biomedical science personal statement

How to Write a Biomedical Science Personal Statement

Tips for starting your biomedical science personal statement.

Writing your personal statement can feel like a mammoth task and knowing where to start can be really tricky. It is important, however, to not get too wrapped up in what a perfect biomedical sciences personal statement should be and instead think about what will make you and your passion for the subject stand out .

Everyone’s personal statement will be different as there is no one way to write it, but there are some essential components that your biomed personal statement should include. Committing to a three or four year degree course at a top university is no walk in the park; you need to be invested in pursuing what you are applying to for at least the next 3/4 years, therefore showing your passion for biomedical sciences is one of the most important components of your personal statement.

But what does this mean and how do you portray this on one side of A4? Mention specific topics/ themes that you like about biomedical sciences , showcase some subject knowledge, highlight super-curriculars that you have engaged with as well as writing about any extracurriculars, personal interests and skills that you have that will make you a fantastic candidate to study biomedical sciences at a top uni.

Showing My Passion for Biomedical Science?: The Importance of Super-Curriculars

Most top unis, including Oxbridge, will be less interested in your extracurricular activities and more interested in how you can prove your passion for biomedical sciences. Super-curriculars are the best pieces of evidence you can provide – they show that you have gone above and beyond your school syllabus and taken initiative to broaden your knowledge.

These may include things like reading books related to the subject, listening to podcasts, reading magazine and newspaper articles, completing MOOCs (massive online open courses), watching documentaries, attending taster days or any relevant work experience you have undertaken . By no means do you need to do all of these but having a couple of examples will be an excellent way to make your biomedical science statement standout.

Having said this, it is most important to engage with what you’re genuinely interested in rather than what you feel you should be reading, watching, listening to and so on – this way your pure interest will shine through naturally without it feeling forced. If invited to interview as well, this will make it much easier for you to talk about your personal statement as it will all be things you enjoyed.

Need to boost your super-curriculars?

Our co-curricular division, Minds Underground, was built out to support top students approaching university/ Oxbridge applications and looking to stretch beyond the curriculum. You could try:

Our University Prep Virtual Summer Schools (e.g. Medicine, Biology) - Each is hosted by 2 Oxbridge graduates and will provide loads of exciting content for personal statements and interviews

Online Research Experiences e.g. Research Projects with a PhD Researcher in Pharmacology & Biotechnology; AstraZeneca/ Cambridge

Medical/ STEM Extension Sessions : We run a weekly Medical and STEM Club, designed to give students exposure to exciting ‘beyond the syllabus’ topics they could mention in their personal statement

Book recommendations for Biomedical Sciences

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot – this book tells the story of a woman who died in 1951 from cervical cancer whose legacy continues to this day with the HeLa cell line. Taken from Henrietta’s tumour while she was still alive, it was cultured in a lab and found to be immortal. Having been used in an array of biomedical research since then, the ethical issues and dilemmas raised in this book provide insight into some of the arguments and discussions that are dominant within the field of bioethics.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks – this book by the neurologist Oliver Sacks provides a series of case studies of some of the most notable patients of Sacks’ career; despite this book being particularly fascinating to those interested in neuroscience and psychology, this is an interesting read for anyone entering the field of biomedical science.

The Epigenetic Revolution by Nessa Carey – epigenetics is the study of differences between genetically identical organisms which have non-identical phenotypes; this book provides a detailed and fascinating insight into the relatively new discipline of epigenetics.

Bad Science by Ben Goldacre – an engaging analysis of the current state of science; particularly recommended if you are interested in research and how science can often be “lost” behind money, media and business.

Podcast Recommendations for Biomedical Sciences

New Scientist Weekly

Instant Genius

Are my extra-curriculars important for Biomedical Sciences?

When it comes to extra-curriculars, it can be tempting to write a list of everything you’ve done to show how well-rounded you are, however, it is better to only mention a couple and relate it back to why you should be offered a place to study biomedical sciences. For example, being a prefect equips you with leadership and teamwork skills which would be useful during group project and practical classes; completing a Duke of Edinburgh award would provide you with problem solving skills, again important during practical classes and also when critically appraising primary papers.

Addressing the universities’ selection criteria

To make your whole personal statement shine even brighter you should address specific selection criteria from the course webpage on the universities’ websites. The University of Oxford’s Medical Sciences Division website says they are looking for biomed candidates who show “intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm” , as illustrated by your examples of seeking out super-curriculars for instance. Similarly, communication skills can be shown through jobs that you may have had – “I have worked in my local charity shop for 2 years, talking with customers and colleagues helped me to develop my interpersonal skills.”

How Do I Start Drafting and Structuring My Biomed Personal Statement?

You can never have too many drafts of your personal statement. It is best to start early so you have time to edit and adapt and improve. Often when you think you have a final copy you can go back and make even more improvements. Having a break and coming back with a fresh pair of eyes can help you spot gaps or errors or can even help you reduce the character count (as UCAS has a strict limit on characters so it is important to keep your paragraphs concise and to the point). Make sure to create links between each section/ paragraph to make the whole personal statement flow as one, instead of it reading like a list of what you’ve done and why you should be given a place to study biomedical sciences.

If you are struggling with the structure of the statement it is a good idea to simply write whichever paragraph you can and then come back at the end to order your paragraphs and create links. You may want to write your ending before you’ve written your introduction – there is no right or wrong way to do this, it just has to be yours.

How Do I End My Biomed Personal Statement?

Concluding your personal statement for biomedicine can feel just as hard as starting it but at this point you are almost there! If you can, it is good to conclude with a punchy sentence, something that nicely rounds up what you have been saying throughout: that you are a passionate biomedical scientist who is excited to pursue a biomedical sciences degree. You could refer back to what makes you the ideal biomed candidate and use keywords from the degree course webpages to help.

Here is an example:

In conclusion, my unwavering passion for biomedical science, coupled with my commitment to ongoing learning and contributing meaningfully to the field, drives my aspiration to embark on this transformative journey of academic growth, making me eager to bring my unique perspective, dedication, and skills to the vibrant and innovative community of biomedical researchers.

Applying to Oxford Biomed? Here's What You Should Also Do

Oxbridge and other top universities will use your personal statement as a component of their short-listing procedure. Oxford will use your personal statement to generate questions for the interview to which you may be invited. For biomed, these questions relating to your biomedical science personal statement are likely to be ice breakers as the interviewers will expect you to be comfortable talking about your personal statement and anything that you have mentioned within it. Therefore, it is important that you write your statement with the expectation that you will be asked to expand upon and explain every single sentence.

Biomedical Personal Statement Example

My fascination with the intricacies of life has propelled my journey towards understanding the complexities of the human body. The captivating narratives of Oliver Sacks' "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" ignited my interest in neuroscience, prompting me to explore the underlying mechanisms of neurological disorders. This curiosity laid the foundation for my journey into the field of biomedical science. As I delved into the world of biomedical science, Nessa Carey's "The Epigenetic Revolution" provided a profound insight into the dynamic interplay between genetics and the environment. This exploration sparked my curiosity about epigenetic modifications and their implications for human health. It served as a thematic link, bridging my interest in neuroscience to the broader realm of genetics and molecular biology. Eager to complement my theoretical knowledge with practical insights, I actively sought diverse experiences. I love the New Scientist weekly podcast, which offers a dynamic platform for me to stay abreast of cutting-edge discoveries and emerging trends in biomedical research. An episode titled "Decoding the Brain: Unravelling the Mysteries of Neurodegenerative Diseases" particularly resonated with me, connecting seamlessly with my earlier fascination with neuroscience and serving as a catalyst for my interest in the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative disorders. This exposure not only expanded my knowledge but also honed my ability to critically evaluate scientific discourse, a skill integral to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of biomedical sciences. My research experience in Dr. Smith's lab, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in unravelling the complexities of biomedical challenges. The laboratory work, focusing on cellular signalling pathways, provided a tangible link between theoretical concepts and practical applications discussed in the podcast episode. Recognising the importance of staying at the forefront of scientific advancements, I undertook a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) on advanced techniques in molecular biology. This experience not only deepened my understanding of molecular techniques but also acquainted me with the global community of aspiring scientists and researchers. The collaborative spirit within the online cohort mirrored the interdisciplinary approach I envision for my future in biomedical sciences, reinforcing the theme of collaboration and its pivotal role in scientific progress. Exploring topics through podcasts like "The Biomedical Odyssey" has been instrumental in contextualising classroom learning within the broader scope of real-world applications. For instance, I found a podcast episode on "CRISPR: Gene Editing and the Future of Medicine" particularly fascinating. The prospect of precise gene editing raises questions that extend beyond the laboratory into the realm of bioethics. Exploring the ethical considerations associated with CRISPR prompted me to grapple with fundamental questions about the balance between scientific progress and moral responsibility. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have actively sought opportunities to engage with the broader scientific community. Attending conferences, such as the International Conference on Biomedical Sciences, allowed me to interact with eminent researchers and gain insights into the multifaceted nature of contemporary biomedical challenges. These experiences have not only broadened my perspective but have also reinforced my commitment to contributing meaningfully to the field, connecting my academic endeavors to the broader scientific community. In conclusion, my journey in biomedical science has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a commitment to hands-on learning, and an unwavering curiosity about the frontiers of scientific discovery. Armed with a solid foundation, a critical mindset, and an eagerness to contribute to the ever-evolving field, I am poised to embark on the next chapter of my academic journey in biomedical sciences.

The best biomedical personal statements are original and personal to you, showcasing your passion for pursuing a degree in biomedical sciences and encompassing what you are genuinely interested in.

By Evie (Biomedical Science, University of Oxford)

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Looking for a BioMed Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Biomedical Science Application?

Biomed personal statement tutoring.

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Biomedical personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidates own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Oxford BioMed Tutoring

We also offer tutoring for students looking for support throughout the Oxford application process (book a free consultation to discuss options). We have a large team of Oxford Biomedical Science tutors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxford Biomed tutor and send their full CV for review. Our mentors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Biomed at the University of Oxford and are well-placed to guide students through biomed personal statement curation, the BMAT and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour diagnostic session , where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Biomedical Science application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate. Mentors ensure each student refines their interests within Biomedical Science, and is exposed to a range of key themes and topics. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during interview. We also provide extensive admissions test and interview preparation support.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , Medicine or Biology Summer School and Oxbridge mock interview days . Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced.

Sessions from £75/h + VAT.

How to Write a Biology Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

Applying for economics and management: reading, super-curriculars, oxford interview questions and more.

• Aug 8, 2019

Writing Your Personal Statement: Biomedical Sciences

Now we’ve entered August I know a lot of year 12s will be thinking about the university application process and wondering how to make their personal statement stand out, especially to the top universities. So, I thought it might be helpful to talk about the personal statement I did for Biomedical Sciences, although it will hopefully be helpful for other subjects too!

What a personal statement has to convey is how interested you are in the subject, it doesn’t have to make you look like an expert of course - that’s what university is for! As long as you show that you’re interested in your subject beyond what you learn as part of your A-levels you’re on the right track.

In my personal statement, I showed my interest by talking mostly about the EPQ I was doing (which was about gestational diabetes) and a few articles I had read for it. If you haven’t done an EPQ, other things you can talk about are books you’ve read, podcasts you’ve listened to or documentaries you’ve watched, if it inspired an interest in a topic relating to Biomed then it's relevant. If you’re stuck for ideas look at the books under ‘preparatory reading’ here:https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/media_wysiwyg/Introductory_Reading_for_Biomedical_Sciences1.pdf. You’ll see a lot of these actually read like novels,so are great for introducing you to a topic you might never have looked at before like neuroscience!

It’s also important you don’t just list things you’ve read/seen/listened to: you need to talk about what you took away from it and, if you can, try to offer some critical analysis. When doing this, make sure to justify any opinions you put forward to strengthen your statement. It's probably better to only mention a few of these ‘supra-curricular’ activities so you can better develop them.

You’ll also need to talk about your A-levels, and while it may be helpful to mention a topic or two from Biology that you’re hoping to expand on at university, the main thing I spoke about in relation to my A-levels was the transferrable skills they’d developed that would help me to thrive at university. This is particularly important if one of your A-levels isn’t as relevant to your subject - for example, I did English Literature at A-level, so in my personal statement one thing I mentioned was how I’d had to work in groups and so had grown more confident and developed teamwork skills.

The most important thing, though, is to not stress too much and overthink it - if you are truly interested in your subject it will definitely shine through. Also, it’s a personal statement, so don’t try to write as someone else! This is a chance for tutors/admissions teams to get an insight into you as a person - so definitely make sure it's all your own work! Don’t stress - as long as you write truthfully (and remember to spellcheck!) your personal statement will be more than fine!

#PersonalStatement #science #biomedicalsciences #biomed #application

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• Biomedical sciences personal statements

Biomedical sciences degree personal statement example (1b) Oxford offer

The variety of disciplines and skills involved in biomedicine first drew me to the course. What really intrigues me is how complex processes at a molecular level build up to form whole systems interacting to make a healthy body. I want to understand why sometimes these processes go wrong, the outcome this has and how we can treat the problem.

Studying basic cell biology and the physiology of body systems in lessons made me realise that understanding systems at a larger level requires us to look at the complete series of events, from reactions inside cells to the effects produced on the individual. Biomedical science not only focuses on one part of the story but also the bigger picture, an aspect of the course that particularly appeals to me. Reading outside the AS level syllabus lead me to Ben Goldacre's `Bad Science', a book I enjoyed immensely as I find the perception of science in the media engaging. The problems facing evidence based medicine due to flawed clinical trials interests me greatly because statistics is the area of mathematics I am most passionate about.

In the summer of 2012 I attended the UNIQ Summer School for biomedical sciences at the University of Oxford. I particularly enjoyed the presentation given by Dr Helen Christian on long term stress and the impact it has on the body. Until then, the obvious fact that brain processes have a profound effect on the health of an individual had not really occurred to me. I was inspired to find out more and came across `The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat'. I found the range of neurological disorders described in the book compelling, particularly the case of a man with visual agnosia that rendered him unable to recognise everyday objects. Last year, I was given the opportunity to study an Open University course in forensic science. This allowed me to learn about scientific techniques that I had never come across before, such as using cross-over electrophoresis in order to identify human blood. Balancing my AS level studies with the OU module gave me the ability to work independently over a sustained period of time, whilst refining my problem solving and analytical skills. Aspects I particularly enjoyed involved the study of DNA and genes. After passing the course, I read Denis Noble's `The Music of Life', which challenged the ideas about genes that I had previously come across in Dawkins' `The Selfish Gene'. That there are actually a variety of different ways a gene can be read and therefore expressed was a completely new concept to me and furthered my interest in this area.

I balance my academic studies with a range of interests. Playing the flute in a wind band led me to compete in the regional round of the Music for Youth festival. I recently completed my gold Duke of Edinburgh award which proved to be a rewarding experience, giving me a real sense of independence and developing my ability to work as part of a team. I am currently taking part in a project with the Office for National Statistics to explore how data can be better presented to the general public, a stimulating challenge that is helping improve my understanding of statistics and how they can be interpreted. I was made Deputy Head Girl this year and given the task of starting up the school's first debating society. This responsibility has developed my listening skills and public speaking, as well as an understanding of the importance of keeping up to date with current affairs. Reading articles on websites such as The Guardian and New Scientist increases my awareness of recent scientific developments.

I am keen to learn how research can be applied to clinical practice. To study biomedical science in a world where technology is constantly advancing is an exciting prospect. I aspire to be a part of the research that takes place in order to allow doctors to better treat their patients.

Universities applied to:

University of Oxford - Offer (A*AA) Conditional Firm, failed to meet offer University of Sheffield - Offer (AAB) Unconditional Insurance University of Warwick - Offer (ABB) Declined University of Bath - Offer (AAB) Declined University of Lancaster - Offer (AAB) Declined

Grades achieved:

GCSEs - 9A*s, 1B  

Biology (AS) - A Chemistry (AS) - A Maths (AS) - B Physics (AS) - B  

Biology (A2) - A Chemistry (A2) - A Maths (A2) - B  

BMAT score - 5.1, 4.9, 3A

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• Personal Statements
• Biomedical Science Personal Statement

Biomedical Sciences Personal Statement Example

Sample statement.

Understanding how the human body works, why plants grow and what causes disease are all endlessly fascinating to me. I remember being bowled over by finding out about the structure of a cell and my studies at A level in biology and chemistry have heightened my interest even further. I know that a degree in Biomedical Sciences is what I want to do next as it will allow me to delve even deeper into the inner workings of the cell.

Looking ahead, my ambition is to be able to work in research. My practical skills are good and I have enjoyed the more involved practical work that I have had the chance to do at college. My teachers were very supportive and encouraged us to try out variations beyond our course requirements in a lunch time club. Obtaining a degree in biological sciences would firstly fulfil my need to find out more at an advanced level but I think it would also be a solid foundation for the career that I want to follow.

I have a meticulous approach to my work when it is required and planning, recording observations, writing up my results and drawing conclusions is as important to my biology and chemistry work as it is to my personal interest in cooking and baking. For my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, I chose to spend time helping out in the kitchen of a local care home and enjoyed making traditional recipes and talking with the older people there about the food they used to eat when they were children.

For the skill element of the Gold Award I expanded on my projects with the care home to produce a baking blog, which has taught me how to find my way around WordPress and has helped me to improve my writing and presentation skills. This features recipes from the people I met, some photographs of my baking efforts and some of the stories they told me. I am continuing to add to it and have now created a Facebook fan page for it and have nearly 300 likes. In contrast, I found the sports aspect of the Award quite hard – I had to commit to going swimming twice a week for a year but this has really increased my self discipline and I am glad I stuck with it.

I have chosen to apply to your university because the biomedical science course you offer provides a thorough grounding in the subject and also has the opportunity to study some of the basics of cellular and molecular biology. I feel that this is where my research interests will lie and I want to be able to find out more about the theory and practical aspects of these sub-topics.

Your institution is highly regarded for the biological sciences and I spent time going to open days and asking current students about their experiences. All were very positive and I was impressed that the tutors encourage students to discuss the research going on in the department. Being this close to the latest discoveries in biology would really inspire me.

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Biomedical sciences personal statement example 38.

The University of Oxford defines biomedical science as the “focus on how cells, organs and systems function in the human body” but to me, this is a very basic definition of something that means a lot to me. It is the chance to learn more about the subject that I am passionate about, the chance to be able to diagnose diseases in advance and prolong someone’s life, the chance to make a difference in the world. For as long as I can remember, I have always been surrounded by medical based subjects from first-hand experience while at the doctor to work experience and TV shows based around the subject. I am applying to the biomedical science courses as it is something I have a great interest and passion in.

By taking biology and chemistry at a higher level, I have expanded on my knowledge on the subjects but I am still not satisfied with just this knowledge and wish to learn more. Gaining a qualification in the biomedical spectrum would allow me to get a job as a biomedical scientist which is my main goal for the future. I feel like by gaining this qualification and being able to get a job, I will be able to do something that I love everyday while having the opportunity to learn new things every day. Spending my days in a hospital laboratory feels like the right career path suited to me as a person and my interests. My main aim in life would to be to gain this qualification after 4 years of studying hard and be able to work as a biomedical scientist in a hospital lab researching, diagnosing and treating diseases. This is a career option that very much excites and motivates me to be the best in my studies and further education. I am interested in all the subjects under biomedical science including clinical biochemistry, haematology, histopathology, cytopathology, medical microbiology and blood transfusion and would love to be able to have a deep enough understanding of them all so that I may find one that I am most suited to and continue with it in a full time lab environment.

I have taken part in several different work experience opportunities including working at a local primary school gaining people skills and working at a vet practice gaining lab, people and general world of work skills for a working environment. In summer 2015, I organised a work experience placement which I felt would help me gain a further understanding in the career of a biomedical scientist and so over a few month of emailing several people in the field I was able to arrange a week work experience placement in the holiday. This was extremely beneficial as I worked in all different fields and undertook several different jobs within these fields to gain first hand skills and knowledge I would not be able to get from the internet or a classroom.

I was lucky enough to be able to get a work experience opportunity in the biomedical sector at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where I had the chance to experience each individual segment of biomedical science they had to offer including pathology, microbiology and haematology which I found the most interesting. Alongside myself in the lab were current biomedical students as well as qualified ones. This was important for me as I could ask questions regarding their study and work, get answers and see different opinions on what it is like.

I have gained many qualities from volunteer work, school experiences, extra-curricular and hobbies that I believe are crucial to university life and in the world of work. I have been volunteering as a youth leader in a young choir called ACE. Empowerment of people to believe in themselves through a wide range of activates such as singing, dancing, outdoor activities and performing. Through this group I have developed a wide range of skills such as leadership and teamwork. An example of my skills gained in leadership can be seen when I took control and planned and carried out a performance at a local care home and organised donations for the home.

Teamwork can be regularly seen when working with young children, people the same age as me and older people in order to get a job done. Through ACE choir I have achieved my 500 hour Saltire volunteering award as a sign of my dedication and hard work over the years. I am currently working towards a new award and am at 700+ hours. During summer 2015, I spent 2 weeks volunteering as part of the staff team at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival as a member of the Events Team. During this time, I stayed in university dorms and mingled with many current students. Through this experience, I gained skills such as management, time keeping and team skills which I feel could help me if I were to get a place at university. I have undertaken many roles in my time at secondary school. I have achieved junior, half and full colours for my dedication to clubs over the years such as debating, choir and rock challenge.

In S5 I was given the title of a prefect and was again awarded it in S6. Throughout my time as a prefect I have gained time management, organisation and public speaking skills which I believe are very important not just at university but later in life when perusing a career. In 2014/2015 school year, I worked towards my leadership award. This was a challenging course that involved researching, planning and executing an activity off our own backs. I found this a lot of fun and learned a lot about myself and my skills and qualities through it. I also have the title of a school mentor and assistant librarian within the school. This has helped me with my interpersonal skills. I spend my time assisting people with their queries on different subjects, checking in and out books and promoting the library throughout the school. Being a mentor has really helped me mature as I have to out others feelings and needs before my own. As well as classes and revision classes, I am involved in many activities.

After being let down by my school, I organised for myself and several friends to complete our bronze Duke of Edinburgh award with an open award centre. It was a daunting process but we completed it with smiles on our faces. I then proceeded to silver and the gold with the award centre where I worked with people I had just met and created lifelong friends and memories. Being asthmatic, the expeditions were always a struggle for me but I pushed forward. This is a great example of the fact that if I put my mind towards something I will get it done. After finishing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh, I was invited back to become a Bronze level leader where I will help and encourage those who are involved.

My hobbies include music, science and Japanese culture and language. I am a self-taught ukulele player and love to sign and write music. I have not yet preformed with my ukulele but have plans to do so in the near future. I have performed by myself, as a duo and as part of a choir many times and love the thrill of performing for others and doing what I love. From this I have acquired a lot more confidence when preforming and further developed my time management skills while balancing my hobbies, revision, school work and having time for family and friends.

During my years at school I have always loved science and more importantly biology, because of this I have been enrolled in the OU course entitled Molecules, Medicines and Drugs: A Chemical Story. Through this course I am gaining a SCQF 7 grade (equivalent to an SQA graded advanced higher Scottish baccalaureate) I which I will receive at the end of the course after I sit my exam in February. This course involves standalone study which, alongside group work, is a key element of further education. The fact that this course is related to what I want to study in further education reflects my dedication to the subject as it is a lot of work. For many years I have been interested in Japanese language and culture.

Recently, I decided to take this interest more seriously and have begun to self-study Japanese language. Despite it being a hard subject to learn, I have not given up and continue to push through.

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Medical Biosciences Personal Statement Example – Imperial College London

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Welcome to our collection of Medicine Personal Statement Examples! We’ve searched far and wide to find personal statements from successful applicants all around the UK and asked them to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of their work for your own inspiration. Today’s subject is from Aneesha, who studies Medical Science at Imperial College London.

Aneesha had applied to a selection of top medical schools in the UK before receiving an offer from both Imperial and King’s College London .

Of course, Aneesha chose the former, so let’s read the personal statement that got her a place at Imperial College London, or skip straight to her feedback to learn what made her personal statement a success!

Please be aware that these examples are meant purely for the sake of inspiration, and should absolutely NOT be used as a model around which to base your own personal statement. UCAS have a rather strict system that detects plagiarism .

Imperial Medicine Personal Statement Example

Whole personal statement.

Medical Science appeals to me because of its mutability. Particularly, the opportunity to continually learn and apply new innovations to help the human body function fascinates me. A teacher opened my eyes to how science is linked with all aspects of our life, prompting me to choose Biology at my A/Level. Human Biology in particular interested me. I realised how the various organ systems need to work in tandem to keep our bodies functioning.   Visiting a Surgical Intensive Care Unit opened my eyes to instances in which congenital disorders destabilised the functioning of the entire body, which I was not able to glean from my textbooks.

Seeing an ETU function highlighted how stressful a medical career can be. Often, a single doctor on shift had to prioritise among patients who had been waiting for hours, and were heckling the doctor. I was impressed by their ability to keep calm and make swift decisions based on a range of symptoms. A highlight of my work experience was being able to see a Caesarean section delivery. I saw how everyone from the nurses to the surgeons contributed towards the procedure. Observing how the team supported the mother, calmly explaining what she could expect, and holding her hand through the pain, opened my eyes to the level of empathy and reliability required in this profession.

Shadowing a consultant in a Paediatric Preliminary Care Unit, I witnessed her dismiss a child’s concerns about an abdominal pain, and spoke to the mother in medical terms which did not effectively communicate the problem to her. On the other hand, another demonstrated how good communication can work wonders in drawing a patient out, with relatively simple questions like, “Have you eaten lunch yet?” This proved to be a highly thought-provoking experience, highlighting the importance of communication in medical practice.

During a project to raise funds for a local orphanage, we visited and spent hours with the children. I realised that what made them happiest was not the items we donated, but the fact that we spent time with them. The realisation that care is more valued than material items was humbling.

I wish to study abroad as repeated closure of local universities due to student unrest is discouraging and challenging. I wish to study in England as I have previously lived in the UK for a period of 5 years, and I am acclimated to the culture and language. English is also the main language of instruction of my current school. I hence believe that England would be a solid environment to be in whilst away from home.

Ranking second in the country at my GCE O/Level and maintaining a high academic level in my A/Level years has given me the confidence that I am able to cope with the academic demands of a medical degree.

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Imperial Medicine Personal Statement Example Analysis

Now, let’s go section by section and see what Aneesha has to say about what she wrote:  

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

Beginning with what fascinates me about the course and including real life experience to back it up demonstrates my enthusiasm and excitement for my chosen degree, as well as an understanding of what a career in medicine could involve. An introduction needs to quickly get the point across that you have a genuine reason for joining this course and that you would be an asset to the university for this reason. This is especially true when your explanation dives deeper into actual subject knowledge rather than staying surface level. If you plan on specialising into a specific area, mention it (although you need to be careful not to come off as stuck in your ways and unable to explore new fields).

In terms of improvements, I could’ve introduced my other reason for studying medicine in my introduction. As I have chosen to write my personal statement in a narrative style, my motivation for studying medicine is laid out chronologically, however I feel that introducing these ideas earlier on could improve the overall structure of my personal statement and make me appear to be a more diverse candidate.

These two paragraphs both cover my ‘work experiences’ and generally have a similar format, so I felt it was best to discuss them together. In these paragraphs, I have reflected on my experiences in hospital and a clinical environment, which demonstrates that I am able to learn from experience. It also demonstrates a realistic understanding of a career in medicine and its challenges. A general rule of thumb is that any work experience like this needs to be discussed in-depth when writing a personal statement. It’s the most relevant and some of the most challenging work experience you can do pre-med school. It’s also good to focus more on what you learnt and witnessed compared to the work you actually did. The lessons learnt from the professionals are more valuable than any amount of assisting and busy-work you likely had to do during your time there!

The biggest flaw with this section is with the structure. I feel that these paragraphs may seem a little disjointed, as I have taken different experiences and written them without including any statement tying these experiences together. These experiences aren’t too different from each other, so it shouldn’t have been too hard to find a theme that links them together and explains how everything discussed helped me grow as a person.

In my “work in a local orphanage” paragraph, I have demonstrated that I am able to work in a professional capacity, which is always a sign of a good candidate early on ( voluntary work is always a good look as well). I have also reflected on this experience and tied it back to how this experience is of value to develop skills necessary in my career of choice. Best of all, it shows the humility that anyone needs when working in medicine, as it is primarily a human subject.

It’s a very short section though, so I could have brought in more examples of work placements and how these experiences have shaped me, and reflected further on how these experiences helped me develop my understanding of myself and my capabilities. These wouldn’t have had to have been as in-depth as my work experience discussion, but mention more examples of learning experiences will show a more well-rounded character on the page.

In my “why do I want to study abroad” paragraph, I have highlighted a few reasons why I have chosen to leave home and learn in a completely new environment. I have also demonstrated that I feel confident in being able to acclimatise myself to this new environment. This may not be the most relevant information to provide in a personal statement, although it does display a great strength of my character and the skill of perseverance.

However, I feel that I could have highlighted what about the education system and course delivery in the UK interests me, and how I feel that this academic environment would be the best place for me to complete my degree and develop my skills. One piece of advice I can definitely give is this: UK applicant’s don’t really need to add a section like this to their personal statements!

As a school prefect, dealing with my peers who faced issues such as stress, mental health concerns, and coming to terms with a horrific terrorist bombing, I was required to be an empathic listener and someone who was willing to actively help my fellow students. I understood my capacity to help, but knew my limitations. The emotional demand also taught me how to keep myself healthy whilst helping.

Music is my outlet, and I find time to play in a number of orchestras and sing chorally. Playing with the Sri Lanka Symphony Orchestra, I have been able to meet people of various social strata, ethnicities, religions and sexualities. As leader of my school orchestra, I learned the value of being organized and punctual, and how to lead a team, which I feel are transferable in my career of choice.

These paragraphs again link together fairly closely, so it’s easier to analyse them together. In this “school/extra-curricular activities” section, I have demonstrated my academic capabilities as well as the skills I have developed in teamwork, communication , leadership and resilience , all of which are invaluable . While I have not gone too in-depth into any of these, it’s not really that necessary as they are all just smaller things that combine into a larger selection of skills and life lessons.

This paragraph could have been improved if I had linked it back to my paragraph on my work experience, and how the characteristics I developed linked back to my observations and reflections of a clinical environment. Having many individual experiences only gets you so far in your personal statement, almost anyone can go and do some of these things. The strength of them come from what you learn from them and how you can use all these experiences together to become a better medical worker. There are also some areas here that aren’t strictly necessary. If I had needed more space in other areas of the statement, this would have been the first place to make cuts.

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Having seen the emotional and intellectual demand associated with medicine I feel it is a career which is both stimulating and ultimately rewarding. This is why I hope to follow this discipline through my life.

In my conclusion, I have briefly summed up all of the ideas I brought out through my personal statement, which links my paragraphs together and highlights what I feel are the key aspects of this statement. This is exactly what a conclusion should do. There’s no need to add extra information or anything else in the last moments of you statement, all you need to do is reflect upon and summarise what you’ve said.

This conclusion could have been further strengthened if I had mentioned a few key areas of my statement more specifically, in order to further demonstrate my understanding of what I feel are the most important segments. The reader wants to know that you fully understand what you’ve written and are genuine about the points you’ve made. The conclusion is the perfect place to do this, so being more specific, although not overly detailed, is a good idea.

Final Thoughts

I think my personal statement is honest and reflective, and the narrative style I have written it in demonstrates my journey in arriving at the conclusion I have. I feel that I have addressed several important questions such as why I have chosen this degree, what I have done to further my understanding of my chosen career, and how my personal experiences have shaped me in a way that lead to my choices. I also feel the answers I have provided are effective and convincing, using my real world experience to prove my commitment and skill in the field of medicine.

I feel that the structure of my personal statement is a little disjointed at times, as I have written about a number of experiences without linking them together. Providing the links in your development is the best way to legitimise what you have said and make for a more believable and engaging story. This problem is highlighted in my conclusion, which could have pointed out the key points in my statement better. This would have helped round out the statement and make the important parts of what I said stick out in the reader’s mind after they finished reading.

So there you have it! This personal statement helped Aneesha get a place at imperial College London! Everyone has different experiences and abilities, so you may not be able to relate to everything that was said in this personal statement. However, the information and advice provided by Aneesha is universal and will help any applicant write a better personal statement!  

Be sure to check out more Medicine Personal Statement Analyses to see advice from all different kinds of applicants, including Ali Abdaal himself! Or if you want to get started on your own statement, check out 6med’s Medicine Mastery Bundle for all the support and resources you’ll ever need for your medicine application!

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