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Should I mention doing dangerous home chemistry reactions in my personal statement?

I'm in Y12, studying maths, chemistry, and physics, and planning to study either chemistry or pharmacy at uni. One of my favourite hobbies is dabbling in a little home chemistry, especially making dangerous chemicals (eg, I have made HCN). I'm wondering whether I should include this in my personal statement. My friends say that I should discuss the home chemistry as it shows skill and interest in the subject, but should neglect to mention the more dangerous reactions as it may make universities reject me for fear of safety issues or concerns over my sanity. I disagree: I think that my skill in handling dangerous chemicals safely would reflect positively on me, or at the very least make me stand out amongst the other applicants. Who do you agree with?

Reply 1

Sorry you've not had any responses about this. :frown: Are you sure you've posted in the right place? :smile: Here's a link to our subject forum which should help get you more responses if you post there. :redface:

Reply 2

Original post by AlexTheIdiot
I'm in Y12, studying maths, chemistry, and physics, and planning to study either chemistry or pharmacy at uni. One of my favourite hobbies is dabbling in a little home chemistry, especially making dangerous chemicals (eg, I have made HCN). I'm wondering whether I should include this in my personal statement. My friends say that I should discuss the home chemistry as it shows skill and interest in the subject, but should neglect to mention the more dangerous reactions as it may make universities reject me for fear of safety issues or concerns over my sanity. I disagree: I think that my skill in handling dangerous chemicals safely would reflect positively on me, or at the very least make me stand out amongst the other applicants. Who do you agree with?

i agree with your friends
unless you have a laboratory at home or something where you can safely make and dispose of the chemicals you use as required

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