cambridge university natural sciences personal statement

How to Write a Biology Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

By U2 Tutor, Holly (Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences graduate and current Graduate Medic at St George’s Hospital Medical School)

Writing a personal statement can be overwhelming - there’s so much pressure to ‘sell yourself’ to the universities in just 4000 characters. In this blog we’ll discuss how to structure your personal statement, as well as tips to simplify the writing process and make your personal statement stand out.

How to Structure your Biology Personal Statement

Paragraph 1: This should be motivation focused i.e. why you want to do Biology above any other course.

Paragraph 2: This should demonstrate your aptitude for the course - explore what you have done so far and the skills you’ve gained from it, in order to show that you’re suited to university learning.

Paragraph 3: This should be a continuation of paragraph 2, ideally discussing some other areas of biology or other skills.

Paragraph 4: Brief discussion of extra-curriculars, but only if they also demonstrate skills which suit you to the course.

Writing the Perfect Biology Personal Statement Introduction

If you take anything from this guide, it’s to avoid clichés! The most important thing you can do is convey your genuine interest in the subject, and saying you’ve wanted to do biology since you were a child isn’t the way to do this (even if it is the case). Equally, try not to exaggerate with your wording, as this can also come across as less authentic. Just try and explain your motivations clearly and honestly, and focus on showing this motivation through your experiences and beyond syllabus knowledge.

Writing the opening sentence can be the hardest part, so is often best left until the end . There’s a misconception that you have to write a captivating, attention-grabbing opening sentence - this isn’t the case, especially not for the sciences! It’s completely fine to start simply, such as with ‘I was first drawn to Biology when I studied x…’ and go from there. Remember you have a character limit, so it’s best to just go straight in!

Forming a First Draft of Your Personal Statement

Don’t put pressure on yourself to write a full draft on your first attempt. There will be lots of redrafting and restructuring and that’s okay! Give yourself plenty of time to allow for this.

The best way to start is to write down everything you want to include in your personal statement - include everything you can think of from an academic and extra-curricular perspective. Try not to include anything beyond the last few years, as this is unlikely to be relevant . For each point, determine what skills you gained from these experiences and what you learnt from them .

Then compare this to the skills/ qualities most sought after for the courses you’re applying to (this is likely to be very similar between universities). Whilst it can seem overwhelming at first, it’s a quick way of narrowing down what is worth including in your personal statement. From there you can work out how to elaborate on these experiences. Try to group them together in themes if possible, so that you can organise your paragraphs accordingly.

Ideas to Show Your Interest

You might be thinking that your list of things to include in your personal statement is going to be rather short - you hopefully have plenty of time to rectify that! If you’ve not yet had a chance, it’s important to explore Biology in more depth - this is to distinguish you from your classmates doing the same subjects. Remember the universities will also see your grades through UCAS, so you’re wasting some of the precious word count by mentioning these. Instead, you need to discuss co-curriculars - evidence that you’ve explored the subject and have a genuine interest. Try and find 2-3 broad areas of Biology that you’re interested in and ideally match with some of the modules offered as part of the courses you’re applying to . There are plenty of ways you can do this…

Books - these have been divided into some broad topics within some of the popular Biology courses:

Biomedical:

Do No Harm - Henry Marsh

Fragile Lives - Stephen Westaby

The Body: A Guide for Occupants - Bill Bryson

The Selfish Gene - Richard Dawkins,

The Epigenetics Revolution - Nessa Carey

Genome - Matt Ridley

Psychology:

Any of Oliver Sacks books, particularly The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat or Awakenings

The Psychopath Test - Jon Ronson

On the Origin of Species - Charles Darwin

Sapiens - Yuval Noah Harari

Epigenetics: The Wisdom of Whores - Elizabeth Pisani

Cognitive sciences: Daniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and Slow

Essay competitions

There are yearly competitions hosted by Minds Underground to allow you to explore topics you might not have encountered before.

Many Oxbridge colleges also run their own essay competitions , as well as biological societies e.g. Royal Society of Biology and British Society for Cell Biology . Essay competitions are particularly relevant to Oxbridge applications as supervisions often require you to write similar essays.

Biology Work Experience

It can be useful to get work experience, such as in a lab, but don’t feel like this is an essential - universities understand it can be very difficult to find, especially in the post-covid era. If you do have experience, be careful not to just list what you did during work experience. Focus on the skills you gained, and how you could use these at university e.g. familiarity with different lab-based techniques.

Research Projects (Minds Underground)

Similar to Extended Projects offered by some schools, you could write your own research project exploring a topic of your choice. It can be difficult to decide on a title - it might be easier to use your A-level content as a springboard, and design a project to investigate something you’ve learnt about. For example, you could design a literature review to analyse existing research on a topic, in order to identify gaps in current research and inform future research opportunities. You could also design your own experiment (although there obviously limits to this!) such as investigating conditions needed by different plants.

Minds Underground can guide you through this with a Biology expert… https://www.mindsunderground.com/work-research-experience

Biology Summer School (Minds Underground)

Summer schools can be an exciting way to get a taster of a variety of different university level biology subjects, from genetic engineering and cancer therapies to ecology and behaviour. Minds Underground hosts an amazing Biology summer school run by Oxbridge graduates, allowing you to broaden your knowledge of Biology whilst gaining useful personal statement and interview material.

Talks and podcasts

Online lectures can also give you a taste of university courses - these are widely available from universities and sites such as Ted Talks . Podcasts are increasingly popular, and are an easy way to keep up to date with current development in Biology. We recommend The Infinite Monkey Cage (less Biology specific, but very interesting!) and Radiolab .

Extra-curriculars

In the past there’s been a focus on the ‘all rounder’: someone who is academic, musical and sporty. This is not really the case any more, and so extracurriculars shouldn’t take up a significant proportion of your personal statement. The purpose of mentioning these should be to show what skills you’ve gained, and how you could apply these to your course or university life. For example, your weekly football match could have helped develop your team working skills and communication skills, something which is essential in a lab environment. Equally, it could allow you to switch off for a few hours and maintain your high work ethic - this is just as important, as universities (particularly high achieving ones) increasingly want to see that you can maintain a work-life balance.

Applying to Oxford for Biology? Here’s What You Should Also Do

To craft a standout personal statement for Oxford Biological Sciences specifically, it can be helpful to gear your personal statement to specific qualities and details that the university values. Here are some tips to enhance your Biology personal statement with an application for Oxford in mind:

1. Demonstrate Academic Rigour:

Highlight your passion for biology through academic achievements, relevant coursework, and independent research.

Discuss specific topics or scientific concepts that have captivated your interest and showcase your understanding of advanced material. You could have a look through the 1st year Oxford Biology modules and see if anything you have explored links to material you may cover at the university.

2. Emphasise Independent Thinking:

Discuss instances where you've independently pursued scientific inquiry or engaged in co-curricular activities related to biology.

Oxford values students who can think critically and contribute to discussions, so emphasise your ability to approach problems independently.

3. Reflect on Your Reading:

As detailed above, mention books, articles, or research papers that have influenced your understanding of biology. However, don’t just list them - make sure you give your independent analysis and opinion on everything you have included in your personal statement.

Oxford is known for its tutorial system, and demonstrating that you've engaged with challenging material beyond the standard curriculum can set you apart.

4. Discuss Your Practical Skills:

Describe any laboratory work, experiments, or field studies you've been involved in.

Showcasing hands-on experience is crucial, as it aligns with Oxford's emphasis on practical learning.

5. Showcase Interdisciplinary Interests:

Oxford appreciates interdisciplinary approaches. If your interest in biology connects with other disciplines, explain how and why.

Mention any relevant projects or coursework that spans multiple scientific domains.

6. Make It Personal and Reflective:

Share personal anecdotes or experiences that sparked your interest in biology.

Reflect on how your unique background or experiences contribute to your perspective as a future biologist.

7. Highlight Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

Illustrate instances where you've had to think critically, solve problems, or overcome challenges.

Oxford seeks students who can navigate complex issues and contribute meaningfully to academic discussions.

8. Address Your Motivation for Oxford:

Clearly articulate why you want to study biology at Oxford specifically, without mentioning the university explicitly as the personal statement also needs to be relevant to your other university choices.

Discuss the aspects of the Oxford programme (again, without mentioning the university explicitly) that appeal to you and how it aligns with your long-term goals.

9. Prepare for Interview Discussion:

Anticipate questions that might arise from your personal statement and be ready to discuss your ideas in-depth.

Consider how your experiences and perspectives can contribute to academic discussions at Oxford.

A standout personal statement for Oxford is not just a list of achievements but a narrative that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, a passion for biology, and the potential to thrive in Oxford's academic environment. View the personal statement as a springboard for engaging discussions during interviews!

Biological Science Personal Statement Example

Siddhartha Mukherjee's "The Gene: An Intimate History" ignited a profound curiosity in the intricate tapestry of genetic inheritance and molecular mechanisms. Mukherjee's narrative skilfully brought to life the historical context and societal impact of genetics, serving as a catalyst that fuelled my exploration into the foundational works of molecular biology. Inspired by Mukherjee's narrative, I expanded my exploration of genetics through literature, delving into Carl Zimmer's "She Has Her Mother's Laugh." This broadened my perspective on the broader implications of genetic inheritance, touching on topics from heredity and evolution to the societal impact of genetic discoveries. Zimmer's adept blend of scientific rigour and accessible storytelling not only deepened my understanding of genetics but also prompted me to critically analyse the ethical implications of manipulating genetic information, shaping my conviction to approach the rapidly advancing field of genetics with a thoughtful consideration of its societal ramifications. In delving into Watson and Crick's seminal paper on the structure of DNA, I also found myself captivated by the meticulous unravelling of the double helix. This exploration propelled me beyond textbook learning into an understanding of the molecular foundations that govern life. This foundational knowledge took on practical significance as I engaged in a genetic engineering project that utilised CRISPR-Cas9 technology to manipulate bacterial DNA. . This hands-on experience not only solidified my laboratory skills but also deepened my appreciation for the practical implications of gene editing, fueling my commitment to ethical scientific practices. I learn about the delicate balance between scientific innovation and responsible ethical practices, shaping my perspective on the potential impacts of cutting-edge technologies in the biological sciences. This awareness was further honed during a summer school class dedicated to the revolutionary CRISPR technology. Here, I explored the nuances of gene editing's potential applications, ethical implications, and the ongoing discourse in the scientific community. This exploration sparked a particular interest in the potential application of CRISPR technology for targeted gene therapy, a revolutionary avenue with transformative implications for treating genetic disorders at the molecular level. This newfound fascination with gene therapy, particularly in the context of CRISPR technology, has propelled my desire to contribute to the evolving landscape of biomedical research and therapeutic interventions, further solidifying my commitment to exploring the intersection of cutting-edge science and ethical considerations. My interest in biology extended beyond the microscopic realm into the intricate interplay of species within ecological systems. I recently watched an online lecture on ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity, which delved into the relationships that shape ecosystems. This exploration found resonance in a podcast episode titled "Ecology in Action," where real-world ecological projects illuminated the practical applications of ecological principles I had studied. I am particularly interested in the study of symbiotic relationships in ecosystems, exploring how mutualistic interactions between species contribute to the resilience and sustainability of ecological communities—a concept that I find particularly fascinating for its broader implications in conservation biology and ecosystem management. Each aspect of my exploration into the world of biology has added a layer to my understanding, creating a solid foundation for further academic pursuits and a future dedicated to advancing the frontiers of biological knowledge.

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Biology or Biological Natural Sciences Application?

Biology personal statement support.

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Biology personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidates own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Oxbridge Biology Tuition

We offer Oxbridge Mentoring for students looking for support throughout the application process (book a free consultation to discuss options). We have a large team of Oxford Biology and Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences tutors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge-educated Biology tutor and send their full CV for review. Our mentors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Biology at Oxford and Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences, and are well-placed to guide you through Biology personal statement curation and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour diagnostic session , where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Biology application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate. Mentors ensure each student refines their interests within Biology, and is exposed to a range of key concepts and topics.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , Biology Summer School and Oxbridge mock interview days . Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced.

Sessions from £75/h + VAT.

Your Ultimate Guide to the Oxbridge Admissions Process

How to write a biomedical science personal statement.

Cambridge - Biological Natural Sciences

Biological natural sciences – 2013 ( cambridge ).

It is science’s ability to translate abstract ideas into the tangible that truly fascinates me and is perhaps the main reason I wish to study it at a higher level.

Please note UCAS will detect any form of plagiarism. PSE and its contributors do not take any responsibility for the way in which personal statements are used.

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Natural Sciences

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Natural Sciences at Cambridge

Natural Sciences is a broad course that gives you the opportunity to study physical and biological sciences from 16 different departments.  

The course is flexible, which means you can study a range of new and familiar areas in the sciences before choosing a subject, or two, to specialise in.  

You’ll have the option to study a wide range of physical and biological science subjects from 16 different departments: 

• Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics 
• Biochemistry 
• Biology (faculty) 
• Earth Sciences 
• History and Philosophy of Science 
• Materials Science and Metallurgy 
• Pharmacology 
• Physiology, Development and Neuroscience 
• Plant Sciences 
• Psychology 

During your first and second year you will study a variety of subjects, some of which may be completely new to you.  

You can change your mind about which subject to specialise in as you progress through the course.  

You can choose to study purely biological sciences, purely physical sciences or a combination of both.  

If you discover a passion for a new subject, such as Earth Sciences or Materials Science, you will be able to continue with it after your first year.

Choosing between Natural Sciences Biological and Physical

When you apply, you’ll need to tell us whether you’re interested in Biological or Physical Sciences. We use this information in the admissions process.

Your choice of application stream, and the courses that you are currently studying, will affect the types of questions that are asked at interview.

It is best to apply for Physical Sciences if you have studied Physics and Maths A levels. This is because your interview will be on subjects that you have already studied.

On the course, you can take physical and biological science options. But you won’t choose which subjects to study within the Natural Sciences course until you arrive.

There are A levels requirements for some of the first year options. Check the requirements for Year One options.

Teaching and facilities

We have some of the world’s best scientists, teaching and researching at the very forefront of current scientific knowledge. They are working on tackling some of the most important challenges of our times. 

We’ll teach you to become a scientist who progresses their area of science, someone with their own ideas and opinions. 

Some of our research includes: 

• searching for life’s origins on Earth and attempting to discover it on planets beyond Earth 
• using newly developed microscopy method to see for the first time how protein clusters form in living cells 
• understanding astronomical forcing of climate change records as recorded in oceanic sediments 
• understanding how adverse environments experienced in early development leave a lasting legacy with impacts on later and intergenerational health 
• facilitating the early detection of hard-to-diagnose diseases using new sequencing technology that spots the changes in the genes that mark the onset of these diseases 

The 16 departments that contribute to the Natural Sciences course have a variety of teaching and research facilities. 

These include: 

• lecture theatres, classrooms and seminar rooms 
• teaching laboratories 
• a wide variety of study and social spaces 

In your final year, you can access active research labs for your project work.

Course costs

When you go to university, you’ll need to consider two main costs – your tuition fees and your living costs (sometimes referred to as maintenance costs).

Your living costs will include costs related to your studies that are not covered by your tuition fees. There are some general study costs that will apply for all students – you can find details of these costs here .

Other additional course costs for Natural Sciences are detailed below. If you have any queries about these costs, please contact the course team.

• University approved scientific calculator - estimated cost £25
• Lab coat - estimated cost £13 to £16
• Safety glasses - estimated cost £4 to £7

Field trips

• Year 1 Earth Sciences field course (required) - estimated cost £105
• Year 1 Evolution and Behaviour field course (optional) - estimated cost £50 plus travel

For years 2, 3 and 4, any additional costs will depend on the options taken. You can find details on the course website . 

Your future career

You’ll be well prepared for life beyond Cambridge, whichever pathway you choose. 

This course prepares students well for the challenges of research, especially in emerging, interdisciplinary areas. Around half of our graduates continue with further study or research, based on the Graduate Outcomes survey. 57% of Natural Science graduates who completed their studies between August 2020 and July 2021 responded to the survey. 

The other half of our graduates go directly into a broad range of careers, including: 

• product development 
• investment banking 
• management consultancy

You will be taught through lectures and practical laboratory classes. You'll also have supervisions and complete projects, coursework and field work for some courses. 

In your first year, you will usually attend 12 lectures a week and have 1 supervision a week for each of your 4 courses. As well as this, you’ll take part in practical labs. 

In your second year, you will typically attend 9 lectures a week and have 1 supervision a week for each of your 3 courses. 

Depending on the courses you choose, you’ll also take on practical labs, project work and/or coursework. The frequency of your practical labs will depend on your courses. 

The organisation of teaching in the third and fourth years will vary depending on the course. 

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques. These include: 

• unseen written examinations 
• assessed practicals 
• assessed coursework 
• experiment write-ups 
• literature and experimental reports 
• marked essays 
• oral examinations 
• project reports and presentations 

You won't usually be able to resit any of your exams. 

Year 1 (Part IA)

You can study a range of different subjects in your first year. However, you may need to have certain A levels or IB to study some of them. 

Check the entry requirements for the Year 1 subjects you’d like to study. 

You will choose three science subjects from these areas: 

• Biology of Cells 
• Evolution and Behaviour 
• Materials Science 
• Physics     
• Physiology of Organisms 

You can also choose to take Psychology, subject to timetable restrictions and student numbers.  

You will also take one of the two mathematics subjects: 

• Mathematics focusing on Physical sciences  
• Mathematics focusing on Biological sciences 

Year 2 (Part IB) 

You will take three subjects, from the following areas: 

• Animal Diversity 
• Cell Biology 
• Chemistry A: Physical and Theoretical Chemistry 
• Chemistry B: Organic, Inorganic and Biological Chemistry 
• Conservation 
• Developmental Biology 
• Earth Sciences A: Igneous and metamorphic processes, mineralogy and planetary differentiation 
• Earth Sciences B: Climate, geobiology, geophysics and the sedimentary record 
• Environmental Sciences: Quantitative Approaches 
• Mathematics 
• Mathematical and Computational Biology 
• Microbiology 
• Molecular Biology 
• Neurobiology 
• Physics A: Waves, Quantum Mechanics, Condensed Matter Physics 
• Physics B: Dynamics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics 
• Physiology 

Year 3 (Part II) 

You can choose to follow a broad subject in Biological or Physical Sciences, or you can choose to specialise in one of these areas: 

• Astrophysics  
• Earth Sciences  
• History and Philosophy of Science  
• Neuroscience 

Please note that some Year 3 subjects have limited numbers due to the size of the laboratory space.  

Year 4 (Part III) 

These subjects offer a fourth year option, which lead to an MSci degree: 

• Biochemistry  
• Chemistry  
• Systems Biology 
• Quantitative Climate and Environmental Science 

For further information about studying Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge see the Natural Sciences course website. 

Changing course

It’s really important to think carefully about which course you want to study before you apply. 

In rare cases, it may be possible to change course once you’ve joined the University. You will usually have to get agreement from your College and the relevant departments. It’s not guaranteed that your course change will be approved.

You might also have to:

• take part in an interview
• complete an admissions test
• produce some written work
• achieve a particular grade in your current studies
• do some catch-up work
• start your new course from the beginning 

For more information visit the Natural Sciences course website .

You can also apply to change to:

• Management Studies at the Judge Business School

You can't apply to this course until you're at Cambridge. You would usually apply when you have completed 1 year or more of your original Cambridge course.

You should contact your College’s Admissions Office if you’re thinking of changing your course. They will be able to give you advice and explain how changing courses works.

Minimum offer level

A level: A*A*A IB: 41-42 points, with 776 at Higher Level Other qualifications : Check which other qualifications we accept .

Subject requirements

To apply to any of our Colleges for Natural Sciences, you will need A levels/IB Higher Levels (or the equivalent) in: 

• 2 other science or mathematics subjects (please see lists below for College specific requirements). 

Colleges may require you to achieve A*/7 in Chemistry and/or another science or mathematics subject. 

Please note, ‘science/mathematics subjects’ refers to Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Further Mathematics. If you’re studying a science not listed above as your third subject, please contact the College you wish to apply to for advice. 

Some Colleges have specific requirements beyond the minimum offer level and subject requirements listed above.

College specific requirements: Biological Sciences 

• Christ’s: Chemistry
• Churchill: A*/7 in Further Mathematics or Mathematics and A*/7 in Biology and/or Chemistry   
• Corpus Christi: A* in Biology 
• Emmanuel: Chemistry 
• Jesus: A* in Biology 
• Lucy Cavendish: A* in Mathematics and A* in Chemistry 
• Pembroke: Biology 
• Robinson: Biology 

College specific requirements: Physical Sciences 

• Christ’s: 2 of Chemistry, Physics or Further Mathematics
• Churchill: A*/7 in Further Mathematics or Mathematics and A*/7 in Chemistry and/or Physics 
• Corpus Christi: A*/7 in Mathematics and A*/7 in Chemistry or Physics 
• Fitzwilliam: Physics 
• Jesus: A*/7 in Chemistry or Physics 
• King’s: Chemistry or Physics. A*/7 in Mathematics
• Lucy Cavendish: A* in Mathematics 
• Robinson: 2 of Chemistry, Physics or Further Mathematics 

These subject requirements are provisional for 2025 entry. Please check back in April 2024 for confirmed details. 

Subject requirements for Year 1 options 

Your subject choices at A level (or equivalent) may restrict your Year 1 subject choices. The more useful subject combinations are: 

• A level Chemistry, A level Mathematics and A level Physics 
• A level Physics, A level Mathematics and A level Further Mathematics 
• A level Biology, A level Chemistry and A level Mathematics 

Please note that some subjects have essential or desirable subject requirements in order for you to be allowed to take them. Details of these requirements can be found on the Natural Sciences website .

International Baccalaureate 

The advice above about A level subject combinations also applies to the IB. 

• Higher Level subjects will satisfy A level subject requirements 
• For Natural Sciences (Physical), if taking Higher Level Mathematics, applicants are expected to take Analysis and Approaches. If this option is not available at your school, please contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance. 
• For Natural Sciences (Biological), if taking Higher Level Mathematics, we recommend Analysis and Approaches for the most competitive application, however Applications and Interpretations will also be considered.  

What Natural Sciences students have studied

Natural Sciences (Biological)

Most Natural Sciences (Biological) students (who had studied A levels and started at Cambridge in 2017-19) achieved at least A*A*A* (76% of entrants).

Nearly all of these students took Mathematics (99%), Further Mathematics (37%), Biology (98%), Chemistry (96%) and Physics (26%).

In addition to Mathematics A Levels, the percentage of entrants taking:

• all 3 of Biology, Chemistry and Physics was 22%
• 2 of the sciences 75%
• only one of the sciences was 3%

The majority of students who studied IB achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.

Natural Sciences (Physical)

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All of these students took Mathematics. Other common subjects were Further Mathematics (90%), Biology (8%), Chemistry (89%) and Physics (96%).

• all 3 of Biology, Chemistry and Physics was 6%
• 2 of the sciences 81%
• only one of the sciences was 13%

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Natural sciences personal statement example 2.

My perception of the sciences has changed over time as my understanding of them has developed. Subjects that once appeared isolated and independent now merge into one coherent field, each interacting with another. How the same laws can apply from the quark scale to galaxies astounds me and it is the on-going search for patterns to explain these links that I find particularly fascinating.

This notion has driven my pursuit of studying scientific and mathematical subjects at A Level. Indeed the ability to discover the reasoning behind these concepts through the process of doubt and investigation is what truly motivates me to study Natural Science at university.

Throughout my studies I have enjoyed reading; the manner in which this informs and broadens my understanding has been a key factor in my academic success. Charles Seife's book 'Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea' discusses in detail concepts like the creation, banishment and abuse of zero and its counterpart infinity.

I was strongly drawn to how the theories and conclusions made, could again be applied to other branches of science. As a result of reading this text; I felt compelled to give a presentation based on its ideas to my fellow Scholars during a recent Symposium. This helped develop my skills of mathematical analysis, especially in the fields of Complex Numbers and Projectiles.

My decision to study Natural Sciences is driven as much by an appreciation of scientific method, as by content. I have recently read 'Elegant Solutions' by Philip Ball, and 'The Curious History of Relativity' by Jean Eisenstaedt, both awarded to me for excellence in Chemistry and Physics.

These books have furthered my knowledge of the fundamental experiments that have allowed science to develop over time. However of even greater curiosity to me were the new theories identified that have shaped experimentation in the last century, such as the destruction of the long-held belief that the noble gases cannot form compounds with other elements.

As with all scientific disciplines, the process of challenging hypotheses enables the field to learn and improve, and it is this problem based approach to learning that excites me further to pursue my chosen degree course.

My fascination with the sciences is not restricted to my own understanding; I enjoy sharing my knowledge and seeing other people reach the same epiphanies I have. To this end, I initiated a lunchtime help club for Mathematics and Science, for students aged 11 through to 18.

I enjoy the challenge of conveying complex ideas to younger students, and find this process helps forge my own knowledge and opinions. To further my applied knowledge of the sciences I have secured a week long work placement with Nu Instruments, a company specialising in scientific equipment.

Here I will gain first-hand experience of the technology required to further experimentation and am especially motivated by the prospect of working with a mass spectrometer.

I have been entrusted with a number of positions of responsibility during Upper Sixth, demonstrating the work ethic and reliability I strive for.

I hold the positions of Prefect and Head of House, giving me responsibility to organise competitions and weekly assemblies for a range of age groups. I have also been appointed Captain of the Senior Mathematics Team Challenge, and furthermore I have been chosen as Captain of Clay Shooting for the last two years.

I have now been part of this team for 3 years, during which we have won the National Championships twice and individually I am within the top 20 in Great Britain.

I truly aspire to be a student of Natural Science. Whilst I have a strong interest in each individual subject, it is the connections between these disciplines that fascinate me most greatly. I strongly believe that it is the people who can connect theories with practical solutions that establish themselves as the great scientists, and it is these people I seek to emulate.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by BosseMan for application in 2013.

BosseMan's university choices The University of Birmingham Cambridge University The University of Durham University of Leeds The University of Nottingham

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree Mathematics at The University of Nottingham

BosseMan's Comments

Managed to get an interview at Cambridge with this and got offers from all my other choices so very happy with it

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Top Tips for Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Personal Statement

Your Cambridge personal statement should show the admissions tutors at Cambridge that you are interested in and engaged with Psychology, and demonstrate why you would be a great candidate for the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences course (PBS). Read on to find out how to make a great impression with your personal statement!

1. Start preparing early!

A great Cambridge PBS personal statement will include lots of super-curricular activities (this means things you’ve done related to Psychology above and beyond what you’ve done as part of your school curriculum). You want to give yourself plenty of time to read things you’re interested in and perhaps even discover some new areas of interest, so start preparing for this early.

2. Figure out what areas of Psychology interest you

Psychology is a broad topic, and you would never be able to talk about all of it in a Cambridge PBS personal statement. Instead you need to focus on what areas interest you the most. If you’re studying Psychology already, think about which aspects of your course you enjoy the most and try and seek out some wider reading that goes beyond what you’ve been taught. If you’ve never studied it before, there must be a reason you want to study it at degree level so focus on what got you into Psychology as a starting point. Cambridge want to know why you want to study the subject at degree level – what specific aspects captured your interest?

3. Be reflective about your super-curricular activities

Your Cambridge PBS personal statement shouldn’t just read like a big list of all the things you’ve read/seen/done that relate to Psychology. Try taking a more reflective and critical approach – what did you learn from what you did? You can also try making links between different things you’ve done, and how one piece of reading might have led you to another idea and a different activity. This helps to show you are engaging with the subject.

4. Don’t worry if you don’t have relevant work experience

Cambridge does not require or expect you to have any work experience. It is not always easy to organise and is not a requirement for the course. If you have work experience, it is important to demonstrate how this has changed your perspective on Psychology and what you learned from it. This doesn’t necessarily have to be work experience that is directly subject relevant as long as it had an impact on your approach to the subject. For example – someone who had work experience volunteering with children learning to read might be inspired to read up on the psychological theories of how reading skills develop.

5. Use a variety of sources to explore Psychology

The bulk of your Cambridge PBS personal statement will be about your super-curricular activities, and this is a really broad category. Basically anything you can relate to Psychology counts, whether that’s some volunteering you did, a book or article you read, a documentary you watched, a MOOC you completed or anything else you can think of! Plenty of these resources will be free too.

6. Structure your Cambridge PBS personal statement appropriately

Admissions tutors will be reading loads of statements, so you need to make yours clear and easy to read – if it’s structured confusingly and full of unnecessarily complicated language they may not have the extra time to make sense of what you’re trying to say. Separate your ideas into paragraphs, and have a short introduction and conclusion to bring it all together. Also be aware of the Cambridge PBS personal statement word limit – you only have 4000 characters (47 lines of text). Therefore it’s important to be concise in the language you use. Use formal language, but make sure it’s natural for you to use – if you use flowery and complex language you wouldn’t normally use to try and impress the reader, it’s not going to work. All that really shows is you know how to use a thesaurus!

7. Your Cambridge PBS personal statement should be personal

Asking others for advice, whether that’s teachers, friends, parents etc. can be useful but remember it is YOUR Cambridge PBS personal statement, not theirs! Don’t change anything you don’t want to change just because someone else says you should. And don’t let anyone else write it for you – it is really obvious when students haven’t used their own words in a statement and have let someone else have too much control. Everyone will have their opinions on how a Cambridge PBS personal statement should sound – your opinion on how your Cambridge PBS personal statement should sound is the only one that matters.

8. Give yourself plenty of time to write it

The UCAS deadline for applying to Cambridge is always in mid-October, which is much earlier than for applicants to other universities. This deadline is also inflexible – you won’t be able to apply late. Therefore it’s important you start writing well in advance of the deadline to have enough time to carefully consider what to write, get feedback from others, and refine your Cambridge PBS personal statement. It’s worth thinking about starting it towards the end of the summer before you apply. You can’t write the best Cambridge PBS personal statement possible if you’re rushing it the night before the deadline!

9. Make sure you know the content of your statement well, and don’t lie about what you’ve done

Cambridge says that they may use your PBS personal statement as a basis for interview questions. Therefore, it is vital that you don’t put anything on it if you wouldn’t be comfortable having a conversation about it. Also remember that it is unlikely but entirely possible that the person who conducts your interview has actually written one of the books on your Cambridge PBS personal statement. Therefore you really don’t want to put anything on there that you haven’t read properly, and it might be a good idea to reread things before interview.

10. Try to avoid cliches

Admissions tutors will be reading loads of Cambridge PBS personal statements so you want yours to seem original. Avoid cliched phrases like ‘I have always been interested in…’ ‘For as long as I can remember…’ ‘From a young age…’ (this is by no means an exhaustive list!). Opening with a quote is also rather overdone and doesn’t add much to your statement. Don’t just say vague things about how ‘passionate’ or ‘fascinated’ you are about Psychology – you’re applying to study it at Cambridge so passion for the subject is a given! Your statement should demonstrate your fascination for Psychology without you needing to use the cliche of saying that directly.

11. Proofread

Don’t neglect the proofreading! The last thing you want is to submit a Cambridge PBS personal statement that is full of typos – it doesn’t look very professional. PBS at Cambridge is primarily an essay based subject, and while the Cambridge PBS personal statement isn’t the main way they assess your writing ability, it can’t hurt to make sure your Cambridge PBS personal statement is well-written.

12. Don’t worry too much about extra-curriculars

You might want to add some extra-curricular activities that don’t relate to Psychology to your statement, particularly if you are also applying to other universities too that might value them, but keep it brief. Cambridge do not care about what you have done outside of your subject, however impressive it might be. It’s good to put this sort of thing in as other universities you are applying to will be looking for it, but keep it to a couple of sentences as it’s not really relevant for your Cambridge application.

13. Avoid mentioning Oxford by name (or any other university you’re applying to).

Chances are Cambridge isn’t the only university you’re applying to, and all universities you apply to through UCAS will see identical versions of your Cambridge PBS personal statement. It’s not a good idea to mention any university by name or be too specific in any way, as it may put off other universities from giving you an offer. Keep your Cambridge PBS personal statement applicable to everywhere you are applying to. However, there is a way to tell Cambridge what it is about their course you especially like, bringing us nicely on to…

14. Don’t forget the Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)

The SAQ is an additional piece of the application that Cambridge will ask for after you’ve submitted your UCAS. It is mainly for extra admin information but there is also space to write an additional 1,200 character PBS personal statement that is only seen by Cambridge. This is a great opportunity to let them know what specific aspects of the course attracted you to apply to study it. You don’t have to write one, but if you do have anything you’d like to add about the Cambridge course specifically this is the place to do it. The SAQ deadline is usually around a week after the October UCAS deadline (be aware that an earlier deadline may apply for international students) so think about what you might want to say on the SAQ in plenty of time.

The Cambridge PBS program is an undergraduate degree program offered by the University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychology. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour and the factors that influence it, including social, cognitive, and biological perspectives.

Some tips for writing a strong Cambridge PBS personal statement include demonstrating a clear understanding of the subject and why it interests the candidate, highlighting relevant academic achievements and extracurricular activities, showcasing research experience and analytical skills, and demonstrating a genuine passion for psychology and behavioural sciences.

A Cambridge PBS personal statement should include information about the candidate’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, research experience, and personal qualities that are relevant to the program. It should also include specific examples of how the candidate has demonstrated analytical skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of the subject.

The Cambridge PBS personal statement should be no more than 4,000 characters or 47 lines, whichever comes first. Candidates should use this space wisely to showcase their strengths and demonstrate their suitability for the program.

Yes, it is important to tailor the personal statement to the Cambridge PBS program specifically. This includes researching the program and understanding its unique features and requirements, as well as demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject and a strong motivation to study at the University of Cambridge.

The personal statement is a crucial part of the Cambridge PBS application process as it allows candidates to showcase their passion for the subject and their potential to succeed in the program. The personal statement also provides the admissions team with insight into a candidate’s motivation, academic background, and personal qualities.

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Successful Personal Statement For Psychological and Behavioural Sciences At Cambridge

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through a Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The PBS Course at Cambridge gives you the opportunity to study cognitive, social, developmental and biological psychology within the broader context of the behavioural sciences.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates their interest in the behavioural sciences.   

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Psychology comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

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Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Personal Statement

”Such a shame she will not study medicine!” I heard several times as my interests finally steered into a university degree. Having grown up with my mum – a psychologist, from primary school I constantly questioned human behaviour. And although parents from small towns dream of their children becoming doctors, phenomena that I saw in my surroundings, like eating disorders or extreme shyness, relentlessly attracted my attention. I knew I needed to pursue an intense educational path to gain the depth of knowledge I desired.

My exceptional curiosity led me to follow the IBO program. Thanks to its curriculum, I relished the opportunity to extend my private research and put it into academic framework. While working independently on my Extended Essay “Should introversion be treated?” I discovered Susan Cain and her book “Quiet: The Power of Introverts”. My puzzle of introversion developed into educated distinction for introversion, social anxiety disorder and behavioural inhibitions. In addition, the EE helped me understand the role of biology, encouraging me to start an online course “Introduction to psychology” taught by the University of Toronto. My curiosity still reaches far beyond these introductions and I am looking forward to studying details of brain lobes during biological modules of the course. Moreover, since the subject of eating disorders is too sensitive to be researched in high school, I cannot wait to approach it at an academic level and discuss it with world class experts.

My in-depth, intense processing applies not only to theory, but I also appreciate the material world we live in. Hence, to step out of my comfort zone and into reality, I attended a Business Week program organised by Washington City in Gdansk. My initial function as Vice-President for a business simulation left me with a deep aspiration for a better performance. Therefore, I followed-up Business Week program with an advanced option and became the CEO of my team. Right then I started to appreciate the contribution of every member. I took real pleasure in guiding my team through the processes of marketing, pricing, R&D, production and the construction of a business plan, all of which I understood quickly and precisely thanks to analytical thinking skills I developed during a demanding Maths HL course.

My commitment and eagerness to learn may also be seen by the title of a finalist in the French Language Olympiad, meaning that I reached an advanced level in just two years. Furthermore, I participated in two exchange projects with a Provencal theatre to check my linguistic competencies with native speakers. Although both exchanges were awarded with European Language Label, what counted most was my exceptional chance to explore the French culture inside out. My other interests include French literature, contemporary dancing, horse riding and behavioural economics. The latter led me to the online course organised by the University of Queensland, Australia. The course outlined concepts from Daniel Kahneman’s “Thinking Fast and Slow”, of which planning fallacy and confirmation bias I consider of greatest importance. Moreover, thanks to good time management I constantly look for other initiatives, such as a charity campaign or volunteering in teaching English or organising TriMUN as Deputy Secretary General. During TriMUN I explained to participants how to follow all the diplomatic procedures – those activities made me wonder about different approaches I had to take in order to teach.

I no longer want psychology to remain only an interest of mine; instead, I need dependable academic tools to understand the research already done. As psychology is a relatively new field of science, early starting form Wundt in 1879, there is still space for much more to be done. I believe that a strong scientific background is crucial for building a career involving communicating with people efficiently and helping them function optimally in our complex material world.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide 

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This candidate is able to identify a range of ways in which they have developed their interest in their subject area beyond the demands of their current courses of school-level study. They are also able to demonstrate that they have thought clearly and carefully about what kinds of material they might encounter at undergraduate level, and how that intersects with both their current interests and their potential areas of interest in the future. In order to have arrived at these opinions, the candidate has read a range of texts, and is able to utilise their thoughts on these texts in their statement. As such, they draw together various aspects of their academic pursuits in order to fully paint the picture of themselves as a motivated and tenacious academic student.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

While the candidate is generally able to express themselves clearly, there are moments where the syntax and exact choices of vocabulary seem slightly stilted, suggesting perhaps a non-native speaker or an unedited statement. This slight lapse in language skill does present areas where the communication level is affected, and therefore puts pressure on the content of the statement as a whole. The statement also relies heavily on anecdotal evidence and does include some slightly uncomfortable generalities. In addition, the candidate would benefit from perhaps adjusting the tone of their moments of personal reflection; the statement has the potential to be read in a way that suggests the writer is arrogant or pompous, and it may well be that this is solely down to word choice rather than intention.

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Although this statement illustrates the candidate’s academic fervour, it does also show areas for potential improvement. It would have been beneficial for the statement as a whole had the candidate maintained a clear and developed level of academic prose throughout, and they could have more clearly linked some of their extra-curricular activities to their chosen course of study. In addition, while the candidate ably discusses texts that they have read in preparation for undergraduate study, these discussions could have taken prominence in the statement, over and above the inclusion of more personal or anecdotal material.

This Personal Statement for Psychology is a good example of demonstrating interest. The candidate’s passion is clearly shown which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Cambridge, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

There are plenty more successful personal statements and expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

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