Physics Personal Statement
I am extremely curious as to how the universe functions as a macroscopic system, within which are numerous microscopic systems. These fundamental paradigms have fascinated me for many years and, due to my inquisitive nature, are the predominate reasons for my enthusiasm for Physics. Their exploration and analysis intrigues me, and this is an area that I wish to pursue further. I believe that this is a well-respected academic discipline, which will provide excellent career prospects in a range of research fields and professions. The subject is particularly stimulating as it frequently allows mathematical theory to be applied to practical problems.
I enjoy reading Physics-related books such as “A Brief History of Time” and endeavour to keep up with the latest advances and theories by reading scientific journals. To enhance my knowledge and ability, I am following extra-curricular studies in the areas of matrices, complex numbers and similar topics, as these were not covered in my Mathematics course. My interest in Physics grew tremendously at A-level when I began to see how different branches of the subject fit together. There is greater scope to use my initiative and more focus on the fundamental scientific principals. I have particularly enjoyed the quantum and mechanical physics, as these help me to understand how the world operates, and often requires mathematical manipulation to form equations about a theoretical concept.
Academically, I obtained good GCSE results and at AS level I was awarded four As in my principal subjects. In 2002, I received my school Mathematics Shield and last year was presented with both the Science Prize and Student of the Year Award. Recently I attended a Science Summer School focusing on Physics and Mathematics at both A-level, and degree standard. This experience has also enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills.
Through my experience in retail in 2001, I learnt the importance of teamwork and how sections of large corporations operate. In February, I attended a Career Insight programme concentrating on university life and the application of science and engineering in industry. I contribute to my school on a voluntary basis, to provide assistance in the Science department. This entails assisting the lower years with their Science by devising worksheets and helping them to learn, which I find most rewarding. It has also enhanced my leadership and time-management skills
In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, fell-walking and swimming. In recent years I have played the violin, achieving Grade 1 standard, and, as a member of the school orchestra I have performed in a number of school concerts. Presently I am participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.
I believe that I am well suited to the demands of a Physics degree, as I am a dedicated and well-organized student, with a passion and enthusiasm for the Physical Sciences. Additionally, I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about the universe and to find out how everything connects together, as well as the chance to meet new and interesting people.
Universities Applied to:
Successful application to Oxford in 2004, where I studied a Masters degree in Physics over 4 years.
- Oxford (AAA) - Offer Accepted
- Durham (AAB) - Offer
- Nottingham (ABB) - Offer
- Warwick (AAB) - Offer
- Bath (ABB) - Offer
- Liverpool (ABC) - Offer
Grades Achieved:
GCSE
- 6A*, 3A, 1B
A levels
- Mathematics (A)
- Physics (A)
- Chemistry (A)
- Geography (A)
Comments
General Comments:
This is a high quality statement which resulted in a successful application to Oxford. The underlying ideas, content and structure is exactly what is required by a personal statement but the applicant has failed slightly in the execution. The applicant has a clear idea of what is required from a statement and has explained their interest in the subject and demonstrated numerous specific examples of their enthusiasm for it. It is easy to believe that this applicant has a genuine interest and passion for their course and this can be hard to convey. It is these aspects which will have swung the opinions of the tutors at top institutions.
Despite this, the statement has several faults, the most obvious of which is a tendency to want to use big words which can come across as slightly pretentious. This is an easy trap to fall into, especially when applying to an institution like Oxford where one might feel a need to sound intelligent. There are several clumsy grammar errors which should have been picked up on and which can give a bad impression. Some of the experiences could be better utilised by talking about the skills gained and comparatively the extra-curricular activities and hobbies section is quite weak.
This is a good statement, but there are far better ones out there and this application was probably successful in spite of rather than because of this personal statement. It ticks the right boxes to a sufficient extent that the grades and interview performances were the primary factors in making a decision. Had the grades been poorer then the applicant may have struggled more.
--F1fanatic-14915 14:18, 22 February 2009 (UTC)
Comments on the Statement:
I am extremely curious as to how the universe functions as a macroscopic system, within which are numerous microscopic systems. These fundamental paradigms This is a case of swallowing a dictionary and is probably best avoided, as it does not often come across well in a statement. Words should be chosen because they are most appropriate for the task and not because they sound impressive. have fascinated me for many years and, due to my inquisitive nature, are the predominate reasons for my enthusiasm for Physics. Technically, subjects should be in lower case but the important thing is to be consistent throughout the statement. Their exploration I don't think "exploration" is the right word to use here. "Investigation" perhaps? and analysis intrigues me, and this is an area that I wish to pursue further. I believe that this is a well-respected academic discipline, which will provide excellent career prospects in a range of research fields and professions. The subject is particularly stimulating as it frequently allows mathematical theory to be applied to practical problems. Aside from the unnecessarily long words this is quite an effective introduction. It has immediately answered the question of why the applicant wishes to study the course at university and has given several specific reasons. The applicant has demonstrated an enthusiasm for the subject while staying away from the common cliché of being interested since a young child.
I enjoy reading Physics-related books such as “A Brief History of Time” and endeavour to keep up with the latest advances and theories by reading scientific journals. Books and journals are a good opportunity to demonstrate a genuine interest and enthusiasm for a subject and so are good things to mention. "A Brief History of Time" is the classic example which countless people claim to have read and I'm sure as a tutor it would be nice to see something slightly different or unusual for a change. If space allows, a short discussion of what the applicant enjoyed about the text can also help to convey a genuine interest. If mentioning books it is important to be prepared to talk about them in interviews. To enhance my knowledge and ability, I am following extra-curricular studies in the areas of matrices, complex numbers and similar topics This is a bit vague and may as well be omitted. It doesn't add anything to the statement., as these were not covered in my Mathematics course. This is good as the applicant has demonstrated an eagerness to learn outside of the syllabus and has taken responsibility for their own learning. An opportunity has been missed slightly to really sell this point in terms of the skills that this demonstrates (organisation, conscientiousness, responsibility etc).My interest in Physics grew tremendously at A-level when I began to see how different branches of the subject fit together. There is greater scope to use my initiative and more focus on the fundamental scientific principles. I have particularly enjoyed the quantum and classical mechanics, as these help me to understand how the world operates I think there might be a better word to use here than "operates". Perhaps "functions" or "behaves" would be more appropriate., and often requires mathematical manipulation to form equations about a theoretical concept. The applicant has avoided a common pitfall by saying their interest "grew tremendously at A-level" rather than saying they only became interested at A-level. An applicant does not want to imply that they are fickle and have only been interested in a subject for a couple of years. Specific details of aspects of the course that the applicant enjoys are another way to demonstrate a genuine interest and understanding of the subject.
Academically, I obtained good GCSE results and at AS level I was awarded four As in my principal subjects. None of this is really necessary as it will be clear from elsewhere on the UCAS form. In 2002, I received my school Mathematics Shield and last year was presented with both the Science Prize and Student of the Year Award. There are other things to talk about and things like awards may be better off in the reference from teachers. Recently I attended a Science Summer School focusing on Physics and Mathematics at both A-level, and degree standard. This is a very relevant experience to the degree and therefore it seems a shame not to mention subject specific skills and experiences from this summer school. What topics were covered? What did the applicant enjoy? How were they inspired to study physics by this course? This experience has also enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills. It's always good to talk about transferable skills.
Through my experience in retail in 2001, I learnt the importance of teamwork and how sections of large corporations operate. Work experience is a good thing to mention in a personal statement as it presents another good opportunity to demonstrate transferable skills like teamwork, organisation and leadership. Here the skills mentioned, particularly concerning large corporations, does not seem very relevant. In February, I attended a Career Insight programme concentrating on university life and the application of science and engineering in industry. I contribute to my school on a voluntary basis, to provide assistance in the Science department. This entails assisting the lower years with their Science by devising worksheets and helping them to learn, which I find most rewarding. This is another good experience, but there is more to be said for this than finding it "rewarding". This is not going to impress a tutor and it would be better to talk about tangible benefits from this type of experience. For example, the applicant may have had to ensure a strong foundation in their own understanding in order to convey concepts to others. It has also enhanced my leadership and time-management skills.
In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, fell-walking and swimming. In recent years I have played the violin, achieving Grade 1 standard, and as a member of the school orchestra I have performed in a number of school concerts. Presently I am participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. Extra-curricular activities have two important roles to play in a personal statement. The most important role is to show that the applicant is a well rounded individual who has interests outside of physics and school or college. What the applicant has failed to do here is to use these hobbies and interests to demonstrate further transferable skills. Performing in an orchestra will require presentation-like skills and good organisation and time management. Compared to many other applicants who this student will be competing against, a Grade 1 in music is not that impressive and so it may be better to be vague on this particular point.
I believe that I am well suited to the demands of a Physics degree, as I am a dedicated and well-organized student, with a passion and enthusiasm for the Physical Sciences. Additionally, I look forward to the opportunity to learn more about the universe and to find out how everything connects together, as well as the chance to meet new and interesting people. This conclusion is reasonable but a little on the long side. It has summarized the applicant's interests and the skills they can bring which is the key aim of a conclusion, but should really be restricted to 1 or 2 fairly short and succinct sentences.
--F1fanatic-14915 14:06, 22 February 2009 (UTC)
