Chemistry degree personal statement example (1y) Oxford offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

What inspires me most about chemistry is how hard it is to imagine how anything can be explained without the aid of a chemist. I believe this is really encapsulated by Luciano Caglioti: 'Chemistry is one of the broadest branches of science, if for no other reason than that, when we think about it, everything is chemistry.' It really is a central subject that supports most of biology and medicine and shapes many contemporary ideas from global warming to anti-cancer drugs.

Chemistry will, I believe, satisfy my zeal for learning and understanding, coupled with my thirst for a challenge and an opportunity to enter a world that fascinates me. Chemistry at 'AS' level was much more rewarding than any of my previous studies, as I was exposed to new and powerful techniques. It was fascinating to discover that many of the things I was exposed to before I studied quantum mechanics really owed their existence to the theory of quantum mechanics: from the idea of Bohr orbits, to the complexity and mystery of atoms. There was also a clear connection between many areas of chemistry of which I was previously unaware. These connections were expressed to me in 'Magic Molecules: How Drugs Work', a book that opened my eyes to areas of chemical research and the challenges that a chemist faces when delving in to the unknown. I realise that I have only skimmed the surface of many areas of chemistry and I look forward to the fascinating world that awaits me.

I find organic chemistry to be by far the most interesting. I have particularly enjoyed studying the reactions of carbonyls due to their versatility. More reactions of carbonyls are coming up later in the course and I am looking forward to tackling these new types of mechanisms and expanding my knowledge of synthesis. I also enjoyed many other aspects of this course, especially when I was introduced to Schrodinger's equation. At first it looked like Russian, but I soon found it to be quite elegant and enjoyed solving it. My interest is broad and varies throughout all three disciplines.

I find chemistry enthralling and I am certainly looking forward to studying it exclusively at university. After speaking to chemistry lecturers and undergraduates at open days, my decision was consolidated and I eagerly await the breadth and depth that a chemistry degree has to offer.

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

Throughout the year I have been self-studying maths modules due to timetable problems. I undertook this opportunity for self study and I believe my motivation and commitment are shown by achieving over 90%. I am particularly looking forward to mathematical techniques coming up in the further mathematics course that are directly applicable to chemistry. During my time at school, I was fortunate enough to win a mathematics scholarship and this has really developed my confidence and desire to perform. I have also had to self study 'AS' physics, though by doing so I was able to focus on areas that related to chemistry, such as quantum mechanics and particle physics, and found both really complemented my chemical studies. I will be taking the full 'A' level in one year. I have achieved over 90% in chemistry and obtained a grade A in all my modules and also achieved grade A's in my other subjects.

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

In my spare time I play cricket for the Second XI and cycle competitively. I race on the road, at Manchester Velodrome and in Belgium and will be returning to Flanders in 2009 to compete in a series of sportifs. I'm also involved in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Finding the balance between my extra-curricular activities with a study of 7 'AS' levels has ultimately helped to develop my time management and organisational skills throughout the sixth-form. My enjoyment of chemistry has also led me to read books of a more philosophical nature such as 'What is This Thing Called Science?'

Universities applied to:

• Oxford

Grades achieved:

• Over 90% in chemistry
• Grade A in all chemistry modules
• Grade A in other subjects

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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