Personal Statement:Medicine 28

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

What is Medicine? For me it is a vocation, a means of using my skills for the benefit of others. I don't expect to be able to save every life, but I do believe a medical degree will channel my love of science into something very worthwhile. My compassionate nature and thirst for knowledge have instilled in me a strong desire to pursue a medical career, and to undertake rigorous, challenging scientific study that is directed toward people.

This, along with work shadowing placements with chest and vascular firms, has given me an insight into the realities of daily hospital life, the work of junior and senior doctors, both alone and with others, and the difficult decisions faced on a daily basis. This has tested my ambition to study Medicine by making me aware of the pressures of medical careers, but having learnt more, my resolve is strengthened. My reading of StudentBMJ keeps me abreast of medical issues on a wider level, and I enjoy reading books about science and medicine. Following my attendance of Medlink in 2004 I wrote my own paper about nanotechnology in medicine, a novel, fulfilling task which I passed with merit, and which gave me a taste of more academic medicine.

In the future I hope becoming a doctor will allow me to further my involvement with charities by not only using my skills here in the UK but also in the developing world. I eagerly anticipate the challenges university will offer; I look forward to expanding my knowledge, meeting new people, and, hopefully, becoming a doctor.

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

I have long possessed the keen interest in science and strong work ethic required to complete a medical degree and succeed as a doctor. Within school I have received prizes for Academic Excellence in several subjects. I was also chosen for numerous 'Able Pupil' courses. This success continued at GCSE level as I was rewarded for being among the best in my year, and since then have become a member of the NAGTY. My school reports have always been excellent; I am committed to my work and have thrived on new challenges in the Sixth Form, gaining 6 As at AS.

I enjoy all my subjects as they complement each other well. Between them I expand my problem-solving, analytical, logic and communication skills, valuable in any future study. Last year I also completed an AS in Critical Thinking, a contrast to my 'traditional' subjects which improved skills of use in them all.

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

Hence I undertook weekly voluntary work over the past year on a hospital ward, enabling me to improve communication and teamwork skills essential in good doctors.

However, my enjoyment of Sixth Form stems not only from a desire to learn but also from enthusiasm in contributing to school life. I am a committed member of both school choirs, and play double bass/bass guitar in the Jazz Band and Orchestra. In May I was awarded a Gold Music Colour for commitment. I enjoy House Music and Drama competitions, and took an active part in Sports Days. I am a keen pianist, and despite only starting lessons in May 2003, am already working for Grade 6.

This year, I am a Senior Prefect for Careers, a role which I look forward to as I will be able to help other girls make decisions about their future. Last year I was a Music Prefect, organising some small ensembles, and I helped younger pupils in school Maths classes, and in a 'Maths Circus' in a local primary school. I found these rewarding experiences and opportunities to improve leadership skills. These are enhanced by my role as Young Leader with a Brownie pack, for which I received a Jack Petchey Award, gaining funds for my unit.

As a member of the St. John Ambulance, I join duties at local events, providing a much-needed service to the community. Within this organisation I qualified as a First Aider and have gained numerous proficiencies, in topics like Care and Communication with the Deaf. I am also a member of the school's Amnesty International group, and contribute to other charity events and school functions.

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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