Chemistry degree personal statement example (2b) foundation year, voluntary work

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

There was never anything I wanted more from a career than for it to be amazing! Throughout my life, I have loved everything practical, especially during my science lessons. Hearing and seeing the fizzes and bangs from school science experiments enthralled me and fuelled my love of science. Watching popular science programmes such as Brainiac Science Abuse and Bang Goes the Theory, together with more academic programmes such as Horizon underpinned this enthusiasm.

I am applying for Chemistry with a Foundation Year as I took the International Baccalaureate which is a broad academic programme, after that I decided I wanted to deepen my knowledge of Chemistry. I love the inorganic and organic elements of Chemistry; making and recreating substances is fascinating. Also, knowing about reversible and irreversible reactions is very interesting. My favourite aspect of Chemistry is the practical work. I love this the most as it is so much fun, watching colours change and chemicals fizz or explode with the various reactions.

During the IB, I took higher level Biology and I enjoyed the dissections and looking at microbiology, learning about how something so small can cause some of the largest pandemics the world has ever seen! I am also currently undertaking an extended project investigation to do with the chemical reactions that take place in fireworks and creating a video blog about it.

We all have dreams, and I always aim high! I would love to achieve the Nobel Prize for doing something in Chemistry that would change the world. More realistically, I would hope to achieve a Ph.D. in Chemistry one day. In the shorter term I would love to travel the world and learn about different communities and their attitudes toward science. It is fascinating to know how science can enrich and enhance the world around us, knowing that even small steps can have the biggest effect on the world. It is also interesting to see what science can do in the wrong hands.

I really want to attend university, not only to study, but also to get out into the world and explore the rest of what this country has to offer. I look forward to an independent life and a place where I can focus my studies on a subject so intriguing to me. I am a very independent and committed person who is determined to finish whatever I start. I am self-sufficient and can work on my own with other people.

I look forward to joining the course in September. I cannot see myself studying anything else. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

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

I am applying for Chemistry with a Foundation Year as I took the International Baccalaureate which is a broad academic programme, after that I decided I wanted to deepen my knowledge of Chemistry. During the IB, I took higher level Biology and I enjoyed the dissections and looking at microbiology, learning about how something so small can cause some of the largest pandemics the world has ever seen! I am also currently undertaking an extended project investigation to do with the chemical reactions that take place in fireworks and creating a video blog about it.

My qualifications provide a solid foundation for university study in Chemistry. The International Baccalaureate has given me a broad academic perspective, while my higher level Biology has enhanced my understanding of life sciences related to chemistry. The extended project qualification demonstrates my ability to undertake independent research and communicate scientific ideas creatively.

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

Outside of College, I do a lot of volunteering. Through my volunteering I have had many achievements, for example gaining "Highly Commended" in the Pride of Somerset Youth 2012 Awards and I also have several V50 and V100 certificates. From these, I have also gained Level 2 ASDAN awards in Event Stewarding and Event Volunteering. I have worked with groups of varying sizes. I have acquired many skills like communication and presentation, through shouting across a field to using a walkie-talkie!

Furthermore, I have been the 'president' of the Green Pioneers at college, pro actively organising projects with the Learning for Life students. For example, creating a garden and making recycling boxes to put around college to raise awareness about the environment.

Universities applied to:

• University of Liverpool (F108 BSc Chemical Sciences)
• University of Hull (F101 BSc Chemistry (with Foundation Year))
• Manchester Metropolitan University (F109 BSc Chemistry with study in Europe, North America or Australia (Foundation))
• University of Manchester (F008 BSc Science with an Integrated Foundation Year)
• University of Durham (F103 Bsc Chemistry with Foundation)

Grades achieved:

• Chemistry (AS) - Grade Pending
• Biology (AS) - Grade Pending
• International Baccalaureate Diploma - Grade 23 Points (Retaking a module to get 25)
• Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (AS) - Grade Pending

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.