Chemistry degree personal statement example (1j) York offer, with comments

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Chemistry is, to me, the process by which mankind is best able to understand and improve its lot in the world. It is chemistry that has made possible the ascent from mankind's primitive origins to the society we have today, and chemistry, which will lead the efforts to solve the problems that face society. My desire for definite, proven knowledge has led me towards science based academic studies, with chemistry alongside maths and physics. These studies complement chemistry well and I often find that information overlaps between them, allowing me to use knowledge from one subject to more clearly understand aspects of another. I have found that of these subjects it is chemistry; which interests me most deeply, as it is the most practical and useful in reality, as it deals with real situations and chemicals as opposed to the idealised situations and pure abstraction found in maths and physics. The introduction of 'green' chemistry also fascinates me as it adds a new dimension of challenge to the work of chemists, with the question no longer being one of making a substance, but of finding the safest cleanest and cheapest way to do so.

Further to my academic studies, I have had the opportunity to attend a chemistry summer school at Oxford University through the UNIQ programme, which enabled me to experience university style chemistry lectures and tutorials from the Oxford professors and participate in practical chemistry, both synthesising compounds and using analytical techniques such as IR spectroscopy and NMR. I was inspired by the chemists I met, who are working and researching today, as it gave me a better feel for the job prospects and potential careers available after a chemistry degree. In addition, the summer school enabled me to get a feel for chemistry at degree level and wider university life, meeting other young people who share my enthusiasm for the subject.

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

My desire for definite, proven knowledge has led me towards science based academic studies, with chemistry alongside maths and physics. These studies complement chemistry well and I often find that information overlaps between them, allowing me to use knowledge from one subject to more clearly understand aspects of another. I have found that of these subjects it is chemistry; which interests me most deeply, as it is the most practical and useful in reality, as it deals with real situations and chemicals as opposed to the idealised situations and pure abstraction found in maths and physics.

Further to my academic studies, I have had the opportunity to attend a chemistry summer school at Oxford University through the UNIQ programme, which enabled me to experience university style chemistry lectures and tutorials from the Oxford professors and participate in practical chemistry, both synthesising compounds and using analytical techniques such as IR spectroscopy and NMR.

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

In my spare time I am a member of the Boys Brigade and have been for the past twelve years. I am currently working to complete my Queens Badge, the highest award the organisation offers, as part of which I was able to organise and run a hands on chemistry class for some of the younger members, which was centred on the theme of everyday chemicals. Conducting the class was very enjoyable as it allowed me to show the younger boys one of the things that greatly interests me about chemistry, that every taste, smell and colour is another chemical at work. In addition, the award has required me to attend skills courses on working with younger members of the brigade and learn how to plan and deliver a presentation. The organization has also helped to teach me both the value of teamwork and the skills required for leadership, which has helped me to work more defectively in almost any situation.

I am also a keen trumpet player, a hobby which has both taught me perseverance and helped me to look at things in a methodical manner as well as being an excellent way to socialize, as I am a member of numerous ensembles, both in and out of my college, including Soar Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and Soar Valley Big Band, in which I am the principal trumpet. Through the orchestra at my college I have been able to participate in the annual Menphys charity carol concert for disabled children at the DeMontfort hall, for which my college provides the orchestra, and through other orchestras I have been able to perform in Austria and Germany, where I was part of an orchestra that opened the Mainz music festival. The opportunity to perform in front of, at times, thousands of people has helped my confidence and has provided me with many amazing experiences. The skills I have acquired from these experiences, as well as my love of chemistry and enthusiasm for learning will, I believe, make my years at university both rewarding and successful and help me on my way to a career in chemistry.

Universities applied to:

• University of Leicester (BSc Chemistry)
• University of East Anglia (MChem Chemistry with a year in industry)
• University of Loughborough (MChem Chemistry with a year in industry)
• University of Nottingham (MChem Chemistry with a year in industry)
• University of York (MChem Chemistry with a year in industry)

Grades achieved:

• Maths (A2) - B
• Chemistry (A2) - B
• Physics (A2) - B
• Further Maths (A2) - C

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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