Medicine is one of the most competitive and over-subscribed courses to study at university, so your personal statement needs to stand out from the crowd.
You need to showcase your skills and abilities. Don’t be shy about your achievements, but do be honest.
Research
You’ll know which medical universities you’re applying to, so study their websites in depth. Most will give you facts and figures on what to write in your personal statement or at least tutor advice on how to apply for the course.
Your one personal statement has to cover all your university choices, so aim to write for the highest level of requirements across your choices.
Alternatively you can try and pitch it specifically at your first and second choice but this is riskier as it may not appeal to your other choices.
Content rich
In the 4,000 characters (47 lines) limit you have to write, include examples of what you’ve done outside of school which are directly relevant to the medical course you’re applying to.
Although it would be great to put 6 months’ work experience at your local hospital, or work shadowing a GP/hospital doctor, this isn’t possible most of the time.
However volunteering at your local nursing home (where your great uncle Arthur is a resident), first aid training with your local St John’s ambulance or caring for a family member or neighbour who has health/disability issues may be more realistic.
Medicine requires hard graft, long hours, coping with stressful situations and oodles of teamwork. Make sure your examples demonstrate these key attributes as well. This could be a Duke of Edinburgh award or leading and encouraging young people at your neighbourhood youth club.
Write specifically about what you’ve achieved, not just that you’ve been there and ‘got the t-shirt’.
Socialise
Do you know any friends or family who have studied medicine in the last few years? Ask them to read your personal statement and give you suggestions and feedback to make it even better.
If not, it may be worth using social media to talk to the students’ union at your university or chatting online to existing students on the medical courses you’re applying to. Their advice could be invaluable. Just ensure your profile settings aren’t ‘public’ …you don’t want your great ideas given away free.
Your school/college tutor will be writing your UCAS application reference. Ask them for feedback and guidance on your personal statement. They’ve no doubt helped many students over the years gain places on medicine courses.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do be specific and don’t generalise or waffle.
If you’re in an after school science club, say how long you’ve been in the club for and what exactly you’ve been learning.
If one aspect of medicine fascinates you and you’ve been researching it and contributing to online student forums and discussion groups, explain the detail, don’t just say ‘I read about medicine as I like it’.
If you’re going to use medical quotes, make sure they’re from books and papers you’ve properly researched and understood, not just ones you’ve skim read ahead of writing your personal statement. Remember you’re more than likely be asked about your personal statement at your university interview.
And finally, it’s worth noting that Admissions tutors read hundreds of personal statements year after year.
Yours needs to be the one they remember for the right reasons: well written and researched, choc a bloc full of really relevant examples and with your commitment and passion to medicine shining through.
