Chemistry degree personal statement example (1f) volunteer work, UCL offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Chemistry is my first choice when it comes to university courses. I am interested in all areas of Chemistry – from kinetics and equilibrium to organic compounds and their formation. However I find practical work most enjoyable and I am looking forward to the more ‘hands on’ experience at university level. This subject allows me to look at concepts known from GCSE or Key Stage 3 lessons from a different perspective. Also, as I am studying Biology at A level, it lets me understand the Biochemistry in greater depth. Originally, a Pharmaceutical Science degree was on my mind. After giving it much thought and talking to one of the Chemistry professors in a Higher Education fair, I changed my choice to Chemistry as it is a broad subject that will give me a chance to study a wide range of modules and keep my options open for the future.

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

I started UK schooling in Year 10 after my family moved to the UK from Lithuania. Being in a new country, a new school and learning a new language was a challenge that I feel I have overcome by achieving sufficient grades to go to Sixth Form and doing well enough to consider continuing my education. Several moves in my life have taught me self-reliance and confidence.

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

My work experience in Year 10 was in a local National Trust property as a Gardener’s Assistant. During those two weeks I was working as a part of a team doing assigned tasks and helping out whenever possible. After the placement I was offered a job as a Catering Assistant in the same property where I still work as a part of big team and meet many new and interesting people. I have worked there for nearly three seasons and I think that interacting with people outside school, friends or family has improved my English language, social skills and gave me valuable experience.

Outside school I volunteer at a community centre on Friday evenings. There I help to teach English by translating to and from Lithuanian or Russian. I find this very enjoyable as this is a way to help people who are really struggling and, being an immigrant myself, I can empathise with their situation. Also, I was honoured to be chosen to become a Language Leader by the school staff and will be attending the Language Leaders Conference on December 16th. I see this as another opportunity of helping students who learn English as a second language.

After living in a small village in the middle of Cambridgeshire, I am looking forward to living in a student community with all its perks and challenges. I understand that it will be a big change from Sixth Form, but I also am eager to make the most of the experience.

Universities applied to:

• York
• Nottingham
• Loughborough
• Leicester
• University College London

Grades achieved:

• Chemistry (A2) - A
• Biology (A2) - A
• Geography (A2) - B
• Classic Civilization (AS) - C
• Physics (AS) - A

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.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.