Personal Statement:Natural Sciences 18

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Science gives us the answers to our most fundamental questions. However, these answers throw up yet more questions, and they force us to redefine and extend the boundaries of what we already know; it is this ever changing nature of science that attracts me to it. Studying the three scientific disciplines in school has allowed me to expand my knowledge and think in an effective, analytical manner. Learning about topics ranging from wave particle duality in Physics to the functioning of organelles in cells in Biology, I am often amazed by the complexity of the world around us.

I am keen to build on what I learn in class and read as much as possible about areas that interest me, from human behaviour to astronomy. In fact, it was when reading Bill Bryson’s The Short History of Nearly Everything that I first truly fell in love with science. It opened my eyes to the richness of scientific research and made me realise that I wanted to be a part of this legacy. Simon Singh’s Fermat's Last Theorem showed me that the true backbone of scientific progression is collaboration, seeing how innovative ideas fit into the work of others. Jon Butterworth’s Smashing Physics piqued my interest in particle physics, as it moved from basic principles to how the Higgs Boson was 'found'. It is fascinating that we are able to probe the intricacies of such miniscule particles and understand them maybe even more clearly than we do our own minds. I also find articles in New Scientist intriguing and their book Nothing sparked my interest in the concept of superconductors and superfluids: beginning to understand how these are governed by complicated quantum mechanics, involving electrons in a condensed state at low energy, leaves me eager to learn more.

I look forward to the challenge of studying science at university, and deepening both my understanding of and my passion for this complex subject.

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

I enjoy setting myself fresh challenges by entering competitions. I am a member of the Society of Biology and last year achieved a bronze award in the British Biology Olympiad. Participating in a Bioscience Olympiad allowed me to consider concepts that were new to me, like animal behaviour and communication; the online Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, for which I received a Silver Award on its written paper, encouraged me to learn about new chemical developments and about the applications of chemistry, including the uses of crystallography. With EdX, I completed an online course, Think101x - The Science of Everyday Thinking, which taught me how to work independently and furthered my understanding of scientific method. I developed a more analytical and logical way of thinking as I learnt about the pitfalls of our thought processes and the biases that affect us. I have also completed Maths Challenges, two years ago achieving Silver in the IMC and last year a Silver in KSF-IE.

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

My work experience placement in a haematology department in a hospital allowed me to examine blood samples and identify the different cells that make it up. Seeing what happened when things went wrong was instructive - for example, cells from a person with sickle cell anaemia were visibly different from healthy cells, due to abnormalities in the haemoglobin. In school, I have always been willing to take on positions of responsibility and was recently appointed Senior Prefect. As a mentor, I help pupils who struggle with science. My Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition helped me to develop determination, perseverance and teamwork skills. I started violin 3 years ago and it has helped me improve a range of my skills, from organization and time management to dedication and commitment: I have achieved Grade 2 and am currently playing at Grade 4 standard. I have also been involved in charity work, helping raise 1200 pounds in school for Habitat for Humanity and spending a day working in one of their buildings, as well as raising 390 pounds for a skydive for NICFC outside school.

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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