pharmacy personal statement mature students

Writing the Personal Statement for Pharmacy School: A 5 Step Checklist

You’ve likely written a personal statement at some point in your life. Perhaps while applying to your undergraduate program, some of your schools required you to include an essay describing your achievements, yourself, and what you hope to accomplish in your time at their university. Similarly, many pharmacy programs will require you to write a personal statement for their application. 

This, however, is different. You will be able to highlight your relevant accomplishments and address why you want to become a pharmacist to stand out truly . With so many applicants during each cycle, admissions officers use this personal statement to gauge whom they wish to speak with for an in-person interview.

At this phase of the application journey, you've narrowed down the pharmacy schools you’re applying to. Your transcripts are in, letters of recommendation are ready, and it’s time for your pharmacy personal statement. The good news is that, unlike undergraduate applications that sometimes have different prompts, you must answer for various schools; your one pharmacy school personal statement will be sent to every program through your PharmCAS application . That also leaves an exciting challenge: Even if you have a favorite, you must consider how you want to write this personal statement, as it shouldn’t be tailored toward one specific school. 

1) Determining the Narrative

When writing a pharmacy school personal statement, the most common pitfall students experience is the need for more effort placed into their writing. While your grades may be exceptional, and your letters of recommendation prove that your student-teacher relationships are healthy and you are a pleasure to have in class, having a generic pharmacy personal statement doesn’t differentiate you from other qualified applicants. If all applicants have already covered the first two things, the personal statement may be the shining piece of the application. For most students, writing this statement will be the most challenging part of the application process. 

Begin to formulate your narrative. Lay out the structure and the different sections. There’s no specific format that pharmacy schools are looking for, so make this personal statement unique to yourself. As mentioned, the “cookie cutter” approach to this part of the application is where most students stumble. Use your time wisely and start early . Additionally, you can easily find a sample personal statement on various websites to help structure your thoughts. However, remember that these should be used only as samples and that you shouldn’t rely on them to format your statement.

2)Crafting a Unique Story

Each pharmacy school program wants students who demonstrate tenacity, which will help them succeed in their respective programs. One way to approach writing your pharmacy school personal statement is from the point of view of the admissions committee. Anyone charged with reading thousands of applications will focus on specific questions that signal a level of quality about the rest of the personal statement.

First, what's the reason that this student is choosing pharmacy as their career? Are they doing this for income or a genuine interest in providing the best care for patients? Does the applicant demonstrate a thoughtful understanding of their strengths and weaknesses? Do their ideals align with the mission statement of the school of pharmacy? Each reviewer may concentrate on different questions, but they want to see you feel a personal drive for a career as a pharmacist . Place yourself into the seat of an application reviewer and formulate different questions you could ask students. Try answering these questions and see how genuine your answers are. How you answer may decide if you want to continue to pursue this pharmacy school path.

3) Focus on Your Opening

One universal method many writing courses teach you is always to have a solid opening statement. I'd like you to please use this as an opportunity, to begin with a personal story about why you decided that pharmacy is the right career for you or maybe an inspiring quote that has always resonated with you. The reviewer may have reviewed several applications, so your first few sentences should stand out. You want to be able to make an impression from the beginning while showing an earnest drive to spend a career as a pharmacist.

Once you’ve effectively engaged the reviewer, it’s time for the “meat” of the personal statement. What do pharmacy application committees genuinely want to hear? 

4) Getting to Know You

They want to learn more about you before meeting in a live interview. Tell your own story succinctly but without cutting corners. Briefly describe how you learned to overcome obstacles like that to better yourself and those around you. Sure, you can write about your most relevant academic accomplishments. But go beyond that.

Discuss how certain clubs and organizations have helped you progress through your undergraduate experience and how those organizations may have led you to pursue the path of pharmacy school. Highlight the leadership positions you may have held in college that have helped mold you into the leader you see yourself as today. After setting those up, discuss the skills you’ve acquired to help you in pharmacy school and how they’d make you a better pharmacist.

When you mention your relevant academic studies, please keep repeating the pharmacy college admission test (PCAT) scores or the 4.0 GPA you achieved. The committee has this information before them as they read; they don’t need to be reminded.

Talk in detail about your relevant work experiences, such as research or a part-time job in a pharmacy. Discuss how these different work experiences furthered your commitment to the profession. Identify what aspects of the pharmacy setting may have attracted you and what you have learned from these experiences. Some students come into this part of the application process without work experience. That’s okay. You can highlight any volunteer work related to healthcare or pharmacy. 

5) Close with Confidence

Finally—and we can’t stress this enough—keep your writing professional. You’re making an impression on a professional committee, and as much as you want to make your statement sound lighthearted, remember that the reviewers’ time is at a premium for reviewing the essays and interviews in the next round.

Be succinct, direct, and human.

Remember to keep our advice top of mind:

The goal of your personal statement is to showcase why you would be the ideal pharmacy student and why your traits/qualities reflect those of a pharmacist.

Be as authentic as possible when detailing why you want to be part of the PharmD program. 

GPA and PCAT scores can only get you so far. Your personal statement is a chance for you to stand out in front of the other applicants who apply to the same pharmacy program as you. 

Remember, perfecting the personal statement takes time and your admission may depend on how much effort you ultimately put into your writing.

Hong Chen, PharmD

My name is Hong Kui Chen and I am a graduate of The Ohio State University Pharmacy Class of 2022. I am currently working as a clinical research associate at Medpace, Inc, a contract research organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio. My work mainly consists of traveling to various sites around the country and providing protocol training on new clinical trials or monitoring data. While I enjoyed the traditional pharmacy role of working in retail or hospital, I wanted to expand and pursue this non-traditional role to see how clinical trials operate. I have a passion for being able to impact patients in a grand scale and even though I don’t have the 1-on-1 patient interaction, the work that I do can have long lasting contributions to overall patient health. 

Opinions and information published by the author here on PharmDDegree.com are of my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of my employer.

Do Not Sell My Info

ESLDIRECT.COM

ESL Resources for Job Hunters, English Learners, Adult Learners and Tutors

Pharmacy Personal Statement Examples

In this article, we discuss pharmacy personal statement examples and how to write a strong statement for pharmacy school.

Find out how a chemistry set and a mom who was a nurse put one candidate on the path to becoming a pharmacist, and how another candidate learned about patient advocacy in rural Cameroon. We’ll also find out how a potential international student plans to contribute to the community in the USA.

The pharmacy personal statement is one of the most important parts of your application. It’s your chance to show who you are as a person and why you want to study pharmacy.

Your personal statement should be well-written, honest, and specific to you as an individual. To help you get started, we’ve put together some pharmacy personal statement examples below.

Table of Contents

What is a pharmacy personal statement, how to write a strong personal statement for pharmacy school, pharmacy personal statement example 1, pharmacy personal statement example 2, pharmacy personal statement example 3, faq (frequently asked questions), more personal statement tutorials.

It’s a short personal essay written about yourself that is used to help graduate schools decide if you would make a good candidate for their programme.

It explains why you want to pursue pharmacology, any awards or achievements you have received, any relevant work or internship experience, and attributes that make you a good candidate, such as excellent people skills, strong attention to detail, and strong organisational skills.

It can also provide an opportunity to showcase qualities that can’t be easily articulated in words, such as empathy, leadership, and motivation. Ultimately, it can be the deciding factor in your acceptance into a pharmacy programme.

Step 1: Explain your USP (unique selling point)

When writing a personal statement for pharmacy school, it is important to determine your approach – what do you need them to know? What is your USP?

You should consider your motivation for pursuing pharmacy as a career, the experiences that have prepared you for pharmacy school, your personal qualities that make you a strong candidate, and how you fit with the pharmacy school you are applying to.

By reflecting on these factors, you can develop a clear and compelling personal statement that highlights your strengths, experiences, and passion for pharmacy.

As an international student, I am committed to bringing a unique perspective to the classroom and contributing to the cultural diversity of the pharmacy program. I believe that my background and experiences will enable me to connect with patients and colleagues from different cultures and build strong relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. I particularly look forward to volunteering with Spanish speakers in the local community during my time at pharmacy school.

Step 2: Read and reread the institution’s instructions

When writing a pharmacy personal statement, it is important to carefully read and reread the instructions provided by the institution to ensure that you meet all the requirements and guidelines.

Start by reading the instructions thoroughly, taking notes on key points, highlighting important details and asking for clarification if needed.

Make sure to pay attention to what is to be included in your personal statement (for example a key question) and if there is a word limit.

Step 3: Consider getting help from an expert

• Identify potential experts. You can do this by reaching out to your academic advisor, contacting your local pharmacy association, or searching online.
• Reach out to them respectfully
• Provide them with the necessary information such as your academic history, work experience, and goals for pursuing pharmacy.
• Listen to their feedback carefully
• Express your gratitude for their time and expertise.

Remember to be respectful of their time and follow up in a timely manner.

Step 4: Write your personal statement

• Begin by summarising your suitability for the role. Make sure to write from the first-person viewpoint.
• Outline your qualifications and experience, followed by your relevant skills. Be sure to emphasize your enthusiasm for the field of pharmacy and the role you are applying for.
• Keep your personal statement brief and include details relevant to the role.
• Be open and honest in your writing. Being honest in your personal statement will help to prevent any exaggeration or incorrect information.
• Talk about how you solved a problem, really connected with a patient or learned something important relating to pharmacy studies.
• During a placement in Cameroon, I learned to ask the obvious and not so obvious questions. Why were several HIV patients from one village suddenly presenting with stomach ulcers? It turned out that some villagers only ate once a day and without support, could not follow the instructions to take medications twice a day with food. A local NGO helped with training on nutritious plants that were safe to eat, in order to take the second dose of medication. I realised that I want to be the type of pharmacist that goes the extra mile to understand the everyday healthcare challenges in the lives of her patients, and support them where needed.

Step 5: Determine your target audience and message

To determine your target audience and message for your pharmacy personal statement:

• Research the pharmacy program: Learn as much as you can about the pharmacy program you are applying to, including its mission statement, values, and requirements. This will help you to understand what the program is looking for in its applicants.
• Identify the target audience: Consider who will be reading your personal statement, such as admissions officers or faculty members. Think about what they are looking for in an applicant and what they might be interested in hearing from you.
• Consider your message: Think about what you want to convey in your personal statement, such as your passion for pharmacy, your experiences that have prepared you for pharmacy school, and your goals for your pharmacy career. Make sure that your message aligns with the values and mission of the pharmacy program you are applying to.
• Tailor your message to the audience: what are you most interested in learning about? For this candidate, it’s the way in which pharmacists can use new technology.

In particular, I am interested in exploring the ways in which technology can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery. During the recent pandemic, apps such as HealthPass made it much safer for more vulnerable patients to participate in daily life. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift towards a more patient-centered, value-based model, I believe that pharmacists must be at the forefront of innovation and change.

Step 6: Keep your personal statement concise and clear

Make sure that each point is concise. Paraphrase and condense the content where possible. Make sure that your final statement does not exceed one page.

The order of your paragraphs must make sense. Make sure your points flow logically and that there is a smooth transition from one point to the next.

Step 7: Share your personal statement with a trusted reviewer

Have an expert review your personal statement. Ask someone you trust to read over your statement and provide feedback on the grammar, structure, and content.

Make any necessary changes. Based on the feedback you receive, adjust your statement to make it stronger.

As a dedicated and passionate student of pharmacy, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of others through my work. I believe that pharmacists have a unique opportunity to improve the health and well-being of patients, and I am eager to contribute to this important field.

My interest in pharmacy began at a young age when I saw first-hand the impact that medications can have on a person’s quality of life. I witnessed my grandmother struggle with a chronic illness, and I was inspired by the role that her pharmacist played in helping to manage her condition. This experience motivated me to pursue a career in pharmacy, and I have been working diligently towards this goal ever since.

Throughout my academic career, I have taken a rigorous course load that has prepared me well for the challenges of pharmacy school. I have excelled in courses such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology, and I have gained practical experience through internships and volunteer work. I am confident that my academic background has prepared me well for the challenging curriculum of pharmacy school, and I am excited to continue my education in this field. In addition to my advocacy experience and academic accomplishments, I possess a number of personal qualities that I believe make me a strong candidate for pharmacy school. I am detail-oriented and meticulous in my work, and I am committed to providing the highest level of care to patients. I am also an excellent communicator, and I believe that effective communication is essential to building strong relationships with patients and healthcare providers.

During a placement in Cameroon, I learned to ask the obvious and not so obvious questions. Why were several HIV patients from one village suddenly presenting with stomach ulcers? It turned out that some villagers only ate once a day and without support, could not follow the instructions to take medications twice a day with food. A local NGO helped with training on nutritious plants that were safe to eat, in order to take the second dose of medication. I realised that I want to be the type of pharmacist that goes the extra mile to understand the everyday healthcare challenges in the lives of her patients and support them where needed.

Ultimately, my goal as a pharmacist is to improve the health and well-being of patients through compassionate care and innovative solutions. I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development as a pharmacy professional, and I am excited to contribute to the dynamic and constantly evolving field of pharmacy. Thank you for considering my application.

As a very young child playing with a $10 chemistry set, I was sure that if I tried hard enough I could mix up a medicine that could save all the sick people in the hospital where my mother worked as a nurse! As a dedicated and motivated student of pharmacy, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree in this exciting and constantly evolving field. Throughout my academic career, I have been driven by a passion for helping others and a deep curiosity about the science of medicine.

I believe that pharmacy is uniquely positioned at the intersection of science and patient care, and I am excited to explore the many ways in which pharmacists can make a difference in the lives of patients. From a young age, I was fascinated by the stories of patients my mother would tell, explaining how medicines had helped them to get better. I realised that as researchers work on developing new drugs and therapies to provide education and counselling to patients, pharmacists play a critical role in improving healthcare outcomes and promoting wellness.

In particular, I am interested in exploring the ways in which technology can be leveraged to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery. During the recent pandemic, apps such as HealthPass made it much safer for more vulnerable patients to participate in daily life. As the healthcare landscape continues to shift towards a more patient-centred, value-based model, I believe that pharmacists must be at the forefront of innovation and change.

In pursuing an advanced degree in pharmacy, I am excited to collaborate with other healthcare professionals and experts in the field to explore new solutions and approaches. I am eager to learn from experienced professionals, conduct research, and apply my knowledge and skills to real-world challenges to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of patients and the ongoing evolution and growth of the field. I am so excited to embark on this exciting new chapter in my academic and professional journey.

As an international student, I am excited to have the opportunity to pursue a degree in pharmacy in the USA. I am drawn to the USA’s reputation for excellence in healthcare and its innovative approach to pharmacy education.

My passion for pharmacy began in my home country, where the numbers of hospitals and doctors per capita are very low and most people would go to a pharmacy rather to a private doctor. I can see the critical role that pharmacists play in promoting wellness and managing chronic conditions. In Mexico, the obesity crisis means that around 14 million adults are living with diabetes, a rise of about 10% in the last few years. This number includes eight of my relatives and without supportive, empathetic pharmacists, I believe that some of my family members would not have survived. As a biology major for my undergraduate degree, I am eager to build on the foundation and gain a deeper understanding of the science of medicine, as well as the complex healthcare systems that underpin patient care.

I am confident that studying pharmacy in the USA will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience I need to excel in this challenging and rewarding field. I am particularly excited about the opportunities for hands-on learning and practical experience, as well as the chance to collaborate with other students and professionals from diverse backgrounds.

My goal as a pharmacist is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and to contribute to the ongoing advancement of healthcare in my home country and beyond. I am confident that studying pharmacy in the USA will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and networks I need to achieve this goal, and I am excited to embark on this exciting new chapter in my academic and professional journey.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What are the essential components of a strong pharmacy personal statement?

A strong pharmacy personal statement should include:

• an introduction
• knowledge and interest in pharmacy
• work or voluntary experience, hobbies and interests
• why you want to pursue pharmacy
• what about that particular university’s programme appeals to you
• any achievements or awards you’ve received
• any relevant internships or work experience
• why you’d make a good candidate
• qualities such as excellent people skills, strong attention to detail, honesty and integrity, and good communication skills.

What qualifications do I need to apply to a pharmacy school program?

In order to apply to a pharmacy school program, you need to have a foundational degree in the field of pharmacy.

A pharmacy degree program in the United States usually involves at least 2 years of specific undergraduate coursework followed by 3-4 years of professional study.

Finally, it’s important to note that depending on the particular university you plan on attending, there may be some additional institutional requirements. These will be listed on the university’s website and/or in the admissions packet for the school.

How do I demonstrate my enthusiasm for a career in pharmacy?

Below are a few tips to help you demonstrate enthusiasm for a career in pharmacy including some examples.

Describe any relevant work experience you have gained in local pharmacies.

This work experience has helped me gain a better understanding of how pharmacies work, as well as how to build trust in dealing with customers. I have also demonstrated empathy, active listening, and confidence in customer interactions.

Discuss the knowledge you have gained from working in different pharmacies.

Through my work in different pharmacies, I have developed an understanding of over-the-counter and prescription medications, treatments, relief, and side effects for common conditions including asthma, diabetes, and hypertension.

Showcase your commitment to learning and development.

I have taken part in self-directed learning to stay abreast of the dynamic field of pharmaceuticals. Through workshops, conferences, and courses, I have learned more about natural treatments, the human body, medicine, and recovery.

How can I demonstrate my suitability for a pharmacy degree programme?

• Academic preparation: Show that you have the necessary academic preparation for a pharmacy degree programme by highlighting your performance in relevant courses, such as biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
• Relevant experiences : Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your interest in pharmacy, such as work or volunteer experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.
• Personal qualities: Emphasize the personal qualities that make you a good fit for a pharmacy degree programme. This can include qualities such as attention to detail, strong teamwork and communication skills, the ability to work well under pressure, and a commitment to patient care.
• Career goals : Discuss your career goals and how a pharmacy degree will help you achieve them. Show that you have a clear understanding of the profession and how you see yourself contributing to the field in the future
• Community involvement : Discuss any involvement in your community, such as volunteering at a hospital, patient advocacy or participating in community health initiatives. This can help to demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

What information is required in the body paragraphs of a pharmacy personal statement?

The applicant’s knowledge and interest in pharmacy, work or volunteer experience, and hobbies and interests.

The applicant’s values, goals, and motivations for wanting to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Any relevant awards, certifications, or other accomplishments that set them apart from other applicants.

The applicant’s unique qualities, such as enthusiasm and dedication, will benefit the pharmacy program.

How can I demonstrate my knowledge of the healthcare profession and pharmacology?

• Research extensively on pharmacology and the healthcare profession, including current trends and related topics.
• Organise work experience at pharmacies, paying close attention to how pharmacists interact with customers and handle various prescription drugs.
• Take a course related to the healthcare profession and pharmacology.
• Volunteer with charities or organizations that are related to the healthcare profession, such as Oxfam.

What types of work experience placements are appropriate for pharmacy school applications?

These placements can be found in both the public and private sectors.

In the public sector, pharmacy placements may be available in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Placements may involve assisting with the dispensing of medications, managing the inventory of medications, and providing customer service to patients.

In the private sector, placements may be available in retail stores such as supermarkets and drug stores. Placements may involve managing the inventory of medications, providing customer service to customers, and assisting with the dispensing of medications.

Additionally, placements may be available in pharmaceutical companies. Placements may involve assisting with research and development, managing the inventory of medications, and providing customer service to customers.

How do I make sure my pharmacy personal statement is free of spelling and grammar errors?

To make sure your personal statement is free of spelling and grammar errors, it is important to follow these steps:

• Start writing your pharmacy personal statement as early as possible. This gives you the time to brainstorm some ideas, and then begin your first draft.
• After writing your first draft, carefully revise and edit it first. Then, ask classmates or an academic advisor for feedback and incorporate their comments and suggestions.
• Hire a professional editor to proofread your writing or use a do-it-yourself tool like Grammarly to check for any grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Finally, make sure that your pharmacy personal statement is just on or below the required word count.
• Personal Statement versus Statement of Purpose
• How to Write a Winning Scholarship Personal Statement: With Examples
• Residency Personal Statement Examples: Top Tips for Best Length, Content, and Structure
• Statement of Purpose Examples: How to Write the Best One for You?
• Nursing Personal Statement Examples in 2023
• How to write a Resume Personal Statement That Gets You the Job – with Examples and Tips
• How to Write a Personal Statement for Psychology: With Helpful Tips and Examples
• How to Write a Personal Statement for Engineering: Examples and Advice
• Best Internal Medicine Personal Statement Examples For Residency
• MBA Personal Statement Examples for Graduate Applicants
• Law Personal Statement Examples to Help With Your Law School Application
• How to Write a Personal Statement for Criminology: With Helpful Examples

• UCAS Guide >
• Pharmacy Advice

Writing the Perfect Pharmacy Personal Statement: Expert Tips

Crafting the perfect pharmacy personal statement can be a nerve-wracking endeavour. With the high stakes and fierce competition, how do you make your application stand out ?

Table of Contents

In this blog, we’ve gathered expert tips to transform your pharmacy personal statement from average to outstanding. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or find writing daunting, our practical advice will steer you in the right direction. 

Let’s dive in and unlock the doors to your dream pharmacy school!

How to Write a Pharmacy School Personal Statement

Crafting a compelling pharmacy school personal statement is crucial to making a lasting impression on the admissions committee . Your personal statement is a powerful tool to showcase your passion for pharmacy and demonstrate how your background and achievements align with this career path. 

When answering the question of how to write a personal statement for pharmacy, key considerations must be made. The best pharmacy personal statement examples create an outstanding personal statement that sets them apart from other applicants, you can to if you follow these essential pharmacy personal statement tips and steps :

1. Research and Understand the Requirements

Before you begin writing, thoroughly research the pharmacy schools you’re applying to and understand their specific requirements for personal statements. While some schools may provide prompts, others may allow more flexibility in your topic choice. Take note of any word limits or formatting guidelines to tailor your statement accordingly.

2. Showcase Your Genuine Interest in Pharmacy

Start your personal statement by showcasing your authentic passion for pharmacy. In your pharmacy personal statement introduction, explain why you want to become a pharmacist and how this career aligns with your personal goals and values. Share a significant experience or moment that ignited your interest in pharmacy, and highlight how helping people and making a positive impact drives your ambition. Speak with pharmacists and even ask them about books to read for the pharmacy personal statement. A couple of favourites of mine to highlight the complexity of scientific research are Vaxxers, which tells the story of scientific innovation behind the Astrazeneca COVID-19 Vaccination, and Bad Pharma, which highlights the importance of open research and safe critique of method and drug development.

3. Highlight Relevant Experiences and Achievements

Pharmacy schools value applicants with diverse experiences and achievements that reflect their readiness for this profession. Identify experiences, such as volunteer work, internships, or relevant coursework, that have prepared you for success in pharmacy. Describe how these experiences have shaped your skills and character, making you a well-rounded candidate .

4. Demonstrate Qualities of a Successful Pharmacist

Showcasing the qualities of an excellent pharmacist is crucial in your personal statement. Discuss the attributes you admire in pharmacists, such as empathy, problem-solving abilities, or effective communication skills. Substantiate your claims by providing concrete examples from your academic achievements or work experiences that exemplify these qualities. A fundamental fact to remember is that good skills to put on a pharmacy personal statement can come from anywhere in your life.

5. Emphasise Your Uniqueness

Stand out by highlighting your unique strengths, qualities, or experiences . If you have real-life experience in the healthcare industry or have volunteered in relevant settings, share these aspects to demonstrate your commitment to pharmacy and your understanding of the field.

6. Address Any Weaknesses Proactively

If your application has any weaknesses, such as low grades , consider addressing them proactively in your personal statement. However, avoid making excuses and instead focus on how you have learned from these challenges and how they have shaped your determination to succeed.

7. Structure Your Personal Statement Effectively

A well-structured personal statement is easier to read and leaves a lasting impact. Organise your statement into an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should address specific points or themes coherently. Begin with a compelling opening that captures the reader’s attention and maintains their interest. Having a strong pharmacy personal statement template will allow you to signpost and create a clear narrative for the reader from the introduction to the conclusion for your pharmacy personal statement.

8. Craft a Strong Opening Paragraph

The opening paragraph is your chance to make a strong first impression . How to start your pharmacy personal statement should set the tone for the story that you will tell. Consider starting with an engaging anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or a captivating question that hooks the reader. This will set the tone for the rest of your personal statement and encourage the admissions committee to continue reading with enthusiasm.

9. Show, Don’t Tell

Avoid vague statements and use descriptive language and vivid examples to illustrate your qualities and experiences. Show the admissions committee how your skills and attributes have manifested in real-life situations , reinforcing your suitability for pharmacy school. What to include in a pharmacy personal statement should focus on the reflection and story that you wish to share.

10. Seek Feedback and Revise

After completing your first draft, seek feedback from trusted individuals, such as teachers, mentors, or peers. Accept constructive criticism and make necessary revisions to refine your personal statement further. Multiple rounds of proofreading and editing will ensure your statement is error-free and communicates your message effectively.

Good Pharmacy Personal Statement Example:

“My interest in pharmacy stems from a deep-seated passion for both science and healthcare. From a young age, I was fascinated by the way medicines could alleviate symptoms, treat diseases, and significantly improve the quality of life for patients. This early curiosity gradually evolved into a strong desire to understand the science behind these medications and to play an active role in the healthcare system as a pharmacist.

One of the pivotal experiences that shaped my decision to pursue pharmacy was my time volunteering at a local pharmacy. This experience provided me with invaluable insights into the profession and allowed me to observe firsthand the vital role pharmacists play in the healthcare system. I was struck by the pharmacist’s ability to bridge the gap between complex medical knowledge and patient care, ensuring that each individual received the most appropriate and effective treatment. The pharmacist’s role as a healthcare provider, educator, and advisor resonated with me, as it combined my love for science with my desire to help others.

During my time at the pharmacy, I had the opportunity to assist with various tasks, from managing inventory to preparing medications under supervision. This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of a pharmacist. I learned about the importance of precision and attention to detail, particularly in the preparation and dispensing of medications. I also witnessed the critical role of communication in pharmacy, whether it was explaining medication regimens to patients or collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for patients. These experiences solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in pharmacy, where I could contribute to patient care through both scientific expertise and compassionate service.

Academically, my studies have been closely aligned with my career aspirations. I have particularly excelled in Chemistry and Biology, where I developed a strong foundation in the principles of pharmacology and biochemistry. These subjects have provided me with a deep understanding of how drugs interact with the human body, the mechanisms of action, and the processes involved in drug development and testing. I have also taken an interest in Mathematics, which has honed my analytical and problem-solving skills, essential for tasks such as calculating dosages and understanding pharmacokinetics. My academic journey has not only prepared me for the rigorous scientific demands of a pharmacy degree but has also nurtured my intellectual curiosity and love for continuous learning.

Beyond my academic and volunteer experiences, I have also sought to broaden my understanding of the healthcare field through various extracurricular activities. For example, I participated in a health awareness campaign organized by my school, where we educated the community on the importance of vaccinations. This experience taught me the value of public health initiatives and the crucial role pharmacists play in preventive healthcare. It also enhanced my communication and teamwork skills, as I had to collaborate with peers and present information in a clear and accessible manner.

Furthermore, I completed a work experience placement in a hospital pharmacy, where I gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of the pharmacist’s role. Here, I observed the collaborative nature of the healthcare environment, where pharmacists worked alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to deliver patient-centred care. I was particularly inspired by the clinical pharmacist’s involvement in patient rounds, contributing to medication management plans and ensuring that each patient’s treatment was safe, effective, and tailored to their individual needs. This experience reinforced my understanding of the pharmacist’s role as a crucial member of the healthcare team, dedicated to optimizing patient outcomes.

In addition to my healthcare-related experiences, I have developed strong organisational and leadership skills through my involvement in student organisations and part-time work. As a leader of the science club, I organized events and discussions that encouraged students to explore various fields of science, including pharmacy. This role required effective time management, communication, and the ability to inspire others—qualities that I believe are essential for a successful career in pharmacy. My part-time job in retail also taught me the importance of customer service, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure, all of which are transferable to the pharmacy profession.

My journey towards a career in pharmacy has been driven by a passion for science, a commitment to healthcare, and a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I am excited about the prospect of pursuing a pharmacy degree, where I can further develop my knowledge and skills in a field that is both challenging and rewarding. I am particularly drawn to the opportunities for specialization within pharmacy, such as clinical pharmacy or pharmaceutical research, where I can contribute to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. I am confident that my academic background, practical experience, and dedication to the field have prepared me well for the challenges and opportunities of a pharmacy degree, and I look forward to the journey ahead”

Avoiding Common Mistakes in Pharmacy Personal Statements

Writing a pharmacy personal statement can be challenging, but avoiding common mistakes can significantly improve its impact on the admissions committee. Your personal statement reflects your passion for pharmacy and your suitability for the profession. 

To help you create a compelling and polished personal statement , let’s explore some common errors to avoid and essential proofreading and editing tips to ensure a stellar final draft.

Generic Statements:

One of the most common mistakes applicants make is using generic or clichéd statements that lack originality. Avoid using overused phrases and anecdotes that do not truly represent your experiences and motivations.

Lack of Focus: 

Your personal statement should clearly focus on pharmacy and why you are passionate about pursuing this profession. Avoid including unrelated experiences or irrelevant details that may distract from your main message.

Exaggeration and Overconfidence: 

While it is essential to highlight your strengths and achievements, avoid exaggerating or appearing overly confident . Be honest and genuine about your experiences and abilities.

Grammatical Errors and Typos: 

Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and typos can create a negative impression on the reader. Proofread your personal statement thoroughly to eliminate any such errors.

Long and Unstructured Paragraphs: 

Lengthy, unstructured paragraphs can make your personal statement difficult to read. Aim for concise and well-organised content to keep the reader engaged.

Focusing Solely on Academics: 

While academic achievements are crucial, a pharmacy personal statement should also emphasise your personal qualities, motivation, and relevant experiences that align with the profession.

Poor Pharmacy Personal Statement Example:

“I have decided to apply for a degree in pharmacy because I have always been interested in science and medicine. In school, I studied Chemistry, Biology, and Maths, which are important subjects for pharmacy. I achieved good grades in these subjects, which I believe makes me suitable for this course. I find the study of chemical reactions and biological processes fascinating, and I think that pharmacy will allow me to explore these areas further.

During my A-levels, I spent a week shadowing a pharmacist at a local pharmacy. This experience gave me an overview of what the job involves. I observed the pharmacist as they dispensed medications, advised customers on the use of over-the-counter drugs, and answered questions about prescriptions. I also helped with organizing the stockroom, making sure that medications were stored properly. I saw how the pharmacist dealt with various tasks, including checking prescriptions for errors and preparing labels for medicines. I found the work environment interesting and believe that I could perform similar tasks in the future.

In addition to this, I have worked part-time in a retail store for the past two years. This job has helped me develop my communication skills and ability to work with customers. I have dealt with a variety of customers, helping them find products and answering their questions. I believe that the customer service skills I have gained will be useful in a pharmacy setting, where interacting with patients is an important part of the job. I have also learned to manage my time effectively, balancing my job with my studies.

My academic background includes strong performance in science subjects, particularly Chemistry and Biology. In Chemistry, I enjoyed studying topics such as organic chemistry and analytical techniques. I have also completed coursework in Biology, where I learned about human physiology and the immune system. These subjects have provided me with a foundation in the sciences that are relevant to pharmacy. I also completed a project on the effects of different chemicals on enzyme activity, which gave me some insight into how medications might work in the body.

Outside of school, I have been involved in a few extracurricular activities. I am a member of the school’s science club, where we conduct experiments and discuss scientific topics. This has allowed me to explore my interest in science beyond the classroom. I have also participated in a few community service activities, such as volunteering at a local charity shop. This experience has taught me about the importance of helping others, which I think is relevant to a career in pharmacy.

I am also interested in the business side of pharmacy. I understand that pharmacists must not only have knowledge of drugs and their effects but also be able to manage a business. During my time working in retail, I gained some insight into stock management and sales, which I think will be useful in a pharmacy setting. I believe that my experience in retail has given me a basic understanding of how to run a business, and I am interested in learning more about this aspect of pharmacy.

In terms of career goals, I am interested in working as a community pharmacist. I think this role would allow me to use my skills in science and customer service to help people in my local area. I am also interested in possibly pursuing further studies in pharmacy to specialize in areas such as clinical pharmacy or pharmaceutical research. However, at this stage, I am primarily focused on completing a pharmacy degree and gaining the necessary qualifications to practice as a pharmacist.

Overall, I believe that my academic background in science, combined with my work experience and interest in pharmacy, makes me a suitable candidate for this course. I am looking forward to learning more about the field of pharmacy and gaining the skills and knowledge needed to become a qualified pharmacist. I am confident that I will be able to meet the challenges of the course and succeed in my studies”

Key Reflections on this Poor Example:

• Lack of Reflection : The statement is purely descriptive and lacks any deep reflection on why the applicant is truly passionate about pharmacy. It fails to convey a genuine understanding of or commitment to the field.
• Overly Generic : The statement uses vague and general language that could apply to almost any science-based course. There is no clear demonstration of why the applicant specifically wants to study pharmacy over other sciences.
• Limited Insight : The statement provides a list of activities and experiences without delving into what the applicant learned from them or how they shaped their desire to pursue pharmacy.
• No Personal Connection : There is no personal story or connection to pharmacy that makes the application memorable or unique. It reads more like a résumé than a personal statement.
• Surface-Level Understanding : The applicant mentions some aspects of pharmacy, like business management, but does not explore these ideas in depth. There is no indication that they fully understand the complexities of the profession.
• No Passion or Enthusiasm : The statement lacks enthusiasm and passion for the subject. It comes across as if the applicant is simply going through the motions rather than being genuinely excited about a career in pharmacy.

This example illustrates how a personal statement can fall short by being overly descriptive and lacking reflection, which are crucial elements in demonstrating suitability for a career in pharmacy.

Final Takeaways

Mastering the perfect pharmacy personal statement is vital for securing your dream program . Our expert tips will help you create a captivating, error-free statement highlighting your passion for pharmacy. Tailor it to each school, showcase your future goals, and stay authentic. 

A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart from other applicants. Follow the guidance this Medic Mind blog provides, and best of luck on your journey to pharmacy success!

→ Q: Should I include my academic achievements even if they are not directly related to pharmacy?

A: Yes, including relevant academic achievements can showcase your dedication and discipline. However, focus on highlighting experiences that demonstrate your passion for pharmacy.

→ Q: How long should my pharmacy personal statement be?

A: Aim for a concise statement, ideally one to two pages. Ensure it includes all essential information while keeping the reader engaged.

→ Q: Is it necessary to mention extracurricular activities in my personal statement?

A: Including extracurricular activities can show a well-rounded personality. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and commitment to service.

→ Q: Can I address any weaknesses or gaps in my academic history in the personal statement?

A: Yes, you can briefly address any weaknesses or gaps, but focus on how you have learned from those experiences and how you plan to overcome them in your pharmacy journey.

Cancel reply

Please provide the mobile number of a guardian/parent

If you're ready and keen to get started click the button below to book your first 2 hour 1-1 tutoring lesson with us. Connect with a tutor from a university of your choice in minutes. (Use FAST5 to get 5% Off!)

How to Write a Compelling Pharmacy School Personal Statement

Written by Kelly Tomory

July 12, 2022

If you’re applying to any higher education program, you’re most likely going to run into something called a “personal statement”. Pharmacy school is no exception, and learning how to write a compelling and unique personal statement is a key part in getting accepted to school. Read on to find out how to write one that stands out! 

What is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement serves as a way to highlight your skills, interests and experiences. Personal statements tend to be somewhat autobiographical, but it is not just a lengthy personal essay of your entire life story. 

Personal statements are also not a regurgitation of all the information you’ve already included in your application and cover letter. Think of your personal statement as more of a narrative, but still keep it informative. 

In writing a personal statement, you’re aiming to give the school or program you’re applying for a snapshot of who you are and why you want to be considered for whatever position. They are as much about how you write as what you write. Schools will receive hundreds of personal statements– make sure yours stands out!  

What is the Difference Between a Personal Statement and a Cover Letter? 

A cover letter generally serves as a means to sell yourself to a company or school. It introduces your resume and all your relevant school and employment history. A personal statement, however, is meant to be more creative and introduce the school to you as a person in an engaging format. 

While an application can come off as just a list of what you’ve done, a personal statement frames all your accomplishments in a way that connects your real-life influences with the dates and degrees on your application. 

What is the Best Format for a Personal Statement for Pharmacy School?

Think of your personal statement as a narrative essay outlining how you got to where you are today, as well as where you want to go next. Within this story, relate back to pharmaceuticals and medicine and healthcare fields in an organic way. You’ve chosen this path for a reason, what are the steps that got you here? 

What Questions Should I Answer in my Personal Statement? 

Some helpful questions to aim to answer throughout your personal statement are:

✅ Why do I want to be a Pharmacist?: Think through the times where you have admired pharmaceuticals or where they have most impacted you. Or, think about when you fell in love with medicine and helped people through pharmaceuticals.

✅ What different pharmaceutical paths would I be interested in pursuing?: Are you interested in nuclear pharmacy? What about private pharmaceutical production? If you have a specific niche in mind for a career path, use this space to talk about your interest.

✅ What makes me an excellent and unique candidate for this program?: Have you taken any specialized courses that make you uniquely qualified for this program? Have you had any outstanding internships or positions within the healthcare world?

✅ What are my strengths?: Where do you excel? What specific strengths could you bring to the program and the team you work with? Use this space to highlight your gifts.

✅ Are there any gaps or inadequacies in my application? How can I explain them here?: If you have anything on your application that may confuse someone not familiar with your life circumstances, try to concisely explain it here. Admissions counselors want to be able to give you the best shot possible at being accepted, and sometimes this requires you being up-front about gaps or missing pieces to your work history. 

What Should I Avoid in My Personal Statement? 

❌ Don’t just repeat what you’ve said in your application. There’s a place for a more sterile, list-based amalgamation of your achievements, but your personal statement is not this place. Admissions staff will learn a lot more about you if you’re creative with your personal statement.

❌ Don’t steal someone else’s work. Plagiarism will disqualify you from admission to pharmacy programs, and it’s also just bad practice for life in general.

❌ Avoid cliches throughout your writing. It may have been a dark and stormy night when you were born, but that is neither relevant nor original. Find fresh ways to tell your story and engage your readers.

❌ Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes. These can be avoided through several rounds of revision

What Are Admissions Counselors Looking for in a Personal Statement? 

What makes a good candidate may vary from program to program, but there are some general things that admissions counselors look for when reviewing personal statements from applicants:

• How have you grown over the years?
• Is your personal statement well-written? Does it show care, consideration and edits?
• Are you up for the challenge of Pharmacy school?
• Do you fit our program? 

What Are the Steps to Form a Compelling Personal Statement?

The creative process for a piece like this may vary form applicant to applicant, but the general steps are as follows

1. Brainstorm

This step can be messy, and is generally the most customizable of the process. To start your brainstorming process, think about all the reasons you’re considering pharmacy school and why this program should consider you. This is also a good place to start thinking about what makes you stand out from other candidates, as well as beginning to organize your education and work history. 

Since personal statements are more narrative than list-based, start to think about how pharmacists have influenced your life and family. Compelling stories from your own experiences will help admissions counselors see you have a full-bodied connection to the program and career field.  

As part of your brainstorming, look at successful personal statements. Websites like Studential and ApplyToUni can give you a good idea of what spelled success for past applicants. Or, if you know anyone who went to pharmacy school already, you can ask them for their best tips. 

2. Outline and Draft

How do you make sense of all the information you just brainstormed out? One of the best ways to sort through your thoughts is by looking for natural connections between events in your life. Be sure to highlight the aspects of your career and schooling that will make you stand out the most. 

Make sure you’re outlining your statement in a way that makes the most sense for both your story and your reader. Linear outlines with clear progressions through your life story usually work best, but that’s not to say you can’t jump around in the story a bit, especially if pharmacology has played a lot of different roles throughout your life and you’re looking to highlight its effect on you over time. 

There are different types of personal statements, generally prompted or unprompted, but they all tend to be between 400-1,000 words long. 

Check your personal statement for basic grammatical and spelling mistakes, as well as making sure your tone is both professional and friendly. Make sure your organization makes sense. A good way to ensure this is to have someone else read it and suggest edits. The more sets of eyes you can have on your personal statement, the better chance you’ll have of submitting a flawless piece. 

Running your personal statement through a program like Grammarly or Hemingway is another good way to weed out mistakes and make sure your statement is clear.

4. Final Revisions and Submission

Do some final checks of your personal statement. Try to read it as if you’re reading it for the first time, with no context as to your own story. An early start in the writing and drafting process is key for this step, so you can take a few days away from your statement before this final revision if necessary. 

If your personal statement was one with a prompt, use this check to be sure you have answered all the questions as fully and uniquely as possible. This is another great place to ask for a second set of eyes to review your statement. 

Finally, submit your personal statement with your application to pharmacy school. Be sure that you’ve submitted it before the deadline! 

How Do I Close a Personal Statement?

In closing your personal statement, include one last push for yourself and why you’re a good fit for the program. Try to naturally conclude and wrap up all that you’ve said about yourself and your story. Be sure to highlight your interest in the program specifically and give a quick “thank you” for their consideration of your application. 

What Now?  

Now that you know how to write a great personal statement for pharmacy school, you should narrow down the schools you want to apply to. If you haven’t already, consider NEOMED’s College of Pharmacy ! Our program will prepare you to make an impact on those around you for the better, whether locally or globally. Graduates from our programs boast high NAPLEX test scores, excellent network connections and a deeper understanding of the communities they serve. Apply to NEOMED ! 

Want to learn more about pharmacy school at NEOMED? Our pharmacy program guide will help you determine if pharmacy school is the right path for you, and how NEOMED can help you begin your future.

Access our eBook "Begin Your Future in Pharmacy at NEOMED" to learn more about what it takes to become a pharmacist.

About the author

Kelly tomory.

Assistant Director of Admission

More Articles

What do you learn in pharmacy school here are 6 surprising things, 4 tips for your pharmacy school interview, how hard is it to get into pharmacy school 3 key application tips.

The Pharmacy Personal Statement Guide w/Prompts & Examples

The Importance of Writing a Great Pharmacy Personal Statement

To become a pharmacist anywhere in the UK, you’ll need to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and have, at minimum, a master’s degree from an accredited university. This requires you to enter into a graduate-level programme for pharmacology. When applying to these types of programmes, it’s very important that you have a strong pharmacy personal statement.

When it comes to applying to a pharmacy programme at the graduate level, there are many requirements to meet. Many of these come in the form of prerequisites you need before you can be considered for grad school.

Pharmacy Programme Prerequisites

The  common prerequisites  for applying to university for pharmacology mostly involve classes you should’ve taken before applying to the programme. These classes include three (3) A-levels in the following subjects:

• and various Maths

You must receive a grade of B or higher in each of these for it to meet the prerequisite.

You must also take five (5) General Certificates of Secondary Education, otherwise known as GCSEs, in the following subjects:

• Various Maths
• English/Language

For these courses, you must have received a grade of C or higher.

There are a few alternate routes you can take if you don’t meet the above listed prerequisites. These include having a foundational degree in the field of pharmacy, having an HNC, HND or BTEC with a science focus, having earned the equivalent qualifications at an Irish or Scottish university and a few others. Having work or internship experience with a pharmacist also helps.

Depending on the particular Uni you plan on attending, you may have some additional institutional requirements. These will be listed on the university’s website and/or in the admissions packet for the school.

Steps to Obtaining Admission

Once you’ve covered all your prerequisite courses, it’s time to start the actual process of admissions. Do your research first; find the best Uni for you and check the website to see what types of admissions requirements they have in place. Some universities require you to take the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) and earn a certain score before they’ll consider you for admission.

If you’ve not already taken the PCAT, though, check the admissions requirements for your particular Uni to see if you need to do so. Several universities across the country are eliminating the PCAT requirement, and there’s no reason to take it if it isn’t a requirement for your specific school. The next step is to fill out and submit an application to the school.

Applications require a lot of personal information, including your name, contact information, educational history, professional resume, personal and professional references, and a pharmacy personal statement, which is one of the most important parts of the application packet. Some universities require you to pay a fee or provide them with a fee waiver when submitting your application.

After you’ve submitted your application, it’ll be reviewed by the university’s admissions team. At this point, they may call you in for  an interview . After that, you should be ready to enter the pharmacy programme.

But how do you make sure you get to the interview stage? Aside from having good grades and an impressive personal resume, writing an exceptional and memorable pharmacy personal statement is the best way to make sure you’re called in for that final step.

What is a Pharmacy Personal Statement?

A pharmacy personal statement is a personal essay you write about yourself. Many unis will give you a specific prompt to help guide your writing. For those few that don’t, there are  several things you’ll want to include , such as why you want to pursue pharmacology, what about that particular university’s programme appeals to you, any achievements or awards you’ve received, any relevant internship or work experience and why you’d make a good candidate.

There are also  attributes about yourself  you’ll want to mention in your personal statement. These are things you can’t simply write out in sentences. Instead, you’ll want to discuss relevant topics and tell personal stories that show that you have these qualities without you directly saying, “ I work well with others and have good communication skills. “

These important attributes include, but aren’t limited to:

• Excellent people skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Honesty and integrity
• Good communication skills
• The ability to work on a team
• Leadership skills
• Strong organisational skills
• Highly motivated to succeed
• A strong sense of responsibility and professionalism

All of these qualities make you a good candidate for a pharmacy programme. The more of these you can show you have, the more likely you’ll be called for an interview.

What is a Prompt, and Why Should You Follow It?

If your specific university provides you with a prompt, they’re simply giving you a question to help focus what you write about in your personal statement. There are several different prompts unis use, and we’ll discuss some of the most common of those later.

No matter what the prompt is, it’s important you answer it completely. Most universities use prompts relative to your interest in pharmacology, your educational history, or attributes that would make you a good candidate for their programme. There will occasionally be a prompt that surprises you though. In those cases, still, answer the prompt.

Be as honest and as thorough as you can, and remember, even if the prompt is something strange or unusual, there are usually still ways to work in stories that show you in your best light. You may just have to be a little more creative.

Below, you’ll find a few of the most common prompts for writing your pharmacy personal statement on your admissions applications.

Pharmacy Personal Statement Prompts

Prompt 1: tell us about yourself (kings university london).

Many universities use a very vague prompt that just instructs you to talk about yourself. As Kingston University London puts it, “You are the main topic of this essay.”

This is a great, easy prompt to get. Don’t be afraid to be honest and really talk yourself up in this kind of statement.

For this particular prompt, you’ll want to cover everything we mentioned above, particularly why you’re interested in pursuing a career in Pharmacy, what education you’ve had that qualifies you for the programme, any relevant work or leadership experience that would make you a good candidate and anything that showcases the attributes we listed above.

Again, be honest and as thorough as possible. Remember, the goal of this statement is to make you memorable and desirable. As a result, talking about all the great accomplishments or achievements you have isn’t bragging or boasting. It’s what’s required if you want to stand out from the other applicants.

Prompt 2: Demonstrate your commitment to pursuing a career in Pharmacy, and tell us why you’re better suited to the programme than other applicants (King’s College London).

This prompt is quite similar to the above “Tell us about yourself” prompt. In it, you’ll cover much of the same things, especially when you start talking about why you should be chosen for the programme over other applicants.

Just remember that there’s a direct question about why you want to work in pharmacology. Because it’s being asked directly, you want to spend a bit of time giving a complete answer. You can talk about why you became interested in pharmaceuticals in the first place. Was there a specific event in your childhood that inspired you to want to help take care of sick people? Have you had a strong love of chemistry for as long as you can remember? What inspired you to choose this field over all the over available career fields?

This prompt also allows you to talk about your career goals. What do you want to do with your MPharm once you get it? How is this degree going to help you in those goals, and how are you going to use your skills and your degree to make the world better once you do get a job? It would also benefit you to talk about the classes you’ve already taken and the work you’ve already done to work towards your goals.

Prompt 3: What benefits do you expect to gain from admission into our programme? (Cardiff University)

For this prompt, you can still talk a little about why you chose pharmacology and what you hope to do with your degree once you’ve earned it. More importantly, though, you’ll want to answer the actual question the prompt asks. What are you hoping to gain from this particular programme that sets it apart from all the other pharmacy programmes you could have chosen instead?

Talk about specific courses or labs for which this programme is well-known. This is a great way to showcase that you’ve done your research and really looked into what this university has to offer. By highlighting particular aspects of the programme, you prove to the admissions team you didn’t just pick this university on a whim or because it was the closest one to your flat. Instead, you did some reading and compared the programme to those at other schools and decided this one was the best fit for you because…  You fill in the blanks!

Proving to a school that you know something about the school and that you hope to gain the actual knowledge and skills they’re famous for providing to students is a huge point in your favour. This specific prompt allows you to do that.

Prompt 4: Tell us about any work experience, internships, leadership positions you’ve held or outside activities that would support your application for admission (The University of Manchester).

This prompt is another one that’s similar to the “ Tell us about yourself ” prompt. In answering this prompt, you’ll be able to talk about yourself, your history, your past accomplishments, your interest in pharmacy, and more. You’ll want to put your largest focus, though, on the actual work you’ve done to prepare you for entrance into this programme.

This could include any of the following:

• Working in an actual pharmacy or closely related field
• Internships, volunteer experience or other placements within a pharmacy or related field
• Any work experience you’ve had where you were part of a team or, even better, the leader of a team
• Educational experience that would prepare you for the programme
• Any honours you’ve received that show you to be exceptional in any relevant field

These are only a few examples of things you could discuss in response to this prompt.

Standard Pharmacy Personal Statement Format

No matter the specific prompt you’re given, there’s a general format you’ll use for most personal statements. Occasionally, a university will provide you with specific formatting instructions. If they do, you always want to follow those instructions exactly. If you aren’t provided with instructions, this is the general format preferred for most UK unis and their US counterparts for essays and/or personal statements:

• MLA formatting guidelines
• One-inch margins on each side of the page
• (For the UK) Any professional font as long as the italics are noticeably different – most students use Times New Roman, Arial or Courier
• (For the US) Times New Roman or Arial font
• Font size – 12 pt.
• Double-space, but add no extra lines between paragraphs
• Indent the first line of each paragraph

Additionally, you’ll use the standard Intro-Body-Conclusion format that most MLA essays utilise.

Step 1. Introduction

Depending on the specific prompts people are given, each introductory paragraph will be a little different for each student. Generally, though, this is where you’ll introduce yourself and talk a little about why you’re interested in studying pharmacology in general and why you’re interested in studying at that university specifically. You’ll also want to catch the reader’s attention immediately, in the opening line if possible, but without using gimmicks or something overly dramatic.

According to a how-to guide on the  Birmingham City University website , “The most effective opening sentences are simple, to the point and personal to you.”

You’ll also want to  avoid writing in cliches  or using overused phrasing that everyone else uses. Be original. Be specific. Really help the admissions team understand your drive and passion for pharmacology.

Step 2. Body Paragraphs

Your body paragraphs are where you’ll put the majority of your information. These are the paragraphs where you’ll really dive into answering the question(s) the prompt asks. Unless you’re asked to write an abbreviated personal statement of just a couple hundred words, you should never have less than two body paragraphs, and it’s better to have between three and six.

You want to be comprehensive in your writing; include everything the admissions team might need to hear to sway them in your favour. This generally takes more than a couple of short paragraphs. Remember to indent the first line of each paragraph, and make sure they’re written in an order that makes sense. Don’t jump around from paragraph to paragraph. Make sure each transitions smoothly into the other.

Step 3. Conclusion

In the conclusion of your pharmacy personal statement, you’ll want to bring your entire essay to a smooth, sensible close. Don’t use your conclusion to restate everything you’ve already written. Instead, use it as a place to briefly touch on how entrance into the programme will help you succeed in your future goals.

Also, if it feels appropriate and doesn’t detract from the overall feel of your personal statement, take the time to thank the admissions team for reading it and considering you for application into their school’s pharmacy programme. Be aware that this isn’t always appropriate. If, after adding in the thank you, it seems forced or like it was written just to add more words to an essay that was a little too short, take it out.

Examples of Pharmacy Personal Statements

Example personal statement 1.

“I have gained valuable knowledge studying Chemistry, Biology and Maths which will be beneficial for the Pharmacy course. In Chemistry, I have done a series of experiments which require analytical and evaluative skills such as accurate reading when using burettes. I find the organic Chemistry module rather interesting as I enjoy studying the different reactions of aldehydes and ketones and how these reactions and organic products differ due to the different functional groups present in each compound. Another aspect of chemistry I enjoy is the purification of organic compounds.”

– Read the rest  here

This is the second paragraph of a pharmacy personal statement, and it’s a great example of how to answer a prompt that wants you to discuss any relevant experience you’ve had that could help you in the programme.

This student mentions many of the different science and mathematics courses she’s taken in pursuit of her pharmacy degree, but she doesn’t just list them. She goes into great detail about some of the things she’s done in those classes.

This is excellent for a few reasons. First of all, it’s evident in her writing that she greatly enjoyed the classes she took. This shows that she has a passion for the work she’ll have to do to obtain her MPharm. Universities much prefer to have students on campus who are truly invested in and enjoying the work they’re doing.

Additionally, she uses specific terms – “ketones,” “burettes,” “aldehydes” and more – which shows she has actual knowledge and understanding of the field. We can tell that she’s a knowledgeable, hard-working student who has, thus far, retained the information she learned in her undergraduate courses. Everything about this personal statement was done well.

Our Verdict:

Example Personal Statement 2

“I am interested in the Masters of Pharmacy (MPharm) Programme because I am interested in the modules on which it is based. I want to do the MPharm programme so as to extend my knowledge in Medicines. I would like to get a deeper understanding of how to formulate and administer drugs safely.

I would qualify for the Mpharm programme because I have recently completed BSc in pharmaceutical Science which has given me good understanding of how drugs work. The modules I have undertaken In my BSc Pharmaceutical Science will help me navigate successfully in the MPharm programme.”

This personal statement is a little less impressive than the first one. First of all, there’s not really an opening line. When writing a pharmacy personal statement – or a personal statement of any kind, for that matter – you want to have a nice first sentence that breaks the ice and starts the statement off in a fluid manner. This student just jumps right in and answers the question being asked. There’s no lead-in, no story being told.

The grammar in this particular sample isn’t great either. There are randomly capitalised words (“undertaken In my BSc”) and missing words (“given me good understanding”) and a few other problems that could have been addressed by good editing. This is a testament to why you should always  proofread and edit  your papers before submitting them. It’s even better to give them to a new set of eyes to edit for you if possible.

The two most bothersome things about this sample, though, is that it’s vague, and the sentences are choppy. The student mentions things he’s done (“ recently completed BSc in pharmaceutical Science “) and why he wants to be in the programme (“ because I am interested in the modules on which it is based “), but he gives absolutely no specifics.

He doesn’t talk about anything he learned in his BSc courses that furthered his love of pharmacology, and while he says he’s interested in the programme’s modules, he doesn’t mention a single specific module or why it interests him. We’re just given the bare minimum with no detail – the burger without the cheese and veggies. It’s boring.

Finally, his sentences are horribly choppy. With the exception of one single sentence, each of his sentences starts with the word “I” – “I am,” “I want,” “I would.” There is no variation at all to his writing. It’s boring and makes the reader lose interest. You’ll want to change up the flow and style of your sentences regularly. It adds a little flair and makes your personal statement less monotonous.

Example Personal Statement 3

“Pharmacy has the ability to change people’s lives. Whether it is at the level of the community pharmacist offering the best advice possible to common illnesses, to high-level research into drugs that could cure a range of chronic or life-threatening diseases, the role of the pharmacist cannot be overestimated. As a motivated and hardworking individual, with a desire to understand the fascinating human body along with a joy of helping other people, I strongly believe that studying pharmacy will give me one of the final and most important step towards a rewarding career in the developing field of pharmacy.”

This is another stellar example of what a pharmacy personal statement should be. The writer begins strong with a unique and memorable opening sentence. He tells us, right from the first sentence, one of the reasons he wants to work in the field of pharmacology, but he does so without monotonously and obviously saying, “ I want to be a pharmacist because I think pharmacy can change people lives .” Instead, he simply and concisely says, “ Pharmacy has the ability to change people’s lives. “

It’s a great opening line, and it gives us insight into his reasons for going into the pharmacy field as well. He follows that up with a sentence that shows he’s knowledgeable about different career opportunities in the field of pharmacology.

Then he smoothly transitions into why he, himself, would do well in this field. He tells us he’s hardworking and motivated, but he does so in a way that doesn’t just state those facts outright without context.

He then once again tells us about his interest in the field and also shows us he is someone who enjoys working with and helping others. Finally, he sums up his introduction by leading into what he hopes to gain from the programme.

Although the next paragraph isn’t listed here, it, too, is a smooth transition into the educational and work experiences he’s had that prepared him to do well in the programme. Everything about this personal statement is well-organised, with each paragraph flowing smoothly into the next, and the whole thing covering everything that should be covered in a personal statement.

Example Personal Statement 4

“I am interested in studying chemistry and biology because I would like a career that plays crucial role in public’s health.

I was previously working as a retail assistant and the experience has led me to deal and understand different kind of people. I learnt to keep myself calm, whilst working under pressure environments.

This job has also taught me to work in a fast-paced environment to meet the customer`s demands. This skill will be useful to meet the deadlines while doing my course and working as a pharmacist will enable me to provide good customer services.”

This personal statement is another example of  what not to do  when writing your own statement for admission into the pharmacy programme.

First of all, the introduction paragraph, shown here in its entirety, is much too short. You have to be an excellent writer to turn one sentence into a paragraph and make it work, and this writer didn’t do that. Your introduction should never be only one sentence. It needs to be fleshed out and thoroughly written. There are some glaring grammatical errors as well.

The next problem with this statement is that the work experience the student writes about isn’t really relevant to the programme she’s trying to enter into. She does an admirable job of trying to make it relevant, by talking about how it helped her learn to work with a multitude of different people and taught her to work quickly, but it doesn’t really work.

Most unis want to know that you have relevant work experience. If you don’t, it’s better to mention placement experiences or internships you’ve had that are relevant as opposed to irrelevant work experience. Even if you only worked in a pharmacy for a day as part of a class project, that’s okay. You can learn a lot in a day, and you can make that work in your writing.

Unless you’re really good at making non-relevant experience seem like it has actual relevance to the programme, it’s better to leave it out altogether. That’s not to say you can’t mention having retail or fast food experience, but you have to make sure that you meticulously explain how that experience is relevant to the pharmacology field.

Example Personal Statement 5

“The enthusiasm I have for the sciences – specifically Chemistry – encouraged me to think about my future career and how a chemistry-related degree could be a possibility for me. I have always enjoyed maths and science throughout my education and I have recognised that I can combine both in a career in pharmacy. I believe pharmacy to be a fast-developing profession and recognise that pharmacists are heavily involved in the introduction of new medicines for all kinds of illnesses, and I find the prospect of working in this field inspiring.”

While this isn’t the best example of a personal statement, it’s far from being the worst. This is considered an average statement. The writer does a good job hitting all the points he should cover in his introduction – why he became interested in the field of pharmacy, a basic knowledge of the job description of a pharmacist and why he wants to work in the field in the future – but doesn’t do it in a way that’s incredibly memorable.

It isn’t the strongest introduction paragraph to a personal statement, but at the same time, it’s fair; it isn’t bad. It’s well-organised; the grammar is mostly as it should be, and the subject of why he wants to enter the programme is well covered. It doesn’t grab our attention and make us want to read more though. In short, this is an introductory paragraph that could go either way.

Although not shown here, the rest of this statement turned out pretty good. The writer found his flow and dived into the subject with an appropriate amount of detail, good grammar and a few memorable points. The strength of his body paragraphs and conclusion made up for his less-than-exceptional introduction, and that’s okay.

We included this sample to show that sometimes you get off to a bit of a slow start and can still finish well. It’s better to start strong, but introductions can be tough. As long as the intro isn’t bad and you make up for the average intro in your body paragraphs and conclusion, you’ll usually be okay.

A Few Final Notes

hile it’s certainly true that grades and work experience are important when applying to uni to work on your MPharm, your pharmacy personal statement is equally important. Universities get huge volumes of applications for their pharmacy programmes. They get so many applications that many of them have a “Due to the large volume of applications we receive…” disclaimer on their websites.

Your personal statement is where you can be creative and ensure your essay stands out from the rest. Be sure you check out the formatting requirements ahead of time and stick to them exactly.

Also, make sure you read the personal statement prompt well and understand it before you start writing. Finally, make sure you edit your paper several times before submitting it.

Have a friend, loved one, mentor or former professor look over it as well. Where possible, get a  reputable online personal statement review service to help ( me shamelessly plugging in our services page lol )  Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can find mistakes your own eyes can’t.

Be honest and thorough in your response to the prompt, and never try to plagiarise someone else’s work. It never works. It helps to  run a plagiarism checker  on your final draft- just to be sure!

Finally, be sure you stick to the length requirements. If the statement is supposed to be between 500 and 750 words, make sure that’s what it is. Don’t stop at 490 words and assume it will be enough, and don’t go over an extra 50 words and assume the admissions team will be okay with it. These people read a lot of personal statements; they set a maximum word count for a reason.

Most importantly, do your best, and fill your personal statement with passion. If an admissions team can tell that you’re passionate about your education and your subsequent career in pharmacy, you’ve already won half the battle.

13 Best Books for Nursing Students to Read- Reviewed

5 Best MCAT Prep Books, According to Med Students

5 Best MCAT Prep Courses, According to Med Students

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Advertise With Us

Advertising Disclosure

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

As an Amazon Associate (and a participant of other affiliate programs), this site earns from qualifying purchases.

© 2024 TheCollegeApplication.com, a Delicto Holdings Company | All Rights Reserved

• Advertise With Us

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Pharmaceutics
• Pharmacy Management
• Pharma Companies
• Pharmaceutical Machines
• Questions and Answers
• PHARMA MARKETPLACE
• Pharma Marketplace

Tips for Writing a Pharmacy School Personal Statement

Like in any other field of education, a pharmacy statement is a way of selling yourself to the admission tutors by showing them why you are a great pharmacy candidate. A personal statement is an opportunity to detail your skills, strengths, and career objectives in pharmacy. A personal pharmacy statement allows you a maximum of 4000 characters. It would be best to discuss why you are interested in pursuing a pharmacy degree in as few words as possible while ensuring you stand out from the crowd of prospective students. 

• 1 Why is a personal statement important?
• 2 What makes a good personal statement?
• 3 Common mistakes to avoid
• 4 What to include in your statement 
• 5.1 1. Preparation
• 5.2 2. Proper grammar
• 5.3 3. Proper structure
• 5.4 4. Connect with your reader
• 5.5 5. Include only Pharmacy relevant achievements
• 5.6 6. Avoid plagiarism
• 5.7 7. Avoid controversial topics
• 5.8 8. Proofread your work

Why is a personal statement important?

Statistics show that at least 50% of pharmacy school applications get rejected. These applications are not always denied because of poor scores. These students typically have scored just as good as their accepted counterparts. A personal statement is essential because it is what makes or breaks your application. This is because admission tutors are keen to welcome candidates who are genuinely passionate about and dedicated to the profession. 

What makes a good personal statement?

An excellent personal statement uses evidence. Support all your claims. It would be best if you remembered that the admission tutors already know you are trying to convince them that you are a suitable match, as are all the contenders. Sure, you can go on and on about how willing you are to learn, but it would be more effective if you backed such claims with real-life examples. 

Please use a personal statement writer service to get professional custom help in writing a good pharmacy personal statement. As a matter of fact, CustomWritings is considered to be one of the most reliable services on the market currently.

Common mistakes to avoid

It is important to remember that the perfect pharmacy personal statement does not have to follow a specific format. Remember that the admission tutors will only review your pharmacy statement for 10-30 minutes, no matter how much time you spend on it. This is not to say that you should rush through it but focus on capturing and maintaining the tutors’ interests. The tutors will review your statement from different angles, meaning you cannot afford to leave room for misinterpretation. 

Please resist the urge to follow a predetermined formula you acquired online or from your friends, regardless of how they scored on it. You may easily be tempted to borrow ideas from successful pharmacy students, but this will compromise your authenticity. The admissions tutors have likely seen numerous personal statements so do not embarrass yourself by submitting a copied statement. Besides, you want to show how passionate you are about pharmacy, don’t you?

Read Also: How to Become a Chemistry Problem Solver

What to include in your statement 

• Pick a specific pharmacy area you are most interested in and explain why you are interested in that area. Show that you are passionate about that subject (it helps if you are passionate about the area you choose to write about). 
• Highlight your motivations for studying pharmacy. When did you realize you wanted to pursue pharmacy? Why? Are you able to support this with evidence from your life?
• Describe your hobbies and extracurricular activities (especially if they are related to pharmacy). The goal is to highlight the skills you have gained from these activities and how they will benefit you in your studies as a pharmacist. 
• Include any work experience placements in related fields such as nursing or medicine. Talk about what you learned from these experiences. 
• Talk about your traits and qualities that you feel make you a good pharmacy student. 
• Please demonstrate that you are a good reader by talking about recent related reads and how they have shaped your thinking. Feel free to respectfully share any views and opinions, always remembering to support them with solid evidence. 

How to Write a Good Pharmacy School Personal Statement

Below are a few tips to make sure your statement makes your application stand out and increase your chances of getting accepted into your program of choice:

1. Preparation

Preparation is key. Start early so that you do not end up rushing and producing a mediocre statement. Start planning early as you don’t want to be pressed for time.

2. Proper grammar

Use proper grammar and punctuation. Poor grammar makes for a wrong first impression. Polish your basics on grammar and avoid submitting a statement riddled with error.

3. Proper structure

Structure your statement correctly. Ensure the first statement captures your reader’s attention and then has a few supporting paragraphs. You have a tiny window of grabbing your reader’s attention, so use it wisely. Finally, have a conclusion that ties it all together. 

4. Connect with your reader

Connect with your reader, even if it means sharing a few personal stories. The goal here is to make sure you communicate who you are. A personal statement is a monologue to the admission committee, and if they can connect with you, they will like you.

Show the admission tutors that you are aware of the challenges that await you and that you are committed regardless. Talk about how rewarding you think this path will be for you, your family, your community, your patients, and the pharmacy practice itself. 

5. Include only Pharmacy relevant achievements

If you have lofty achievements outside the pharmaceutical field, do not include them in your statement. Include only pharmacy-related experiences.

6. Avoid plagiarism

Committee members can always see through plagiarized works, so avoid this at all costs. This will only destroy your credibility in the field.

7. Avoid controversial topics

The personal statement is not a discussion ground for questionable topics. Do not alleviate issues that disagree with the overall subject in question.

8. Proofread your work

Sometimes people miss tiny mistakes by not proofreading their work. Have friends and family check your work and act on the comments. Inadequate proofreading can be catastrophic, so ensure you correctly use your language before sending the statement to the admission committee.

As now you are well acquainted with the components of writing an impeccable pharmacy personal statement , you should have no trouble in getting admitted into Pharmacy school. Pharmacy school is about honor and prestige, and you need the best of luck in this noble endeavor.

Chemistry Problem Solver: How to Become One?

Understanding the Various Types of Hepatitis Virus

September 4, 2024

July 18, 2024

May 20, 2024

Thanks for Sharing the Great Post.

You are welcome. I am happy you found it useful.

I’m very excited to have found out this article, Keep on writing more and more. All Assignments Help

I love dis article

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• High-Shear Granulator
• Edge-Runner Mills and End-Runner Mills
• How to Manage the Symptoms of Hypertension Naturally
• Packaging as a Key Factor in the Acceptability of Locally Manufactured Pharmaceuticals by Prof. Emmanuel Ibezim
• Physical Stability Issues Frequently Encountered In Suspensions
• Rotating Shape Granulators
• 15 Astonishing Statistics and Facts about U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry
• History of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Education, Career and Ethics in Nigeria
• France Makes Face Masks Compulsory
• There Is No Favorable Policy for the Drug Manufacturers in Nigeria – Dr. Sabiu Adamu

Regulations, Guidelines and Clinical Trials

Important links, submit articles.

• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy

• Mature students: five things to include in your personal statement

Mature students

• Financial challenges as a mature student
• Mature students – getting ready to start your course
• Mature student case studies
• The application process for mature students
• Student finance for mature students
• Preparing for study as a mature student – student support
• Preparing for study as a mature student – your qualifications
• Preparing for study as a mature student – choosing where to study

As a mature student, your personal statement will still cover the same basic things as any personal statement: evidence of your interest in, understanding of, and enthusiasm for the chosen subject.

You may also have a lot more life history to fit into your statement than the average school leaver. So, think carefully about which aspects of your past experiences best suit the course and type of university you want to apply to. 

If you’re ready to begin your personal statement , read our top tips on what every applicant should include. 

Rob Evans – Head Of Admissions, University Of Sussex

Five things to include in your personal statement, 1. answer the question ‘why now…’.

Explain why you've decided to change direction and apply to university at this point in your life. Makes some notes to reflect on things like why you didn't choose to go to university immediately after school or college, or why studying later was part of your plan. Think too about how you have changed and developed. Whatever your reasons for studying now, you’ll need to explain those in your statement.

2. Demonstrate your personal progression

Tell them why it makes sense for you to study now. Why is a degree the logical next step for you? You could talk about:

• your work experience
• training courses
• interests and hobbies
• your general reading

And say how you would make further progress through your studies.

If your primary goal is to train for a new career, show you’re aware of the specific challenges of that career, and that you ’ ve researched it before you apply.

Browse our subject guides to sign up for subject-specific statement tips, and more.

3. Talk about your life and work experience

This is where you have the advantage as a mature student.

Student Recruitment Officer at the University of Liverpool, Louise Carr, says:

Mature students will have much richer life experience they can bring, and that doesn’t necessarily need to be work experience, but also life experience. If they can say why it’s relevant for the course, that’s also helpful.

Try and relate any jobs and hobbies you mention to the course you want to study – even if that’s in relation to transferable skills like time management or communication skills.

4. Show you understand the time commitments of degree study

Any evidence of formal study helps to show the admissions tutor you're capable of studying and learning. Mention night school, Access to HE courses or on-the-job courses in your statement, even if they’re in a non-relevant field.

Student Recruitment Officer Louise Carr says:

Whether it’s a free course or a seminar or webinar they’ve attended, all those experiences can be drawn upon and used as examples to show they have the initiative to find out more about their subject of interest.

Juggling other responsibilities such as family, childcare, part-time work or travel can put extra pressure on mature students, so also show you understand the commitments of studying for a full or part-time degree.

5. Keep your statement story honest – and personal

You might have fewer tangible reasons for applying to university as a mature applicant than simply training for a new career.

65 year old Peter White is a retired programmer who decided to fulfil another ambition and apply for a fine arts degree. Pete successfully wrote a very personal statement about his journey that included his career, personal interests, the development of his painting and drawing, the constraints of his family circumstances, and his reasons for applying.

Don’t be afraid to tell the truth about you and your story.

Ready to get cracking? Read five things everyone should include in their statement here.

Ana Ghaffari Moghaddam – Third Year Law student and careers coach, University of Liverpool

• Do address why you want to study at this stage in your life.
• Do talk about your life and experiences so far, in relation to what you want to study.
• Do show you understand the commitment required to study for a degree.
• Don't underestimate everything you have achieved so far – most of it is relevant.
• Don’t forget to ask your friends and family what they think your strengths are.
• Don’t leave it until the last minute – take your time to think about all your past experiences.

Final thought

Director of Admissions at the University of Stirling, Shona Barrie, concludes:

Mature students will have much richer life experience they can bring.

These experiences can really make you stand out from other applicants, so highlight those transferable skills in your personal statement and be proud of what you’ve done so far in your life.

Louise Carr at the University of Liverpool adds:

Mature students are usually great students because they have drive. They’ve made a dedicated choice to perhaps make a change in their career or their life to go to university.

So, what are you waiting for?

Need more advice?

• Register for your UCAS Hub to get started with your personal statement using the Personal Statement builder
• Dos and Don’ts of personal statements
• Difference between an undergraduate and a postgraduate statement
• Advice for students with alternative arrangements

UCAS scans all personal statements with the Copycatch system, to compare them with previous statements.

Any similarity greater than 30% will be flagged and action could be taken against you. 

Find out more

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Clearing places in more than just law, clearing made easy – 5 tips for success, top tips for clearing in 2024.

• Personal Statements
• Pharmacy Personal Statement

Pharmacy Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Most people see science as something that is done locked away in the ivory tower of the laboratory, but for pharmacists, science couldn’t be more practical, everyday and public facing. This is what attracts me to the field of pharmacy; seeing the tangible benefits of my work, helping my community and protecting the health of those around me. I love science, but I also love working with people, and a career as a professional pharmacist would allow me to do both.

The importance of pharmacy cannot be overestimated. It is no exaggeration to state that Louis Pasteur, with his ground-breaking work on what causes infection led to knowledge that has saved millions of lives. Yet sadly the advances made by scientists who developed antibiotics in the 1940s and 1950s are being eroded by the excessive and casual prescribing of these drugs, resulting in the rise of so called super bugs such as MRSA. I believe that the challenges facing the field of pharmacy in the coming years will be as great as those at the end of the 19 th century, and I want to play my part in tackling those challenges.

I have always has an interest and an aptitude for science at school, both in formal lessons and in extra curricular activities. I was chairman of the school science club in my lower sixth year and organised trips to the world class Unilever research and development facility at Port Sunlight, the petrochemical labs at Ellesmere Port and the Bristol Myers Squibb medical research centre in Moreton. This summer I was proud to be selected for the Nuffield Science Bursary Scheme run by Bristol Myers Squibb, which allowed A-level students to undertake science projects at this industry-leading facility during the summer holidays.

I believe in taking science out of the lab and making it relevant to real people in their everyday lives. To gain some experience I have volunteered in a large local nursing home, spending time with the residents explaining how their drugs work and why they are taking them. This has involved researching the various drugs and their actions and finding ways to explain this in simple terms to elderly people. The home has told me that the residents are now less resistant to taking their drugs and feel better about the treatments they are on.

I have also been fortunate in securing a Saturday job at the local Sainsbury’s supermarket, where I have put in regular and reliable shifts over the past twelve months. Here I made a point of befriending the in-store pharmacist, who has become my mentor in pursuing my career goal. Although I do not work in this section, he has kindly allowed me to spend time with him, outside of my working hours, to see for myself the work that he does and the crucial role that he plays in the treatment chain between GP and patient.

I believe that I have the skills and understanding, interests and application required to make a good candidate for a pharmacy course at university. I look forward to playing my part in protecting and enhancing the health and wellbeing of my community.  

University Guides

• Accommodation
• + much more!

Sign up for news & advice about applying to uni

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

Pharmacy School Personal Statement

Ai generator.

Personal statements. A lot of undergraduates and postgraduates go through this. They are the kinds of getting-to-know-you in an educational way for the majority of university admissions. However, not everyone is fully aware of their uses and importance. When a student plans to take up a course in a school or university of their choosing, they would always go through the same if not the common requirements that are given to the school or university of their choosing. As students, it is their responsibility to be able to write a good pharmacy school personal statement or at least get the hang of writing a good personal statement regardless of what their choice of course they are going to be taking up. With that being said, here are your examples of pharmacy school personal statements below. Enjoy!

5+ Pharmacy School Personal Statement Examples

1. pharmacy school personal statement template.

Size: 61 KB

2. School of Pharmacy Personal Statement

Size: 112 KB

3. Pharmacy School Application in PDF

Size: 756 KB

4. Medical School Personal Statement

5. Pharmacy School Personal Statement Example

Size: 34 KB

6. Basic Pharmacy School Personal Statement

Size: 40 KB

What Is a Pharmacy School Personal Statement?

A pharmacy school personal statement is a kind of essay that a student whether an undergraduate or a postgraduate is asked to write about. This is the type of requirement that a lot of medical schools or schools in general ask their student applicants to write. The pharmacy school personal statement consists of the following: a short introductory statement that is mostly about who you are and the course you are taking; the body which states the reason why are you taking the course or what made you choose it; and lastly, the conclusion which would be an explanation of why they should be adding you to the list of students taking the same course. The personal statement, as the term suggests, is made to explain to the committee your purpose. 

How to Write a Pharmacy School Personal Statement?

When you hear the word personal and statement, you would immediately think of an essay, which is not wrong. You are supposed to be writing an essay about why you are taking the course and how it affects you personally. But when is personal writing too personal? What can you do to make it more professional but at the same time touching the personal side? Here are tips to get you started on that.

1. Ask Yourself What You Want Them to Know About You

Brainstorming and drafting are some things that people often take for granted. What they don’t realize is how helpful that step is as well. The best way to begin is to always think about what you want to talk about. Give the committee something that they may want to read. Give them something about you.

2. Add Some Personal Experience to Your Personal Statement

To make a good personal statement and a good first impression, add some short personal experiences. These personal experiences would give the committee an overview of why you chose the occupation you are planning to pursue as well as it would give them a good chance to get to know you through it. 

3. Avoid Being Too Personal and Too Boring

However, just because this is considered a personal statement does not necessarily mean that you are going to be too personal or very personal. There is a very good line between sharing experiences as a personal reason for your statement and making it too much. In addition to that, make your personal statement something to read. Avoid being too boring or too dull. 

4. Make Your Statement Clear and Concise

Just as writing an essay or a report, your statement should also follow the rule to be clear and concise. Never assume that the committee would be able to understand or follow through with what you are saying if it does not make any sense. Make your statement clear. If you cannot understand what you plan to write, you should at least know that the next person would not either.

5. Avoid Erasures as Much as Possible

Avoiding too many erasures would seem like an impossible task. However, it is really not as daunting or impossible as it sounds. This is why when you are able to draft your work first, you get to see through the mistakes and the erasures and be able to avoid them. Your final output should at least have little to no erasures and little to no mistakes. 

What is a pharmacy school personal statement?

A pharmacy school personal statement is a kind of essay that a student taking up the course is asked to write.

What is it about?

The personal statement consists of the reasons, purpose, and explanation as to why the student should be accepted into the program.

How long should a personal statement be?

A single page long is the required length, along with 700 words in total. Above that is still acceptable but the committee often expects their applicants to write only a page and 700 words maximum.

A lot of students are required to write something about themselves. This is what a personal statement does. It gives the student an opportunity to talk about why they should be accepted into the program. To make your statement stand out, share a story or an experience you had that made you want to take up the course. The more sincere and true it is, the more likely you would be believed. Avoid writing a story that is not true as a lot of members of the committee can tell between a real and genuine story over something being fabricated.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

UCC University College Cork

School of pharmacy cógaisíocht.

• Visited Pages
• Current Students
• Registration
• Job Vacancies
• Examinations
• Programme and Course Descriptions
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• International Office
• Adult Continuing Education
• Online Courses
• Continuing Professional Development
• Micro-credentials
• Scholarships and Prizes
• Transition-In Programme
• Graduate Attributes
• Incoming First Year Students
• Apply to UCC
• Upcoming Events in UCC
• Parents and Guardians Information
• Apprenticeships
• UCC Innovation
• UCC Futures
• UCC in the world university rankings
• News and Views
• Leadership and Strategy
• Campus Life
• World's First Green Campus
• Cork City and Region
• UCC Arboretum
• Culture Night 2024
• Academic Schools and Departments
• Support and Service Departments
• Access Talent
• Skills for Work
• Advance Research
• Accelerate Innovation
• Support UCC
• Become a Partner
• Meet People
• Make an Impact
• Discover our Alumni
• Explore Benefits
• Register for UCC Alumni Online
• Make a Gift

You should be seeing some content in this space that is currently blocked due to cookie settings. Open the Cookie Management Tool to change your settings.

• Postgraduate Research Programmes
• Athena Swan in School of Pharmacy
• Photo and Video Gallery
• Continued Professional Development (CPD)
• Master of Pharmacy Degree

Mature Student FAQ's

27 Nov 2023

Save to Favourites

On this page

Entry Requirements for a Mature Student

Details on mature student requirements are available on this page and the  Mature Student Entry  webpage.

These sites will provide you with information on what is required to apply for a place on the MPharm course in UCC.

I am a mature student and would like to do the Pharmacy degree.  What do I do?

First, check that you meet all the entry requirements. Then, to apply for a place on the programme, you need to apply through the CAO. There are 6-7 places reserved annually for mature students and entrance is dependent on qualifications, experience and an interview.

I have completed a pharmacy technician course. Can I apply for mature student entry?

Yes, however, one of the key points that you will need to be able to demonstrate in your application is that your Chemistry meets the criteria of Leaving Certificate or equivalent including at least a Grade H4 in Higher Level Chemistry. For many students who haven't done Leaving Certificate Chemistry previously, they decide to take it as a single subject so that they can demonstrate their achievement in addition to acquiring the relevant chemistry knowledge prior to entry to pharmacy. This can be done in the same year as applying however note that any offer of a place made would be conditional on you attaining the required grade in the Leaving Certificate. The other important point to demonstrate is the knowledge/experience that you have to date in pharmacy and to provide a strong personal statement.

Is there a graduate entry into Pharmacy as a mature student?

At present, there are two routes onto the pharmacy programme; direct entry from the Leaving Certificate via CAO (achieving the required points) or as a mature student (meeting the requirements outlined here). In terms of the application process, applicants must make an application through the CAO to be considered for a place in UCC as a mature student. The CAO is an online application form that opens in early November and closes on 01 February each year.  There is more information on  how to apply on the Central Applications Office (CAO) webpage.

I graduated with a non-Science degree and wants to study Pharmacy.  What can I study or do before applying?  

You would need to achieve at least a Grade H4 in Higher Level Chemistry and get some experience working in a Pharmacy.

Should you have any further queries, please  email us .

School of Pharmacy

Cógaisíocht.

Pharmacy Building Room UG06 University College Cork

• [email protected]
• 353 (0)21 4901662

pharmacy personal statement

Quick Reply

Related discussions.

• Pharmacy vs medicinal chemistry
• Can I apply for optometry and pharmacy at the same time for uni
• Personal Statment help
• Personal Statement for both dentistry and pharmacy
• personal statements
• What university would you suggest for pharmacy as my 5th choice?
• Applying to pharmacy through UCAS extra. Originally a med applicant
• Which unis accept medicine personal statement for pharmacy?
• Can I write and adapt my personal statement to suit different universities?
• Can you only have 1 PS for all 5 UCAS choices?
• Pharmacy personal statement tips
• Pharmacy personal statement
• Pharmacy or Optometry - URGENT UCAS
• Mpharm University of Bradford
• HELP: I got a pharmacy interview but how do I prepare?
• Pharmacy as backup for Medicine
• Foundation Pharmacy at Manchester?
• pharmacy or optometry - URGENT

Last reply 17 hours ago

Last reply 1 day ago

Last reply 2 days ago

Last reply 4 days ago

Last reply 5 days ago

Last reply 1 week ago

Last reply 2 weeks ago

Last reply 3 weeks ago

Articles for you

Personal statement examples by subject: complete list

Six things you need to know before making your final A-level choices

Finding a university place in Ucas Clearing 2024: 10 top tips to help you get ready

Top 10 tips for Ucas Clearing 2024

• 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

• Mature Student Personal Statements
• Personal Statements By University
• Accountancy and Finance Personal Statements
• Actuarial Science Personal Statements
• American Studies Personal Statements
• Anthropology Personal Statements
• Archaeology Personal Statements
• Architecture Personal Statements
• Art and Design Personal Statements
• Biochemistry Personal Statements
• Bioengineering Personal Statements
• Biology Personal Statements
• Biomedical Science Personal Statements
• Biotechnology Personal Statements
• Business Management Personal Statement Examples
• Business Personal Statements
• Catering and Food Personal Statements
• Chemistry Personal Statements
• Classics Personal Statements
• Computer Science Personal Statements
• Computing and IT Personal Statements
• Criminology Personal Statements
• Dance Personal Statements
• Dentistry Personal Statements
• Design Personal Statements
• Dietetics Personal Statements
• Drama Personal Statements
• Economics Personal Statement Examples
• Education Personal Statements
• Engineering Personal Statement Examples
• English Personal Statements
• Environment Personal Statements
• Environmental Science Personal Statements
• Event Management Personal Statements
• Fashion Personal Statements
• Film Personal Statements
• Finance Personal Statements
• Forensic Science Personal Statements
• Geography Personal Statements
• Geology Personal Statements
• Health Sciences Personal Statements
• History Personal Statements
• History of Art Personal Statements
• Hotel Management Personal Statements
• International Relations Personal Statements
• International Studies Personal Statements
• Islamic Studies Personal Statements
• Japanese Studies Personal Statements
• Journalism Personal Statements
• Land Economy Personal Statements
• Languages Personal Statements
• Law Personal Statement Examples
• Linguistics Personal Statements
• Management Personal Statements
• Marketing Personal Statements
• Mathematics Personal Statements
• Media Personal Statements
• Medicine Personal Statement Examples
• Midwifery Personal Statements
• Music Personal Statements
• Music Technology Personal Statements
• Natural Sciences Personal Statements
• Neuroscience Personal Statements
• Nursing Personal Statements
• Occupational Therapy Personal Statements
• Osteopathy Personal Statements
• Oxbridge Personal Statements
• Pharmacy Personal Statements
• Philosophy Personal Statements
• Photography Personal Statements
• Physics Personal Statements
• Physiology Personal Statements
• Physiotherapy Personal Statements
• Politics Personal Statements
• Psychology Personal Statement Examples
• Radiography Personal Statements
• Religious Studies Personal Statements
• Social Work Personal Statements
• Sociology Personal Statements
• Sports & Leisure Personal Statements
• Sports Science Personal Statements
• Surveying Personal Statements
• Teacher Training Personal Statements
• Theology Personal Statements
• Travel and Tourism Personal Statements
• Urban Planning Personal Statements
• Veterinary Science Personal Statements
• Zoology Personal Statements
• Personal Statement Editing Service
• Personal Statement Writing Guide
• Submit Your Personal Statement
• Personal Statement Questions 2025

Biochemistry Personal Statement Examples

Related resources

A level results day.

Find out more