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

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

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.

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.

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

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 led 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.

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 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.

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

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

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.

GCSEs - 9A*s, 1B

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

Universities applied to:

• University of Oxford
• University of Sheffield
• University of Warwick
• University of Bath
• University of Lancaster

Grades achieved:

• 9A*s, 1B GCSEs
• 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

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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