Chemistry degree personal statement example (1l) UCL offer, voluntary work

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Many aspects of chemistry fascinate me, including research into the transformation of raw materials into products with useful properties such as improved efficiency, lightweight nature or in the energy field, cleaner fuels. Professor Dermot O’Hare recently said that our generation has a responsibility to solve the energy crisis. I would like to study chemistry to take on this challenge and contribute to making the difference in the field of cleaner fuels as well as in many other areas of chemistry.

I enjoy the diversity of chemistry from theoretical mathematics to practical experiments concerning chemical processes. I recently took part in a university chemistry open day involving advanced infrared spectroscopy, which really opened my eyes to the analytical skills required for the subject. In groups we were trusted to prepare different volumes of unknown compounds and place them in the infrared spectroscoper, after which we attempted to decipher the constituent compounds according to their chemical signatures. Carboxylic acids were easy to recognise due to their wide O-H group, but other substances were more difficult. This day reinforced my ability and enjoyment for chemistry’s variety: the creative experimentation, followed by the mathematical and precise analysis. The day showed me that I have much to learn and increased my thirst for knowledge and determination to learn beyond what I am being taught.

Over the summer I researched how ethanol and hydrogen could play a role in the fuels of tomorrow. Through my membership of ChemNet, I have been to RSC lectures into technology for extending battery life. I am also reading Nanofuture by J. Storrs Hall, which describes the creation of sub-atomic level machines that could replicate themselves to atomic precision and how such machines’ tailored parts would allow them to function without human assistance, much like biological cells.

I enjoy organic chemistry, areas such as the oxidation of alcohols into carboxylic acids, which can be used as polymers and food additives. This is a prime example of the transformation of raw substances into more useful products. Ralph Emerson said: ‘Science does not know its debt to imagination’. In my opinion this highlights the link between the rational and the abstract in chemistry. I believe this is the fundamental notion behind research: plucking ideas from the mind and giving them substance. The prospect of being able to research and develop new ways of improving the world drives my passion to study chemistry at university.

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

During the summer I undertook work experience in a pharmacy. I was able to assist chemists with experiments such as making ranitidine and lidocaine syrup. I also helped with the preparation of prescription medicines, including working out the percentages and masses of the chemicals needed for each recipe and recording the equipment employed. I was given responsibility for administration including recording orders and stock.

For my French A level I completed a week of work experience in a school in Meaux. Teaching young children was rewarding and required a lot of concentration and imagination. By the end of my stay my French improved and I gained a better insight into French culture and people.

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

I volunteer at my local parish every Saturday, where a team is responsible for making sandwiches and hot drinks for homeless people in central London. It is important to show commitment, as people will go hungry if we waver in our attendance. I will endeavour to show the same commitment towards my studies at university.

I have been a member of Haringey Borough Swimming Club for over seven years. This involves training twice a week and taking part in galas where teamwork is essential to win the relays and competitions. I hope this experience will help me to work alongside fellow scientists during both laboratory work and possible research in the future.

I am committed to the study of chemistry and hope to take this to PhD level.

Universities applied to:

• University College London (MSci)
• University of Oxford (MSci)
• University of Bristol (MSci)
• University of Warwick (MSci)
• Imperial College London (MSci)

Grades achieved:

• Chemistry (A2) - A
• Maths (A2) - A
• French (A2) - A*
• English Literature (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.