Chemistry degree personal statement example (1t) with review and advice

Expert feedback from The Student Room personal statement reviewer

There are some well constructed paragraphs in this statement however some of the paragraphs are lacking in length and content. Similarly most of the paragraphs begin with “I” which doesn’t allow the statement to flow, instead it makes it read as if it were a list. However, the candidate has done well to express their enjoyment for the subject and the passion is clear in the first stages of the statement. The statement appears to be in two halves though, the candidate starts well talking about their subject but quickly goes off this path and no mention of chemistry comes back into the statement.

In terms of structure the sentences are either too long or contain too much punctuation. The candidate would do well to combine some of the smaller paragraphs together to make the overall personal statement more readable. It is important to keep the theme of your subject running throughout as well as making yourself seem like a well rounded candidate. The lack of conclusion to this personal statement does not help the statement and it is important for a statement to have both an introduction and a conclusion.

The work experience and extracurricular reading makes the candidate a lot stronger, as does the talk of hobbies and things of interest. I would suggest the candidate incorporates the subject with the hobbies more though and explains the relationship between the two.

Comments on the statement:

• "All aspects of chemistry and the ever-changing needs of society, particularly in the environmental field, fascinate me. Above all I enjoy experimenting and the challenge of understanding chemistry with its surrounding issues. In addition, there are many career choices open to me including pharmaceuticals, research, management and the chemical manufacturing industry." This is a good start as it explains well the passion and the reasons for studying. The candidate has done well to pin point a certain area of interest as this makes them seem more confident within their subject.

• "Much thought went into my decision to study chemistry; I first had the idea because it is one of my favourite subjects. At a higher education fair I went to a lecture entitled 'Why Chemistry?' which illustrated the good career prospects. I attended general open days for science subjects but I greatly enjoyed visiting chemistry departments, often chatting informally with undergraduates, which increased my thirst for chemistry. I found research opportunities and a good balance between pure and applied science, some of the many attractive features of chemistry courses. I was finally convinced that chemistry was the subject for me because of my enjoyment of the subject." The sentence about using The Times website is unnecessary and has been removed.

• "I have recently completed work shadowing at Anglia Water laboratories, Huntingdon, where I learnt how a modern analytical industrial chemistry laboratory functions." This is a good place to talk about how this work experience has made you want to study chemistry further.

• "I am a regular reader of both 'Chemistry Review' and 'Chemistry in Britain'." It would strengthen the statement to discuss specific articles or why these publications interest you.

• "Currently, I work as a laboratory technician repairing and constructing laboratory apparatus." This shows trustworthiness as well as knowledge and drive for chemistry. The original mention of physics was downplayed to keep focus on chemistry.

• For extracurriculars such as scouting and amateur dramatics a stronger link to chemistry-related skills and qualities would improve the statement. The cultural and other personal experiences demonstrate breadth, but maintaining subject relevance is important.

• The conclusion should be stronger, summarising why the candidate is suitable for chemistry and university study. Ending with a hobby is less effective than a focused closing statement.