Personal Statement:Medicine 38

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

How? Why? These are questions I have always asked. The need to know how things work and why things are as they are, underpins my love for science. My passion for understanding the human body and a desire to help others has made studying medicine compelling.

I am fascinated by the latest news in regards to continuous changes within the NHS and new areas of research and treatment. I was interested to read about advances in producing pluripotent stem cells from human adult cells. Although there are issues with the tumourogenic properties of the created cells, it could address the ethical problems with harvesting stem cells from embryos. My reading of the Student BMJ has further raised my awareness of the ethical dilemmas facing today's doctors and this contributed to my understanding of the latest issues. It was also instructive to discover the broad spectrum of career opportunities available to future medics. I have a particular interest in medical education, which I might possibly explore in the future.

I am determined to develop my scientific interests in medicine where I can also help others. My experiences in a medical setting have helped to confirm my choice, in full knowledge that early sacrifices will help me achieve a satisfying, lifelong career.

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

The highlight of my school career was the award of the sole Ogden 11+ scholarship, which fully funded my secondary education. My particular passion has been for the sciences, and obtaining the Chemistry Prize was the culmination of my interest in this area. The satisfaction I gain from solving a particular problem in mathematics, or mastering a new technique in physics practical lessons is hard to surpass. My desire to further my knowledge at every opportunity has meant that I have always enjoyed the challenge of academic study.

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

During my work experience at a local GP, I found it enlightening to see a surgery at work. It was interesting to note the particular pressures that the doctors face in their working day, from having to grab a hurried lunch in between consultations to the seriousness of confidentiality issues, for example, when prescriptions were sent to the wrong pharmacy.

I have been volunteering in the local stroke unit; one of the things I value most is being able to chat with the patients and find out what they actually think of their treatment in hospital. Seeing the reactions of patients to their illness has also interested me greatly. Some patients are able to accept the reality of their situation; that their illness is not 'the end of the world' and I am uplifted by this. This has sparked my interest in the psychology of illness and helped me to be more empathetic in my interactions with patients and in my personal relationships.

In volunteering at a local primary school, my knowledge of Turkish allowed me to help immigrant children to integrate into school life. Developing the skills needed to communicate appropriately with younger people was initially quite difficult but, ultimately, it was very rewarding.

My selection as Senior Prefect has given me significant responsibility allowing me to demonstrate my ability to work in a team with my peers and appreciate the responsibilities of such duties. Whilst I found difficult tasks such as car parking and organising and supervising school events sometimes tedious, I believe it has helped to develop me as a person, giving me the discipline and commitment needed to be successful. I also valued the opportunity to engage more actively with the younger members of the school.

I love playing bass guitar (grade 7) and I am committed to a number of school ensembles, particularly the Senior Swing Foundation. We give regular public concerts both in and out of school, providing me opportunities to interact with people of varying experience and from differing backgrounds, and I am proud of our fundraising efforts with charity concerts. This has honed my time management skills, allowing me to juggle conflicting priorities.

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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