UCAS Personal Statement for Biomedical Engineering at a UK university

Hi! I'm Nathan, I"m applying to study Biomedical Engineering at a UK university. Please have a look at my personal statement - any feedback would be much appreciated. The limit is 4000 characters (47 lines).

personal statement essay

My first experience of viewing cells under a microscope was an examination of a human blood vessel in my AS Biology lab class. Squinting through the eyepiece, I was in disbelief over how sophisticated a supposedly simple tissue could be - cells of many different types carrying out their distinct roles in perfect harmony. It didn't take long for this disbelief to grow into curiosity about the efficient intricacy of the body, driving me to explore bioengineering.

I understood that the central theme of this discipline is to use technology to develop treatments for diseases - technology evolves and new diseases are discovered, both on a continuous basis, so bioengineering is an ever-expanding, recession-proof career. I realized I would love to work in a field that allows constant learning.

In school, I am particularly keen about Biology. Unlike Math and Chemistry, which are more abstract studies, I find Biology more easily applicable, since it explores the functionality of the body and our interactions with other organisms. Every Biology lesson feels like self-discovery.

In Year 12, I had to choose between A Level Math and Biology. After consideration, I opted for Biology, and decided to push myself by studying Math on my own, using online resources to guide me. Studying a two-year course independently enabled me to develop a degree of academic endurance that would benefit me in advanced studies. Also, being my own teacher, I did not need to limit myself and follow a confined syllabus - I also ventured into complex integration, vector mechanics and probability distribution models.

Studying A Level Biology built me a framework for deeper studies in biomedicine. The topics cell biology and genetic technology fascinated me the most, and allowed me to build a fundamental understanding of existing and emerging techniques involved in disease diagnosis. In Chemistry and Physics, I enjoyed learning concepts like organic chemistry, electronic circuits, and thermodynamics, and then applying this knowledge in practical classes.

During the summer, I undertook a 4-week university-level course on the basics of biomedical engineering, in which I was introduced to the coding programs Arduino and MATLAB, and learned to analyze sensor data using MATLAB code, and then use this to control bionic prosthetics in a closed loop. The course greatly benefited me, as it yielded insight into the programming aspect of the field.

Currently, I am working on the Cambridge EPQ (CIPQ), in which I based my research report on the possibility of using CRISPR and RNA splicing to treat cancers more effectively. The report contains information I gathered using a set of research methods, primarily literature reviews (theses and articles on molecular biology). The project allowed me to stretch my learning and thinking abilities and gain an overview of writing university theses.

I understand that a real-world engineer must also possess interpersonal skills. Participating and ranking 1st nationally in the IOF Cyber Olympiads boosted my problem-solving skills, and also complemented my A Level studies. My acumen as a leader was sharpened by leading my school's senior student council as Head Boy. I have played club cricket for YTCA's U-16 and U-19 teams in provincial tournaments since 2017. Playing a sport has developed my game and transformed me into a much improved communicator and team worker. I have also been part of AUD Model UN as a delegate, and enjoyed working with other students to propose solutions to global issues. I often volunteer for environmental and charitable programs, including Walks for Education and EEG Cleanup Campaigns.

Through this Bachelor of Engineering program, I hope to transform myself into a technically-equipped nano-engineering researcher, and work towards my long-term goal of discovering new medical applications of nanoparticles, a study that can revolutionize the healthcare industry.

I believe that you are inefficiently looking at the importance of Math and Chemistry in this case. Biomedical Engineering will require you have an interest in all sciences as they apply to the observations, experiments, and findings that one may have in the field. Therefore, it would be better if you do not indicate one subject preference over another or, 2 other subjects. As a scientist, you may have a preference for one field, but all the math and science fields are relevant to each field. There is no need for you to indicate a preference at this point. As an incoming freshman, you will have to study the relevant classes, that will definitely include some sort of Math and Chemistry in the curriculum. Consider not including such a statement in your personal statement please.