Personal Statement:Natural Sciences 6

Natural Sciences Personal Statement

As an aspiring researcher, I've always found my friends' attitude towards a career in science rather discouraging. Upon hearing my response to enquiries about my career ambitions, the reaction is invariably a stunned expression of disbelief. "But that's so boring! You're such a nerd."

Until recently, I would have said something similar. Fortunately, my school’s graduation requirements include completion of a research project, affording me the chance to experience real research. Last year, I took up a project in the area of synthetic organic chemistry, where I synthesised novel catalysts for the aldol addition reaction, seeking to improve yield and stereoselectivity. The project eventually went on to be presented at the International Students Science Fair 2008 in Osaka, Japan: one of my greatest personal achievements to date.

Interestingly, I never expected myself to conduct research in the field of chemistry. My strongest subject has traditionally been biology. The ability to combine concepts into larger systems of knowledge, coupled with an innate interest in the subject, allowed me to excel in the discipline. My interest has not diminished, of course; it has merely been overtaken.

For at the start of 2008, I was introduced to a whole new field that would eventually become my greatest passion: organic chemistry. An understanding of the different ways hydrocarbons interact came naturally to me, and I soon found myself constrained by the syllabus. During the course, we were taught that the stability of carbocations could be approximately explained by the inductive effect. I sought to understand more, so I consulted teachers and textbooks to understand the true reason, which turned out to be hyperconjugation.

Once fascination for the interactions between atoms struck me, it was impossible to stop myself from reading more. I saw the beauty in the building blocks of nature; I saw the simplicity and elegance of molecules in various combinations. Chemistry, combined with biology, presented a breathtaking picture of the world, and I appreciated the view. Eventually, my interest and associated diligence were noticed by my teachers and I was selected to participate in the ********* (national) Chemistry Olympiad 2008, where I won a silver medal and was shortlisted for the national team. At the same time, I sustained my aptitude in biology and also competed in the ********* (national) Biology Olympiad 2008, emerging with a bronze medal and a Top 10 placing.

Soon afterwards, I accepted the role of President of the school’s chemistry interest group, which advocates chemistry to students and the public. This year, we organised a lightstick-making workshop to illustrate the chemistry behind these fun devices so commonly seen at night-time events. We are also in the process of creating home chemistry kits for the assemblage of novelty items such as mini lava lamps, to introduce the subject to primary school children.

Outside academia, other leadership positions I hold include Section Leader in the school orchestra and an executive committee position in the Music Ambassadors. My various commitments have helped me learn the art of time management and staying focussed. Also, being the only child of parents who did not study science, I am often forced to face academic challenges alone, allowing me to develop the capacity for independent learning. As I move into tertiary education, I am grateful for all these experiences, for they have indeed prepared me well.

Universities Applied to:

  • Cambridge (Natural Sciences Biological) - Unconditional
  • UCL (Chemistry) - Unconditional
  • UCL (Medicinal Chemistry) - Unconditional
  • Imperial (Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry) - Unconditional
  • Imperial (Biochemistry) - Unconditional

International student, applied in September 2009 during final year

Grades Achieved:

Did not take A levels. Followed an experimental curriculum - high school diploma in country which traditionally uses A levels. Studied math, chemistry (honours), biology (honours), music, writing and 2nd language. Took some APs.

APs:

  • Calculus AB - 5
  • Statistics - 5
  • Chemistry - 5
  • Biology - 5

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