Getting 4/4 medicine offers is possible, and you can do it! At times, the application process can feel overwhelming and difficult. However, my aim is to help you turn the long and overwhelming process into one that is enjoyable and actionable. In this week’s newsletter, we’re focusing on personal statements and how you can write one. Below, I have included an example guide for how you can answer each question in your personal statement.
Question 1 - Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- Hook/initial motivation - Where your interest began (avoid clichés)
- Exploring your motivation - What you’ve done since your initial interest
- Personal experiences that shaped your commitment
- Closing Sentence – A forward-looking statement that links into the following question
Question 2 - How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
- Pick 2-3 academic topics/qualifications that you have taken part in and connect to your course
- Do not focus on A-levels as these are included in other parts of your application
- Discuss and reflect on the skills gained (for example, critical thinking, data analysis, essay writing)
- Show readiness for the step-up to university
Question 3 - What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?
- Pick 2–3 strongest experiences
- Describe and reflect on them
- Reflect on what you learnt and did
- Link back to your course/subject
Unlock your academic potential
Following on from last week’s newsletter edition, I gave 5 spaces to the first 5 people who emailed me the opportunity to receive A-level biology and chemistry tutoring from me, as a King’s College London medical student. However, due to popular demand, I am offering another 5 slots to help you achieve your dream grades. Email me at loveleenj241@gmail.com if you are interested in one of the spaces below to help you achieve that top grade!
Year 13 Slots
- AQA Biology
- AQA Chemistry
- OCR Biology
- OCR Chemistry
Year 12 Slots
- OCR biology
- OCR chemistry
Does Your UCAT Limit You?
Last week, I released a UCAT university guide. It is a guide designed to help you make a strategic application to medicine, even if you weren’t happy with your score. If you missed the edition or just want to review it again, you can check it out here, using the link below. However, it is important to remember that this is a general guide. The change in the UCAT, specifically the removal of abstract reasoning, can impact UCAT thresholds. Additionally, the change of the personal statement structure could make universities change the emphasis placed on it. It is essential to look at your academic, extracurricular and widening participation profile holistically and research in detail tailored to your personal profile.
For this week’s interview insight, my tip is to get comfortable speaking out loud. When preparing for interviews, many people spend hours trying to learn every single hot topic and memorise answers. But the most important thing is actually speaking and talking through your thought process in an authentic manner. So I want you to pick one interview question, and it can be any question and speak your answer out loud for 30-60 seconds. Don’t do any preparation or reading. Just try answering the question in a clear and calm manner. Being able to speak confidently under pressure is a skill you can train, so start now!
I am giving you free access to my UCAT notes, which are filled with tips, strategies and confidence-boosting tips, to help support you on your UCAT journey.
Being able to do well in the UCAT isn’t just about practice — it’s about strategy. As one of the UCAT tutors at MedX, we use neuroscience-backed techniques to help you prep smarter and score higher. Join our UCAT webinar running this Sunday, for only £1, to gain expert insight and proven methods that actually work. There are limited spaces, so don’t miss out. Sign up via the link below.
📸Here are the links to each of my social media pages, so make sure you follow! In all, I detail the advice and tips you need to help make your application to medicine so much easier! If you ever need any help, feel free to reach out to me at loveleenj241@gmail.com
