Personal Statement:Physics 10

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

My constant desire to unravel the tangled fabric that holds our universe together and to understand the causes behind everyday abnormalities is what attracts me to physics. My interests aren't focussed on any one field within physics such as Aeronautical Engineering or Particle Physics; instead I have a genuine interest for all fields of physics and engineering disciplines. This seemingly endless quest for true knowledge and my aim to better the world to a high degree, has led me to believe that studying Physics at a higher level is the next step for me to take.

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

Before studying A Levels, I was always actively absorbed by physics with a respectable level of understanding; further going on to A Levels has changed my view of the subject in a completely diverse way. Studying maths at A Levels has been a great asset going into physics but has also, ultimately, improved the skills I have at hand. Moreover, my choice of studying philosophy alongside physics has proved to be a superb one. I enjoyed studying philosophy and believe philosophy and physics are subjects that go hand in hand, the reason I say this is because the subject absolutely changed my way of thinking- forcing me to think outside of the box and justifying my own reasons for doing so, and questioning my decisions. Many people go into physics, undecided when it comes to career choices- they lack the passion and diverse skill set I possess. A physicist should think outside of the box if he is to be successful in aiding our understanding of the universe and better our way of life.

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

In my pursuit for knowledge, I have read widely to better my understanding of physics. One books I have read and enjoyed by the acclaimed physicist, Roger Penrose - ‘The Road to Reality’. This helped me explore the wide expanse between physics and maths, I have also enjoyed 'The Honors Class: Hilbert's Problems and Their Solvers' by Benjamin H. Yandell. Reading these have further enhanced my understanding of maths and physics in the modern world. Moreover, I am an avid reader of 'New Scientist' magazine which keeps me up to date with the world of science. Apart from this, I attend lectures- when possible at my own college or at universities, for example Dr. Van Reeth's lecture on anti-matter.

I have taken part in an Entrepreneur Day scheme whereby a group of like minded individuals would set up a business, with the goal of working together as a team to make the most profit- proving myself to be able to work as part of a team. I have also played for my school's Cricket team and competed in the Brent Cup. I have practised Kick Boxing for many years as a way to relieve stress and to play competitively. Other interests I have are in computers, be it hardware or software. I love to code in my spare time designing websites or programs as well as 3D modelling.

In 2007 I volunteered to give a lecture to classes of year 10 students- on projectile motion and nuclear physics as well as a brief demo on particle physics at CERN. This proved I could work independently and as part of a team. I have decided to take a gap year before attending university, this way I get a first hand feel for what I will ultimately want to do in my career and am financially securing myself to an extent. I hope to have an engineering placement with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) which is an agency of the Ministry of Defence. This will challenge me and broaden my horizons immensely. And I have plans to retake some of my A2 exams to prove to myself I am capable of achieving the highest standards. I truly believe I am an ideal candidate to study physics as I have a genuine passion for it, am able to think beyond the norm, posses a model skill set and I am committed. And I am sure, I will overcome any challenge, and become a successful and notable physicist.

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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