Use this page to check and edit your personal statement according to the UCAS guidelines. Scroll down to take advantage of the tips and tricks for writing a superb personal statement for medical school!
- WHAT
- WHEN
- INSPIRATION
What is this page for?
-
- This page simply allows you to check and edit the length of your personal statement against the UCAS criteria of 47 lines.
- Microsoft word and google docs don’t necessarily count a “line” the same way UCAS does so this is a simple tool that checks everything against the strict UCAS criteria. Scroll down to get some inspiration while you write.
When to use?
-
- You can essentially use this page as a text editor for your statement if you wish. Microsoft Word and google docs have formatting options such as bold/ headings etc which are all stripped when you submit your personal statement.
- The editor on this page strips such formatting by default so you can focus on writing a top-notch statement, with a bit of inspiration from the tips below!
- MAKE SURE TO COPY ANY CHANGES MADE BACK INTO YOUR WORD EDITOR
Starting a statement is hard!
Paste Text Below
[ucas commentary=’false’]
TIPS TO WRITING A GOOD STATEMENT
Statement OutlineWhy do you want to be a doctor? Believe me this won’t be the first or last time you answer this so have a good answer!
-
- What experience of medicine do you have, and what did you learn from these experiences? Skills gained?
- What are some extra-curricular activities that make you a well rounded candidate?
- Do these extra-curricular activities make you well suited for medicine? ie good communication as part of the debate team
- short and sweet conclusion to end
Always Be original and honest.
-
- Most people open with cliches. Don’t do that.
- Maybe prepare an anecdote about your experiences with healthcare professionals.
- They may have inspired you from a young age but don’t say you wanted to become a doctor from day 1.
Why do you want to become a doctor?
This is usually the hardest question to answer and it takes a lot of figuring out. As cliche as it sounds, you must be compassionate, caring and willing to put your knowledge to good use in helping others.
-
- is it because you care for others?
- Who inspired you and how?
- Did you have an experience in a hospital or care home, or even a non-medical experience that made you discover that caring for others was your passion?
How do you know you are cut out for medicine?
-
- What are the steps you have taken that demonstrate your passions for medicine?
- Have you done your research and actually sought out experiences that give you glimpses into the healthcare system?
- Most importantly what have these experiences taught you?
What do you do in your spare time?
What is a notable activity you do that demonstrates your commitments, communication skills, general roundedness, empathy, drive, ambition?
-
- Are you in a band, church choir, drama group, football club, or actively learning a new language? These things prove you are driven and committed to achieving a goal
- are you in the debate team, an avid reader, part of the welcome team in your church, an open day host at your school, or a babysitter? These things, as small as they sound can demonstrate your language and interpersonal skills, and your ability to be patient.
- are you a volunteer at a homeless shelter, care home or charity shop? These things show your compassion, care and kind nature, and will certainly give your personal statement a huge boost.
You have done all the work!
-
- now just end with a nice closing remark summarising your suitability.
- Don’t however just repeat yourself over and over again.
See some good examples below!
EXAMPLE STATEMENTS
INSPIRATIONExample personal statments – Taken from our PS commentary page and originally from The Student Room PS archives.
Do you want a bigger free-er question bank?
Register your interest below
The UCAT is an exam that medical and dental students must undertake in order to gain access to select UK Read more
UCAT Timing structure The UCAT assesses a range of cognitive abilities necessary for entry into medical and dental school. The Read more
Take a look at some past personal statements of students who have either graduated from or are working towards medical Read more
Among other things such as work experience, Uni location, and funding, there are 4 main things to think about when Read more
[…] Test Your Personal Statement HERE […]