Personal Statement:Physics 32

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Physics is the language of the universe: it is constant. Despite this, our understanding of the universe is constantly evolving. It is impossible to prove that a theory is correct; we can show how well it matches experimental data, but we can never say with absolute certainty that it is indeed correct.

The possibility that at any point new discoveries could force us to re-evaluate everything we thought we knew is just one of the many reasons I find physics such a thrilling subject to explore.

Three years ago, I discovered Isaac Physics, and more recently, Isaac Computer Science. Since then, I've waited eagerly every Thursday for a new challenge to unravel.

I specifically enjoy the more complex questions as they force me to link different topics together to find the solution. When working through questions I often come across things I haven't yet learnt. Here I utilise various resources to work towards an answer myself as this allows me to be proactive about my studies while challenging myself.

Consequently, I am excited for the depth and new topics provided by a physics degree.

Physics never ceases to amaze me. The more I discover, the more I realise how little I know. The idea of spending the following years learning as much as I can about the world around us truly excites me.

They say, 'do something you love, and never work a day in your life'. Therefore, following my degree I hope to make physics an essential element of my life.

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

Over the summer I attended numerous summer schools and events. My favourite was a physical sciences summer school in Cambridge.

I adored immersing myself in the things I love. Being surrounded by likeminded people allowed for stimulating academic conversations which I hope will be common at university. My favourite session was solving Schrodinger's equations.

We calculated the probability of a particle quantum tunnelling to a given location, the same process which allows hydrogen atoms in the sun to get close enough to fuse without which we would not exist. I've been investigating this further through 'A Cavendish Quantum Mechanics Primer' and 'The Theoretical Minimum', starting my quest to understand this new, peculiar world. I was intrigued since quantum physics is barely mentioned in school.

I attended work experience at MSSL where we analysed the problems with sending humans to Mars before presenting our findings to experts.

We attended many lectures by researchers, and I was enthralled at how many applications of astrophysics there are in our everyday lives, e.g. monitoring the sun to prevent energy distribution systems from being damaged during a violent flare.

Furthermore, I was amazed by how cutting-edge the research was as well as the creativity to make what seems like science fiction a reality.

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

I was fascinated by Hannah Fry's BBC documentary series where she discussed whether maths was discovered or invented.

I pondered if this would be possible for such a beautiful and precise language. I explored this further at a Surrey University summer school, using trigonometric graphs to model patterns found in nature. I was surprised by how well even simple graphs matched patterns around us, suggesting maths really is behind it.

Thus, I currently believe maths has been discovered. I have achieved distinctions in grade 8 LAMDA in both 'Verse & Prose' and 'Speaking in Public'. For my public speaking exam, I discussed if aliens exist. I enjoyed this topic greatly and decided to undertake an EPQ on The Drake Equation and its accuracy where I hope to develop my critical thinking, research and time-management skills.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy a range of activities from sailing to ballet which I used for my Gold DofE. In the past few years through GLEE club, choir and Scholar Cantorum, I have sung in many performances, cathedrals and on the backing track for the Video Games BAFTAs.

I look forward to continuing this at university by joining the choir and musical theatre society.

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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