biochemistry personal statement ucas

Biochemistry Personal Statement at Oxford: TOP Tips

Oxford biochemistry personal statement tips: – top 10 dos and don’ts.

The Oxford Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application as it presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. In your Biochemistry personal statement, Oxford admissions tutors will be looking for you to be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are, providing a platform to bounce off questions during your interview. 

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. To guide you through the arduous university application process, our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Biochemistry Personal Statement Oxford tips. This includes dos and don’ts for your personal statement for biochemistry for the 2023/24 application cycle. 

General Advice for the Biochemistry Personal Statement Oxford

Biochemistry is a course that uses molecular procedures to investigate and explain biological processes. The understanding and knowledge of these vital processes that are necessary for life are constantly growing and expanding. Biochemists have designed applications in drug design, environmental monitoring, and forensic sciences, amongst other fields.

Your Biochemistry Oxford personal statement must clearly demonstrate your interest in biological processes and the study of them at a molecular level. Moreover, when planning out your personal statement for biochemistry, make sure you research the University’s achievements in their relevant fields and use it as a guide to illustrate your interest in Biochemistry. 

Top 5 Tips for Oxford Biochemistry Personal Statement

1. explain why you are interested in biochemistry.

Oxford tutors are looking to teach students with genuine interest and passion for their course. Hence, make this the focus of your Oxford personal statement, explaining why you want to study your chosen subject. Using concrete examples that display your interest will go a long way in demonstrating this interest. For example, this could include participating in biology or chemistry competitions. It could also be partaking in research projects, and reading up on the latest innovations published in articles or books. Do not worry if you do not have a specific example or time where your ambition became crystal clear to you. Your decision in choosing to study biochemistry can be illuminated through an amalgamation of your experiences or understanding of yourself and your strengths. Take your time in explaining why you align well with the course!

2. Display a good understanding of the course

Understand the course that you are applying for. Ensure that you do not have a superficial or misguided view of what the course entails. Most people’s perception of a course is shaped by what they see in the media or by their high school subjects. However, this is not always the case and it leads to a one-dimensional view of the course. Try to talk to graduates or people currently working in the field to gain a better understanding of the course and your options post-graduation. You can demonstrate this understanding in your Oxford personal statement by linking similarities in your past experiences to aspects of Biochemistry (if applicable). Or you can elaborate on personal qualities or traits that make you suitable for Biochemistry. For example, Biochemistry is research-heavy, which would make perseverance a good quality for an applicant to have.

3. Read around the subject you’re applying for

Of course, Oxford does not expect you to be an expert in your field of study. You are going to university to study the material after all. However, being well-read in your course and reading ahead is a great way of demonstrating your interest in it. Look at it this way: if we are interested in a movie star, we would want to find out everything about him. Similarly, if you are genuinely interested in your course, you would also naturally want to learn more and explore the topic on your own. Reading does not only include books. This could also include podcasts, magazine articles, or even Netflix documentaries. Listening to a podcast on your ride home from school can be a nice way to ease such material into your lifestyle. You can find some good articles in Nature or Scientific American that publishes the latest innovations in biochemistry. You can also visit Oxford’s recommended reading list for some book inspirations: Oxford Biochemistry  

4. Have a good structure for your Biochemistry personal statement

The points listed above give you a lot of content to write about. However, all of that information can be difficult to get through for the reader if it’s not organised well! Try and follow a fixed overall structure for your Oxford personal statement. Also try and structure it into individual paragraphs to enhance readability. For example, your introduction could be a short 2-3 lines outlining your interest in Biochemistry. You could use one paragraph explaining your interest in academic vigour, and another paragraph explaining how you display perseverance. You can conclude by wrapping up the points mentioned above! For individual paragraphs, start off the paragraph with a point (such as your interest in the research aspect of biochemistry). Next, use concrete examples to support this.

5. Ask your friends and family to proofread your Oxford personal statement

Sometimes we are not able to be objective about our own work, especially when we are telling our own story. Try and approach friends, family, or seniors (especially those already in the same course or university!) to proofread your Biochemistry personal statement Oxford and to provide you with feedback. They can comment on the structure and readability of your Oxford personal statement, which could be really valuable! That being said, don’t share your personal statement for biochemistry in case it gets plagiarised by someone else.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Biochemistry Oxford Personal Statement

1. writing a list of achievements.

Oxford isn’t necessarily choosing the most decorated candidate that applies– they are looking for students who are genuinely interested in the course, and students who are a good fit for it. This means that you could have started a non-profit and dedicated 10,000 hours to volunteering, but if you don’t show how this is relevant to your studying of biochemistry, the Oxford tutors may not necessarily think you are suited for the programme. When talking about your achievements, always link back to how this is relevant to either your interest or your suitability for biochemistry.

2. Valuing vocabulary over conciseness

Some students feel the need to use bombastic words or flowery language in order to impress Oxford tutors and use it as a way to demonstrate their strong command of the English language. However, this usually works against them– the Biochemistry personal statement (Oxford) comes off as sounding unnatural and difficult to read. Understand that the Biochemistry personal statement is a medium for you to tell your story and your passion. If using a thesaurus is getting in the way of that, opt for simple language. Oxford tutors value a personal statement for biochemistry that they can read with ease and understand! If you’re not familiar with certain words, don’t use them as it might work against you instead!

3. Not showing the link to biochemistry

When writing your Biochemistry personal statement, Oxford tutors are not necessarily looking for good students– they are looking for students who are a good match for the course. Always make sure to draw any personal experiences, quality or trait mentioned to how it is relevant to your passion for biochemistry or how it makes you a good fit for the course.

4. Misunderstanding what the course is about

Make sure you thoroughly research the course– this includes the course syllabus, attending seminars or speaking to seniors who are currently studying biochemistry (preferably at Oxford!) or have graduated from the course. A simple google search and thoroughly reading all university brochure materials is a good start on understanding what you are in for! Try to forget all previous assumptions you have about the course, and make sure you thoroughly understand what you would be studying.

5. Being cliché

When talking about your interest and passion for biochemistry, try to explain it in a genuine and authentic way. You don’t need a movie-like moment, such as your whole life-changing because of applications in biochemistry, to justify your motivation for the course. A simple explanation of how unique aspects of biochemistry intrigues you or draws you in, although seemingly simple and ordinary, would be even more valuable if explained well. Try to be authentic and original, and really understand why YOU would love to study biochemistry.

→ What is the Oxford Biochemistry programme?

The Oxford Biochemistry programme is an undergraduate degree programme offered by the University of Oxford’s Department of Biochemistry. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical and molecular processes that occur in living organisms, with a focus on the biochemistry of cells, genetics, and molecular biology.

→ What are some tips for writing a strong Oxford Biochemistry personal statement?

Some tips for writing a strong Biochemistry Oxford personal statement include demonstrating a clear understanding of the subject and why it interests the candidate, highlighting relevant academic achievements and extracurricular activities, showcasing research experience and analytical skills, and demonstrating a genuine passion for biochemistry and molecular biology.

→ What should be included in an Oxford Biochemistry personal statement?

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

→ How long should an Oxford Biochemistry personal statement be?

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

→ Is it important to tailor the personal statement to the Oxford Biochemistry programme specifically?

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

→ How important is the personal statement for the Oxford Biochemistry programme?

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

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Biochemistry C700

Submitted by Rovena

Biochemistry C700

Working alongside Dr. Sergio Bertazzo at UCL on the 'formation of biominerals' is what sparked my interest in Biochemistry. We used Raman Spectroscopy to gain information on hard material formed in the body due to an underlying pathology. I found it amazing that a technique that was just a concept in the classroom was brought to life and is put to remarkable use on a day-to-day basis. We explored calcium deposits in breast cancer, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and analysed samples from a range of other diseases in order to gain fundamental data on the formation of the biominerals.

Being a STEM ambassador encouraged me to explore the overlap between my A level subjects: Biology and Chemistry. I was particularly fascinated by the chemical mechanisms for the reactions of proteins given that they form the basis of every single metabolic function in the body. From attending 'The Great Ideas Of Biology' lecture at Imperial College London , I realised that one of the most fundamental ideas related to Biology is 'Life as Chemistry'. Chemistry forms the basis for understanding many biological ideas. For me, the revelation that Chemistry is so pertinent, even in the study of Biology, made me further appreciate the overlap between the sciences and the role they have played in our understanding of the world.

Over summer I completed a work placement with the Mayor of London. As part of this experience, I was given the opportunity to write articles for the Mayor, conduct my own research and analyse demographic data. I also had the opportunity to sit in on meetings such as that with MedCity, where the discussion was centred around developmental plans and investment in research. This experience was useful in developing my understanding of the limitations to scientific research due to the financial constraints businesses face. Despite this, my passion for Biochemistry remains undiminished.

When reading an article in The Biochemist titled '3D- printed synthetic tissues', by Michael Booth and Hagan Bayley I was intrigued by the way 3D printing is being used to create synthetic tissues following specified patterns using water droplets. I realised that all scientific projects face many issues before completion, but through perseverance and creative application of knowledge, solutions can be found. In a similar sense, Booth and Bayley creatively discovered that by externally controlling the synthetic tissue, using light and a combined water droplet network with the LA-DNA, light-activated synthetic tissues could be produced.

As Head Girl, I have many responsibilities: I am the main point of contact between my sixth form peers and the senior management team at school; I lead the senior prefects and ensure they are aware of their obligations; and I also communicate with parents on a regular basis in order to address their concerns. These duties have allowed me to develop transferable skills such as teamwork, time management and communicating professionally. In addition, I regularly volunteer with a local homeless shelter, which motivated me to join the NCS Youth Board, where I worked with other young adults to raise awareness on the issues of youth homelessness. Being involved with this project encouraged me to prioritise my time in order to meet my academic deadlines, as well as integrate with people from different walks of life.

To conclude, I feel that much of the work that a biochemist does is to advance human life and the thought of helping people is what drives me to want to study biochemistry. I like the fact that this field is unpredictable. It is constantly developing and to be at the centre of some cutting-edge research and new innovations excites me. This was further summed up for me during a conversation with the Deputy Mayor. He told me that, "we are currently part of the 'transition generation,' where we always need to be open to what is out there that will be beneficial to the development of the world."

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Biochemistry personal statement example 1.

The need to survive is a remarkable thing, for it has allowed evolution to equip organisms with a range of extraordinary capabilities in order to stay alive. Since reading 'Why Geese Don't Get Obese' by Widmaier, my interests have developed in the molecular adaptations of animals; for example, the antifreeze protein that prevents the blood of Antarctic Notothenioid fishes from turning into ice. This demonstrates how such small yet ingenious components can make a huge difference within an organism.

One of my favourite topics is disease, so as a Realising Opportunities student I relished writing an academic assignment on 'Why is MRSA so difficult to treat?' I was able to carry out independent research by reading journals such as 'Toxins' and making my own notes, which benefited my written communication and referencing skills. Organising my time to comply with the deadline sharpened my time management. I particularly enjoyed discovering the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, such as the beta-lactamase enzyme it produces to hydrolyse the beta-lactam ring within the drug. Reading of worldwide research attempts to find alternatives to antibiotics also appealed to me, and I look forward to studying topics more broadly at university.

Studying on the Bioscience Strand at the Sutton Trust Nottingham Summer School intensified my desire to study biology. Sessions ranged from extracting DNA from strawberries to taking part in a debate on human cloning. However, investigating the effects of temperature on cell metabolism by far held the greatest interest for me. One task was to use tweezers to transfer single sheets of cells into fluorescent dye, enabling us to clearly see the mitochondria under the microscope. This demonstrated the importance of accuracy when carrying out experiments. Drawing conclusions from the resultant cells also developed my skills in analysis. I now look forward to applying scientific theory and improving my practical technique further during a degree.

I recently carried out a four-week Nuffield Science Bursary at a hospital investigating risk factors for patients acquiring bacteraemias. Working with infection control and microbiology enabled me to witness how scientific research is used to benefit society, for example, developing PCR detection to identify MRSA positive patients. Carrying out clinical audits within wards ensured I listened carefully and co-operated with staff. I also honed by computer literacy by using online databases to track the conditions of bacteraemia patients. In addition, I found it rewarding to deliver a presentation explaining and evaluating my project. I received a Gold CREST Award for my work.

Contributing to my college is important to me, so as a student representative I am required to be responsible and dependable when providing help at college events. Regularly volunteering at a planetarium where I assist the running of shows and guide customers has not only broadened my scientific interests but developed several abilities such as organisation and communication. In addition, I recently took part in an enterprise competition at the University of Warwick where my team came second in designing an innovative new building to be built on the university grounds. Even though we had to work under pressure with a tight budget and short amount of time, it was enjoyable working with a group of new people, developing teamwork and problem solving skills.

The rapidly evolving nature of biology enables it to provide the answers for many of the worlds major problems which only enhances my interest in the subject. Though a science degree is demanding, my experiences have enabled me to develop my independence, initiative and experimental skills allowing me to fulfil my potential and thrive at university.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Jodie995 for application in 2013.

Jodie995's university choices The University of Birmingham The University of Durham The University of Sheffield The University of York The University of Warwick

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

This personal statement is unrated

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Undergraduate admissions

Biochemistry isn’t taught at A-level, so you won’t be expected to have detailed knowledge of the subject. However an A-level in Chemistry (or an international equivalent) is essential and well as strong grades in related areas like maths, or biology.

What we’re looking for.

It is essential to have A-level in Chemistry, or the equivalent (see the University international qualifications page – if you are doing a qualification not listed and want to see whether your qualification covers the same material as A-level chemistry, the following are links to the AQA , edexcel and OCR A-level chemistry syllabuses).

The course has significant maths and biology content, and some physics. The first-year course provides the necessary background in biology, physics and mathematics for those who have not studied these subjects beyond GCSE. However Maths to A-level or the equivalent is very helpful to students in completing the course and, although not required for admission, will make an application more competitive. Biology beyond GCSE or the equivalent can be helpful to students in completing the course, although not required for admission.

The course also involves a very significant essay writing component, and so applicants should be able to demonstrate on their UCAS form, and during the interview process, an acceptable standard of English.

Typical conditional offers

Although any offers we make are decided by college tutors on an individual basis, the recommended typical offers are:

A*AA, including chemistry and another science or maths, and with the A* in maths, physics, chemistry, or biology (or a very closely related subject).

Biochemistry tutors do not necessarily require three A-levels (or the equivalent) to be sat together at the end of year 13. If a candidate has completed one or more A-levels in year 12 which are relevant to the biochemistry course (maths, physics, chemistry, biology or a closely related subject) then this may contribute to meeting an offer (e.g. achieving a grade A in year 12 may result in an offer that would have been A*AA becoming an offer of A*A). As with all offers, the specific offer received by a candidate who has completed one or more A-levels in year 12, and how far these A-levels count towards satisfying the typical requirements, is decided on an individual basis.

39 points overall, including Core Points, with 7 in HL chemistry and 6 in two other relevant subjects.

Scottish highers

AAB at AH, including an A in chemistry and an A or B in another science or maths, or for those doing two AHs and one H, AAA, including A in AH chemistry and A in another science or maths at AH or H level.

APs/ACTs/SATs

Four APs at grade 5 including chemistry and two other relevant subjects

Three APs at grade 5 including chemistry and two other relevant subjects plus a score of either 32 or above in the ACT or 1470 or above (out of 1600) in the SAT.

You also need to have an acceptable level of English, so if this isn’t your first language any offer will include meeting the University’s English language requirements .

Shortlisting for interview

We usually shortlist for interview roughly three applicants for every available place.

Shortlisting decisions are based on:

• your GCSE grades (or equivalent) along with any AS grades/marks that are available;
• your predicted or achieved A-level grades/International Bacc. Scores (or equivalent);
• your referees report;
• evidence of interest in and academic potential for Biochemistry from your personal statement.

All these are considered in the light of any contextual data (where available) that could have affected your past or current academic performance.

You are unlikely to be shortlisted if your application gives good cause to doubt that you will meet the typical offer, or if your personal statement indicates that biochemistry is not your preferred course of study. Further reasons for not being shortlisted include more than one of: uncompetitive results in official examinations, especially GCSE or its equivalent; uncompetitive predicted/obtained results in A-level or equivalent examinations; or an uncompetitive UCAS referee’s statement.

All shortlised applicants will be interviewed online by two different Colleges. This interview will take place using Microsoft Teams and potentially make use of the whiteboard software Miro. Interviews are used to discover your potential, taking into account your background and the stage you have reached, rather than to grill you on what you have covered so far at school. The interviewers will be looking at your interest in and enthusiasm for biochemistry, your ability to discuss and analyse relevant topics (often involving ideas or information that may be new to you), and your general reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Items specifically assessed at interview are:

• your Interest in/enthusiasm for biochemistry;
• your ability to describe/discuss a topic of mutual interest;
• your ability to describe/analyse, and extrapolate from, novel information;
• your reasoning and problem solving ability.

The current University interview timetable  along with details of the technical requirements for interview (and support available) can be found on the University’s admissions site.

Final decisions

Final selection decisions are based on all the information that is available about an applicant and not just the interview performance (which is frequently not decisive).

How to apply

The University’s undergraduate admissions podcast series provides further information on the admissions process as well as what it’s like to live and study in Oxford.

Standard entry

Your school will have most of the information you need, as you’ll just apply in the normal way through UCAS. If you want more details of some of the parts of the application process that are specific to the University of Oxford, you can take a look at the undergraduate admissions pages .

The details you’ll need for your application are:

Course name : Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular)

UCAS course code : C700

UCAS institution code : O33

Deferred entry

We’re more than happy for you to apply for a deferred entry. You will be treated no differently from immediate entry applicants, and the offer you receive will be no more demanding. It is possible that, with discussion with the applicant, a deferred entry applicant may be offered an immediate place instead, or vice versa.

Applications outside the normal December admissions process

All applications must be made through UCAS in the normal way. Biochemistry tutors do not accept applications that are outside the normal, single gathered field.

Transfers from other universities

The Biochemistry Department does not accept students who wish to transfer to Oxford from any other university and start part way through the undergraduate course. If you’re currently studying at another university and want to study here instead, you’re welcome to apply through UCAS in the usual way. So even if you’ve partially completed a biochemistry programme elsewhere, you would have to start your study with us at the beginning of the first year.

However it is possible to apply directly to colleges as a visiting undergraduate student. Doing so will allow visitors can follow part of the undergraduate course, usually for one to three terms. This doesn’t result in an Oxford qualification.

Other admissions policies and processes

Reallocation scheme.

A College may request that some of their first preference candidates be reallocated (changing their first preference College) if their total number of first preference interviews is significantly greater than the number of first + second preference interviews conducted by the other Colleges.

Reallocation of candidates will take place after decisions on shortlisting for interviews. Reallocated candidates will be called for interview.

The reallocation process will be as follows: 

• Any Colleges wishing to reallocate some of its applicants should contact the Admissions Coordinator (AC) informing them of how many applicants they wish to reallocate.
• Any Colleges wishing to receive reallocated applicants should contact the AC informing them of how many applicants they wish to receive.
• By informing the AC that they wish to take part in the reallocation scheme, each College is agreeing to abide by all the rules of the scheme, detailed as follows.
• If the number of places available at Colleges wishing to receive applicants is larger than the number of applicants to be reallocated, then preference will be given to those Colleges with the weakest applicant list (determined by the Departmental grading of the UCAS applications).
• Each reallocating College may “reserve” (prevent from being reallocated) up to two applicants per place available at that College for the next academic year (excluding open offer places).
• The applicants to be reallocated will be selected at random from all the remaining applicants to each reallocating College by the AC.
• The applicants to be reallocated will be allocated at random to the receiving Colleges by the AC.
• The reallocating Colleges will contact the applicants to inform them that they are being transferred to a different College.

Open offer scheme

Open offers are offers made to candidates where a place at Oxford University and a College is guaranteed should they fulfil the conditions of the offer. However, the specific College is decided in August once the examination results for all candidates are available and it is known which Colleges have vacancies.

The number of open offer places needed each year is decided by the Department and Colleges, assuming enough individual Colleges are prepared to underwrite places. Colleges which offer to underwrite a place but are not asked to do so by the Department are treated entirely equivalently to the other underwriting Colleges.

Each pool candidate is underwritten by one College. In the event that the candidate cannot be placed elsewhere, that College guarantees to take the candidate even if they have no vacancies.

The minimum offer for an open offer candidate is the departmentally recommended offer.

No College can accept a candidate who has failed their conditional offer until all the open offer candidates who have met their offers have been placed.

The order of priority for Colleges wishing to take a pool candidate is:

• The underwriting College, if it has an unfilled place;
• Any other underwriting College, if it has an unfilled place;
• Any other College, if it has an unfilled place;
• The underwriting College, as an additional place;
• Any other College, as an additional place.

If no College wants to take a pool candidate who has met their conditional offer, then the order of priority is:

• They must be offered a place by any underwriting College, if it has an unfilled place;
• They must be offered a place by the College that underwrote their offer.

We will accept all four IB maths courses, however we would recommend that applicants should do Analysis and approaches HL or SL or Applications and interpretation HL as these will be better preparation for our course and may give the applicant a competitive advantage at admissions.

BTEC and access to science courses

Most BTEC and access to science courses do not meet the criterion of "A-level in Chemistry, or the equivalent" because these courses do not have a  similar breadth and depth (in particular, the same depth on the theoretical side) of chemistry as an A-level course. It is therefore highly unlikely that an applicant who does not have some other means of meeting this criterion will be able to make a competitive application unless there are very significant mitigating circumstances.