Personal Statement:Physics 13

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

From the infinitesimally microscopic world of quarks, neutrinos and hypothetical particles, to the boundless macrocosm of the universe, black holes and the question of how it all began, Physics always seems to offer an explanation whilst providing endless opportunities for further study. The vast scope of the concepts this subject addresses has long fascinated me.

Taking part in a Headstart Physical Sciences taster course at Cambridge University, combined with a range of school physics projects the SciCast video competition, where we were highly commended for our video on the physical concepts behind Baked Alaska, to assisting year eights in making model bridges with a local engineering company as part of Science Week, has confirmed that Physics is what I would love to study. My role in running a junior science club also allowed me to spread my enthusiasm for Physics and the natural sciences to younger students, as well as allowing them to challenge my own understanding.

As an independent, committed and enthusiastic student, I feel confident in my ability to take full advantage of a Physics degree course. To have the opportunity to study at the highest level would be both a challenge and a delight.

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

The challenge of developing and solving mathematical models from physical situations is also one I enjoy, following my work experience at the department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, which gave me a detailed insight into the importance of mathematics and statistical analysis in the context of photoelasticity research, which was intellectually challenging and stimulating. Over the past six years I have consistently achieved silver and gold awards in the UK Maths Challenge, qualifying for the Pink Kangaroo in 2008.

The ways in which Physics can explain chemical concepts also fascinates me, from flame tests to reaction kinetics. My insights into physical chemistry during my work experience at the University of Sheffield's Chemistry Department and a Colour Chemistry summer school at Leeds University have furthered my interest into this field, and I recently led the school quiz team to second place at the RSC's Regional Chemistry Schools Quiz.

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

Outside the syllabus, I enjoy reading books on the development of scientific principles and ideas, for example William H. Cropper's "Great Physicists" and Patricia Fara's "Science: A Four Thousand Year History". Ranging from Galileo's first mechanical principals to the latest developments on string theory and quantum gravity between the pages of New Scientist, my extensive reading around the subject has given me a comprehensive overview of the key developments in Physics, right up to the topics of interest to modern day researchers.

By taking part in the Extended Project Qualification, where I have researched and produced a history of my school, I have had the opportunity to develop advanced research skills and to take responsibility for my own learning, all of which I am sure will prove vital at university. Within school my other roles of responsibility, such as being a Y7 prefect and my part-time job supervising the school's after-school room, have provided me with opportunities to develop my time management and people skills and demonstrate my high levels of reliability and commitment. My other interests include playing the oboe to Grade 8 standard both in and out of school, and participating in a variety of ensembles covering both a classical and a popular repertoire, including the Sheffield Music Academy's wind quintets and the Hallam Sinfonia, an orchestra for trained music professionals.

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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