Biology degree personal statement example (1a)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

As a child, my only knowledge of biology was that there are human body parts that "magically" work to allow us to walk and run. I now realise that biology is everywhere whether it is at the bottom of the sea or in the highest mountains in the world biology will be involved one way or another. In the fascinating world of biology, many organisms live together or against each other, even if they are 10 times bigger than us or impossible to notice with the human eye. My passion for biology began right at the beginning of secondary school, remembering looking at a little droplet on a simple piece of glass turning into thousands upon thousands little cells with the help of a microscope, my passion has evolved greatly over the years, learning about the cellular respiration and how much our body does to help us convert nutrients into energy for our bodily function in the matter of milliseconds. Biology has helped us in many different ways like vaccines and medicines yet there are still many questions to be asked such as: Is there a cure for cancer? Will we ever discover every species on this planet? Could we ever stop ageing?

The future is unknown however I'm looking forward to expanding my knowledge on biology and the world around us, to meeting new people and to create new memories at university. I hope to succeed greatly within my studies.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Currently I am studying advanced higher biology, within my studies I have learned about the amazing story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman who unintentionally helped save the world. Henrietta Lacks had her cancerous cells taken away from her without her consent. Her cells were a key to discovering many cures for and researching diseases such as polio, HIV & AIDS and Zika disease. Recently her cells were used to create the COVID-19 vaccine. I studied higher chemistry which has greatly developed my accuracy skills, burettes were used frequently which required patience and precision. The countless experiments in schools have enhanced my practical laboratory skills, analytics and decision making skills. I am also currently studying advanced higher mathematics which has strengthened my problem solving and critical thinking skills.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I participated in Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) and received my bronze and silver award, it was a great experience as I struggle with social anxiety and being part of a team challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and socialise with the rest of my group. DofE strengthened my teamwork skills as I had to communicate and work with the team to make the best decisions to complete our goal. This is greatly useful for when working with others communicating and on experiments and projects. DofE helped me build me responsibility skills as well as decision making. I volunteered in my local community every Monday with that achieving 50-hour saltire award. We had to socialise with people who have special needs, this was another great opportunity to go out of my comfort zone and improve my confidence while improving my communication and having a great time meeting new people. This will allow me to easily assimilate into university life. I've also volunteered in school for S1 buddying, we had to help the new pupils adapt to their timetable, guiding them to their classes and taking them to their next, this has strengthened my leadership and time management skills.

Travelling is a hobby of mine, I've been to over 10 different countries and islands; travelling has helped me gain confidence and communication skills by talking to the local people in the area and learning different traditions, history and the people seeing how much our lives differ by living in different countries.

Universities applied to:

• Heriot-Watt
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Dundee
• University of Dundee (1 year in the industry)
• University of Edinburgh

Grades achieved:

• Unconditional offer
• Unconditional offer
• Unconditional offer
• Unconditional offer
• Conditional offer

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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