The personal statement is a very important supporting document for all university applications. In this blog, we are specifically focusing on applications for medicine, providing guidance and tips to help you stand out and highlight why you are the ideal candidate for your desired field.
For more general guidance on personal statements, read our UCAS personal statements blog.
As you know, the admissions tutors will consider your personal statement alongside your academic grades and teacher references to determine if you are a suitable candidate to be invited for an interview.
It is your chance to tell the universities:
- Why you want to be a doctor.
- What you have done to investigate the profession to understand all that it entails.
- Whether you are the right person for their medical school – mention the personal qualities that make you an outstanding candidate.
Your personal statement must convince admissions tutors of your interest in pursuing a career in medicine. To demonstrate that you have not only researched medicine thoroughly, but that you also have the right qualities to succeed as a doctor, you are fully committed to studying medicine and have the right motivation to do so successfully. As the tutors read through your statement, they will look for the following:
- Motivation for the course and why you want to study it.
- Preparedness for the course and how your learning has set you up for success thus far.
- Preparation through other experiences, such as work or volunteering experience or extracurricular activities.
- Extenuating circumstances that might have affected your learning.
- Preparedness for study and what you have done to prepare yourself for life as an undergraduate student.
- Preferred learning style and how your chosen course is suitable.
Some Things to Consider and Be Mindful of When Writing Your Personal Statement
Credit: King’s College London
The majority of UCAS applications contain a sentence such as, “I have always wanted to be a doctor from a young age because it combines my love of science with the chance to help people”. As you can imagine, the admissions tutors become weary of reading this, and it does not exactly highlight your desire to study medicine. There are many careers that combine science and helping people, such as nursing, teaching, research and physiotherapy etc. Hence, it would be ideal to refrain from using such a sentence. However, if the basic idea behind the sentence applies to you, it is best to personalise it. For instance, you could mention an incident that first sparked your interest in medicine, perhaps a visit to the doctor, a conversation with a family friend, or a lecture at school. You could even write about your interest in human biology or a biology project that you undertook to illustrate your interest in science, and you could give examples of how you like to work with others. It is essential that you back up your initial interest with your efforts to investigate the career.
A common misconception is that you need to explain what studying medicine involves or what the profession entails. For example, “Medicine is a highly regarded profession that involves diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.” Remember, the people reading your statement know exactly what medicine is about and do not need to be lectured on it. Instead, use this opportunity to explain your personal interest in the profession, how your qualities make you an ideal candidate, and why you feel compelled to pursue this career path.
Don’t hesitate to mention your work experience or voluntary work in the second paragraph (following the introduction), as the initial sparks of interest in a medical career often stem from what you observed when “shadowing a doctor in A&E” or “playing board games with elderly patients in a care home.” It is always beneficial to link your motivation to study medicine with your experiences in healthcare.
Credit: Queen Mary University of London
Work Experience
Work experience is highly beneficial for all applications, but especially for medicine, particularly within a healthcare setting. Although securing work placements in hospitals can be difficult, you could also consider approaching care homes, small clinics, and community health centres. Don’t underestimate volunteering opportunities, and seek support from your school or college, or speak to friends and family who might be able to connect you with the right people.
Be sure to indicate the length of time you spent at each placement and what you experienced. You could comment on the aspects of medicine that fascinate you, what you found interesting, or something unexpected that you learned. It is also important to mention any other experience you’ve had in a caring or clinical role and what you gained from it, as this often demonstrates interpersonal skills, empathy, commitment, and dedication – all essential qualities for medicine.
During your work experience or volunteering, you might find it helpful to keep notes for later reflection. Admissions tutors may pick up on some of these experiences and ask you to elaborate on them during the interview.
Academic Interests
It is crucial to mention your academic interests and explain how they have influenced your desire to study medicine. This could relate to topics or practical skills that have intrigued you during your studies, an interesting article you’ve read, or something engaging you heard in a lecture. Always remember to link your academic interests back to medicine.
Conclusion
In summary, to be a successful medic, you need (among other things) to:
- Successfully pass your undergraduate studies.
- Have good interpersonal skills and get along with a wide range of people.
- Be able to work under pressure and cope with stress.
- Possess well-developed manual skills.
You must provide substantial evidence in your statement to show how you have demonstrated and developed these qualities, as this will help admissions tutors better understand your personality and potential. Some additional things they may be looking for include:
- Skill development during work experience or voluntary work.
- Positions of responsibility and leadership.
- Work in the local community.
- The ability to get along with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Participation in activities requiring manual dexterity.
- Participation in team events.
- Involvement in school events, plays, or concerts.
Gabbitas University Placement Support
Our experienced team of consultants offers dedicated support throughout the medical school application process. We ensure your personal statement is as compelling and polished as possible, showcasing your unique qualities and experiences, and presenting them in a way that aligns with your goals and aspirations.
Beyond personal statement support, we provide interview preparation, UCAS application guidance, and assistance with university preparation and academic mentorship.
To explore all of our services, contact us today and speak with our team directly.
Blog written by: Sarah Oshun-Williams, Placements Client Account Manager
Front Image Credit: University of Oxford
