Chemical Natural Sciences Model Personal Statement
This is a model personal statement of a successful Oxbridge Chemical Natural Sciences applicant.
Natural Sciences have played a key part in my personal and academic life since childhood, from watching programmes with my parents about forensic history or reading books about the development of the universe, such as The Magic of Reality by Richard Dawkins. The tangibility of science and accessibility of study has always been important to me, leading to my choice to test the photostability of sunscreen ingredients for my Extended Essay. I was fascinated by the chance to develop my own hypothesis and think of the possibilities that could have caused the phenomena I investigated.
In terms of wider reading, Why Chemical Reactions Happen gave me an introduction to the study of Chemistry at University level, also developing my interest in Physical Chemistry, whilst General Chemistry by Linus Pauling is proving difficult but informative, giving me advanced insight. I was particularly intrigued by how wave functions could be used to model plots of atomic orbitals. The Poisoner’s Handbook allowed me to learn about toxicology in a vivid historical context. I found this fascinating as I have always enjoyed learning about this area and would strongly consider it for future study. I completed a York University MOOC entitled Everyday Chemistry and learnt more complex organic Chemistry than I had seen before such as reaction mechanisms involved in antibiotic processes and brewing. I enjoyed this course as I felt like I really expanded my knowledge base and found it exciting to see how applicable and how tangible Chemistry can be, for example when learning about the interesting organic mechanisms involved in the Maillard reaction.
Attending the AAAS 2019 conference in Washington DC gave me the opportunity to talk to experts and stretch myself to the limit of my academic thinking. Lectures such as one on the principles of sustainability in Chemistry I attended caused me to think about my approach to problem solving and the intellectual growth possible when surrounded by passionate people, motivated by their fields. During the Discover Bath Chemistry Summer School, we synthesised benzocaine and used advanced analytical techniques such as NMR Spectroscopy and HPLC-MS. I loved this week as I got to make friends who were interested in the same areas as me and get a taste for University level analysis.
My interest in analytical Chemistry stemmed from the Chemistry Analysts club at school, through which I was selected for the Analysts team which took part in the RSC’s Schools' Analyst Competition, allowing me to develop my collaborative skills and ability to work in a small group contest. At school I also attend Chemistry extension and Natural Sciences societies, and the super-curricular learning opportunities help to spark my interest, for example prompting my reading into Bragg’s Law in x-ray crystallography.
Through tutoring a year 11 student in science, running a science clinic for GCSE students and working as a teaching assistant at a primary Science Summer School I have gained an enriching experience as I was forced to rethink the way I understand and approach science by simplifying hard concepts – a different kind of challenge but one I loved and thrived in.
In terms of extracurricular activities, I have competed in swimming at County and Regional level since 2014, which has tested my time management skills and commitment due to the training level required to maintain this standard. I am captain of the girls’ swimming team at my school and received full sports colours earlier this year. Due to swimming I have become a lifeguard, gaining my qualification last year and working over the summer.Through doing the Bronze, Silver and Gold D of E awards I have enjoyed showing my resilience and ability to work in a team.
Academia has always been central to my life and curiosity of science, from academic scholarship in year 7 to now, and therefore pursuing my passion for Science at a leading establishment would be a dream come true.
