1. What Chemistry Admissions
Tutors are Looking for in a
Personal Statement
Bhavik Anil Patel
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
b.a.patel@brighton.ac.uk

2. Is it an important part of the
application?
• Provides insight into your personality
• Gives us an indication on why your interested in
the subject area/course
• Gives us an idea of your achievements and
general interests

3. How should I compose my personal
statement?

4. What sort of things should I include in
the subject section?
• Why you have chosen the course/s that you have
selected
• The reasons why the subject area interests you
• Aspects of your current studies or projects that
relate to the course/s that you have chosen
• Why you think you would be a good student
• Details of work experience or voluntary work
which you have undertaken (particularly if it has
relevance to your chosen field)
• Whether you have any future plans of how you
want to use the knowledge and experience that
you gain from the course

5. What sort of things should I include in
the general information section?
• Hobbies, interests and social activities that
demonstrate you are a well-rounded person
• Non-accredited qualifications, like the Duke of
Edinburgh Award Scheme or Young Enterprise
• Any other achievements that you are proud of, eg.
being selected for a county sport team or playing
an instrument
• Positions of responsibility that you hold both in
and out of school, eg. prefect or representative for
a local charity
• Attributes that make you interesting, special or
unique

6. Do brainstorm your ideas on paper before attempting
to write anything.
Do aim to use about five paragraphs, making sure
that each one flows in a logical way.
Do ensure that you use your best English and don’t
let silly spelling and grammar mistakes spoil your
statement.
Do support all statements with some examples of
evidence – anyone can say they have excellent team
working skills!

7. Don’t feel that you need to use fancy language.
Don’t waffle on about things which aren’t relevant –
admissions tutors will fall asleep!
Don’t try to be funny as admissions tutors may not
share your sense of humor.
Don’t lie – if you stretch the truth you may fall down
at interviews
Don’t copy someone else’s personal statement or
‘borrow’ chunks from existing personal statements.
Don’t leave it to the last minute – you’ll kick yourself!

8. Finally……
• Admission tutors don’t see what other courses and
universities you have applied for, unless this is
within the same university
• You may be interviewed on comments and interests
mentioned on your personal statement
• Use the advice and resources on the UCAS website

9. Contact us
chemistry@brighton.ac.uk
01273 642090
Join us at our open day
Saturday 20 October 2012
www.brighton.ac.uk/opendays