workings of tectonic plates, and another on “Understanding Cities.”

My working experience has led me to believe that I would enjoy a teaching career. I worked briefly at a primary school in Wandsworth, carrying out a number of supervisory tasks such as guiding and organizing children’s play and work, taking part in sports day and helping with school assemblies. The job calls for patience, good time management, and the confidence to make decisions. At my own school, I hold a number of positions of responsibility, all of which have helped me to mature both as a student and as a human being. I enjoy reading and I am a runner and have raised money for charity in several races.

Human Geography Personal Statement Example

Choosing to pursue a degree in Geography was an easy decision for me, as it combines my interests in current affairs and the social sciences. I am captivated by the dynamic and ever-changing nature of geography and its ability to bring together social, environmental, and economic disciplines. My particular interest lies in social and political geographies, but I understand the importance of understanding both physical and human worlds in order to fully grasp the subject.

I have always enjoyed engaging in debates, and my involvement in debating societies since high school has helped me develop an understanding of different perspectives. One notable experience was creating a video with my peers in support of nuclear power as a sustainable energy source in relation to climate change. The video was entered into a national competition and I was fortunate enough to attend the Nuclear New Build 2016 conference in London, where my group was awarded the third prize. This experience gave me valuable insight into the cutting-edge research being done in the field of nuclear power and its importance in gaining energy security in the UK.

Fieldwork is another aspect of geography that I find particularly intriguing. I have conducted studies on the River Chew, specifically looking at how it changes downstream and the human influences on its pH levels. My study revealed that more agricultural and industrial areas resulted in a more acidic river, reinforcing my hypothesis. Additionally, my studies in economics, specifically poverty, human development, and globalization, have sparked my interest in social issues.

I have also had the opportunity to learn about other cultures through various experiences. In 2013, I spent a week on an exchange in Germany, where I worked in a local primary school, which helped me become more independent, observant, and responsible. I am also planning to trek around Greece and Albania to achieve my Explorer Belt, a prestigious award in scouting which requires careful planning, teamwork, and perseverance.

I am actively involved in the scouting movement and have taken on various leadership roles. I am a fully qualified Young scout and have gained my first Chief Scouts Award. Through this, I have participated in many activities such as classes in Astronomy, international trips, and planning and completing a two-day expedition. I strongly believe that these experiences and responsibilities have shaped me as a person and have given me the leadership qualities and determination to achieve my goals in my chosen field of study.

Personal Statement for Geography Course

Geography is a subject that has always deeply interested me, as it relates to almost everything in everyday life. Growing up in Southampton, close to the coast, I have had many opportunities to study and explore landmarks such as Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks. I have also been on field trips to Studland, and South Wales to study various geographical concepts such as succession in a psammosere, urban land uses, rivers, soils, deindustrialization, and urban land uses.

I have been passionate about music since a young age and have been playing the drums for over eight years. In 2001, I achieved a grade 8 standard and grade 5 music theory. In 1998, I joined the Youth Wind Orchestra (DYWO) and had the opportunity to play in the millennium concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2000. Through DYWO, I have met many other young musicians and teachers from all over Southampton and have learned new percussion instruments such as timpani, vibraphone, and congas. I am also involved in various bands and ensembles in my school and have played at parties and functions with my own rock band.

I went on a two-week work experience with “The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals” in Blandford, where I played the percussion and had the opportunity to participate in Prince Philip’s 70th birthday celebrations at Cardiff castle. Although I have chosen not to pursue music as a career, I have gained valuable experiences and financial gain through playing in shows and teaching regularly.

I have also worked in a small village shop for a year and in the cafeteria at Monkey World, a local zoo for primates. During the summer, I was also chosen to supervise a newly built play area at Monkey World, which was a challenging but rewarding experience.

I have had the opportunity to travel to various countries such as Spain, Argentina, Poland, and Italy on family holidays. During my gap year, I plan to work to save up for more travel experiences prior to starting university.

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10 Top Tips for a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Your Cambridge personal statement is a crucial component in your university application as it gives you a chance to articulate why you’re particularly interested in Geography and to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Additionally, it offers the Cambridge interviewer a focal point to base discussions about your personality, interests and deduce your commitment to Geography. To help guide you through the process, our Cambridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips for everything you should do and not do for your Oxbridge Geography Personal Statement for the Cambridge 2024/25 application cycle. 

Geography is a course that focuses on some of the biggest challenges facing our planet, from food security, climate and biodiversity emergencies to pandemics and globalisation, and social inequalities and urbanisation to volcanoes and melting ice sheets. Your Geography personal statement could demonstrate the link between these domains and more. Moreover, when planning out your personal statement, make sure you research Cambridge’s achievements in the field of Geography and include it into your writing to illustrate your interest in studying Geography at Cambridge. For example, the department holds themselves to a high academic standard and many graduates are employed the year after graduation.

Almost all Cambridge colleges that admit undergraduates will accept applications for Geography. The current exception is Peterhouse College. Newnham College and Murray Edwards College only accept applications from women. Wolfson College , Hughes Hall College and St Edmund’s College only admit students who are over 21 at the time the course starts. In some years, certain Colleges have more Geography students than others, but the pattern fluctuates from year to year. 

Cambridge no longer requires Geography applicants to complete a pre-interview assessment. However, some Cambridge colleges may ask applicants who are invited to an interview to submit one or two examples of your written work from a relevant A Level/IB (or equivalent) course. Therefore, your geography personal statement is essential in making a god first impression on admissions tutors. We’re here to help, whether it’s through a cambridge geography personal statement check or reading on for our top tips.

Top 5 Tips for a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Tell your story.

Think about what drew you to study Geography at Cambridge in the first place. What skills or experience do you have that are worth mentioning? Cambridge admissions tutors are looking out for personal experiences against a high academic background. Consider your future career plans, extra-curricular work, and why you chose to study at Cambridge over all other universities.

What makes you suitable

In your personal statement, you must demonstrate what sets you apart from all other aspiring Geographers. Since Geography is such a multi-disciplinary subject, there are many things to mention from globalisation, to inequalities, to wealth divide and more. Remember to mention what interests you about Geography and any relevant skills or experience you have. This can range from extra reading to travelling, to academic skills. 

Read around the subject you’re applying for

Since the competition at Cambridge University is so great, demonstrating you have undertaken extra-curricular work will benefit your personal statement. Examples include readings in topics within Geography that interest you, for example, urbanisation or the wealth gap. Click here for a list of books published by Cambridge University for ideal reading.

Proof read & read aloud your work

Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it, check it and check it again! Useful people to ask to proofread your work include a teacher in the field, a current Cambridge student, and a student who is studying Geography. By allowing people to take a look at your statement, they would be able to pick up mistakes or name improvements that you may have missed.

Why Geography

Since Geography is such a varied subject, write a little bit about what stimulated your interest, and consider the careers this degree will present to you. Most students end up working in varied careers, such as business, marketing and human resources, according to the Cambridge website.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Geography Personal Statement

Writing a list of achievements.

Don’t list things without expanding on them. It’s better to list fewer experiences but to expand upon what you learnt from those experiences. Make sure you link back to studying a degree in Geography as it will show Cambridge admissions tutors you have insight into what the degree will entail.

Don’t write anything that isn’t true

Don’t exaggerate. You may be asked to provide evidence of your stated achievements, or if you are interviewed you may be asked detailed questions about things you’ve mentioned. It will reflect poorly on you if you are caught out or if you are unable to answer questions about your personal statement.

Copying someone else’s personal statements

Don’t plagiarise. While you can look at geography personal statement examples, do not copy someone else’s UCAS personal statement or use something you have found on the internet. UCAS uses software to check every personal statement for plagiarism. If you are caught, your application will not be seen as genuine or authentic. 

Not reflecting on or justifying your point

Explain points without repeating yourself. Expand on how you’ve acquired certain skills and why they’re important. Examples include, data collection and analytical skills. Remember, quality is always better than quantity- it’s better to expand on a few points than to list every point you can without going into detail.

Don’t sound unprofessional

Steer clear of slang, clichés and quotes. It will sound repetitive to Cambridge admissions tutors to hear about how students are “passionate” about their subject or that they have a “thirst for knowledge”. Write about your personal experience with your Geography journey, and allow the Cambridge admissions tutor to do the rest.

→ What is a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement is a written statement that accompanies a university application to study geography at the University of Cambridge. The personal statement is an opportunity for the candidate to showcase their academic achievements, interests, and passion for geography.

→What should be included in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement should include the candidate’s academic achievements, their relevant work experience, any relevant extracurricular activities or hobbies, and their passion for geography. The statement should also highlight the candidate’s interest in the course and their future career aspirations.

→How long should a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement be?

A Cambridge Geography Personal Statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters or 47 lines of text, whichever comes first. This includes spaces and punctuation.

→How important is it to proofread my personal statement?

Proofreading your personal statement is extremely important as it shows attention to detail and a commitment to presenting your best work. It is recommended that you read your personal statement out loud to catch any errors or awkward phrasing.

→What are some common mistakes to avoid in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement?

Common mistakes to avoid in a Cambridge Geography Personal Statement include making general statements without providing specific examples, using cliches, copying or plagiarizing content, being too informal or using inappropriate language, and not proofreading thoroughly.

→Why is the personal statement important for a Cambridge geography application?

The personal statement is an important component of a Cambridge geography application because it allows the admissions team to assess the candidate’s suitability for the course. The personal statement also provides an opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate their motivation and passion for the subject.

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Guide to Better Oxford Geography Personal Statements

Table of Contents

Personal statements are everyday encounters for students and professionals alike. They include a wealth of information that could aid in determining your qualification for a job or particular program. Personal statements don’t need a lot of work if you know how to write them. This guide will show tips and examples for crafting an effective  Oxford Geography personal statement . Let’s start with a few basics.

What is the Oxford Geography Course?

Oxford Geography is a specialized branch of the subject that focuses on physical and human geography. It involves exploring how the physical environment shapes the different regions of the world. It also delves into how people interact with it to create distinct social, economic, and political systems.

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement is an essential tool that helps recruiters and admissions board representatives assess an applicant’s suitability for a particular role or program. It provides insight into the individual’s motivation, character, experience, and goals . Personal statements are often written in narrative form and should be engaging, creative, and honest. They should demonstrate the writer’s personality, passions, and ambitions and provide tangible evidence of their achievements. 

The Importance of Personal Statements

Personal statements are more than just summaries of your qualifications. Their narrative form means that applicants have greater leeway for creativity. This allows them to express their ideas creatively and to paint vivid pictures with powerful descriptors.

The true value of a personal statement lies in how it injects a human touch into an applicant’s materials. This allows readers to see the person behind the paper. It’s similar to the unfolding of a story, except the story revolves around a hopeful person.

When recruiters gain a deep understanding of a candidate, they have a more reliable basis for determining their suitability for a community.

A personal statement is also a golden opportunity to stand out. You can do this by talking about your passion and finding the best words to represent your views. A powerful message will evoke emotions and help you become memorable.

Do note that you first need to write an effective personal statement to enjoy these benefits. The following section will show you how.

Tips For Writing Effective Personal Statements

Add Relevant Information to Introduce Yourself

Begin your personal statement by introducing yourself and providing a brief overview of your background. Make sure to prioritize the relevant information to the subject you are applying for. This will set up the rest of your essay engagingly and allow the reader to know more about you. 

Talk About Your Passions

Demonstrate why you chose to study geography and why this is the perfect path. Describe how your experiences shaped your passion for the subject and talk about any obstacles you have had to overcome along the way. 

Be Clear and Concise

You should strive for clarity when crafting your personal statement. Make sure that each point is relevant and well-written rather than trying to stuff too much information into one sentence or paragraph. Choose powerful adjectives and phrases to ensure that your statement leaves a lasting impression on the reader. 

Use Language Techniques

Using rhetorical devices such as alliteration or parallelism can make your writing stand out from others who may utilize plain language. Incorporate uncommon words as needed to showcase your knowledge of the field and your creativity with language. 

Proofread and Edit

Before submitting your application, read through your personal statement several times to catch any errors and typos. Ask friends or family members to review it as well since they might be able to catch mistakes that you have missed.

Oxford Geography Personal Statement Examples

 example a.

As a prospective student of Geography, I am eager to apply for the esteemed degree program at Oxford University. My passion for understanding the complexity of our earth’s geography has been reignited. Over the years, I have developed my academic knowledge through extensive research on local and global geographies, with particular attention paid to climate change. 

I believe that furthering my studies through a university course will give me invaluable skills and experience to improve my future career choices. Additionally, I hope to become more resourceful by looking into areas such as scientific resources and levels of data interpretation. This will help me address relevant issues which might arise in the future. I plan to leverage the opportunities presented by the University to enhance my existing work-related capabilities and provide me with a lifelong learning experience. Furthermore, I am keen to expand my awareness of geographical information systems (GIS) software tools. I’d also like to hone the skill of using spatial data analysis to gain deeper insights into our world. 

I firmly believe that obtaining a degree in Geography from Oxford would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. It is one big break I am wholeheartedly ready to take full advantage of. 

My goals are to challenge myself academically and develop as a person. I look forward to being part of the interview process. If successful, I will devote all my energy towards achieving excellence. 

I know in my heart that I’d make a valuable contribution to the school and the wider community.

I have had a lifelong passion for Geography. I’ve read countless books and content related to the subject throughout my school years. I could apply this knowledge to guide me through the admissions process. 

I am now looking to become part of the University’s study of geography, as it offers an opportunity to build upon my existing knowledge. My ambition is to broaden my understanding and explore new avenues in terms of research and learning. 

I believe my admission to the University will catapult me into success and open new opportunities. My thirst for science and reading will make me an excellent student. 

I firmly believe that studying Geography at the university level will equip me with the skills necessary for a successful career in the industry. Through rigorous research and coursework, I hope to gain new insights into the world around us. I hope to learn how to apply them practically to make our planet a better place for all.

An Oxford Geography personal statement is a key part of your application when applying to a special program or university course . They are important because they can include information that can give valuable insight into a person’s background. 

Considering what’s at stake, it’s important to put in the work in writing personal statements. It can mean the difference between getting accepted to a university course or a failed interview. Good luck with your application!

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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AT&T investigating leak that dumped millions of customers’ data on dark web

AT&T is investigating a leak earlier this month that dumped millions of customers' data, including personal information such as Social Security numbers, on the dark web.

The company said the leak happened roughly two weeks ago and it launched "a robust investigation supported by internal and external cybersecurity experts."

"Based on our preliminary analysis, the data set appears to be from 2019 or earlier," AT&T said in a statement Saturday.

It affects about 7.6 million current customers and about 65.4 million former customers.

AT&T said it is looking into whether "the data in those fields originated from AT&T or one of its vendors." Currently, the company does not have evidence of unauthorized access to its systems resulting in exfiltration of the dataset.

The telecommunications company, one of the most popular wireless carriers, said it is reaching out to the customers affected and has reset their passcodes. It is also offering free credit monitoring through Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

"As of today, this incident has not had a material impact on AT&T’s operations," the company said.

Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Joe Kottke is a researcher at the NBC News Network Desk.

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AT&T notifies users of data breach and resets millions of passcodes

About 73 million current and former at&t account holders’ data has leaked on the dark web, the dallas-based company said..

By Zaeem Shaikh and Aria Jones

3:20 PM on Mar 30, 2024 CDT

Personal data from about 73 million current and former AT&T account holders has been leaked on the dark web, the telecom giant said Saturday.

The Dallas-based company said the data was released onto the dark web about two weeks ago, and officials are not sure yet whether the data originated from the company or one of its vendors.

Related: AT&T announces plan for $5 credit after nationwide outage in cellular network

“With respect to the balance of the data set, which includes personal information such as social security numbers, the source of the data is still being assessed,” officials wrote in a news release.

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AT&T officials said the company has launched an investigation with cybersecurity experts. In their initial analysis, staff found the data set appears to be from 2019 or earlier, affecting about 7.6 million current account holders and 65.4 million former account holders.

Company officials noted they don’t have evidence at this point of unauthorized access to their systems.

“The company is communicating proactively with those impacted and will be offering credit monitoring at our expense where applicable,” officials wrote.

Anyone who has been impacted will get an email or letter from the company.

AT&T officials said the incident had not had a material impact on the company’s operations Saturday. Impacted customers have received emails noting that their account passcode has been compromised and that they must reset it.

“It appears the data is from more than 4 years ago and does not contain personal financial information or call history,” AT&T wrote to customers.

In the email, the company notes the information may have included customers’ full name, email address, mailing address, phone number, social security number, date of birth, AT&T account number and passcode.

If sensitive personal information was compromised, the company said it will provide “complimentary identity theft and credit monitoring services.”

The dark web leak comes a month after the company suffered a nationwide outage in its cellular service for a day. The company blamed the outage on a coding error and not a cyberattack.

“The real issue here is the fact that basically all the personal identifiable information that you would need to basically recreate a person in the cyberspace was leaked,” said Andrew Sternke, the CEO of Southlake-based DarkBox Security Systems.

Group claimed to sell AT&T data in 2021

In 2021, threat actor ShinyHunters claimed to be selling data on 70 million AT&T customers. Officials with the telecom company then told the tech outlet BleepingComputer that the information did not come from them, and they could not “speculate on where it came from or whether it is valid.”

The group claimed to target Microsoft, Wattpad and Mashable in other data breaches, tech outlets have reported.

Users on the hacking forum, BreachForums, appear to suggest the data breach is a repost of the initial leak from 2021, but AT&T officials have not confirmed the connection.

“The real question is what happened between 2021 and now?” said Brett Callow, threat analyst with New Zealand-based cybersecurity firm Emsisoft.

Dealing with a breach

Breaches among telecommunications companies and with third-party vendors are not uncommon, Callow said.

Last year, T-Mobile said a “bad actor” accessed personal data from 37 million customers. In 2022, the company agreed to pay $350 million to settle class-action lawsuits from a data breach disclosed in 2021 that affected a little over 40 million people. Verizon has also suffered from data breaches in the past.

Callow said service providers, like AT&T, can hold data for companies they provide services to. Also, a provider like AT&T, he said, would have a massive number of vendors working for them in various ways.

In the case of AT&T’s breach, data could potentially be used to commit identity-related fraud. The crime of hacking AT&T or its vendor could lead to many other offenses, Callow said.

Sternke said two things people should do is check their credit file — a record of their credit history — and use two-factor authentication for every one of their accounts. He also urged those who are impacted to change their password and use a password manager.

“That will help keep track of your passwords by encrypting it and then you just need to know one main password to enter into your encrypted manager, and the password manager will automatically input your password into the account that you sign in.”

Customers should “absolutely” sign up for the credit monitoring services offered, Callow said.

“Hopefully that will mitigate those risks,” Callow said. Customers may also consider putting a block on their credit, which could stop fraud from happening, he said.

“The problem with credit monitoring services is they are reactive rather than proactive — it will enable you to find you’ve been the victim of identity fraud sooner than you otherwise would,” Callow said. “But they won’t actually stop the fraud from happening necessarily.”

Zaeem Shaikh , Staff, Reporter . Zaeem Shaikh is a reporter covering breaking news for The Dallas Morning News. He grew up in Fresno, California, and graduated from Fresno State University in 2022. Before joining The News, he has reported for The Sacramento Bee, CalMatters and the Oregonian.

Aria Jones , Breaking news reporter . Aria writes about breaking news. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and Dallas College. Aria has interned at the Austin American-Statesman, the Texas Tribune and the El Paso Times.

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Geography personal statement example 26.

The dynamic relationship between human and physical geography is something I wish to explore. People such as David Attenborough and Brian Cox have further developed my interest and inspired me to travel to see extraordinary areas of natural beauty. Their documentaries have shown me many areas of the world I wish to explore.

As part of my Geographical studies I carried out a fieldwork investigation into the changing characteristics of the River Wear to observe how they varied over a short stretch of the river. Throughout this investigation I developed practical data collection and sampling skills such as measuring velocity and calculating river gradient.

This introduction to practical side of geography has strengthened my skills as a geographer, giving me a broadened knowledge of how real life geography works. These skills have been developed further as I have undertaken an investigation to examine the contrasting levels of deprivation in Durham.

Planning this investigation has allowed me to use teamwork skills, as to work efficiently with a small group of peers on such a large and difficult topic everyone had to understand and respect each other.

Report writing in World Development has allowed me to improve my literacy skills, preparing me to write extended, articulate answers. Critical analysis of articles has also allowed me to use evaluative skills on topical issues.

A visit to Italy brought to life the tectonics that I had previously studied in GCSE geography. While in Italy I climbed Mount Vesuvius, the sheer size of the volcano was incredible, the fact something that looks so innocent can cause so much destruction was truly astounding. Additionally I visited Pompeii to see the destruction left after the 79 A.D. eruption that destroyed the town.

To study glaciers is an ambition of mine, as they can alter the entire planet's climate which has many human and physical impacts. In order to study glaciation and the impacts it has on the planet I am undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) entitled ‘To what extent does the geographical phenomena of glaciers and glacial change affect the world around us?’.

The focus of this dissertation is to learn about why glaciers change and how these changes have affected the natural and developed world allowing me to hypothesise how continual changes will impact future societies.

E.P.Q is equipping me with essential high order study skills such as, skimming and scanning techniques to source relevant information. Furthermore, it is developing my organisation and time management skills as I am writing the project in my own time without direct teacher instruction. Writing the EPQ demonstrates motivation, dedication and initiative.

Dependency and reliability are further demonstrated in the roles I play in the local horse riding community, role has become increasingly hands on and people have entrusted me to school their horses and bring them on.

This requires a high level of discipline, perseverance, persistence and time management, as working with horses is complex, teaching me to adapt to quickly changing situations. In addition, I have gained social skills by working with a large variety of people in both a personal and professional capacity.

Competing on Pony Club teams to a Championship Level, in all three disciplines, has improved my confidence by performing in front of large crowds and to meet new people on a regular basis.

The development of Geographical knowledge and understanding will allow me to explore the dynamic relationship between human and physical geography.

This will give me the tools to participate in programs of glacier conservation in Skaftafell National Park in Iceland. In addition my ethos and ethic of hard work will facilitate my success in academic study.

Geography is the future; knowledge and understanding of geographical processes and interactions are fundamental to maintaining sustainable resources.

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Author's Comments

I found starting my personal statement the hardest, so I looked at examples that I found online, once I got going it was easier to talk about why I enjoy the subject etc. However, talking about myself and 'bigging myself up' was really tricky, so I talked to my teachers a lot and handed in about 15 drafts before I got it right. It can be a long, stressful process but getting your personal statement right is very important.

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Personal statement example environmental geography personal statement.

Submitted by Max

Environmental Geography Personal Statement

Whilst onboard the RFA Mounts Bay in Jamaica, David Jelly, a member of the British High Commission said, ‘in the event of a disaster, this boat [ported in Kingston] would go to the Bahamas before helping the people in Jamaica’. I believe that it is ethically wrong to leave people who need help. The ship is designed to assist countries when they have a natural disaster so why should it be used to help people who may be less in need? For me this prioritisation is one of the most prevalent issues in the world as the battle against natural and human-caused tragedies increases in frequency.

One of my main interests in geography is climate change. To help further my understanding I read several books about the subject. In a controversial book, written by Alex Epstein named ‘The Moral Case of Fossil Fuel’, the author shares his opinion that, to this point, the use of fossil fuels can be justified by improvements in standards of living including child mortality rates, availability of water and net income within nations. However, one factor that he did not consider is that the negative effects of climate change are rarely in the same place as the source of the pollutants. This is discussed in Vandana Shiva’s ‘Soil Not Oil’ which is a very saddening book documenting the negative effects of climate change. Early on she says that ‘The people of Rajasthan and Bihar [both very under developed cities in India] do not contribute to climate change, yet they are its victims’. Droughts in Rajasthan and extreme flooding in Bihar have affected vast amounts of people in these cities and caused 30 million to be displaced. Unfortunately, evidence suggests that the people who will suffer most from the adverse effects of climate change in the future will be the less wealthy. A section from the IPCC (International Panel for Climate Change) Synthesis Report 2014 can be summarised by: Climate change impacts will reduce rates of economic growth, make poverty reduction more difficult, and further erode food security. A greater depth of knowledge would help me understand the science behind and the severity of this issue and is hence a reason I have chosen to study Geography in further education.

This interest in climate change has led to me doing an EPQ titled; ‘How will climate change affect hurricanes?’ where I have undertaken a lot of independent research. During this process I have had to develop many skills including judging the credibility of a source and finding sources of information in different formats. University study style tends to be very similar to that needed for the EPQ, so this work will make me better prepared for a degree course.

A country that I have been interested in for a long time is Iceland. Their commitment to maintaining their pristine landscapes by introducing renewable energies is a potential model for many countries. On a recent visit my wish to study Geography was confirmed as the natural environment overwhelmed my current knowledge and understanding. I saw processes that I had learnt about happening in the real world but also so many that I did not understand as yet. Beside academic studies I have a passion for sports, excelling in many different types but focusing on rugby and strength-based training. I have been training intensely for 4 years using both scheduled team training sessions as well as 4-5 personal training sessions a week during the off-season when playing for Farnham RUFC. I have extensively researched the best methods of training and nutrition to optimise results. This has led to me becoming healthier, stronger, and a more confident person. As sport is such a large part of my life I have chosen Universities that have state-of-the-art sport facilities as I hope to continue to train while studying for a degree.

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