Write a personal statement for two degree options?
Question:
How do I write a personal statement if I am applying for more than one degree on UCAS? I am interested in Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.
Writing a personal statement when your first choice (e.g., Dentistry) and your backup choice (e.g., Biomedical Sciences) are different fields requires careful balance. The goal is to highlight your passion for the primary choice while demonstrating transferable skills and interests that suit the backup option. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Structure Your Personal Statement
Divide your statement into clear sections:
- Introduction: Show enthusiasm for your primary choice (e.g., Dentistry).
- Main Body (70-80%): Focus on Dentistry, but subtly incorporate skills and interests that align with Biomedical Sciences.
- Backup Degree Alignment (20-30%): Highlight how your skills and interests also relate to the alternative degree.
- Conclusion: Tie everything together, emphasizing your adaptability and passion for both fields.
2. Demonstrate Interest in Dentistry (Primary Focus)
- Why Dentistry?:
- Explain why you’re drawn to Dentistry (e.g., combining science, manual dexterity, and patient care).
- Use specific experiences like shadowing dentists, volunteering, or personal moments that inspired your interest.
- Relevant Skills:
- Highlight skills that apply to both Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, such as:
- Problem-solving
- Scientific research
- Communication
- Attention to detail
- Highlight skills that apply to both Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, such as:
- Work Experience:
- Detail any dental-related work experience (e.g., shadowing dentists, volunteering in clinics).
- If no direct experience, focus on transferable experiences like working with people or learning hands-on skills.
3. Link to Biomedical Sciences (Backup Option)
- Acknowledge your interest in broader biomedical science topics that relate to Dentistry, such as:
- Human anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Disease mechanisms
- Mention how studying Biomedical Sciences would still allow you to explore your passion for improving healthcare and understanding the human body.
- Emphasize flexibility:
- For example, “While my primary ambition is to become a dentist, my passion for understanding the science behind health and disease means I am equally enthusiastic about pursuing Biomedical Sciences.”
4. Highlight Transferable Skills
Write about experiences or attributes that suit both fields:
- Academic Achievement:
- Mention achievements in subjects like Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
- Showcase your ability to handle challenging coursework.
- Research and Analytical Skills:
- Reference any projects, research, or extended essays you’ve completed.
- Mention your ability to analyze complex data—key for both Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.
- Manual Dexterity and Attention to Detail:
- Highlight activities like art, playing musical instruments, or crafting that showcase fine motor skills for Dentistry but also demonstrate precision valuable in Biomedical Sciences.
5. Be Honest and Adaptable
- Acknowledge the competitive nature of Dentistry but avoid appearing pessimistic:
- For example: “I am aware of the challenges involved in pursuing a career in Dentistry, but my determination and passion for patient care and scientific inquiry motivate me to strive for this goal.”
- Express enthusiasm for your backup option:
- For example: “If unable to pursue Dentistry directly, I am confident that a Biomedical Sciences degree will allow me to build a strong foundation in human health and continue contributing to healthcare advancements.”
6. Conclusion
Wrap up by:
- Reaffirming your commitment to your primary goal.
- Emphasizing your enthusiasm for both pathways.
- Showing your adaptability and willingness to excel in either field:
- For example: “My ultimate goal is to contribute to improving health and wellbeing, whether as a dentist or through research and innovation in biomedical sciences.”
Example Opening Paragraph
“My fascination with Dentistry stems from the unique blend of science, manual skill, and patient care it offers. Shadowing dentists during a community outreach program revealed how transformative dental care can be, not just in improving health but also in boosting confidence and quality of life. At the same time, my interest in the underlying science of the human body has driven me to explore topics like anatomy and biochemistry, which also align with my passion for biomedical research. Together, these experiences have solidified my desire to pursue a career in healthcare, whether as a dentist or a biomedical scientist.”
Additional Tips
- Keep the tone positive and ambitious, showing you’re committed and adaptable.
- Avoid being vague about your enthusiasm for either field.
- Focus on the overlapping skills and knowledge required for both Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences.