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Sample Admission Statement for the Master’s Degree in Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology

After finishing my Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from Soochow University last year, I decided to travel rather than starting work immediately, to see some of the world and expand my cultural and linguistic horizons. First, I went to Mount Jiuhua in search of inner peace, embracing great natural beauty while immersed in the Buddhist spirit. Looking back on my four years spent in college, I realized how much it has benefitted me intellectually and professionally; and this is especially true with respect to English, since all of my classes and group projects are in English. I especially enjoyed reading about materials and the big leap from the realm of necessity to the realm of freedom in my textbook of physical chemistry. Ultimately this provided me with a unique way to understand the core of life, it has also served as tool to create exciting new materials for our planet. 

Last year, I defended my Bachelor’s Degree Thesis: “Synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives and its fluorine-boron compounds” under supervision of Associate Professor XXXX. I decided to focus on the synthesis of another molecule which had not yet appeared in the literature, I encountered a big difficulty with the separation procedure, however, which resulted in very low yield of target product. Thus, I chose to try to synthesize some new fluorine-boron compounds based on present synthesis routes, also owing to my good practice of column chromatography in laboratory.   I got the target product with a yield up to 80%. My classes in instrumental analysis and NMR spectroscopy also helped me a lot with product analysis and characterization. A visit to the production line of special coatings and films at the Eastman factory in Suzhou also strengthened my enthusiasm for applying to graduate school and earning my Master’s Degree so as to realize my dreams for both the scientist and the engineer.

I want to create new materials to help us solve severe problems that threaten our health and the health of our environment. I want to learn the logistics that drive the science. I hope to use what I learn to reduce social inequality and protect our environment at the same time. I look forward to teaching, spending decades teaching at a university; at the same time that I stay fully immersed in R & D. I hope in this way to serve society and to leave the world a happier, healthier, and cleaner place than it was when I was born. This would be my ultimate success.

For me, material science and the spiritual world are mutually interactive and I seek to make them complimentary. An avid reader, I love reading Philosophers such as Plato, Arthur Schopenhauer, Nietzsche and Heidegger. I have carefully read the text of the lecture “Science as a Vocation” by Max Weber several times and each time I read it my purpose in life becomes clearer; and I gain confidence in my capacity to ultimately contribute to making the world a better place to live.

I currently serve as an Assistant Editor for an international, scholarly, publishing company, I enjoy very much communicating with researchers from all over the world, constantly broadening my horizons in terms of scientific research, particularly with respect to material science and nanotechnology and their applications.

After finishing my Master’s Degree at XXXX University of Hong Kong, I look forward at some point to continuing on and earning the PHD. I live to learn and learn to live.

Thank you for considering my application.

Women in Chemistry

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MS Chemistry Statement of Purpose, Saudi Woman Applicant, Chemistry Teacher

Becoming a professional scientist by earning my Master’s Degree in Chemistry will enable me to make my most important contributions to my society, Saudi Arabia, in the future, as well as my profession and academic community.  At the center of my intellectual interests stand drug synthesis and design and I look forward to many decades of professional contributions in this area; and to the development of our pharmaceutical industry in Saudi Arabia. Much of my interest in medicine is geared not only towards saving lives, but also reducing the cost of medicine. I approach the issue of healthcare with the same pragmatic fervor with which I tackle complex issues of industrialization in Saudi Arabia and the need to step up our transition to cleaner forms of energy. As an academic and a chemistry professional, I plan to stay engaged in both of these critical areas of development in Saudi Arabia, in human as well as financial terms.

I am very pleased that issues of drug synthesis and design are also among the varied interests of the faculty in Chemistry at Harvard University. I admire the research undertaken by all of the faculty and I feel especially drawn to the work of Dr. XXXX in the area of organic synthesis. It would be a special honor to participate in and contribute to research in organic synthesis as a graduate student in Chemistry at XXXX. Pharmaceutical, medical supply, and bioengineering are among Saudi Arabia’s fastest growing industries and this will enable me to participate in a timely and current way to help my country develop and successfully compete in the global economy.

I very much look forward to a full participation at XXXX University, especially with the academic community in Chemistry, learning many things of value from my peers from all over the world as well as my professors. This is my opportunity to prove myself, and thus lay a foundation upon which I might also undertake academic work at the doctoral level so that I could earn the PHD as well. This would be especially appropriate since my central long term goal is a career in academia.

Woman in Saudi Arabia have been steadily gaining greater levels of freedom but we still have a long way to go. In Chemistry, as in the Physical Sciences more generally speaking, there are more and more female faces in the classroom. Hopefully, we will continue to make progress in this regard until we achieve equality or near-equality in every area. Thus, I look forward to serving as a role model of a successful Saudi woman both in Chemistry and in the University, encouraging new generations of Saudi women to continue to make progress in fields and positions that were reserved for men in the past. 

I thank you for your consideration of my application to Chemistry at XXXX University.

Heroines of Chemistry

Ask anyone to name some famous scientists and I bet you anything that at least the first five names they come up with are men. So to balance things out a bit, here are some great women scientists for you!

Cleopatra the Alchemist

No, not that Cleopatra (Cleopatra VII)! This one lived (well, we really aren´t too sure exactly when, but) in the 3rd or 4th century.

The title Cleopatra the Alchemist is a pseudonym, because her real name has been lost. She was thought to be one of only four women who knew how to make the mythical philosopher’s stone, and her work also contained several descriptions and drawings of the technical process of furnaces.

Cleopatra the Alchemist is also sometimes credited with the invention of an  early type of distillation apparatus . Without this useful chemical technique, we wouldn’t have petrol, plastics or, indeed, vodka!

Marie Curie   (1867-1934)

Madame Marie Curie is most famous for her work on radioactivity and is often thought of as more of a physicist. But she definitely earned her chemical chops for discovering two whole new elements— polonium (Po)  and  radium (Ra) . Curie painstakingly managed to isolate about 0.1 g of radium chloride from 1 ton (907185 g) of the mineral  pitchblende . That’s patience! In 1948, the element  curium (Cm)  was named in her (and her husband Pierre’s) honour.

Elizabeth Arden   (1884-1966)

A famous name, if not one we necessarily associate with science! Elizabeth Arden was born Florence Nightingale Graham and changed her name in 1909. Although not formally educated as such, she counts as a chemist for formulating, as well as manufacturing and marketing, cosmetic products.

She pioneered the idea that cosmetics could and should be scientifically formulated. This was a new concept at that time, whcih many other companies subsequently copied.

Rosalind Franklin   (1920-1958)

Who discovered the structure of  DNA ? It was x-ray crystallographer Rosalind Franklin! Well, she produced the first images of deoxyribonucleic acid. Watson and Crick even publicly admitted to using her data to develop their hypothesis.

Sadly, though, Franklin was a cautious scientist and her work, based on experimental results, was published after their theoretical paper. So she’s often forgotten about, particularly because, as she died in 1958 and the rules forbid posthumous nominations, she was never included in the  Nobel Prize  awarded to Crick, Watson and Wilkins in 1962.

Anna Jane Harrison   (1912-1998)

Harrison, who—unlike many historical chemists—managed to live until the ripe old age of 86, was an American organic chemist and the first female president of the  American Chemical Society .

She was also the recipient of twenty honorary degrees. She worked on toxic smoke during the Second World War, and contributed to research on ultraviolet light. Fab lady!

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Crafting an Outstanding Chemistry Personal Statement

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• Introduction to Writing a Chemistry Personal Statement

The journey to a successful career in chemistry begins with a powerful personal statement. This document is more than just a formal requirement for your university application; it’s a platform to showcase your passion, understanding, and preparedness for a chemistry degree.

This blog aims to guide you through crafting an outstanding chemistry personal statement, highlighting key elements, examples, and advice from admissions tutors.

• The Importance of a Personal Statement in Chemistry Admissions

Understanding the Role of Your Statement in University Applications

Your chemistry personal statement is a critical component of your university application. It’s an opportunity to convey to the admissions committee not just your academic credentials but also your personal qualities, experiences, and aspirations.

The statement allows you to present a compelling narrative of your journey in chemistry, emphasizing why you are an ideal candidate for the course.

Crafting a Statement that Reflects Your Passion for Chemistry

Your personal statement should radiate your enthusiasm for chemistry. Discuss how your interest in chemistry began, what aspects of the subject fascinate you the most, and how this passion has driven your academic and personal pursuits.

Use specific examples, such as projects, experiments, or books that have particularly inspired you, to illustrate your deep engagement with the subject.

Core Elements of a Chemistry Personal Statement

Highlighting your passion and knowledge in chemistry.

A standout personal statement goes beyond stating a love for chemistry; it demonstrates it. Talk about specific areas, such as organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry, that intrigue you.

Describe any independent research, reading, or experiments you’ve undertaken. This not only shows your passion but also your initiative and self-motivation in exploring the subject.

Reflecting on Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience

Incorporate details of any chemistry-related extracurricular activities or work experiences. This could include participation in science clubs, chemistry Olympiads, research projects, or internships. Describe what you learned from these experiences and how they have shaped your desire to study chemistry at a higher level.

• Strategies for Writing an Effective Chemistry Personal Statement

Crafting an effective chemistry personal statement requires thoughtful planning and execution. Here are key strategies to help you create a standout document:

• Capture Attention: Begin with an engaging opening that captures the reader’s interest immediately.
• Personal Anecdote: Consider starting with a personal story or experience that sparked your interest in chemistry.
• Relevant Coursework: Mention any chemistry-related courses and how they have prepared you for a university degree.
• Achievements and Grades: Include any notable academic achievements, awards, or high grades in relevant subjects.
• Specific Interests: Discuss specific areas in chemistry that fascinate you, such as organic, analytical, or biochemistry.
• Personal Experiences: Share personal experiences that showcase your dedication and enthusiasm for the subject.
• Chemistry-Related Activities: Include any clubs, competitions, or projects related to chemistry.
• Skills Developed: Highlight skills gained from these activities, like teamwork, analytical thinking, or research.
• Relevant Placements: Mention any work experience or internships in chemistry or related fields.
• Skills and Insights Gained: Discuss what you learned and how these experiences have furthered your interest in chemistry.
• Current Trends: Talk about current trends or advancements in chemistry that excite you.
• Course Relevance: Relate your understanding to the specific chemistry course you are applying for.
• Career Aspirations: Briefly mention your career goals and how a degree in chemistry will help you achieve them.
• Contribution to the Field: Share how you hope to contribute to the field of chemistry in the future.
• Simple Language: Avoid overly complex language or technical jargon.
• Coherent Structure: Ensure your statement flows logically from one point to the next.
• Strong Closing: End with a compelling conclusion that reinforces your passion and readiness for studying chemistry at university.
• Future Outlook: Summarize how this degree is a crucial step in your academic and career journey.
• Multiple Drafts: Be prepared to write several drafts to refine your statement.
• Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers or mentors and incorporate their suggestions.
• Authenticity: Ensure your personal statement genuinely reflects who you are and your passion for chemistry.
• Individuality: Remember, your statement should be unique to you, so avoid copying or imitating others.

By employing these strategies, you can craft a compelling and effective chemistry personal statement that showcases your strengths, passion, and suitability for a chemistry degree program.

• Addressing Common Challenges in Personal Statement Writing

Writing a personal statement can be a daunting task, but understanding and addressing common challenges can make the process smoother. Here are key points to consider:

• Start with a Brainstorm: Begin by listing down ideas, experiences, and reasons for your interest in chemistry.
• Break It Down: Tackle the statement in sections instead of trying to write it all at once.
• Seek Inspiration: Read examples of successful personal statements to get an idea of structure and content.
• Personal Voice: Write in a tone that reflects your personality and style.
• True Experiences: Focus on your real experiences and thoughts about chemistry.
• Honesty is Key: Be truthful about your achievements and aspirations.
• Unique Expressions: Use original language and avoid overused phrases like “since I was young” or “I have always loved.”
• Specific Examples: Replace general statements with specific experiences or achievements.
• Academic Achievements: Clearly articulate your academic successes and how they have prepared you for a chemistry degree.
• Personal Experiences: Connect your personal experiences to your academic interests in chemistry.
• Logical Flow: Ensure your statement has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Coherence: Each paragraph should smoothly transition to the next, maintaining a consistent narrative.
• Be Concise: Express your thoughts clearly and concisely without unnecessary elaboration.
• Prioritize Content: Focus on the most important and relevant points.
• Your Unique Journey: Focus on what makes your journey into chemistry unique.
• Avoid Plagiarism: Never copy content from other statements or sources.
• Multiple Reviews: Have teachers, mentors, or peers review your statement.
• Constructive Criticism: Be open to suggestions and use the feedback to refine your statement.
• Error-Free Submission: Thoroughly proofread for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Final Read-Through: Ensure the statement accurately represents your passion and suitability for a chemistry degree.

By addressing these challenges, you can create a compelling and effective personal statement that highlights your passion for chemistry and readiness for university study.

• Personal Statement Examples and Tips from Admissions Tutors

Learning from Successful Chemistry Personal Statement Examples

Examining successful chemistry personal statement examples can provide valuable insights. Look at how these statements are structured, the kind of language used, and how the writers have blended their personal stories with their academic interests. However, remember to use these examples as inspiration rather than templates to copy.

Insights and Advice from University Admissions Tutors

Admissions tutors often stress the importance of authenticity and specificity in personal statements. They advise against using overused phrases and general statements.

Instead, focus on providing concrete examples of your achievements and experiences, and explain how they have prepared you for a degree in chemistry.

Final Thoughts and Tips on Perfecting Your Chemistry Personal Statement

Seeking feedback and making revisions.

After drafting your personal statement, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers. They can provide constructive criticism and help you polish your statement. Be open to suggestions and make revisions accordingly to enhance the clarity, impact, and coherence of your statement.

Submitting a Polished and Compelling Chemistry Personal Statement

Before submission, ensure that your personal statement is free of grammatical errors and is within the specified word limit. Read it multiple times to ensure that it flows well, clearly articulates your passion for chemistry, and effectively presents your case for why you should be admitted to the program.

Writing a chemistry personal statement is a vital step in your academic journey. It’s your chance to make a memorable impression on the admissions committee.

By demonstrating your passion for chemistry, reflecting on your experiences, and articulating your aspirations, your personal statement can become a powerful testament to your readiness and enthusiasm for studying chemistry at the university level.

• FAQs on Chemistry Personal Statements

How important is work experience in a chemistry personal statement?

While work experience can greatly enhance your statement, it’s not the only factor. Focus on any experiences that demonstrate your interest and skills in chemistry.

Can I mention personal hobbies in my statement?

Yes, if they are relevant to your interest in chemistry. For example, hobbies that involve analytical skills, problem-solving, or creativity can be linked to your chemistry interests.

Should I mention specific universities or courses in my statement?

If you are applying to a specific course with unique features, it’s beneficial to mention why you are attracted to that course. However, if you are using the same statement for multiple applications, keep the content more general.

How can I make my personal statement stand out?

Focus on unique experiences, articulate your genuine passion for chemistry, and demonstrate how your experiences have prepared you for university-level study.

What are the common pitfalls in writing a chemistry personal statement?

Common pitfalls include exceeding the word limit, using clichés, lacking specificity, and failing to demonstrate a deep understanding of and passion for chemistry.

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Table of Contents

• • Introduction to Writing a Chemistry Personal Statement
• • The Importance of a Personal Statement in Chemistry Admissions
• • Strategies for Writing an Effective Chemistry Personal Statement
• • Addressing Common Challenges in Personal Statement Writing
• • Personal Statement Examples and Tips from Admissions Tutors
• • Conclusion
• • FAQs on Chemistry Personal Statements

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How to Craft a Great Personal Statement for Grad School

Just as summer break wraps up, grad school application season arrives. You’re probably sorting through different programs and beginning to think about writing a personal statement. How do you winnow down your entire life story into two or three pages of spell-checked exposition that impresses administrators?

Personal statements are critical to your full application. They have the power to justify a poor GPA or emphasize an already good one. They can tell admissions committees what you dream of doing, rather than what you've done. They showcase your abilities and personality.

Your transcript can’t convey curiosity and perseverance, but your personal statement can unveil how you designed a clever spectroscopic experiment to explain weird voltage measurements in your electrochemistry lab. It’s your chance to share the stories and highlights of your life that have prepared you for graduate school.

Jahan Dawlaty , an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Southern California, says the best approach is to “make it anecdotal, personal, informative, and not a duplication of your CV.”

If you've never seen one before, check out a couple of annotated examples from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology . What you'll find is that these personal statements typically flow in chronological order, and they present the most important points as early as possible. They describe why you are where you are, some recent experiences, and some of your ambitions for grad school and beyond. They also describe why you are interested in a specific program. You should always customize your statement to each program you apply to.

But beyond that, they all look different. Some people begin with a story; others begin with a statement declaring why they are applying to this specific school. It's all fair game. Because at their core, the best essays are personal . And we’re here to give you tips on reflecting before you ever touch the keyboard, what to say once you do, and how to say it.

Beyond the résumé

When you begin writing your personal statement, it helps to reflect on your past and present experiences. Recall what inspired you to pick your major or what now drives you to apply to graduate school. “Show enthusiasm for the field,” says Dawlaty. “However, do realize that nearly everybody who applies to the chemistry department is enthusiastic about chemistry.” Specificity is key here. It might be a book that changed you profoundly, a time you sat next to a chatty scientist on an airplane, or a day you learned chemistry through baking bread with a grandparent. Describe your amazement when the sourdough doubled in size because of fermentation, for instance, or how different methods of kneading the dough led to different strengths of gluten protein networks. Really investigate what led you to chemistry and what you like about it.

Next, reflect on some of the most important experiences you've had in college. These may include an internship or volunteering experience . Perhaps you helped in a professor's lab for three months or three years. “Make it as personal as possible,” says Dawlaty. “Highlight as many of the memorable and personal anecdotes as you can.” Ask yourself, what did I learn in my internship that inspired me to continue on this path? How did my volunteer experience with my student chemistry club polish my organizing, planning, and professional skills? Basically, you want to point out where your extra efforts have shaped you as a scientist, student, and person. The answers are building blocks for your letter.

“I want to come away thinking I know a little something about you,” says Sharon Glotzer, the Anthony C. Lembke Department Chair of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan. If you’re driven by the societal impacts of science, highlight your specific motivations and previous contributions: Do you volunteer at a science museum, write a blog, or tutor kids in STEM? Recognize that scientists play an important role in their community, as well as society at large. You might instead be motivated by a passion for discovery or a pursuit of the credentials needed to lead interesting projects in industry. “I wouldn’t say that any one of those reasons matters over any other reason. But what does matter is that you have some reason,” says Glotzer.

A personal statement also gives you the space to share more context about the struggles you have overcome. Maybe a close friend or family member passed away, forcing you to balance your personal and professional obligations. If adversity has affected your grades, say that—admissions committees want to know. ”People want to know whether you have a GPA of 3.7 in the face of difficulties or a GPA of 3.7 without any difficulties," says Dawlaty.

“In some cases that hardship, surprisingly, prepares the student better for graduate school,” he continues. “We have had applicants who have been the breadwinner for the family—and wow , it takes a lot of responsibility to be the breadwinner for the family.” Some applications require diversity, equity, and inclusion statements in which you describe your experiences as or with a member of an underrepresented group or your feelings on the topic. If the application does not, consider incorporating some of your thoughts into your statement.

That’s not to say that you need adversity to get accepted, he adds: “Some people haven't gone through hardship. It doesn't mean that your application sucks.” You can talk about what you’ve contributed to a research group or a past job. For example, maybe you and a lab mate struggled to get a chemical reaction to produce a high yield, until you finally figured out the issue and fixed it. It doesn’t matter whether the solution came from an epiphany or methodical teamwork. Both are crucial ingredients of how real science works. Your essay will stand out if you can convey that understanding. “It communicates to me that you have good communication skills—that actually can tell me that these things happen,” says Dawlaty. “But most importantly, that tells me you are a problem solver.”

Grad school is not just about remembering the difference between reduction and oxidation or memorizing the steps to make an organic catalyst. It’s a place where you’ll collaborate, make decisions, and commit to learning skills that make you a more well-rounded scientist. (Some universities require a separate essay for research experience.) “Whether it’s a big role or a little role, I wanna see detail,” says Glotzer.  “The more technical detail you provide, the more I have the impression you did the work.” Admissions committees will appreciate reading anecdotes, especially if they demonstrate how you’d fit into a research team. After all, grad school is all about creating new knowledge and spreading knowledge. That’s a very different goal than undergraduate academics. They want to see that you know what skills and goals matter to become a scientist in society.

Predicting the future

Midway through your essay, you've established who you are by sharing what Past You experienced. A university will be getting Current You. They’ll expect that you can contribute to their research efforts. And they’ll be betting that Future You will be a rock star chemist that they can count as one of their esteemed alumni.

Think about your goals , state them clearly, and describe why they interest you. Here’s a secret: Nobody will force you to pursue that 10-year goal you write about. Nobody will even force you to work in the area you write about. I applied to various graduate schools for their energy and catalysis research programs. In my essay, I described my interest in their ongoing research in those areas. Once I visited my top choice after getting accepted, I found that an entirely different project in biomedicine and nanotechnology interested me even more.

It’s okay to end up on a different path than what you want now. And it’s okay to not know what field you want to study in. But for the admissions committee to accept you, they need to be sure that you'd fit with what they offer, so you can still write about what you do know. “Students can say I don't know what research area, whether it's energy or bio or nano—but I love computers, and I'd like to learn computer simulation,” says Glotzer.

Find specific professors and projects that match your interests. Mention those projects by name and explain why you'd enjoy them. Dawlaty suggests mentioning three to five professors in the department and writing one or two sentences about why you’d want to work with each. You will eventually meet with professors and decide on a lab to join. But you’re never guaranteed to land your first choice for reasons largely out of your control (such as project funding), so you should always set yourself up to have multiple options of interesting labs. “If you only say I'm interested in Professor X and that's it,” says Dawlaty, “it raises eyebrows in the committee.” It’s important for schools to see that they’d have no trouble pairing you with an advisor.

Don’t worry about misinterpreting what those professors work on or mentioning a project that’s no longer active. These scenarios happen. Perhaps “the professor hasn’t updated their website, or the professor has moved on since last year and got a new grant,” Dawlaty says. “We are not going to judge the student too harshly.” What’s important is that schools know that you’re interested in that research area. 

Some schools also combine the personal statement with a “research statement,” so you would expand more on your research interests at the end of the essay accordingly.

 “The bottom line is: make it easy for the committee to admit you,” he says.

How to tell your story

Clarity is king. The most important tip to remember as you begin writing is that you must communicate your ideas clearly. You may have exemplary research skills, strong professional experiences, creative ideas, and impactful anecdotes to share, but if the admissions committee can’t understand what they are reading, all that upside becomes meaningless.

Does this mean you need to find the fanciest words to show your mastery of the English language? Absolutely not. “Make it easy and efficient for them to read,” says Dawlaty. Short sentences are great. Specific, common words, too. Avoid hyperbole and exclamation points. Remember whom you are writing for. “Imagine sleep-deprived academics who are just sitting around and just want to do their job, and they have hundreds of these things in front of them.” They care about the facts. You can even bold important details like skills or the names of professors.

Now, readable and clear does not mean vague. “Chemistry is good” is a clear, short sentence with common words, but it lacks detail. You’ll want to be specific about your actions in anecdotes, and your feelings when describing why your research area excites you. If you’ve enjoyed creating nanoparticles, for instance, tell committee members a brief version of the synthesis and characterization protocol, then describe the satisfaction you felt from making the right stuff.

When you summarize the big picture of why you’re a good fit for that program, be specific about that program’s strengths and your potential contributions. And once you have all of the pieces of your story—your experiences, your interests, and your professional goals—then be sure that you summarize that ensemble in your first and last paragraph. Make your take-home message as memorable as possible.

A great way to make sure you’ve done a good job is to have others read your essay. Politely ask your professors or any chemistry graduate student you may know to give you feedback. Peers and family can also help if they are familiar with the process. Listen to that feedback and make the necessary changes. Doing this means you shouldn’t procrastinate. Give your proofreaders a couple of weeks, just as you would for letters of recommendation.

Don’t be afraid to ask peers or professors to see examples of successful personal statements. But don’t panic about any differences. It’s up to you whether you use a bunch of space expanding on experiences on your résumé or introducing biographical information that doesn’t appear in your résumé.

Your experiences make a case for what you can do. But your trajectory speaks volumes too. Dawlaty likes to think of this in calculus terms: hiring people based on an integral and a derivative. The integral, like the area under a curve, captures the collection of what a person has done; the derivative, like a sharp slope or a flat line, predicts their ability to grow and learn.

“We want a diverse class of individuals that are going to contribute,” says Glotzer. And that means broadening the definition of success beyond GPA,  GRE, and even research accomplishments. “There are so many different measures of potential for success, some of which have nothing to do with book smarts. A lot of which have to do with experience and mindset.”

About the Author

Max G. Levy is a freelance science journalist based in Los Angeles, CA. He has a PhD in chemical engineering and writes stories about public health, the environment, and technology.

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Successful Personal Statement For Chemistry At Oxford

Last Updated: 7th 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 Chemistry applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Chemistry Course at Oxford is taught in a world-leading chemistry department with state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories and world-class research.

Read on to see how this candidate wrote a Personal Statement that helped secure their place on a reputable degree. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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Chemistry Personal Statement

Few aspects of our lives remain unaffected by the fundamental subject of chemistry. Chemists have revolutionised the way we live; from the medicines we use to the water we drink, it is hard to imagine what our everyday life would be like without the help of this vast subject. I wish to be a part of the chemical discoveries of the future which is what entices me to study chemistry in greater depth at university.

My interest in chemistry has developed a great deal since starting the AS level course. Each time I learn something new, it inspires me to develop my knowledge even further. I have particularly enjoyed the organic chemistry involved in the AS course due to the practical work it entails. Laboratory work for me is enjoyable because it provides an opportunity to test out the theoretical knowledge you have gained and is also great fun! For example, I particularly enjoyed making azo dyes as it was interesting to recreate a process in the lab which is so frequently used in industry.

I have been able to develop my passion for chemistry through wider reading. I have recently enjoyed reading Molecules at an Exhibition. The range of molecules which can have profound effects on our lives surprised me and showed me again how relevant chemistry is to our lives. I have a subscription to New Scientist. An article I particularly enjoyed reading over the summer was “Rogue elements” which explores some of the unanswered questions associated with the periodic table. For example, when the elements will stop and whether superheavy elements, which exist for fractions of a second only one atom at a time, can be considered elements at all. The article also looked at the issues of where to place the elements hydrogen and helium and where the metal/non-metal divide should be. This showed me that although the periodic table is often considered to be complete, there is still much to uncover. Reading Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You introduced me to the concept of relativity and I was amazed to find out how this theory affects chemistry as well as physics. For example without relativity the properties of some of the heavier elements such as gold would simply not be the same. I have been developing my interest in maths and have taken up AS further maths which will be largely self-taught, I know this will complement the chemistry syllabus.

Recently I took part in a UNIQ summer school at Oxford University which allowed me to have a great insight into undergraduate chemistry. I thoroughly enjoyed my week, particularly the lecture on chirality. This was a new concept for me and I was surprised by the huge differences that can result from this form of isomerism. My subject knowledge was greatly enhanced and the skills I gained have been even more valuable. I was taught to question, develop and evaluate my knowledge at every stage and become a more independent learner.

During Year 12 I acted as a science tutor for GCSE students, helping them with exam technique. I found that explaining the subject matter to others helped to enhance and consolidate my own knowledge. My success both in and out of school was rewarded when I received Clevedon’s 2014 Academic Achievement Award in chemistry.

I enjoy playing the piano and recently achieved Grade 6 during my GCSE year, developing my time management skills. My other hobbies include drama and singing and I am a member of Clevedon Light Opera Club as well as the school choir. I have taken part in several productions as well as performing in school stage shows and concerts. All of which contributed to me gaining my Gold Arts Award. I volunteer with a Rainbow group. When I started I found the prospect of running activities for a group of people quite daunting, but 2 years later I think my confidence and communication skills have improved greatly. I have developed my knowledge, skills and aptitude both in and out of school and I look forward to being able to extend these further by studying at university.

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

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Successful personal statement for economics at cambridge, successful personal statement for land economy at cambridge, successful personal statement for geography at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at oxford, successful personal statement for law at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at cambridge, successful personal statement for engineering at cambridge, successful personal statement for philosophy at cambridge, successful personal statement for veterinary medicine at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychological and behavioural sciences at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychology at oxford, successful personal statement for history at oxford, successful personal statement for physics at oxford, successful personal statement for cambridge mathematics and physics, successful personal statement example for computer science at oxford, successful personal statement for english at cambridge, successful personal statement for oxford english language and literature, successful personal statement for medicine at oxford university, successful personal statement for modern languages at oxford, successful personal statement for engineering at oxford, successful personal statement for natural sciences (biological) at cambridge, successful personal statement for economics & management at oxford, successful personal statement for ppe at oxford, successful personal statement for law at cambridge, successful personal statement for dentistry at king’s college london, successful personal statement for medicine at cambridge.

Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide 

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This is a well written and well-structured statement. The student places points in order of relevance, making the statement easy to read. All points are clearly explained, and their impacts on the student are clear. There is a clear introduction, main body and conclusion.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

Although the statement is written in a logical order, there are a lot of paragraphs. Whilst it is very good that the student has a wide range of interests and hobbies, the student dedicates two paragraphs to these. It would have been possible to shorten the statement by removing some of the points mentioned, without taking away from the quality of the statement. The student clearly has many experiences from outside of the A-level syllabus, such as the UNIQ summer school and working as a GCSE science tutor. Whilst is it of course important to describe individual experiences and achievements, focussing on the positives alone limits the impact that mentioning such experiences will have. It would have been nice to see what challenges the student faced through their experiences, and how the student overcame these.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is an excellent statement. The Personal Statement is clearly written and easy to read. The length of the statement could have been reduced, however, there are no other areas in which the student needs to make significant improvements.

This Personal Statement for Chemistry is a great example of a well-written Statement that demonstrates a wealth of experience and interest, vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, 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.

You can find more successful personal statements and our expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Chemistry application.

With our  Oxford Chemistry Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , perform strongly on the Written Test  and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

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Graduate School Personal Statement

Criteria for success.

• Your personal statement convinces a faculty committee that you are qualified for their program.
• It convinces them that you a good fit for their program’s focus and goals.
• You show a select group of skills and experiences that convey your scientific accomplishments and interests.
• Your experiences are concrete and quantitative.
• Your personal statement is no more than 3 pages.

Structure Diagram

The graduate school personal statement tells your story and demonstrates that you are a good match for a particular department or program. Matching goes both ways: they should be interested in you, and you should be interested in them. Your personal statement should make this match clear.

Analyze Your Audience

Your personal statement will be ready by a graduate committee, a handful of faculty from your program. They’re trying to determine if you will be a successful graduate student in their department, a positive force in the department’s intellectual life, and a successful scientist after you graduate. They are therefore interested in your qualifications as a researcher, your career goals, and how your personality matches their labs and department.

The graduate committee probably reads hundreds of applications a year. To make it easy for them to figure out that you are a good fit, make direct, concrete statements about your accomplishments and qualifications. To make it easy for them to remember you, create a narrative that “brands” you.

Create a personal narrative

PhD programs invest in the professional and scientific growth of their students. Get the committee excited about investing in you by opening your essay with a brief portrait of what drives you as a scientist. What research directions are you passionate about, and why? What do you picture yourself doing in 10 years?

Close your essay with a 2-3 sentence discussion of your career interests. No one will hold you to this; this just helps your committee visualize your potential trajectory.

Describe your experiences

Experiences are the “what” of your essay. What experiences led you to develop your skill set and passions? Where have you demonstrated accomplishment, leadership, and collaboration? Include research, teaching, and relevant extracurriculars. State concrete achievements and outcomes like awards, discoveries, or publications.

Quantify your experiences to show concrete impact. How many people were on your team? How many protocols did you develop? How many people were in competition for an award? As a TA, how often did you meet with your students?

Describe actions, not just changes in your internal mental or emotional state. A personal statement is a way to make a narrative out of your CV. It is not a diary entry.

Explain the meaning of your experiences

Meaning is the “why” or “so what” of the document. Why was this experience important to your growth as a scientist? What does it say about your abilities and potential? It feels obvious to you, but you need to be explicit with your audience. Your descriptions of meaning should also act as transition statements between experiences: try to “wrap” meaning around your experiences.

Demonstrate match to your target program

Demonstrate an understanding of the program to which you’re applying and about how you will be successful in that program. To do this:

• Read the program’s website. See what language they use to describe themselves, and echo that language in your essay. For example, MIT Chemical Engineering’s website points out innovative research areas and interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Get in contact with faculty (or students) in your target program. If you have had a positive discussion with someone at the department, describe how those interactions made you think that you and the department may be well-matched.
• State which professors in the program you would be interested in working with. Show how their research areas align with your background and your goals. You can even describe potential research directions or projects.

Resources and Annotated Examples

Annotated example 1.

These 2021 short answer responses are from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 237 KB

Annotated Example 2

This is the personal statement from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 121 KB

Annotated Example 3

This is the personal statement from an MIT ChemE graduate student’s successful application to the MIT ChemE program. 361 KB

How to Write a Chemistry Personal Statement Worthy of Oxbridge!

Writing a personal statement is a very daunting task, it can seem like the be-all and end-all of your university application. In this post, Oxford PhD Chemistry researcher and 1st Class Oxford Chemistry graduate, Zoe, outlines how to structure your personal statement, as well as discuss the do’s and don’ts when it comes to a Chemistry personal statement. We have also provided an example Chemistry Personal Statement for those looking for inspiration.

General Tips for a Successful Chemistry Personal Statement:

When applying to the top universities such as Oxford and Cambridge or other Russel Group universities, the personal statement is not going to be the single factor determining the success of your application. In that sense, there is no need to spend hours curating the ‘perfect’ personal statement - interview preparation and school grades will have a much stronger weighting in the eyes of the admissions office. That being said, a poorly written personal statement can negatively impact your chances and you’ll want to make sure you have avoided common pitfalls and checked all the boxes for a successful application.

Below I’ll discuss key things your personal statement should include, along with common mistakes people make when trying to impress.

1.      Convey your genuine interest for chemistry – this should be the first paragraph and indicate why you want to study chemistry

-          Don’t write clichés such as ‘I’ve wanted to be a chemist since I was 4 years old’ - they want to know what motivates you now

-          Do be yourself and talk about what you genuinely find interesting and what got you motivated to study Chemistry in the first place e.g. at A-level (you don’t gain points for having stated to like Chemistry at an earlier age). Demonstrate your enthusiasm for chemistry by discussing what motivated you to study the subject, such as a particular experiment or a fascinating discovery

2.      Demonstrate you have the skills and motivation required to pursue the subject at the highest-level – this should be paragraphs 2 and 3 and form the bulk of your personal statement. Don’t get carried away, focus on one or two key examples that demonstrate your commitment to the subject

-          Don’t lie – this may seem obvious, but don’t mention books you haven’t read or experiments you haven’t done just to sound clever; this is the easiest way to get caught out in an interview. Tutors are not expecting you to know the whole 1st year undergraduate course and they will be well aware if you pretend you have.

-          Do include any research or reading you have done which shows commitment to the subject. All they want is for you to show you have taken the time to go beyond the standard A-level syllabus, be that by reading books, keeping up with the literature or even attending talks or visiting an interesting exhibition at a museum. There is no right way to show interest in the subject! Highlight your academic achievements in chemistry, including any relevant coursework, research projects, or awards that showcase your skills and knowledge

3.      Highlight skills that make you suited for the course – This should the final paragraph and should be a couple of sentences at most. Showcase these skills, such as your ability to think critically, work collaboratively, and problem-solve, which are essential for success in the field of Chemistry.

-          Don’t mention extra-curriculars that are not directly relevant to the course. 4000 characters is not a lot and you do not want to waste space or things that tutors will not even consider

-          Do include any extra-curriculars that demonstrate either proficiency and commitment to the subject (e.g., Chemistry Olympiad) or extra-curriculars that will show you are suited to high-paced and demanding environments such as Oxford or Cambridge (e.g. sports or activities that required significant dedication and skills such as time-management)

4. Be concise and focused: Keep your personal statement concise and focused, with a clear structure and well-defined paragraphs. Finally, proofread your personal statement carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and flows smoothly. Consider asking someone else to read it and provide feedback before submitting your application.

Are You Looking For a Russell Group or Oxbridge Chemistry Personal Statement Tutor?

Our Chemistry tutors are brilliant at supporting students with the brainstorming and drafting process for their Chemistry personal statements. Visit our Personal Statement page or book a free consultation to discuss how we can support.

Ideas to Show Interest Beyond Your A-level Chemistry Curriculum:

You may feel overwhelmed when it comes to searching beyond the A-level course. Chemistry is a huge subject so how do you find the best, most interesting things to read and talk about?

The short answer is you can’t. There is not right or wrong book to read just as there is no right or wrong thing to be interested in. The breadth of most Chemistry courses highlights this very fact – you can be interested in whatever area of Chemistry you want, and its completely okay if this ends up being a different area to your interviewer! In fact, you are more likely to invest time into learning new content, and thus are more likely to effectively demonstrate your skills if you have chosen something you are genuinely interested in. So, don’t spend ages trying to find the ‘right’ area to research but do pursue your actual interests!

Below are just a few examples of ways in which you can engage with chemistry outside of the classroom, but it is by no means an exhaustive list. So, if you find something else that sparks your interest then by all means, go with that!

Books You Could Mention in Your Chemistry Personal Statement:

Why Chemical Reactions Happen – James Keeler*

The Pleasure of Finding Things Out – Richard Feynman

The Most Beautiful Molecule – Hugh Aldersey-Williams

Periodic Tales - Hugh Aldersey-Williams

The Disappearing Spoon – Sam Kean

Napoleon's Buttons – Jay Burreson and Penny Le Couteur

*A very good introduction to some 1st year undergraduate topics but also a pretty big cliché so I would avoid having this as the main book in your personal statement

Chemistry Podcasts:

Chemistry for your life : A podcast helping you understand the chemistry of your everyday life

Chemistry in its element : A weekly tour of the periodic table, from Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Chemistry Cayk

Distillations : Uncovering moments in science-related history

Extracurricular Activities For Success in Chemistry University Applications:

UK Chemistry Olympiad

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Year 12 only)

Giving a talk at your school’s Chemistry/ Science society

Seek out relevant work experience : If you have any relevant work experience, discuss it in your personal statement. This could include internships, volunteer work, or research assistantships

U2 Tuition’s co-curricular division, Minds Underground, host online specialised research projects, with many Chemistry-related options. Gaining research experience can be a valuable opportunity for school students, offering numerous benefits beyond what is typically learned in the classroom. Visit the Research Experience page for more information!

Applying to Oxford for Chemistry? Here Is What You Should Also Do

If Oxford is your dream destination for studying this fascinating subject, there are some crucial tips to consider. Here's a breakdown of key elements to enhance your chemistry personal statement, especially tailored for Oxford:

1. Embrace Depth and Breadth:

Oxford values not just your depth of understanding in chemistry but also your ability to appreciate its broad applications. Showcase both your passion for specific areas of chemistry and your awareness of its interdisciplinary nature.

2. Highlight Research Awareness:

Demonstrate your awareness of cutting-edge research in chemistry. Mention specific projects, studies, or advancements that have caught your attention, showcasing a keen interest in staying updated on the latest developments in the field.

3. Demonstrate Critical Thinking:

Oxford places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Showcase instances where you've applied these skills in problem-solving, especially in chemistry-related scenarios.

4. Exhibit Your Intellectual Curiosity:

Oxford seeks students who are not only knowledgeable but also intellectually curious. Share instances where you've gone beyond the standard curriculum to explore your interest in chemistry, such as engaging with advanced books, attending seminars, or participating in relevant extracurricular activities.

5. Discuss Your Future Contribution:

Convey a sense of your long-term vision in the field of chemistry. Whether it's contributing to ground-breaking research, advancing technology, or inspiring future generations, Oxford wants to see your commitment to making a meaningful impact.

6. Make Sure You Personal Statement Is An Exciting Springboard For Discussion At Interview

Oxford places significant importance on the interview process, and your personal statement can serve as a crucial catalyst for engaging discussions during this stage. Craft your statement in a way that prompts curiosity, inviting interviewers to delve deeper into your experiences and viewpoints. Incorporate thought-provoking questions or reflections on your experiences, leaving room for insightful conversations. Showcasing your ability to articulate complex ideas and engage in dynamic discussions will not only demonstrate your readiness for the Oxford environment but also set the stage for a compelling interview experience.

Tailoring your statement with these specific considerations for Oxford will help you showcase your suitability for the challenging and enriching academic environment at the University.

Chemistry Personal Statement Example

Below, we have shared a personal statement example for a chemistry degree application. This is a succinct and focused piece, highlighting experiences from engaging with captivating books and podcasts to participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad. From sugar plastics to sustainability, each facet contributes to a narrative showcasing the dynamic nature of chemistry and the student’s commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Chemistry captivates me as a subject that blends curiosity and practical understanding. My journey began with Hugh Aldersey-Williams' 'The Most Beautiful Molecule,' a book that provided a captivating exploration of molecular structures. What fascinated me most was the author's ability to unravel the complexities of these structures in a way that felt accessible and intriguing. Aldersey-Williams seamlessly blended scientific detail with a narrative that made me appreciate the elegance hidden within the microscopic world of molecules. This narrative approach to scientific storytelling resonated with me, creating a bridge between the abstract concepts of chemistry and their real-world implications. I enjoy listening to Chemistry podcasts and found the ChemTalk podcast episode featuring Dr. Karen Wooley discussing Sugar Plastics and Sustainability particularly fascinating. Unlike conventional plastics, which contribute to pollution and resource depletion, sugar plastics offer a renewable and biodegradable alternative. Her insights into sustainability, sugars, and their applications in industry resonated with me. This podcast demonstrated the bridge between theory and real-world challenges, showcasing the versatility of chemistry in creating alternative materials and emphasising the practical role of chemistry in addressing global issues. Inspired by Dr. Wooley's work, I undertook a project focused on developing sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics using sugars. Collaborating with peers, we explored the synthesis and properties of sugar-based plastics, aiming to contribute to environmentally friendly solutions. This hands-on project allowed me to witness the tangible applications of chemistry in addressing contemporary issues, reinforcing the importance of sustainable practices within the field. Attending a lecture on sustainability in chemistry further deepened my appreciation for the discipline's potential impact on global challenges. The lecture illuminated innovative approaches and advancements in sustainable chemistry, emphasising the role of environmentally friendly practices in research and industry. What fascinated me was the integration of green chemistry principles, showcasing how the field is evolving to minimise environmental impact and enhance efficiency. This experience broadened my perspective on the practical applications of sustainable practices within the realm of chemistry, reaffirming my commitment to contributing to solutions that align with the principles of environmental responsibility. Participating in the UK Chemistry Olympiad further deepened my understanding of the versatile nature of chemistry, challenging me to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems. Being a passionate debater, I have also honed my communication and critical thinking skills, learning to articulate complex ideas effectively. Additionally, running my school's Chemistry Society has provided a platform to share my enthusiasm for the subject with peers, organising events and discussions that foster a collaborative and interactive learning environment. These activities showcase my commitment to both academic excellence and fostering a broader understanding and appreciation for chemistry beyond the classroom. These experiences have solidified my passion for chemistry and its real-world applications. Eager to delve deeper, I am motivated to pursue a chemistry degree, driven by a genuine curiosity and a commitment to contribute meaningfully to this impactful discipline.

In conclusion, writing a strong Chemistry degree personal statement requires careful planning, organisation, and attention to detail. A successful Chemistry personal statement should demonstrate your passion for the subject, showcase your academic achievements, highlight your relevant experiences, and emphasise your skills. By following these guidelines and taking the time to craft a well-written and compelling personal statement, you can increase your chances of being accepted into the Chemistry degree of your choice. Remember to proofread your statement carefully, seek feedback from others, and let your unique voice and personality shine through. Good luck with your application!

Are You Looking For an Chemistry Personal Statement Tutor or Support with Your Wider Oxbridge Chemistry Application?

U2 Tuition specialises in Top UK University/ Oxbridge preparation, with a team of 700+ Oxbridge-educated tutors. We offer personal statement preparation with our Oxbridge Chemistry tutors, who host live sessions brainstorming ideas, helping with drafts etc. We also offer offline personal statement reviews for those with a full draft already complete.

Our experienced Oxbridge-educated tutors are experts in their field and have a proven track record of success in helping students achieve their goals and gain admission to some of the top universities in the UK. We also offer admissions test and interview preparation for those applying to Oxbridge and also top Russell Group Universities who interview such as Imperial.

Visit our Personal Statement page for more detail on how we can support.

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Chemistry Graduate CV example

You were in your element at university and now you’ve graduated with a degree in chemistry and you’re excited for the next steps.

But what are the next steps? Well, you should start by creating a CV that highlights your most relevant education, modules and experience.

For our top tips on how to do this, check out our detailed guide and chemistry graduate CV example below, for an application that will always get a positive reaction.

CV templates 

Chemistry Graduate CV example

Use this CV example as a guide to formatting and structuring your Chemistry Graduate CV, so that busy recruiters can easily digest your information and determine your suitability for the role.

It also provides some insight into the key skills, experience and qualifications you need to highlight.

Chemistry Graduate CV format and structure

Hiring managers and recruiters are frequently overloaded with applications, and if they can’t identify the relevant information in your CV within a few seconds, your application may be overlooked.

To avoid this, it’s essential to format and structure your CV in a manner that makes it simple to pick out the most important information, even if the reader is in a rush.

Tips for formatting your Chemistry Graduate CV

• Length: Your CV should always be limited to two sides of A4, regardless of whether you have a year or three decades of experience. With recruiters juggling multiple responsibilities, they don’t have time to sift through lengthy applications.
• Readability : To help recruiters quickly skim through your CV, it’s important to format your section headings with bold or a different colour font and break up lengthy paragraphs into short sharp bullet points. This enables them to easily identify important information and assess your suitability.
• Design & format: While it’s important that your CV design looks good, it also needs to be functional (which means easy for recruiters to read) Keep the design simple to achieve a good balance between looking good and reading well.
• Photos: Profile photos or aren’t a requirement for most industries, so you don’t need to add one in the UK – but if you do, just make sure it looks professional

Quick tip: Creating a professional CV style can be difficult and time-consuming when using Microsoft Word or Google Docs. To create a winning CV quickly, try our quick-and-easy CV Builder and use one of their eye-catching professional CV templates.

CV structure

Divide your CV into the following major sections when writing it:

• Name and contact details  – Head your CV with your name and contact details, to let the reader know who you are and how to contact you.
• CV profile – A brief paragraph which summarises your skills and experience and highlights why you’re a good match for the role.
• Core skills list – A snappy, bullet-pointed list of your most relevant skills.
• Work experience – A structured list of your work experience in reverse chronological order.
• Education – A summary of any relevant qualifications or professional training you’ve completed.
• Hobbies and interests – An optional section, which should only be used if your hobbies are relevant to the jobs you’re applying to.

Now you understand the basic layout of a CV, here’s what you should include in each section of yours.

Contact Details

Make it easy for recruiters to get in touch, by heading your CV with your contact details.

There’s no need for excessive details – just list the basics:

• Mobile number
• Email address – Use a professional address with no nicknames.
• Location – Just write your general location, such as ‘London’ or ‘Cardiff’ – there’s no need to put your full address.
• LinkedIn profile or portfolio URL

Chemistry Graduate CV Profile

Grab the reader’s attention by kick-starting your CV with a powerful profile (or personal statement , if you’re a junior applicant).

This is a short introduction paragraph which summarises your skills, knowledge and experience.

It should paint you as the perfect match for the job description and entice recruiters to read through the rest of your CV.

How to write a good CV profile:

• Make it short and sharp: Aim for a short, snappy paragraph of 3-5 lines. This is just enough room to showcase why you’d make the perfect hire, without going into excessive detail and overwhelming busy recruiters.
• Tailor it: No matter how much time you put into your CV profile, it won’t impress if it’s irrelevant to the role you’re applying for. Before you start writing, make a list of the skills, knowledge and experience your target employer is looking for. Then, make sure to mention them in your CV profile and throughout the rest of your application.
• Don’t add an objective: Want to talk about your career goals and objectives? While the profile may seem like a good space to do so, they’re actually much better suited to your cover letter .
• Avoid generic phrases: If there’s one thing that’ll annoy a recruiter, it’s a clichè-packed CV. Focus on showcasing your hard skills, experience and the results you’ve gained in previous roles, which will impress recruiters far more.

Example CV profile for Chemistry Graduate

What to include in your chemistry graduate cv profile.

• Experience overview: Showcase your aptitude for the job you are aiming for by giving a brief summary of your past work history , including the industries you have worked in, the kinds of employers you have served, and the roles you have held.
• Targeted skills: Highlight your skills which are most relevant to Chemistry Graduate jobs, to ensure that recruiters see your most in-demand skills as soon as they open your CV.
• Important qualifications: If the jobs you are applying to require candidates to have certain qualifications, then you must add them in your profile to ensure they are seen by hiring managers.

Quick tip: If you are finding it difficult to write an attention-grabbing CV profile, choose from hundreds of pre-written profiles across all industries, and add one to your CV with one click in our quick-and-easy CV Builder . All profiles are written by recruitment experts and easily tailored to suit your unique skillset.

Core skills section

Create a core skills section underneath your profile to spotlight your most in-demand skills and grab the attention of readers.

This section should feature 2-3 columns of bullet points that emphasise your applicable skills for your target jobs. Before constructing this section, review the job description and compile a list of any specific skills, specialisms, or knowledge required.

Important skills for your Chemistry Graduate CV

Laboratory Techniques – Utilising various laboratory techniques, including measuring and mixing chemicals, conducting experiments, and analysing results accurately.

Chemical Instrumentation – Operating and maintaining a range of chemical instrumentation, such as spectrometers, chromatography systems, and spectroscopy equipment.

Safety Protocols – Utilising knowledge of safety protocols and procedures in the laboratory, including handling hazardous materials, wearing personal protective equipment, and maintaining a safe working environment.

Research and Documentation – Conducting literature reviews, gathering relevant scientific information, and documenting findings accurately and comprehensively.

Problem Resolution – Identifying and solving scientific problems, troubleshooting experimental issues, and developing innovative solutions to research challenges.

Technical Writing – Writing scientific reports, research papers, and documentation, following proper scientific writing conventions and effectively communicating research findings.

Data Analysis and Interpretation – Analysing and interpreting complex scientific data sets using statistical methods and software, interpreting experimental results, drawing meaningful conclusions based on scientific principles and observations, and presenting results in a clear and concise manner.

Quality Control – Utilising knowledge of quality control processes and techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability of experimental procedures and results.

Quick tip: Our quick-and-easy CV Builder has thousands of in-demand skills for all industries and professions, that can be added to your CV in seconds – This will save you time and ensure you get noticed by recruiters.

Work experience

Recruiters will be itching to know more about your relevant experience by now.

Kick-start this section with your most recent (or current) position, and work your way backwards through your history.

You can include voluntary and freelance work, too – as long as you’re honest about the nature of the work.

Structuring each job

Lengthy, unbroken chunks of text is a recruiters worst nightmare, but your work experience section can easily end up looking like that if you are not careful.

To avoid this, use my tried-and-tested 3-step structure, as illustrated below:

Start with a solid introduction to your role as a whole, in order to build some context.

Explain the nature of the organisation you worked for, the size of the team you were part of, who you reported to and what the overarching purpose of your job was.

Key responsibilities

Use bullet points to detail the key responsibilities of your role, highlighting hard skills, software and knowledge wherever you can.

Keep them short and sharp to make them easily digestible by readers.

Key achievements

Finish off by showcasing 1-3 key achievements made within the role.

This could be anything that had a positive effect on your company, clients or customers, such as saving time or money, receiving exemplary feedback or receiving an award.

Sample job description for Chemistry Graduate CV

Completed a 3-month internship at a UK-based laboratory solutions provider, responsible for analytical chemistry and quality control of chemical products and materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducted quality control tests on raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using analytical techniques such as HPLC and GC-MS
• Monitored the inventory of laboratory equipment and reagents, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and managing their procurement
• Maintained records of laboratory analyses, wrote technical reports, and presented findings to the management team
• Collaborated with laboratory teams, including research and development, to resolve issues and optimise laboratory procedures

Quick tip: Create impressive job descriptions easily in our quick-and-easy CV Builder by adding pre-written job phrases for every industry and career stage.

Education section

Next up, you should list your education and qualifications.

This can include your formal qualifications (a degree, A-Levels and GCSEs), as well as sector-specific Chemistry Graduate qualifications and/or training.

While school leavers and recent grads should include a lot of detail here to make up for the lack of work experience, experienced candidates may benefit from a shorter education section, as your work experience section will be more important to recruiters.

Hobbies and interests

Although this is an optional section, it can be useful if your hobbies and interests will add further depth to your CV.

Interests which are related to the sector you are applying to, or which show transferable skills like leadership or teamwork, can worth listing.

On the other hand, generic hobbies like “going out with friends” won’t add any value to your application, so are best left off your CV.

An interview-winning CV for a Chemistry Graduate role, needs to be both visually pleasing and packed with targeted content.

Whilst it needs to detail your experience, accomplishments and relevant skills, it also needs to be as clear and easy to read as possible.

Remember to research the role and review the job ad before applying, so you’re able to match yourself up to the requirements.

If you follow these guidelines and keep motivated in your job search, you should land an interview in no time.

Best of luck with your next application!

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Applying to graduate school.

During the active admissions cycle you must submit your application via the Online Application . Applications for Fall 2024 admissions are now closed. Applications for Fall 2025 will open on September 15, 2024 and the application deadline is December 1, 2024. Please see below for helpful information about our application requirements. Since offers of admission are made continuously after the application deadline, all of your materials must be submitted by the application deadline. This includes letters of recommendation and all official test scores.

Note: Many questions are answered in our Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ ) section. Prior to contacting the MIT Department of Chemistry ( [email protected] ), please take the time to review our FAQ page.

Requests for fee waivers are coordinated centrally by the Office of Graduate Education. For further information, including the eligibility requirements for fee waivers, please visit the Application Fee Waiver section of their web site. The waiver request must be submitted at least five business days before the December 1st application deadline.  The Department of Chemistry can only waive the $75 application fee for international applicants if they have already applied and paid an application fee for another PhD program at MIT in the same admission cycle. All other inquires about fee waivers should be directed to the Office of Graduate Education.

For more detailed information regarding the cost of attendance, including specific costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and food as well as transportation, please visit the Student Financial Services (SFS) website .

The Department of Chemistry does not provide application updates via email. All updates will be posted in the application portal.

Completing and Submitting the Application: Information for all applicants

Faculty of interest, transcripts, required tests, education and work history, statement of objectives.

The recommended length for the Statement of Objectives is 1000-1500 words.

Personal Statement

The MIT Chemistry Department is a community comprised of individuals from a diverse variety of backgrounds. We are interested in learning more about you as a person and how your background and experiences motivate you to make positive contributions to your community. There are no requirements for what to include; some possible prompts are below:

• The MIT Chemistry Department has four core community values. These are respect, well-being, inclusivity, and integrity. Please identify one of these values that is important to you and explain why.
• Describe your experience with resilience and/or perseverance. Give an example of a time in which you faced failure, a significant roadblock in making steady progress towards a goal. Describe how you approach this situation. What did you learn from this experience? How has this experience shaped the way you approach challenges today?
• Describe a meaningful teaching or mentorship experience you have had and what you learned from that experience. What do you like most about teaching others? What are the biggest challenges you anticipate in serving as a teaching assistant to MIT undergraduates?
• If there are any other factors concerning your prior academic, research, or work experience that you would like the Admissions Committee to be aware of, please describe them.

Financial Support

Recommendation writers, admissions interviews, application fee, additional information for international applicants, ielts/toefl exam, transcript(s), chemistry application mentor program.

CAMP is a volunteer-based, student-run program that provides assistance to Chemistry Applicants. CAMP is intended to assist applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds – including but not limited to: groups underrepresented in the STEM field, first generation PhD applicants, and applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds. CAMP Applications for the Fall 2024 admissions cycle are closed. 

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• How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

How to Write Your Personal Statement | Strategies & Examples

Published on February 12, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A personal statement is a short essay of around 500–1,000 words, in which you tell a compelling story about who you are, what drives you, and why you’re applying.

To write a successful personal statement for a graduate school application , don’t just summarize your experience; instead, craft a focused narrative in your own voice. Aim to demonstrate three things:

• Your personality: what are your interests, values, and motivations?
• Your talents: what can you bring to the program?
• Your goals: what do you hope the program will do for you?

This article guides you through some winning strategies to build a strong, well-structured personal statement for a master’s or PhD application. You can download the full examples below.

Urban Planning Psychology History

Table of contents

Getting started with your personal statement, the introduction: start with an attention-grabbing opening, the main body: craft your narrative, the conclusion: look ahead, revising, editing, and proofreading your personal statement, frequently asked questions, other interesting articles.

Before you start writing, the first step is to understand exactly what’s expected of you. If the application gives you a question or prompt for your personal statement, the most important thing is to respond to it directly.

For example, you might be asked to focus on the development of your personal identity; challenges you have faced in your life; or your career motivations. This will shape your focus and emphasis—but you still need to find your own unique approach to answering it.

There’s no universal template for a personal statement; it’s your chance to be creative and let your own voice shine through. But there are strategies you can use to build a compelling, well-structured story.

The first paragraph of your personal statement should set the tone and lead smoothly into the story you want to tell.

Strategy 1: Open with a concrete scene

An effective way to catch the reader’s attention is to set up a scene that illustrates something about your character and interests. If you’re stuck, try thinking about:

• A personal experience that changed your perspective
• A story from your family’s history
• A memorable teacher or learning experience
• An unusual or unexpected encounter

To write an effective scene, try to go beyond straightforward description; start with an intriguing sentence that pulls the reader in, and give concrete details to create a convincing atmosphere.

Strategy 2: Open with your motivations

To emphasize your enthusiasm and commitment, you can start by explaining your interest in the subject you want to study or the career path you want to follow.

Just stating that it interests you isn’t enough: first, you need to figure out why you’re interested in this field:

• Is it a longstanding passion or a recent discovery?
• Does it come naturally or have you had to work hard at it?
• How does it fit into the rest of your life?
• What do you think it contributes to society?

Tips for the introduction

• Don’t start on a cliche: avoid phrases like “Ever since I was a child…” or “For as long as I can remember…”
• Do save the introduction for last. If you’re struggling to come up with a strong opening, leave it aside, and note down any interesting ideas that occur to you as you write the rest of the personal statement.

Once you’ve set up the main themes of your personal statement, you’ll delve into more detail about your experiences and motivations.

To structure the body of your personal statement, there are various strategies you can use.

Strategy 1: Describe your development over time

One of the simplest strategies is to give a chronological overview of key experiences that have led you to apply for graduate school.

• What first sparked your interest in the field?
• Which classes, assignments, classmates, internships, or other activities helped you develop your knowledge and skills?
• Where do you want to go next? How does this program fit into your future plans?

Don’t try to include absolutely everything you’ve done—pick out highlights that are relevant to your application. Aim to craft a compelling narrative that shows how you’ve changed and actively developed yourself.

My interest in psychology was first sparked early in my high school career. Though somewhat scientifically inclined, I found that what interested me most was not the equations we learned about in physics and chemistry, but the motivations and perceptions of my fellow students, and the subtle social dynamics that I observed inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to learn how our identities, beliefs, and behaviours are shaped through our interactions with others, so I decided to major in Social Psychology. My undergraduate studies deepened my understanding of, and fascination with, the interplay between an individual mind and its social context.During my studies, I acquired a solid foundation of knowledge about concepts like social influence and group dynamics, but I also took classes on various topics not strictly related to my major. I was particularly interested in how other fields intersect with psychology—the classes I took on media studies, biology, and literature all enhanced my understanding of psychological concepts by providing different lenses through which to look at the issues involved.

Strategy 2: Own your challenges and obstacles

If your path to graduate school hasn’t been easy or straightforward, you can turn this into a strength, and structure your personal statement as a story of overcoming obstacles.

• Is your social, cultural or economic background underrepresented in the field? Show how your experiences will contribute a unique perspective.
• Do you have gaps in your resume or lower-than-ideal grades? Explain the challenges you faced and how you dealt with them.

Don’t focus too heavily on negatives, but use them to highlight your positive qualities. Resilience, resourcefulness and perseverance make you a promising graduate school candidate.

Growing up working class, urban decay becomes depressingly familiar. The sight of a row of abandoned houses does not surprise me, but it continues to bother me. Since high school, I have been determined to pursue a career in urban planning. While people of my background experience the consequences of urban planning decisions first-hand, we are underrepresented in the field itself. Ironically, given my motivation, my economic background has made my studies challenging. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship for my undergraduate studies, but after graduation I took jobs in unrelated fields to help support my parents. In the three years since, I have not lost my ambition. Now I am keen to resume my studies, and I believe I can bring an invaluable perspective to the table: that of the people most impacted by the decisions of urban planners.

Strategy 3: Demonstrate your knowledge of the field

Especially if you’re applying for a PhD or another research-focused program, it’s a good idea to show your familiarity with the subject and the department. Your personal statement can focus on the area you want to specialize in and reflect on why it matters to you.

• Reflect on the topics or themes that you’ve focused on in your studies. What draws you to them?
• Discuss any academic achievements, influential teachers, or other highlights of your education.
• Talk about the questions you’d like to explore in your research and why you think they’re important.

The personal statement isn’t a research proposal , so don’t go overboard on detail—but it’s a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the field and your capacity for original thinking.

In applying for this research program, my intention is to build on the multidisciplinary approach I have taken in my studies so far, combining knowledge from disparate fields of study to better understand psychological concepts and issues. The Media Psychology program stands out to me as the perfect environment for this kind of research, given its researchers’ openness to collaboration across diverse fields. I am impressed by the department’s innovative interdisciplinary projects that focus on the shifting landscape of media and technology, and I hope that my own work can follow a similarly trailblazing approach. More specifically, I want to develop my understanding of the intersection of psychology and media studies, and explore how media psychology theories and methods might be applied to neurodivergent minds. I am interested not only in media psychology but also in psychological disorders, and how the two interact. This is something I touched on during my undergraduate studies and that I’m excited to delve into further.

Strategy 4: Discuss your professional ambitions

Especially if you’re applying for a more professionally-oriented program (such as an MBA), it’s a good idea to focus on concrete goals and how the program will help you achieve them.

• If your career is just getting started, show how your character is suited to the field, and explain how graduate school will help you develop your talents.
• If you have already worked in the profession, show what you’ve achieved so far, and explain how the program will allow you to take the next step.
• If you are planning a career change, explain what has driven this decision and how your existing experience will help you succeed.

Don’t just state the position you want to achieve. You should demonstrate that you’ve put plenty of thought into your career plans and show why you’re well-suited to this profession.

One thing that fascinated me about the field during my undergraduate studies was the sheer number of different elements whose interactions constitute a person’s experience of an urban environment. Any number of factors could transform the scene I described at the beginning: What if there were no bus route? Better community outreach in the neighborhood? Worse law enforcement? More or fewer jobs available in the area? Some of these factors are out of the hands of an urban planner, but without taking them all into consideration, the planner has an incomplete picture of their task. Through further study I hope to develop my understanding of how these disparate elements combine and interact to create the urban environment. I am interested in the social, psychological and political effects our surroundings have on our lives. My studies will allow me to work on projects directly affecting the kinds of working-class urban communities I know well. I believe I can bring my own experiences, as well as my education, to bear upon the problem of improving infrastructure and quality of life in these communities.

Tips for the main body

• Don’t rehash your resume by trying to summarize everything you’ve done so far; the personal statement isn’t about listing your academic or professional experience, but about reflecting, evaluating, and relating it to broader themes.
• Do make your statements into stories: Instead of saying you’re hard-working and self-motivated, write about your internship where you took the initiative to start a new project. Instead of saying you’ve always loved reading, reflect on a novel or poem that changed your perspective.

Your conclusion should bring the focus back to the program and what you hope to get out of it, whether that’s developing practical skills, exploring intellectual questions, or both.

Emphasize the fit with your specific interests, showing why this program would be the best way to achieve your aims.

Strategy 1: What do you want to know?

If you’re applying for a more academic or research-focused program, end on a note of curiosity: what do you hope to learn, and why do you think this is the best place to learn it?

If there are specific classes or faculty members that you’re excited to learn from, this is the place to express your enthusiasm.

Strategy 2: What do you want to do?

If you’re applying for a program that focuses more on professional training, your conclusion can look to your career aspirations: what role do you want to play in society, and why is this program the best choice to help you get there?

Tips for the conclusion

• Don’t summarize what you’ve already said. You have limited space in a personal statement, so use it wisely!
• Do think bigger than yourself: try to express how your individual aspirations relate to your local community, your academic field, or society more broadly. It’s not just about what you’ll get out of graduate school, but about what you’ll be able to give back.

You’ll be expected to do a lot of writing in graduate school, so make a good first impression: leave yourself plenty of time to revise and polish the text.

Your style doesn’t have to be as formal as other kinds of academic writing, but it should be clear, direct and coherent. Make sure that each paragraph flows smoothly from the last, using topic sentences and transitions to create clear connections between each part.

Don’t be afraid to rewrite and restructure as much as necessary. Since you have a lot of freedom in the structure of a personal statement, you can experiment and move information around to see what works best.

Finally, it’s essential to carefully proofread your personal statement and fix any language errors. Before you submit your application, consider investing in professional personal statement editing . For $150, you have the peace of mind that your personal statement is grammatically correct, strong in term of your arguments, and free of awkward mistakes.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

College essays

• College essay examples
• College essay format
• College essay style
• College essay length
• Diversity essays
• Scholarship essays

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Avoiding repetition
• Literature review
• Conceptual framework
• Dissertation outline
• Thesis acknowledgements
• Burned or burnt
• Canceled or cancelled
• Dreamt or dreamed
• Gray or grey
• Theater vs theatre

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What to include in a Personal Statement

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Personal statement example chemistry personal statement.

Submitted by Filiz

Chemistry Personal Statement

Swimming from a young age always made me ponder the thought, who cleans the pool and how do they do it? As I grew older I realised it wasn't a case of who, it is a case of what. Essentially, chemistry held the answer. This example, along with many others, enhance my desire to study how chemistry works within modern day life. By choosing demanding A-level subjects that focus on essay writing with analytical skill and problem solving, I believe that I am able to excel in undergraduate study.

I take particular interest in green chemistry, inorganic molecules and IR spectra which explains my desire to study Chemistry. I find inorganic chemistry extremely captivating explaining my fascination with the Haber process; without this process a third of the population would not be fed. Global warming is becoming a prominent issue and the frequency of tropical cyclones is largely due to an increased consumption of fossil fuels, this has then led to technological advances that lie behind green chemistry. BTEC Science has strengthened my ability to analyse scientific techniques in experiments. This subject has enhanced my ability to work as a team but also to work independently when carrying out practical work. BTEC has taught me the importance of time management due to strict assignment deadlines.

Studying A-level Mathematics has given me the confidence to approach challenging chemical calculations. It's extremely rewarding to be able to apply my knowledge of finding the gradients of curves and use it for measuring the rate of reaction or my knowledge of natural logarithms and applying this to the Arrhenius Equation. Studying Mathematics makes me appreciate the fundamentals that it teaches and how they apply to the world of science. An important encounter with Chemistry that enhanced the appeal of the subject was a visit from PhD students studying at Cardiff University . They brought 'spectroscopy in a suitcase' allowing us, in small groups, to find the absorption frequencies of an unknown sample in order to identify its identity. Being pushed further using real life equipment elevated my desire to study Chemistry.

My dedication to the subject extends further than the academic side - in my year of AS Chemistry at St David's I was elected class representative becoming a vehicle for the student voice. In 2014 I was honoured to represent the United Kingdom for the Euro Project in Denmark. Team work was essential in this process with innovation as the topic of the 5 day project. I take pride in being able to balance the demands of A-level study with a part time job as well as other extra-curricular activities such as swimming for Barry Swimming Club. Swimming for 16 hours a week highlights my commitment and determination, attributes that would be transferable to university life. My part time job at a jewellery store has given me the refined understanding of how fast silver can oxidise dependant on how you store the metal. Through learning to play the piano and achieving a Grade 6 Merit, I have become a creative and fast paced learner, something that is useful when conducting chemical experiments. My quick thinking skills are also evident in my ability to translate Turkish due to my bilingual tongue. When in Turkey I often have to translate from English to Turkish for my Turkish family and British father accentuating my ability to relay information concisely.

Through my work experience at a Dentist's Practice I attained an insight into how chemical products are used in a working environment by aiding several dental procedures, highlighting my ability to adapt and learn at a demanding pace. The subject of Chemistry and its applications to real life is particularly fascinating to me; I fervently await the depth of knowledge that a Chemistry degree has to offer. I am a determined and hardworking individual, delighted at the prospect of studying exclusively Chemistry at university.

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How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters (17 PDF Sample Examples)

Published: 14 Mar 2022 Study Abroad 99,262 views

A personal statement for masters program is one of the most important parts of your college application and writing a good one is what’s the exception between receiving an offer and being rejected.

If you’ve been tasked with presenting a personal statement, you should keep in mind that whatever you submit must put you forward as the right candidate for the course. Additionally, it should convince the admissions officers that you deserve a place on your program of study.

Achieving the above, is a skill most postgraduate students are yet to acquire but thankfully this article on How To Write A Personal Statement For Masters covers everything you need to know on doing this.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a personal statement?
• Tips for making your personal statement for masters stand out
• How to write a personal statement for masters
• Personal statement for masters sample
• Examples of personal statement for masters
• Conclusion – things to avoid when writing a personal statement for masters

Read:  Admission Interview Tips .

What Is a Personal Statement?

A personal statement AKA admissions or application essay or statement of purpose is a type of essay or written statement a candidate presents to a college, university, or graduate school they are applying to, explaining why they want to attend that school, study a particular course, and why they would be a perfect fit for these things.

A personal statement for masters is an essay you submit specifically for your postgraduate application. Writing one presents the opportunity for you to promote yourself to a school and show the admissions teachers that you are the perfect candidate for a course.

Tips For Making Your Personal Statement For Masters Stand Out

Before we get into how you should write a statement of purpose for masters, we would first like to share with you certain tips to include in your essay to make it stand out from that of other applicants and be convincing enough to any admissions officer that reads it. The tips we have mentioned here, cover general things like starting and ending your personal statement, timing, length, and what to include and what not to include in the essay, etc.

1. Starting And Ending A Personal Statement

When starting a personal statement, you would want to right off the bat grab the reader’s attention. To do this, start the statement by writing about your degree of choice, next why you want to study it and then how you got interested in it.

The next 2 sentences after that should cover a summary of your background in the chosen field, and you conclude by saying what you plan to do once you acquire your graduate degree.

Also start with that the evaluators reading want to hear first, then every other information should come second. You will notice we’ve used in the sop examples for masters we will share with you later in this article.

2. Plan Ahead

A personal statement is not something you rush while writing, which means if you want to get something good before you application then you must start to decide things like the length and how long it should take to complete.

Let us throw more light on this…

For length, a personal statement should be brief ranging somewhere between 500 -700 words, although schools often detect how long it should be. So, this is dependent on the institution you are applying to.

In terms of what to say in a statement, you could include personal experiences like why you were driven to apply for the program, an experience you had with a scholar in your chosen discipline, a course you took that inspired you to pursue masters, or a key moment during your studies which further motivated you.

No matter what you decide to write, just keep in mind that you need to take your time to craft something good even if it means creating several drafts before the real thing and do not forget to proofread the statement for errors.

3. Research Your Program Of Study

Researching your program of study is one way to establish that you truly understand the discipline you’re getting into and prove to the admissions officer that you thoroughly thought about it before applying.

And because you want to put yourself forward as a serious candidate, one way to make you research easier is for you to visit the website of the department you are applying to. This page will contain information about faculty members, their specialisation, and publications.

From the intel, you gathered there you can now identify which professors match your interests and which ones you will benefit the most from learning under. After you’ve found this out, relate the same in a sentence or two in your statement of purpose for masters.

Example: “I would be honoured to study under the tutelage of Professor Nadia whose work I found resonated strongly with my beliefs and intended projects in this course”.

4. Avoid Clichés, Junks, And Many Details

When writing a statement of purpose for master degree try to avoid clichés, junks, and unnecessary details so that you don’t lose or bore your readers in between. Be as concise as possible, even if it’s your chance to express yourself.

A personal statement is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get information that tells the that you are suitable for the course. So, when you overpower your statement with too many words, stories, and useless details, you come off as someone who is just trying to meet the word count.

5. Include Your Personal History Only If It Adds To The Statement

Do not include your personal history in your statement of intent for masters if it is not relevant to your purpose of study. This means no need for you to tell that story about that time you helped someone treat a cut and immediately realised that you wanted to be a doctor or nurse or how you developed a taste for reading at a very young age.

We can guarantee you that the hundreds of other applications competing for the same spot you are felt the same way, so saying those things really doesn’t make you unique.

On the other hand, if you are going to add personal history to your statement, you can put in things like an internship you did and the experience you got from the job, a major research project you ran by yourself, publications you’ve read or published, conferences you’ve attended or presentations you’ve done. These experiences are more concrete and are directly related to your program of study. They also set you apart from other applicants.

6. Don't Use The Same Personal Statement For All Your Applications

One common mistake applicant make that you shouldn’t is using the same statement of purpose for master degree for all your applications. Using the same information repeatedly even if you are going to change the university names is risky and could land you in a big mistake on a day you forget to be thorough.

All programmes have their own unique set of questions they want to see answered and information they need in your personal statement.

And even if some of them like extracurricular activities, proposal for project, why you are applying to the school, your unique qualities, and research works you’re doing might appear the same, do not use one statement to respond to all of them.

Write a new unique personal statement every time you want to apply.

Check out:  How to Write a Good CV for Students - Resume Examples for Students (PDF).

How To Write A Personal Statement for Masters

When writing a personal statement for masters there are several steps and ground rules you need to follow to ensure that it comes out good enough to impress the admissions team of a school, and ultimately convince them to give you a spot on your program of study.

If writing one is something you are currently struggling with and can’t seem to get down the process of it right no matter what, this section on how to write a personal statement for masters, discusses in detail everything you need to get help with yours.

There are 4 parts to consider when writing your personal statement and we have listed them below:

1. Planning A Personal Statement

A personal statement is a piece of writing showing your academic interests and is only for application purposes which means there is no room for any autobiographical information in it about your personal life. Be as to-the-point as possible when writing it and stick to telling the school why you are the right person for the course, plus any other extra information detailing your achievements.

Before You Start:

Allot plenty of time to write your msc personal statement so that you don’t rush it. Remember, this simple piece of writing is your one shot at convincing a school that you are the best applicant they’ve seen and as such can either make or break your application.

Read the information expected of you from the university, rules and guidelines given, selection criteria and understand what they mean. Also research the institution.

Do a thorough research on the course you are applying for; this will help you explain better why you want to study it. The tutors interviewing you can tell when you are lying and presenting yourself as uninformed can cost you the admission.

Ensure that you don’t use the same personal statement for all your applications.

When Writing:

When writing the statement there are some questions to ask yourself that can help you plan it better. Those questions are:

• Why you want to study a master’s and how does it benefit you in future?
• How does the course you have chosen fit into your pre-existing skill set?
• How do you stand out from the crowd as an applicant - e.g., work experiences you’ve had in the same field you are applying for?
• What do you aspire to do or be as a future career and how will the course help you achieve that?
• How can your work or skillsets contribute positively to the department/ university you are applying to, or society at large?

On the other hand, if you are applying for the masters to change from the field you studied in your undergraduate to another field, you should tell the school why you decided to take a different path in your studies.

Questions to ask yourself for this include:

• Your reason for deciding to change your discipline.
• How your undergraduate degree will be material for bringing fresh insights into your masters course.
• How changing your study path will help you attain your future career.

2. Structuring A Personal Statement

Having good structure for your personal statement for master degree is important because it ensures that everything from the beginning, middle, and ending of the statement is written and equally falls in place perfectly.

We’ve left some tips for you below to help you:

Start your personal statement with an attention-grabbing introduction that is not dramatic or cliché. That means you should not begin with any of these over-used phrases we’ve listed out below:

For as long as I remember…

Since my childhood…

I want to apply to this course because I’ve always felt a strong connection to it…

All my life, I have always loved…

My interest in (course) always ran deeper than…

I’ve always been zealous about…

Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in…

My past educational experiences have always…

You would want to be as snappy as possible with your opening because the admission officer has over a hundred applications to read and can’t waste all their time on yours. This means you should avoid overpowering it with unnecessary facts, quotes, and stories from your life.

The middle part of your ma personal statement is where the main content of the write-up should be. This is where you show your dedication to the course you’ve chosen, what motivated you to choose it, and why you are the right candidate for it.

When writing the middle part of a graduate personal statement, you should:  

• Give concrete reasons why you want to study a course at the University. The reason could be because of how the course is aligned to your future career or the University’s reputation in teaching that program.
• Mention relevant things like projects, dissertations, or essays you’ve done, and any work experience you have.
• Show proof of your core skills like and how they can contribute to the department.
• Prove what makes you a unique candidate.
• Discuss who your main influences for wanting to study the course are and why.
• Add experiences like memberships to clubs that are related to your field, papers you’ve written before, awards, scholarships, or prizes.
• Draw focus to how the course links to your past and future.
• Mention your academic and non-academic skills and how they fit the course.

For Formatting:

• Keep the statement length between 250 -500 words or as directed by the school.
• Sentences should be no more than 25-30 words.
• Use headings to break up the content – Why this university? Why this subject? Etc.
• Make claims and provide evidence to back each of them up. This can be done by discussing your work experience and academic interests.

Language and tone to use:     

• The tone for your masters application personal statement should be positive and enthusiastic, to show you eagerness to learn and so that you convince the evaluators that you have what it takes to succeed.
• Use exciting and refreshing language, and an engaging opening line.
• Ensure you grammar, punctuations, and spellings are accurate.
• Avoid exaggerated claims you cannot backup.
• Don’t use cliché generic terms and keep your focus on the course.

Keep the ending of your essay for master degree application concise and memorable, leaving no doubt in the admission officers mind that you deserve a spot on the program.

To create the best ending summarise all your key points without dragging it our or repeating yourself. The ending should be simple, end on a positive note and make it clear that the school will be lucky to have you on their program.

Personal Statement for Masters Sample

In this section, we have left a masters personal statement example for you, which you can use as material to write yours for any course of study you are applying to a school for.

Personal Statement PDF

You can also download this statement of purpose sample for masters degree pdf here and take your time to read it later – Personal Statement For Masters Sample .

See Also:  Student CV Template .

Examples of Personal Statement for Masters

We have taken the time to source for some of the best postgraduate personal statement examples, which you can use in addition to the personal statement for masters program example as a template to write yours.

While you scroll through our list, you will find the perfect masters essay example for any field you wish to apply for, from business administration, to Psychology, to information technology, and lots more.

1. msw personal statement

We have found one of the best msw personal statement examples out there for you.

social work masters personal statement .  

2. personal statement for masters in public health

mph personal statement examples

3. personal statement for masters in management

Personal statement for master degree sample for masters in management .  , 4. personal statement for masters in education example.

personal statement for masters in education example

5. psychology masters personal statement

psychology masters personal statement example

6. sample personal statement for masters in data science data science masters personal statement

7. speech and language therapy personal statement statement of purpose for masters sample: speech and language therapy

8. business administration personal statement personal statement for masters in business administration

9. personal statement for masters in cyber security pdf masters degree personal statement examples for cyber security

10. personal statement for masters in finance msc finance personal statement examples

11. statement of purpose for masters in information technology pdf msc personal statement examples for information technology

12. international development personal statement statement of purpose for masters example

13. msc international business management personal statement international business management personal statement examples

14. computer science masters personal statement

statement of purpose for masters in computer science pdf

15. personal statement for masters in economics statement of purpose sample for masters degree in economics

16. mha personal statement statement of purpose format for masters in health administration    

Conclusion – Things to Avoid When Writing A Personal Statement For Masters When writing a personal statement for university masters, there are some things you should avoid, so that you don’t ruin your essay. We have listed out those things below: •    Avoid negativity. •    Following an online template blindly. •    Do not include unnecessary course modules, personal facts, or extra-curricular activities in your personal statement. •    Do not lie or exaggerate an achievement or event. •    Do not include inspirational quotes to your statement. •    Avoid using clichés, gimmicks, humour, over-used word such as 'passion' or ‘driven’. •    Do not make pleading statements. •    Avoid mentioning key authors or professors in your field without any explanation. •    Avoid using sentences that are too long. •    Avoid flattering the organisation or using patronising terms. •    Do not repeat information in your statement that you have already listed in your application. •    Avoid waffling i.e., writing at length. •    Don’t start writing your personal statement at the last minute.  

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Writing Chemical Engineering Master’s Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Are you considering pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering? If so, you may be wondering what it takes to stand out among a competitive pool of applicants. One of the most important factors that can set you apart is your statement. A properly written  chemical engineering master’s personal statement  can boost your chances of getting accepted to your school of choice. 

A personal statement is vital as it is your opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications, goals, and passion for science and technology. It also allows you to demonstrate your experiences in chemical engineering. This article explores why a personal statement is important for your chemical engineering master’s degree application. It provides several examples to guide you in creating a compelling personal statement.

Chemical Engineering Personal Statement and Why it is Important

A personal statement highlights your educational and professional background and experiences . It is often required as part of a graduate school application, such as for a master’s degree program in chemical engineering.

A personal statement showcases your motivation for pursuing a career in chemical engineering. It highlights your relevant academic and professional experiences, and your goals for the future. The purpose of the personal statement is to give the admissions committee a sense of your personality, interests, and suitability for the program.

There are a few reasons why a personal statement is important for a master’s degree program in chemical engineering. They include:

• It allows you to stand out from other applicants applying for the chemical engineering program.
• Allows you to showcase your writing and communication skills which are important in chemical engineering.
• Helps the admissions committee get to know you in depth.
• It also helps the admission committee pick an interest in your application.

How to Write a Chemical Engineering Master’s Personal Statement

• Start by introducing yourself and providing background information about your academic and professional experiences. You should include information about your undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. Or a related field and any relevant internships or work experience you have had.
• Explain why you are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering.
• Next, discuss any relevant research or projects you have completed in the past and how these have prepared you for graduate study. This could be laboratory experience or publications you have written.
• Then, highlight relevant skills or qualities such as technical skills, problem-solving abilities, teamwork experience, or leadership abilities.
• Conclude your statement by reiterating your goals and motivations for pursuing a graduate degree in chemical engineering. Explain how the specific program you are applying to align with these goals.
• Remember to proofread your statement carefully and have someone else review it before you submit it.

Chemical Engineering Master’s Personal Statement Examples

I am an enthusiastic and passionate chemical engineering graduate with a wealth of knowledge and experience over the last four years. I have excelled in my studies, earning high marks in all areas, particularly when it comes to laboratory experiments involving complex processes. My skill set has enabled me to contribute decisively to multiple research projects.

I find chemical engineering deeply absorbing; it fascinates me and motivates me to reach for the stars. The combination of laboratory work and theoretical study gives me great satisfaction, allowing me to express my creativity while simultaneously pushing myself academically. Moreover, I am eager to continue working on complex problems and using them to develop my skill set further.

A master’s degree in chemical engineering would allow me to expand upon what I have already achieved and challenge myself further. My career goals are ambitious – I aspire to become a leader in the industry, making pioneering breakthroughs that push the boundaries of existing knowledge. To fulfill these ambitions, I need access to more sophisticated tools and resources than those available to undergraduate students. A master’s training will provide me with the platform necessary to take my understanding of this subject matter to the next level. 

I am confident that by dedicating myself fully to a Master’s degree program, I can achieve my dream. Having worked hard throughout my Bachelor’s studies, I possess the qualities required to excel. This includes strong analytical capabilities, unwavering dedication, creative flair, and an intrepid attitude toward challenges. Combining these attributes with state-of-the-art facilities offered at [Name of Institution] will allow me to pursue innovative solutions and realize grandiose ideas. With this being said, obtaining a master’s degree from your esteemed institution would be a capricious accomplishment. Enabling me to make substantial progress toward achieving my long-term aspirations.

I am an experienced chemical engineer eager to advance my knowledge and career by pursuing a master’s degree. My passion for this industry began when I was just a child, fiddling with household chemicals and creating mixtures out of curiosity. I completed my Bachelor’s degree at XXX University, where I excelled academically and developed strong interpersonal skills. Hence, I am now ready to pursue higher education and truly become an expert. 

As someone with excellent problem-solving abilities, and a knack for creative solutions, I can bring tremendous value to a top-tier graduate program. During my studies at XXX, I collaborated effectively on complex projects, showcased aptitude with advanced mathematics, and demonstrated understanding when identifying efficient production methods. My past internships have enabled me to build upon my expertise and better comprehend the inner workings of diverse manufacturing systems. These experiences have furthered my enthusiasm and determination to succeed in this sector.

I believe that obtaining my Master’s degree will provide me with the tools necessary to catapult my understanding and experience of chemical engineering forward. With this additional qualification, I am confident I can achieve unparalleled success in my professional and personal life.

I am an ambitious professional with years of experience in chemical engineering. Having completed a Bachelor’s degree in the same, I’m now looking to take my career further and pursue a Master’s program. My expertise lies in developing new processes that adhere to safety regulations while producing effective results. As such, I am passionate about problem-solving and finding creative solutions to challenging issues. 

I understand how to combine common ingredients in simple ways to create something unique – a skill that has been invaluable on various occasions. In addition, I can utilize colloquial language to explain complex concepts clearly and succinctly. This is paired with a capability for establishing connections between seemingly disparate ideas, helping me identify hidden patterns where others cannot. 

I have an insatiable appetite for knowledge, always striving to learn more about the field I find so captivating. With over five years of experience and excellent leadership skills, I believe I have much to contribute to any potential Master’s program. Enrolling in such a course would provide me with the perfect opportunity to explore the intricate elements of chemical engineering even further.

Having held numerous esteemed positions in chemical engineering for the past decade, I am passionate about pursuing a master’s degree to further my knowledge. It is imperative to me that my qualifications are consistently honed and developed. Thus, I have strived to challenge myself continuously with complex projects that allow me to harness my creative thinking abilities. 

As a seasoned chemical engineer with years of experience in the industry, I have long been passionate about tackling complex challenges. This ambition has driven me to pursue a master’s degree. This will allow me to gain an advanced understanding of the fundamental principles of my field and further hone my expertise as an engineer.

I am confident that this level of education would be invaluable to my professional growth. It will permit me to contribute significantly to any organization I work for. My capabilities include problem-solving, project management, risk analysis, design, and production optimization. All of which have been sharpened by leading technical teams in multi-faceted industrial contexts.

Moreover, knowledge is always advancing and evolving, so staying abreast of emerging trends is essential for any successful engineer. Therefore, I believe the Master’s program at your institution offers exceptional personal development opportunities due to its multidisciplinary nature and focus on cutting-edge research. To my understanding, you provide unparalleled access to resources and mentorship from some of the most prominent leaders in the sector. 

I relish the prospect of studying alongside like-minded individuals who share my commitment to engineering excellence. I am eager to make a meaningful contribution to the collaborative environment on campus. With my academic accomplishments, I am confident I can make valuable contributions during my time at your institution.

Having acquired years of hands-on expertise in chemical engineering, I now seek to bring this knowledge to a more comprehensive level. My enthusiasm for research and development within the domain has been shown through various projects during my time as an engineer. With each success came new insights into the potential of modern technology.

I am especially drawn to the intellectual challenges posed by advancing scientific innovation. A strong background in mathematics, physics, and fundamental chemistry has enabled me to become proficient with problem-solving. Additionally, my innate ability to collaborate with others has allowed me to leverage interdisciplinary teams and resources. It has enabled me to partake in fruitful dialogue while leading initiatives such as fuel cell integration or electrochemical production cells. 

A master’s degree would be a verdant opportunity to expand upon the knowledge I have amassed so far. And to delve further into topics such as molecular biochemistry and industrial processes. Moreover, it provides a crucial experience that will allow me to create innovations in the ever-evolving world of chemical engineering.

A master’s degree in chemical engineering is highly competitive, so you need to stand out. Following the steps highlighted above, you can craft a compelling personal statement that will set you apart as a top candidate . This is a crucial step towards achieving your dreams of making a difference in chemical engineering.

Take the first step towards obtaining your Master’s degree in chemical engineering. Write your statement using Hey INK .

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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