successful biology personal statements

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Biology Personal Statement Guide

Your Personal Statement is your chance to show the admissions team who you are and why they should take you on their course, so it’s important to take the time to get it right.

While this can seem intimidating, you are in the right place – our Biology Personal Statement Guide takes you through the whole process and gives you some top tips to get you well on your way to a stellar Personal Statement.

This guide is split into the following sections:

• Why are Personal Statements Important?
• What Should I Include in a Biology Personal Statement?  
• What Should I Avoid in a Biology Personal Statement?  

Advice on How to Start a Biology Personal Statement  

Advice on how to finish a biology personal statement  .

What Should I Avoid in a Biology Personal Statement ?  

Try to avoid ‘telling’ rather than showing . Anyone can say that they are passionate about Biology or that they read into their favourite topics in their spare time. Instead, try to back all of your attributes up with examples and evidence from your school work or super-curricular activities.

That said, it is also important to avoid simply listing achievements or examples without reflecting on them . In each case, think about what you learnt, how it changed how you think, or how it will help you in your degree. This reflectance shows critical thinking and makes for a quality Personal Statement.

If you can’t think of what you’ve gained from a certain experience, or how it will help you in your degree, it may not be relevant and you should consider not including it. Due to the word limit (see below), each example needs to show a strong attribute of yours – if not, it can be chopped!

Finally, try to avoid cliché statements such as the classic “I have always wanted to study Biology”. While it may have been what you’ve wanted to do since you were little, there is always a better way to show this and to be a little more creative.

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

Ultimately, there are no rules on how to start a Personal Statement and, perhaps apart from using a cliché statement (as above!), you can’t necessarily go wrong.

That said, you should try to express yourself and show your passion for Biology early on . You could open with a line summarising where your interest comes from, or the particular area you want to study (if you know this). For example, this could be something like: “While my interest in Biology was sparked early on by a family visit to the coast, my appreciation for the complexities and intricacies of the natural world has only grown since, and is ultimately an area to which I wish to dedicate my career”.

Again, there are no hard and fast rules on how to finish a Personal Statement and it is an area where you can apply a little creative licence.

The general aim is to wrap up with a concise one or two lines summarising why you’re passionate about Biology, why you’re ready to study it at degree level, and why you’re a good candidate.

If you opened with a particular structure or example, it can be nice to come full circle and refer back to this – perhaps referencing how you feel that this example, combined with your academic ability and the ‘soft’ skills you evidenced in the body of your statement, makes you a good candidate to study Biology at degree level.

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

Perhaps the biggest tip is to start early! It doesn’t need to be anything fancy at first – take a little while to think about why exactly you have chosen to study Biology, and jot this down, along with some bullet points of your skills and examples you can use to show these. Then you can start organising these into paragraphs and get writing. You also don’t have to write it in order. The start and end of a Personal Statement can be the trickiest bits, so if you’re stuck don’t be afraid to move on and write the rest of it, giving time for inspiration to strike for those tricky sections. When you have a draft of the full Statement, ask someone to look over it and give their feedback – another set of eyes can be invaluable.

Also, if you realise you don’t have much evidence of your skills or wider reading, don’t panic! Now is the perfect time to pick an area of Biology you’re particularly interested in, find a recent and accessible book in the field, and have a read. Or, to find recent articles that have been published in the field, try taking a look at the websites of major journals such as Nature and picking out a few articles that interest you.

Your Personal Statement has a strict limit of 4000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines of text – whichever comes first. This comes to roughly 600-800 words, which is not particularly long. It is therefore important to make sure all of your words count – if they’re not doing a job in showing your passion, your ability, or how suited you are to degree level Biology, they can likely be cut.

Extracurricular activities that are Biology-related are always good to include as they show that you’re interested and motivated in furthering your own understanding. This could be things like mentioning a book you have read, a lecture you attended, or an online course that you’ve taken in your own time.

Extracurricular activities that aren’t Biology-related can also be valuable and may include anything you enjoy and do regularly such as sport, drama, and music. The important thing here is to stress how the skills you’ve learnt in these activities has, or will, help you in your Biology degree. Perhaps having a busy sporting calendar has taught you time-management, for example, or volunteering with your local drama school has helped with your teamwork and communication skills.

Whilst you cannot directly tailor your personal statement to any one specific course (since the same statement goes to all of your chosen universities), you can make sure that it appeals to Oxbridge sensibilities.

Oxford and Cambridge are mainly interested for your academic side – your motivation for learning more than just what you are taught in the classroom, and your passion for engaging critically with Biology as a subject. You can do this by emphasising examples where you have taken it upon yourself to learn more – perhaps by reading a book or attending a lecture – and by then detailing what you thought of this content, what you learnt from it, and what you will go on to do with this information. What questions did it answer, but also what questions did it raise?

If you are wishing to study Biology at Cambridge you will apply to ‘Natural Sciences’, which is broad and interdisciplinary course. In this case you may therefore want to add a line or two recognising the importance of science being interdisciplinary. For example, you may have read a book that showed how chemical understanding can be used to advance Biology.

Book your Biology Personal Statement Package

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

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

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

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• Biology personal statements

Biology degree personal statement example (1t) Oxford application

Attending my school’s Biology Critical Review Club has ignited my interest in kin selection theory and altruism. I am fascinated by kin selection’s ability to explain observations seemingly inconsistent with Darwinian natural selection, such as a sterile ant’s willingness to rear offspring of its queen (Hamilton, 1972) and the formation of fruiting bodies in slime mould (West & Gardner, 2010). Reading around my subject has expanded my knowledge beyond the A level syllabus leaving me eager to gain greater understanding.

My desire to study biology was confirmed during a work experience at the Sutton Institute of Cancer Research. Working alongside experts on cell cycle control and drug discovery was particularly inspiring. Following a selection process I was invited to a week at Clare Hall Laboratories where I had the unique opportunity to witness the use of immunodeficient mice to model the pathology of malignant tumours. I enjoyed performing a range of practical techniques such as gel electrophoresis of DNA and western blotting of proteins. I also encountered genetically modified mice at the Neurogenetics Laboratory of Guy’s Hospital where I learned how the number of CAG codon repeats in the HTT gene affects the prognosis of sufferers of Huntington’s disease, a topic I researched further for a recent symposium. More broadly, these practical experiences inspired me to read Nesse and Williams’ book ‘Why We Get Sick’ which gave me greater insight into our susceptibility to disease, from the perspective of natural selection.

The value of public debate as part of the scientific process came home to me during a series of lectures at the Natural History Museum alongside the ‘One Million Years’ exhibition. I was surprised to learn how genome sequencing had shown Neanderthals interbred with ancient man as recently as 40,000 years ago. I was fascinated by the controversy that ensued amongst the researchers when I questioned the extent to which the two entities can continue to be regarded as separate species.

In the field of marine biology, I have analysed scientific papers in order to write an EPQ dissertation on the ecological impacts of salmon aquaculture. This helped me develop valuable independent research and critical thinking skills. My focus on issues such as the transmission of salmon lice and its role as a vector for the infectious salmon anaemia virus has furthered my long-held interest in the balance between conservation and exploitation of ecosystems. I was delighted to further develop my ecological sampling ability during a cetacean conservation course with The Sea Watch Foundation.

Teamwork has been a key focus of my outside pursuits. In 2012 I was accepted onto the National Performance Programme for Modern Pentathlon and have since represented Great Britain on three occasions. I was honoured to receive a Sports Aid Award following nomination by Pentathlon GB. Training intensively for five sports alongside my academic endeavours has taught me to manage time effectively. My role as House Captain and Cross Country team Captain has developed my leadership and communication skills.

I believe my desire to understand new principles, to balance the theoretical with practical and to apply biological concepts to real world issues make me particularly suited to study biology. I now feel ready to take on the academic and wider challenges of university life.

Universities Applied to: Oxford (Biological Sciences) - Offer ( A*AA) Firm Durham (Biology) - Offer (AAA) Insurance York (Biology) - Offer (AAB) Rejected Exeter (Biology) - Offer (AAB) Rejected Birmingham (Biology) - Offer (Unconditional if firm) Rejected

Grades Achieved: Maths (AS) - Grade A Biology (A2) - Grade (A at AS, A* at A level) Chemistry (AS/A2) - Grade (A at AS, A* at A level) Physics (AS/A2) - Grade (A at AS, A* at A level)

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A successful biology personal statement

University of Southampton admissions tutor, Dr Malcom East, outlines two key ingredients he would like to see evidenced in your biological sciences statement:

You understand something about the course you’re applying for, with a realistic perception of what it involves.

You’re enthusiastic about the subject and can show some commitment to it. You can demonstrate this by writing about your wider reading, Extended Project, work experience or any other way you have engaged with biological science beyond the syllabus.

Your commitment and appetite for the subject

Admissions tutors at the University of Birmingham are looking out for something you’ve done, or something you think, that conveys your commitment to the subject:

• What topics do you find particularly intriguing?
• Have you done anything interesting or unusual that has involved engaging with the subject beyond the syllabus, or through your extracurricular interests or voluntary work?
• Have you been on an interesting field course or visited a university laboratory and learned something from it?

A paragraph where you explain what you gained from one or two interests or activities like these would be very effective. Remember to explain things in your own words, ensure it has a good structure, and steer clear of poor grammar and spelling.

Cardiff University’s selectors are no different. They want you to demonstrate a commitment, motivation, and determination to further your knowledge in biosciences, along with any experience or other non-academic interests that highlight your personal qualities in general. They also want to see from your statement that you can communicate this in a way that’s concise and coherent.

See our in-depth guide to studying biological sciences for some inspiration.

Conveying your enthusiasm

Dr Devlin also told us all their applicants are invited for interview and 'the personal statement is the basis of that interview'. So he recommends that you write about things you would like them to ask you about.

So if you're fascinated by the machinery of the cell, human health or disease, the natural environment, any other specific aspects of biology, or just the science of living organisms in general, then make sure you include it. By reflecting on one or two of these interests in your statement, you’re likely to make a strong impression.

It’s good to include some non-academic content

Admissions tutors at King’s College London like to see an element in your statement that reflects on your general reading, debating, contributing to school, college or community life, or any cultural or sporting interests, as they are keen for you to continue this at uni and to contribute to the 'vitality of the College community'.

However, if your home or personal circumstances mean it has been difficult to extend your knowledge or experiences outside of school or college, don’t worry. As Cardiff points out, universities will usually be sympathetic to this.

How critical is the personal statement?

If you achieve the required grades and can genuinely demonstrate that you’ve got the necessary enthusiasm and commitment, then you should be in a strong position. Your personal statement, in combination with your academic reference, will be very important for demonstrating those qualities.

If your statement clearly shows you have also applied for a clinical programme like medicine, veterinary science or dentistry, that lack of commitment to biology is likely to be a turn-off to some universities, including University of Bristol. However, others take a different view on that, or may consider a separate statement sent directly to them. Do research this in advance!

According to University of Southampton, it’s if you don’t quite get the grades you need that the personal statement becomes especially critical. If you find yourself in this position, then your statement could turn out to be your lifeline on results day. As Dr East put it: 'If we have a few places left, then the statement will probably determine whether you’re in or out'.

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Biology Personal Statement Examples: Crafting a Winning UCAS Application

Dirghayu Kaushik

23 August 2024

Are you a prospective undergraduate student with a passion for biology, looking to create a compelling personal statement for your UCAS application? Crafting a biology personal statement that stands out is crucial in securing a spot at your desired university.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with biology personal statement examples and valuable advice to help you succeed in your application process.

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• What is a Personal Statement?

Defining the Personal Statement

A personal statement is a crucial component of your UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) application, giving you the opportunity to showcase your passion, skills, and suitability for your chosen course. It’s your chance to make a lasting impression on admissions tutors.

The Importance of the Personal Statement

Admissions tutors receive numerous applications, making the personal statement a vital tool for differentiating yourself from other candidates. It allows you to provide insights into your character, motivation, and suitability for the biology program you aspire to join.

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• Biology Personal Statement Examples

Example 1: Expressing Passion

“Ever since I attended a biology field course in primary school, my love for biology has always captivated me. I am always intrigued by the microscopic world, from unraveling the secrets of DNA transcription to exploring the intricate processes of photosynthesis.”

In this example, the candidate expresses their lifelong fascination with biology, dating back to their primary school years. Their enthusiasm for delving into microscopic phenomena highlights their passion for the subject.

Example 2: Highlighting Relevant Experience

“Through volunteering and work experience, I’ve developed my ability to work as part of a team. My time management and leadership skills were honed while studying biomedical science, and I’m excited to apply them to my degree in biology.”

This example emphasizes the candidate’s practical experience and transferable skills gained through volunteering and work experience. It showcases their readiness to excel in a biology program.

Example 3: Going Beyond the Syllabus

“My A-level studies have fueled my thirst for knowledge. While the syllabus is essential, I’ve always been keen to explore topics beyond it, such as medical microbiology, viruses, and bacteria. I want to pursue exactly cutting-edge research in my undergraduate studies.”

In this example, the applicant demonstrates their academic curiosity and ambition by highlighting their willingness to explore topics beyond the standard curriculum. Their desire to engage in cutting-edge research aligns with the university’s emphasis on innovation.

Example 4: Showcasing Academic Dedication

“My dedication to biology and chemistry is evident in my essay writing and analytical skills. I’ve enjoyed studying biochemical components of life and analyzing complex biological processes.”

This example showcases the candidate’s academic commitment and analytical abilities, providing evidence of their preparedness for rigorous academic coursework in biology.

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• Additional Considerations for Your Biology Personal Statement

The Role of Extracurricular Activities

Your extracurricular activities can play a significant role in strengthening your personal statement. While not every hobby or activity needs to be mentioned, those that demonstrate your commitment, leadership, or skills relevant to biology can be highlighted.

Consider discussing participation in biology-related clubs or societies, science competitions, or relevant volunteer work. These experiences can illustrate your dedication to the field and provide evidence of your suitability for a biology program.

Demonstrating a Holistic Interest in Biology

Admissions tutors appreciate candidates who display a holistic interest in biology. This means going beyond the classroom and textbooks to explore the subject independently. Mention books, documentaries, online courses, or conferences that have expanded your understanding of biology.

Discuss any personal projects, experiments, or research you’ve conducted outside of your academic curriculum. Highlight how these experiences have deepened your knowledge and passion for the subject.

Preparing for UCAS Applications

Understanding ucas.

Before diving into your personal statement, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of the UCAS application process. Familiarize yourself with UCAS deadlines, course codes, and entry requirements for your chosen biology programs. Research the universities you plan to apply to thoroughly, considering their course structures, facilities, and faculty expertise.

Tailoring Your Statement to Each University

While your personal statement serves as a general document, it’s advisable to tailor it slightly for each university you apply to. Highlight specific aspects of each program that align with your interests and goals. Mention any unique research opportunities or facilities that attract you to that particular institution.

Seek Guidance from Teachers and Advisors

Don’t underestimate the value of input from teachers, school advisors, or mentors. They can provide valuable insights into crafting a strong personal statement and may be familiar with successful strategies that have worked for past students.

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• The UCAS Application Process

Filling Out Your UCAS Application

The UCAS application itself requires careful attention. Ensure that you complete all sections accurately and honestly. This includes entering your academic qualifications, personal details, and course choices correctly. Any errors or inaccuracies could jeopardize your application.

Personal Statement Length and Structure

The UCAS personal statement has a character limit of 4,000 characters or 47 lines of text. This constraint necessitates concise and focused writing. To create a well-structured statement, consider the following format:

• Introduction: Begin with a compelling opening that grabs the reader’s attention. Introduce yourself and your passion for biology.
• Body: Discuss your academic journey, relevant experiences, extracurricular activities, and why you’re a suitable candidate for the program.
• Conclusion: Summarize your key points, reiterate your enthusiasm for biology, and explain why you’re excited to study it at the university of your choice.
• Top Universities for Biology

University of Oxford

Renowned for its academic excellence, the University of Oxford offers various biology-related programs, including Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, and Experimental Psychology. The university’s cutting-edge research facilities and distinguished faculty make it a top choice for aspiring biologists.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is another prestigious institution with a strong emphasis on biological sciences. Students can pursue degrees in Natural Sciences with a specialization in biology, providing a comprehensive foundation in the field.

Imperial College London

Imperial College London offers a wide range of biology-related programs, including Biotechnology, Biology, and Biomedical Sciences. Its central location in London provides students with access to numerous research opportunities and industry connections.

University of California, Berkeley

For those considering international options, the University of California, Berkeley, is renowned for its biology programs. With a strong focus on research and innovation, it’s an attractive destination for students interested in the biological sciences.

• Crafting Your Unique Biology Personal Statement

Tailoring Your Statement to Your Interests

Your personal statement should reflect your specific interests within biology. Whether it’s molecular biology, ecology, genetics, or any other subfield, make it clear why you’re passionate about that particular aspect of biology.

Conveying Your Long-Term Goals

Admissions tutors are interested in understanding your long-term aspirations. Discuss how a degree in biology will help you achieve your career goals, whether it’s conducting groundbreaking research, contributing to environmental conservation, or advancing healthcare.

Demonstrating Personal Growth

Reflect on your personal growth and development through your academic journey and experiences. Explain how challenges you’ve faced have strengthened your determination and ability to overcome obstacles.

Incorporating a Unique Narrative

Craft a narrative within your personal statement that engages the reader. Share anecdotes or personal stories that highlight your journey and connect with your passion for biology.

The Importance of Research

Show that you’ve researched the university and program you’re applying to. Mention specific courses, professors, or research projects that align with your interests. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the institution.

In conclusion, crafting a biology personal statement is a critical step in securing a spot at your desired university. By following the advice and examples provided in this guide, you can create a compelling and memorable personal statement that sets you apart from other applicants.

Remember to start early, seek feedback, and tailor your statement to each university’s unique offerings. With dedication and careful preparation, you can increase your chances of pursuing your passion for biology at a top university. Good luck with your UCAS application!

What should I include in my biology personal statement?

You should include your passion for biology, relevant experiences, academic dedication, and any unique qualities that make you a strong candidate.

How long should my personal statement be?

UCAS recommends a maximum of 4,000 characters or 47 lines of text, so keep it concise and focused.

Can I use biology personal statement examples as templates?

You can use them as inspiration, but make sure your statement is unique and reflects your personal experiences and goals.

Should I mention my extracurricular activities in my personal statement?

If they are relevant to biology or demonstrate skills that would benefit your studies, include them.

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Table of Contents

• • What is a Personal Statement?
• • Biology Personal Statement Examples
• • Additional Considerations for Your Biology Personal Statement
• • The UCAS Application Process
• • Top Universities for Biology
• • Crafting Your Unique Biology Personal Statement
• • Conclusion

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Top Tips for an Oxford Biology Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Oxford Biology Personal Statement – Top 10 Tips: Dos and Don’ts 

The Oxford Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application as it presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. In your Biology personal statement, Oxford admissions tutors are looking for you to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are, providing a platform to bounce off questions during your interview.

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. To guide you through the arduous university application process, our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips– dos and don’ts– for your Oxford Biology Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle.

General Advice for Biology Personal Statement

Biology is a course that has undergone rapid expansion and development in recent years. The subject has a diverse range of subtopics, including cell biology, developmental biology, evolutionary biology and ecology. Oxford’s biology course understands this great expanse and wealth of knowledge in biology and encourages a cross-disciplinary approach. This is because a blurring of the distinctions between each discipline has followed the expansion in recent years. For example, environmental biologists with an interest in plants would rely on or apply tools that molecular geneticists also use. 

When writing your Biology personal statement, Oxford tutors will be interested in your understanding that it is an expanding and growing field. Furthermore, when planning out the personal statement, Biology candidates need to make sure to research the University’s achievements in their relevant fields and use it as a guide to illustrate their interest in Biology. 

Top 5 Tips for Oxford Biology Personal Statement

1. explain why you are a good fit for biology.

Being a biology student requires unique traits that would be vastly different from students in other courses. For example, the Biology course at Oxford teaches a broad spectrum of topics, such as that detailed aspects of animals, plants, cells, or ecology. Being someone who is flexible and adaptable to the different and varied content that Oxford would expose you to would be a valuable skill for an Oxford biology student. You can illuminate how you demonstrate these desirable qualities by talking about how certain experiences you have been through have shaped you with such traits. For example, a seemingly unrelated experience in having to plan an event for your school could also equip you with flexibility if you had to be constantly adapting to the different types of people you meet during the event or last-minute changes that you can cope with. These skills are transferable and you can elaborate on in your Oxford personal statement for Biology.

2. Understanding what the biology course entails

For most students, the understanding of the course that they are interested in comes from impressions from movies or their high school experience. Although your experience in taking Biology in high school would serve as a good foundation for the course, do not expect it to be exactly the same! The university course would include practical work, or even completely different fields such as ecological fieldwork, genome sequencing and genome editing. Make sure you thoroughly research the course beforehand, and that you have a realistic understanding of what the course entails. You can also speak to existing students or post-graduates of the course to gain a better understanding of what you are in for. Displaying this realistic understanding in your Biology Oxford personal statement can also give you an edge over other contestants, as it shows that you have a reasonable and thought-through motivation for the course.

3. Read biology content

Of course, Oxford does not expect you to be an expert in your field of study– you are going to university to study the material after all. However, for any biological sciences personal statement, showing that you are well-read in your course and reading ahead is a great way of demonstrating your interest in it. Look at it this way: if we are interested in a movie star, we would want to find out everything about him. Similarly, if you are genuinely interested in your course, you would also naturally want to learn more and explore the topic on your own. Reading does not only include books. This could also include podcasts, magazine articles, or even Netflix documentaries. Listening to a podcast on your ride home from school can be a nice way to ease such material into your lifestyle. You can find some good articles in Nature or Scientific American that publishes the latest innovations in biochemistry, and you can also visit Oxford’s recommended reading list for some book inspirations: Balliol Biology Reading .

4. Start early

Always try and start your Biology personal statements early so you would have enough time to get feedback on your work and sufficient time to revise drafts. If you are going through writer’s block and have been staring at an empty word document for days, begin by writing a bullet point of all the achievements and experiences you have been a part of in the recent 5 years, a separate list of the desirable qualities of a biology student, and a separate list of what the course is about. You can work from there by matching your experiences to the desirable qualities of aspects of the course and slowly flesh our paragraphs. Once you have a rough draft, you can start organising your information and writing the paragraphs in a more succinct and ideal fashion.

5. Proofread your work

Try and buffer enough time to allow friends, family, and preferably seniors of the course to read through your Oxford Biology personal statement to factor in feedback! Remember, especially because you are telling your own story, you might not be the most objective judge of your Biology Oxford personal statement. After writing your statement, it can also be good to not touch it for a week and come back to it with a fresh mind to re-edit the draft.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Oxford Biology Personal Statement

1. listing every achievement that you have done.

Remember that Oxford tutors are looking for students who are a good match for the course. This means that it is likely that not every single experience that you had in high school might be relevant for biology. For example, topping your cohort in History might be impressive, but if you don’t demonstrate how it is relevant to studying biology, it would not add value to your Biology personal statement.

2. Compare yourself with your friends or peers

It might seem tempting to pitch yourself against other applicants you know and to see how you measure up against them, or try and include experiences in your Biology personal statement Oxford because you think other applicants have done such experiences. Remember that Oxford tutors are looking out for students who are a good match for that course, and changing yourself to be another type of student may not necessarily make you a more competitive candidate. Be authentic and sincere as to why you and your experiences are a good fit for the course and don’t try to be someone else!

3. Sacrifice readability for fancy language

Understand that the Biology Oxford personal statement is a medium for you to tell your story and your passion. If using a thesaurus is getting in the way of that, opt for simple language. Oxford tutors value Biolofy personal statements that they can read with ease and understand. Just imagine this– the tutor would be reading hundreds of Oxford personal statements in one day. Even though they are highly qualified, if you use scatter your essay with too many unconventional words, it would make it extremely difficult for them to get through your essay or even understand the point that you are trying to convey. If you’re not familiar with certain words, don’t use them as it might work against you instead!

4. Explain why you are a good fit for biology, instead of what the university or biology can do for you

Remember that you are applying to get into university, so your tutors are looking out for students who would match the course well and benefit from it. Flattery to the university would not help your application and would only take up valuable word count– you are already applying, so they already know that you are interested in pursuing a degree with them.

5. Being cliché and Unprofessional

You don’t need an “aha” moment that inspired your whole future or motivation for your university degree. A simple explanation of how unique aspects of biology intrigues you or draws you in, although seemingly simple and ordinary, would be even more valuable if explained well. Try to be authentic and original, and really understand why YOU would love studying biology!

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How to Write a Biology Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

By U2 Tutor, Holly (Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences graduate and current Graduate Medic at St George’s Hospital Medical School)

Writing a personal statement can be overwhelming - there’s so much pressure to ‘sell yourself’ to the universities in just 4000 characters. In this blog we’ll discuss how to structure your personal statement, as well as tips to simplify the writing process and make your personal statement stand out.

How to Structure your Biology Personal Statement

Paragraph 1: This should be motivation focused i.e. why you want to do Biology above any other course.

Paragraph 2: This should demonstrate your aptitude for the course - explore what you have done so far and the skills you’ve gained from it, in order to show that you’re suited to university learning.

Paragraph 3: This should be a continuation of paragraph 2, ideally discussing some other areas of biology or other skills.

Paragraph 4: Brief discussion of extra-curriculars, but only if they also demonstrate skills which suit you to the course.

Writing the Perfect Biology Personal Statement Introduction

If you take anything from this guide, it’s to avoid clichés! The most important thing you can do is convey your genuine interest in the subject, and saying you’ve wanted to do biology since you were a child isn’t the way to do this (even if it is the case). Equally, try not to exaggerate with your wording, as this can also come across as less authentic. Just try and explain your motivations clearly and honestly, and focus on showing this motivation through your experiences and beyond syllabus knowledge.

Writing the opening sentence can be the hardest part, so is often best left until the end . There’s a misconception that you have to write a captivating, attention-grabbing opening sentence - this isn’t the case, especially not for the sciences! It’s completely fine to start simply, such as with ‘I was first drawn to Biology when I studied x…’ and go from there. Remember you have a character limit, so it’s best to just go straight in!

Forming a First Draft of Your Biology Personal Statement

Don’t put pressure on yourself to write a full draft on your first attempt. There will be lots of redrafting and restructuring and that’s okay! Give yourself plenty of time to allow for this.

The best way to start is to write down everything you want to include in your personal statement - include everything you can think of from an academic and extra-curricular perspective. Try not to include anything beyond the last few years, as this is unlikely to be relevant . For each point, determine what skills you gained from these experiences and what you learnt from them .

Then compare this to the skills/ qualities most sought after for the courses you’re applying to (this is likely to be very similar between universities). Whilst it can seem overwhelming at first, it’s a quick way of narrowing down what is worth including in your personal statement. From there you can work out how to elaborate on these experiences. Try to group them together in themes if possible, so that you can organise your paragraphs accordingly.

Ideas to Show Your Interest

You might be thinking that your list of things to include in your personal statement is going to be rather short - you hopefully have plenty of time to rectify that! If you’ve not yet had a chance, it’s important to explore Biology in more depth - this is to distinguish you from your classmates doing the same subjects. Remember the universities will also see your grades through UCAS, so you’re wasting some of the precious word count by mentioning these. Instead, you need to discuss co-curriculars - evidence that you’ve explored the subject and have a genuine interest. Try and find 2-3 broad areas of Biology that you’re interested in and ideally match with some of the modules offered as part of the courses you’re applying to . There are plenty of ways you can do this…

Books - these have been divided into some broad topics within some of the popular Biology courses:

Biomedical:

Do No Harm - Henry Marsh

Fragile Lives - Stephen Westaby

The Body: A Guide for Occupants - Bill Bryson

The Selfish Gene - Richard Dawkins,

The Epigenetics Revolution - Nessa Carey

Genome - Matt Ridley

Psychology:

Any of Oliver Sacks books, particularly The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat or Awakenings

The Psychopath Test - Jon Ronson

On the Origin of Species - Charles Darwin

Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari

Epigenetics: The Wisdom of Whores - Elizabeth Pisani

Cognitive sciences: Daniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and Slow

Essay competitions

There are yearly competitions hosted by Minds Underground to allow you to explore topics you might not have encountered before.

Many Oxbridge colleges also run their own essay competitions , as well as biological societies e.g. Royal Society of Biology and British Society for Cell Biology . Essay competitions are particularly relevant to Oxbridge applications as supervisions often require you to write similar essays.

Biology Work Experience

It can be useful to get work experience, such as in a lab, but don’t feel like this is an essential - universities understand it can be very difficult to find, especially in the post-covid era. If you do have experience, be careful not to just list what you did during work experience. Focus on the skills you gained, and how you could use these at university e.g. familiarity with different lab-based techniques.

Research Projects (Minds Underground)

Similar to Extended Projects offered by some schools, you could write your own research project exploring a topic of your choice. It can be difficult to decide on a title - it might be easier to use your A-level content as a springboard, and design a project to investigate something you’ve learnt about. For example, you could design a literature review to analyse existing research on a topic, in order to identify gaps in current research and inform future research opportunities. You could also design your own experiment (although there obviously limits to this!) such as investigating conditions needed by different plants.

Minds Underground can guide you through this with a Biology expert… https://www.mindsunderground.com/work-research-experience

Biology Summer School (Minds Underground)

Summer schools can be an exciting way to get a taster of a variety of different university level biology subjects, from genetic engineering and cancer therapies to ecology and behaviour. Minds Underground hosts an amazing Biology summer school run by Oxbridge graduates, allowing you to broaden your knowledge of Biology whilst gaining useful personal statement and interview material.

Talks and podcasts

Online lectures can also give you a taste of university courses - these are widely available from universities and sites such as Ted Talks . Podcasts are increasingly popular, and are an easy way to keep up to date with current development in Biology. We recommend The Infinite Monkey Cage (less Biology specific, but very interesting!) and Radiolab .

Extra-curriculars

In the past there’s been a focus on the ‘all rounder’: someone who is academic, musical and sporty. This is not really the case any more, and so extracurriculars shouldn’t take up a significant proportion of your personal statement. The purpose of mentioning these should be to show what skills you’ve gained, and how you could apply these to your course or university life. For example, your weekly football match could have helped develop your team working skills and communication skills, something which is essential in a lab environment. Equally, it could allow you to switch off for a few hours and maintain your high work ethic - this is just as important, as universities (particularly high achieving ones) increasingly want to see that you can maintain a work-life balance.

Applying to Oxford for Biology? Here’s What You Should Also Do

To craft a standout personal statement for Oxford Biological Sciences specifically, it can be helpful to gear your personal statement to specific qualities and details that the university values. Here are some tips to enhance your Biology personal statement with an application for Oxford in mind:

1. Demonstrate Academic Rigour:

Highlight your passion for biology through academic achievements, relevant coursework, and independent research.

Discuss specific topics or scientific concepts that have captivated your interest and showcase your understanding of advanced material. You could have a look through the 1st year Oxford Biology modules and see if anything you have explored links to material you may cover at the university.

2. Emphasise Independent Thinking:

Discuss instances where you've independently pursued scientific inquiry or engaged in co-curricular activities related to biology.

Oxford values students who can think critically and contribute to discussions, so emphasise your ability to approach problems independently.

3. Reflect on Your Reading:

As detailed above, mention books, articles, or research papers that have influenced your understanding of biology. However, don’t just list them - make sure you give your independent analysis and opinion on everything you have included in your personal statement.

Oxford is known for its tutorial system, and demonstrating that you've engaged with challenging material beyond the standard curriculum can set you apart.

4. Discuss Your Practical Skills:

Describe any laboratory work, experiments, or field studies you've been involved in.

Showcasing hands-on experience is crucial, as it aligns with Oxford's emphasis on practical learning.

5. Showcase Interdisciplinary Interests:

Oxford appreciates interdisciplinary approaches. If your interest in biology connects with other disciplines, explain how and why.

Mention any relevant projects or coursework that spans multiple scientific domains.

6. Make It Personal and Reflective:

Share personal anecdotes or experiences that sparked your interest in biology.

Reflect on how your unique background or experiences contribute to your perspective as a future biologist.

7. Highlight Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

Illustrate instances where you've had to think critically, solve problems, or overcome challenges.

Oxford seeks students who can navigate complex issues and contribute meaningfully to academic discussions.

8. Address Your Motivation for Oxford:

Clearly articulate why you want to study biology at Oxford specifically, without mentioning the university explicitly as the personal statement also needs to be relevant to your other university choices.

Discuss the aspects of the Oxford programme (again, without mentioning the university explicitly) that appeal to you and how it aligns with your long-term goals.

9. Prepare for Interview Discussion:

Anticipate questions that might arise from your personal statement and be ready to discuss your ideas in-depth.

Consider how your experiences and perspectives can contribute to academic discussions at Oxford.

A standout personal statement for Oxford is not just a list of achievements but a narrative that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, a passion for biology, and the potential to thrive in Oxford's academic environment. View the personal statement as a springboard for engaging discussions during interviews!

Biological Science Personal Statement Example

Siddhartha Mukherjee's "The Gene: An Intimate History" ignited a profound curiosity in the intricate tapestry of genetic inheritance and molecular mechanisms. Mukherjee's narrative skilfully brought to life the historical context and societal impact of genetics, serving as a catalyst that fuelled my exploration into the foundational works of molecular biology. Inspired by Mukherjee's narrative, I expanded my exploration of genetics through literature, delving into Carl Zimmer's "She Has Her Mother's Laugh." This broadened my perspective on the broader implications of genetic inheritance, touching on topics from heredity and evolution to the societal impact of genetic discoveries. Zimmer's adept blend of scientific rigour and accessible storytelling not only deepened my understanding of genetics but also prompted me to critically analyse the ethical implications of manipulating genetic information, shaping my conviction to approach the rapidly advancing field of genetics with a thoughtful consideration of its societal ramifications. In delving into Watson and Crick's seminal paper on the structure of DNA, I also found myself captivated by the meticulous unravelling of the double helix. This exploration propelled me beyond textbook learning into an understanding of the molecular foundations that govern life. This foundational knowledge took on practical significance as I engaged in a genetic engineering project that utilised CRISPR-Cas9 technology to manipulate bacterial DNA. . This hands-on experience not only solidified my laboratory skills but also deepened my appreciation for the practical implications of gene editing, fueling my commitment to ethical scientific practices. I learn about the delicate balance between scientific innovation and responsible ethical practices, shaping my perspective on the potential impacts of cutting-edge technologies in the biological sciences. This awareness was further honed during a summer school class dedicated to the revolutionary CRISPR technology. Here, I explored the nuances of gene editing's potential applications, ethical implications, and the ongoing discourse in the scientific community. This exploration sparked a particular interest in the potential application of CRISPR technology for targeted gene therapy, a revolutionary avenue with transformative implications for treating genetic disorders at the molecular level. This newfound fascination with gene therapy, particularly in the context of CRISPR technology, has propelled my desire to contribute to the evolving landscape of biomedical research and therapeutic interventions, further solidifying my commitment to exploring the intersection of cutting-edge science and ethical considerations. My interest in biology extended beyond the microscopic realm into the intricate interplay of species within ecological systems. I recently watched an online lecture on ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity, which delved into the relationships that shape ecosystems. This exploration found resonance in a podcast episode titled "Ecology in Action," where real-world ecological projects illuminated the practical applications of ecological principles I had studied. I am particularly interested in the study of symbiotic relationships in ecosystems, exploring how mutualistic interactions between species contribute to the resilience and sustainability of ecological communities—a concept that I find particularly fascinating for its broader implications in conservation biology and ecosystem management. Each aspect of my exploration into the world of biology has added a layer to my understanding, creating a solid foundation for further academic pursuits and a future dedicated to advancing the frontiers of biological knowledge.

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Biology or Biological Natural Sciences Application?

Biology personal statement support.

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Biology 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.

Oxbridge Biology Tuition

We offer Oxbridge Mentoring for students looking for support throughout the application process (book a free consultation to discuss options). We have a large team of Oxford Biology and Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences tutors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge-educated Biology tutor and send their full CV for review. Our mentors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Biology at Oxford and Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences, and are well-placed to guide you through Biology personal statement curation 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 Biology 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 Biology, and is exposed to a range of key concepts and topics.

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 , 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.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Oxbridge Admissions Process

How to write a biomedical science personal statement.

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• Biology Masters Personal Statement Sample

Written by Jennifer Bevan

This is an example personal statement for a Masters degree application in Biology. See our guide for advice on writing your own postgraduate personal statement .

Over the time I have been studying Biology the importance of the subject has been repeatedly highlighted to me. From the development of novel treatments for medical conditions to the optimisation of crop growth, biological research has saved and improved millions of lives. Thoroughly understanding Biology is essential to continue developing and improving our current methods and I hope to be involved in this process in a microbiological setting. Since learning about the increasing antibiotic resistance in common bacterial pathogens, my interests have primarily been in microbiology.

I have applied for your MSc course as I hope to gain more in-depth knowledge into the pathogenicity of bacteria and the classes of antibiotics currently in development. Your modules in medical microbiology, host-microbe interactions, and microbial physiology and virulence would be ideal for developing the specialist knowledge I desire. I was also drawn to this programme for the opportunity to work in a cutting-edge microbiology laboratory on a piece of extended independent research. During my undergraduate research I read numerous papers from your research groups and the opportunity to work with some of these academics would be invaluable.

Throughout my Bachelors degree in Biology, for which I achieved a first, I developed a range of skills that would be an excellent foundation for the content covered in this programme. I gained experience with statistical packages including GraphPad InStat and Prism, particularly during my final year project to analyse my data. Several of my modules included laboratory experience including cell culture, Gram staining and pouring agar plates. During this time, I kept a laboratory book and developed excellent record keeping, which will be important for the independent research in a Masters. For my final year project, I assessed the susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus to a mixture of vinegar and honey, both of which are known to have antimicrobial activity alone. This project allowed me to develop a range of new microbiology skills, particularly using checkerboard assays and improving my aseptic technique. Upon completion of my degree, I was awarded the Royal Society of Biology top student award to recognise my achievements and the skills I had developed.

Following my graduation, I worked as a laboratory technician at a school during term time. In this role excellent time management is essential to allow sufficient time to prepare experiments for the students and tidy up before the next class. I am responsible for cleaning, safely storing and keeping a catalogue of the equipment and consumables in the storeroom so being well organised is crucial. Since beginning this role, I have further developed my ability to work as part of a team through liaising with teachers regarding timetables or experiment plans and by supporting them during practical work.

While I enjoyed being a laboratory technician, I hope to use the valuable laboratory experience I gained to achieve a Masters in Biology and ultimately pursue a career in microbiology research.

What are some of my options for studying a Masters in Biology?

Postgraduate certificate in education (biology) pgce, king’s college london faculty of social science & public policy, msc biotechnology with project management, university of bedfordshire school of life sciences, msc biotechnology and enterprise, the university of manchester faculty of biology, medicine and health, biotechnology & management - msc/pgdip, university of glasgow adam smith business school, biotechnology and business enterprise - mres, newcastle university medical sciences graduate school, our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice, find a masters in biology.

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Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Last Updated: 12th April 2022

Author: Chloe Hewitt

• Natural Sciences

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Natural Science applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The Natural Science Course at Cambridge is a unique and demanding course focused on blurring the boundaries between the different fields of science. 

Read on to see how this candidate wrote a Personal Statement that helped secure their place on a reputable degree. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Cambridge Natural Science comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

Natural Science (Physical) Personal Statement

The more I discover about physics, the less I realise that I know, and the keener I am to further explore unfamiliar topics at university. Studying areas such as special relativity and quantum mechanics have made me question concepts I took as given, such as the nature and manipulation of time and the degree of certainty to which we can truly know anything.

My particular interest in physics was sparked when I read an article on quantum physics, and was introduced to a simple description of the fundamental constituents of matter. This led me to read further about particle physics. I particularly enjoyed Brian Greene’s The Elegant Universe, which gave me a brief insight into the intricacies of string theory, and The Feynman Lectures on Physics, from which I learnt new mechanics and probability theory. I watch lectures on the MIT website, read New Scientist and am a junior member of the IoP to further my knowledge of new scientific developments. I enjoyed visiting CERN last year and learning more about the experiments conducted there. I have also competed in national challenges to develop my thinking skills further, achieving bronze in the Physics Olympiad, silver in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and gold in the Senior Maths Challenge. Additionally, this year I won the school leavers’ physics prize.

Last summer I attended a residential Headstart physics course at the University of Leicester, and spent three days at the Debate Chamber physics school. I enjoyed performing undergraduate experiments, and was particularly interested by the lectures on recent developments in nanotechnology and the ways in which nanoparticles could be used to destroy cancerous cells in the body. I also had a tantalising glimpse of some of the complex mathematics behind General Relativity, and would love to study this intricate topic in more detail. These experiences confirmed my love of physics as well as increasing my appreciation of more complicated subjects not covered by my A Level courses. Furthermore, they helped to develop my skills in processing new information and quickly adapting to unfamiliar concepts.

I recently took part in an extended-essay competition at school, producing an independently researched piece of work on the superluminal neutrinos apparently found in 2011. I focused on the impossibility of faster-than-light travel according to special relativity, and the implications for time travel the discovery would have had if the measurements had been correct. This gave me the chance to explore further a subject I was interested in but had not studied at school. I researched my essay by reading scientific journals and textbooks, and speaking to scientists I met at physics events.

I will shortly begin a paid internship at Hildebrand Technology Ltd, where I will be using mathematical modelling of real life situations for statistical analysis. This will be an opportunity to apply mathematical techniques I have learnt in school to more complex problems. This placement, along with self-studying university textbooks and extra further maths modules, will ensure that I maintain and expand my maths skills and scientific knowledge during my gap year.

In my final year I was captain of the school Boat Club. I have rowed in the top senior boat since I was 15, and in 2013 I won silver at National Schools and gold at Schools Head. This sport has involved intensive training, which demands self-discipline and commitment. I love music, and take part in many close harmony groups and choirs, as well as taking grades in musical theatre, singing and piano. My music and sport, along with lifeguarding and weekly volunteering at a local primary school, have allowed me to develop my time management skills and use the time I have for work efficiently and productively.

I am a hardworking and intellectually curious student and am excited by the prospect of developing my mathematical skills and studying physics at a more advanced level at university.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This is a very good statement. The statement is well structured, and the student’s motivation to study physics is clear. All points are explained clearly, and experiences expanded on. The student uses examples beyond their A-level studies to explain their desire to study physics, which comes across very well to the reader.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The student forgets to use quotation marks around the names of books etc., and also ‘the’ before ‘New Scientist’. Whilst these are rudimentary errors, a simple proof-read would have found these. The main issue with this statement is its length. There are eight paragraphs in total.  By the penultimate paragraph it is clear enough that the student has done many physics-related extra-curricular activities. The quality of the statement will not be reduced if it is shortened.  The student does not explain acronyms, e.g. ‘IoP’. Some sentences can be shortened in order to save space, e.g. ‘I have also competed in national challenges to develop my thinking skills further, achieving bronze in the Physics Olympiad, silver in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and gold in the Senior Maths Challenge’ can be shortened to ‘I have also competed in national challenges to develop my thinking skills further, achieving bronze, silver and gold medals in the Physics Olympiad, Cambridge Chemistry and Senior Maths Challenges respectively’.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

In general, this is a very good statement. It is well written, and the student’s motivation to study physics at university is clear from the very beginning. Due to the length of the statement, it is quite cumbersome to read. With some shortening, this would be a compact and powerful statement.

This Personal Statement for Natural Science is a solid example of demonstrating a wealth of knowledge, motivation and interest, vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Cambridge, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Check out our other successful personal statements and our expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

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Graduate School Personal Statement

Criteria for success.

• Your personal statement convinces a faculty committee that you are qualified for their program.
• It convinces them that you are a good fit for their program’s focus and goals.
• You show a select group of skills and experiences that convey your scientific accomplishments and interests.
• Your experiences are concrete and quantitative.
• Your personal statement is no more than 2 pages.

Structure Diagram

The graduate school personal statement tells your story and demonstrates that you are a good match for a particular department or program. Matching goes both ways: they should be interested in you, and you should be interested in them. Your personal statement should make this match clear.

Analyze Your Audience

Your personal statement will be read by a graduate committee, a handful of faculty from your program. They’re trying to determine if you will be a successful graduate student in their department, a positive force in the department’s intellectual life, and a successful scientist after you graduate. They are therefore interested in your qualifications as a researcher, your career goals, and how your personality matches their labs and department.

The graduate committee probably reads hundreds of applications a year. To make it easy for them to figure out that you are a good fit, make direct, concrete statements about your accomplishments and qualifications. To make it easy for them to remember you, create a narrative that “brands” you.

Create a personal narrative

PhD programs invest in the professional and scientific growth of their students. Get the committee excited about investing in you by opening your essay with a brief portrait of what drives you as a scientist. What research directions are you passionate about, and why? What do you picture yourself doing in 10 years?

Close your essay with a 2-3 sentence discussion of your career interests. No one will hold you to this; this just helps your committee visualize your potential trajectory.

Describe your experiences

Experiences are the “what” of your essay. What experiences led you to develop your skill set and passions? Where have you demonstrated accomplishment, leadership, and collaboration? Include research, teaching, and relevant extracurriculars. State concrete achievements and outcomes like awards, discoveries, or publications.

Quantify your experiences to show concrete impact. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? How many people were in competition for an award? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students?

Describe actions, not just changes in your internal mental or emotional state. A personal statement is a way to make a narrative out of your CV. It is not a diary entry.

Explain the meaning of your experiences

Meaning is the “why” or “so what” of the document. Why was this experience important to your growth as a scientist? What does it say about your abilities and potential? It feels obvious to you, but you need to be explicit with your audience. Your descriptions of meaning should also act as transition statements between experiences: try to “wrap” meaning around your experiences.

Demonstrate match to your target program

Demonstrate an understanding of the program to which you’re applying and about how you will be successful in that program. To do this:

• Read the program’s website. See what language they use to describe themselves, and echo that language in your essay. For example, MIT Biological Engineering’s website lists the department’s three objectives.
• Get in contact with faculty (or students) in your target program. If you have had a positive discussion with someone at the department, describe how those interactions made you think that you and the department may be well-matched.
• State which professors in the program you would plan to work with. Show how their research areas align with your background and your goals. You can even describe potential research directions or projects.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

These are selected sections from the personal statement that an MIT BE graduate student wrote in their successful application to MIT BE. 675 KB

Annotated Example 2

This is the personal statement from an MIT BE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT BE program. 11 MB

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Human biology personal statement example 1.

Having always had a keen interest in Biology, specifically in the human area, I believe that studying a degree in is the perfect opportunity for me to deepen my understanding of the subject. My aim, subject to successful completion of my studies at university, would be to continue my studies but in the field of chiropractory. My decision was strengthened following treatment for my own back problems and the improvement in my overall health, something which conventional medicine had failed to be able to achieve. This prompted my heavy interest in the course. Studying a degree in would be an invaluable step towards this final aim

Unfortunately work experience in the chiropractic field is extremely difficult to come by and I have been unable to experience any

However, following discussions with my chiropractor, he has offered me a placement in the coming year. Earlier in the year, I attended a Medlink event in Nottingham aimed at informing potential medical candidates of courses available. This reinforced my decision in both my chosen career and the option to take a as a foundation degree

Apart from this, until recently I have been working at Tesco on the chicken counter. Although not linked with my course or career, I felt that the job proved invaluable in the development of my communication skills and being able to work as a team. Due to the nature of the work, I was also constantly working to deadlines. I have also gained a lot of experiences from in school activities. I have acted as a guide on open days, helped with charity work and more recently have begun working as a peer mentor. The opportunity to take part in such activities has further enabled my communication skills, now also with younger people and also to gain trust and act independently as well as part of a team

Outside of school, I have been fortunate enough to take part in many different activities and interests. Socialising is important to me especially because it provides and outlet for stress and helps communication which in my chosen career is extremely valuable

Furthermore I regularly attend church in which I have helped run a youth group and help with the organisation and set up of charity events in a family based fundraising group. I have a strong interest in music and enjoy playing the piano and listening to music as much as possible. From doing this, I have been able to improve my exam confidence and have also learned how to relax. I also attend dance lessons; enjoy cycling, cooking and playing squash and badminton. I am also looking into beginning a course into massage and the uses thereof. I believe that such activities, although add little to my academic achievement have been vital in my study up until this point as they have provided a way of winding down after heavy work loads and hopefully become a friendly outgoing person. This I believe would be very useful in studying at university

Despite my numerous out of school activities, I would like to assure that I allow time for my work and rarely miss deadlines. I am a conscientious worker and my studies have always taken preference over my personal interests and will continue to do so in order to fulfil my future goals.

Profile info

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

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

really good

Tue, 19/05/2009 - 19:23

your rubbish

Mon, 04/10/2010 - 09:42

Tue, 24/05/2011 - 22:53

page filler!

Tue, 05/07/2011 - 17:54

if you cut out all the glossy language, there's not a lot here. It could easily be summarised thus:

I like biology. I work in Tesco and I will do some work experience in the future. I am a hard worker. The end.

I will do the same.

@ Iyada by guest at 22/10

Tue, 02/10/2012 - 15:42

@ Iyada by guest at 22/10/2008 14:52:07

YOur an absolute joke u wouldnt get into a mental institution with that.BUT IM GONA COPY AND PASTE IT ANYWAY CHEERS MATE !! LOL

why make fun of it then copy and paste it. I for one found it very helpful.

Comment by guest at 02/10

Tue, 02/10/2012 - 16:11

Comment by guest at 02/10/2012 15:42:36

Totally agree blad :)

Add new comment

• Pre-Health Paths
• Pre-Medicine

Personal Statement

The personal statement accomplishes a variety of goals:

• It explains why you are choosing a career in medicine.
• It puts a "face" to your application.
• It helps medical schools understand your experiences, interests and values.

What Medical Schools Look For

• Evidence that you understand the realities of medicine.
• Your view on why you have chosen a career in medicine.
• Your life story - How did you get to this point?
• Your values/experiences - Why is medicine a good fit for you?

Common Pitfalls

• Writing only about medicine and not about yourself.
• Not giving yourself enough time to revise multiple drafts.
• Cutting and pasting the statement from a Word document into the application, which introduces formatting errors. Make sure to write statement in a text-only program like Notepad or directly into the essay.
• Not proofing the final draft carefully.
• Not being aware of the tone of essay; coming across as arrogant or entitled to a career in medicine.
• Relying only on your ideas of medicine and not showing how you tested your decision with experiences.
• Writing a personal statement that could apply to any applicant.
• Repeating information that can be found elsewhere in the application.
• Start early. If you procrastinate on a personal statement, you delay the whole application process.
• Overwrite at the beginning of the process. Any extra material can often be used in secondary applications and preparing for interviews.
• Edit the final draft to 5,300 characters (including spaces) for AMCAS statements (usually a page and a half single spaced).
• Personal statement workshops   are held in winter and spring quarters. They are designed to help you begin the writing process.   See our events page   for upcoming workshops.
• Individual advising appointments   are available for preparation and feedback.   Book an appointment to meet with an advisor .
• You can review examples of successful personal statements at the HPA office. They are available for viewing at the reception desk.
• Check out   Essay Workshop 101 on the Student Doctor Network   website for tips and considerations.
• If you need style help,   The Writing Place   can help with grammar and expression (but not with content).