Personal Statement:Physics 23

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Physics is a subject I am truly passionate about. I am curious about the world; I ask many questions and never rest without an answer. I believe physics is all about understanding the world we live in, asking questions and trying to find solutions using logical thinking and reasoning. It is the foundation of engineering; none of the great inventions would have been possible without it. Investigating the most fundamental laws of nature, it underlies all other sciences. Therefore I find physics fascinating because of its applications in industry but even more for its contribution to our understanding of the world because I believe finding out how the world functions is one of the greatest challenges of humanity.

I think studying abroad can be an excellent opportunity to receive superior education and learn self-dependence. After completing an undergraduate course I would like to pursue further Ph.D. study and then become a scientific researcher and an academic teacher because I believe physics is beautiful and deserves being developed as a science and popularised among people.

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

My real adventure with physics started in high school. I chose a class with an extended physics and mathematics programme. I have taken part in various contests connected to those subjects, e.g. Mathematical Kangaroo or the physics competition organised jointly by the School Board of Mazowsze County and the Warsaw University of Technology in which I was awarded a 'Finalist with Distinction' honour. Presently, I am participating in the national Physics Olympiad. Those experiences have taught me to think independently and creatively, analyse problems thoroughly and approach them in an innovative and the most efficient way.

In my first and second grade I also took part in a series of physics workshops organised by the Warsaw University of Technology giving me experience of experimental work in the university's laboratory. During those classes I learned the fundamentals of measurement uncertainty evaluation and conducted various experiments, e.g. investigation of gamma radiation absorption by matter or measurement of electromagnetic waves wavelength using interference methods. Due to those workshops I have realised how numerous and various means of investigating the laws of nature are and how important the experiment is among them.

To improve my understanding of physics I read around the subject regularly. I have recently read ’50 Physics Ideas You Really Need to Know’ by Joanne Baker which I found a very interesting summary of physical concepts from the Newton’s laws of motion to the Schrodinger’s cat paradox and string theory. Although the book does not focus on sophisticated aspects of the problems and aims to explain ideas in a possibly simple way, it very well illustrates how consecutive physicists built on top of their predecessors’ discoveries.

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

In my spare time I have played table tennis in a club for several years and led a group of young altar boys. Many hours spent on hard training have developed my perseverance; I also participate in league matches where I share the responsibility for the whole team's score and learn to handle stress. Teaching young boys assistance during services and conducting discussions with them has allowed me to develop communicative and leadership skills. I believe that those experiences will help me focus on my studies despite obstacles and cooperate with teachers and other students effectively.

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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