Personal Statement:Physics 16

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

What I find most appealling about physics is that you learn so much about the world around you, about how things work and why things behave in the way they do. It is a subject that is always improving on existing ideas to advance our theories about our world. Without physics we would not have most of the things that people find essential to go about their lives such as electricity, communication and travel which are all vitally important parts of today’s society. Physics is also responsible for discoveries that do not appear to affect people directly such as the structure of the atom but these discoveries are in no way any less important and mean that we can begin to further understand the world around us and guarantee a better future for everyone on the planet.

All through secondary school I found that my interests lay more in physics than in any other subject. I enjoy the stimulation and challenge that the subject provides. I want to study Physics at university so that I can really immerse myself in a subject that I am so enthusiastic about. At A-level I found mechanics, electricity and gravitational fields most engaging, I am particularly looking forward to learning in more depth about mechanics and our universe at university.

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

There are many circumstances, especially in mechanics, where Maths and Physics overlap. Due to the fact that maths is more theoretical than physics the direct connection that maths has with real life is not as obvious to some people, but my maths skills enable me to find the solutons in physics that are in direct relation to the real world. English Literature provides a contrast to the other subjects that I have studied but means that I am able to put across my ideas, construct valid arguments and provides me with the communication skills that are an essential part of being able to excel in any subject.

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

I have a subscription to New Scientist that I find useful to keep up to date with new advancements in physics, recently I have been following the development of the large hadron collider and look forward to the results obtained. I also enjoy reading the books of J. E. Gordon and the lectures of Richard Feynman to further extend the knowledge that I gain from lessons.

At ******* School the library was run by the students. At the end of year 10 I was chosen to be a prefect. My duties included supervising a year 7 class at lunchtime, although this involved giving up my lunchtimes, it meant that I got to know them well and I enjoyed being there for them as a friend and mentor. I completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award in 2006 finding it extremely challenging, but an incredibly enjoyable experience.

Having a weekend job has above all given me responsibility. I work in a busy retail outlet, where customer service is paramount and working as part of a team with my colleagues is of critical importance to the smooth operation of the business. I also enjoy the financial independence that this has given me too. In terms of hobbies, I am fortunate that Nottingham is the home of the National Ice Centre and over the last few years I have diligently worked through the ice skating grades and this year finally passed my grade 10. Contact with the Ice Stadium has also led me to become an active supporter of the Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey team and, being a season ticket holder, I regularly attend all their home games.

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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