Preparing your personal statement

What is a personal statment?

A personal statement is your chance to shine. It’s your opportunity to let medical schools see you’ve got what it takes to become a future doctor. Think of it as telling your story, where you’ll share:

• your motivations to study medicine
• the life experiences that have had an impact on you
• your values and what matters to you
• the personal qualities that make you unique
• the skills that would make you a good student

A strong and compelling personal statement could help you really connect with the admissions team. So, let your personality and enthusiasm for medicine come through!

You’ll find a recording of a webinar about personal statements on the Medics and Me website.

Writing a personal statement that could get you noticed

Not all medical schools put the same emphasis on personal statements, so please review their guidance and specific criteria. This will help you to write a personal statement for each of the medical schools you’re applying to. It could give you the best chance of standing out.

Medical schools don’t just want to know about your qualifications. They also want to know what inspired your decision to study medicine and become a doctor.

Think about all the activities you do outside of your studies. Are you part of a sports team, a club, or an exciting project? Those are fantastic things to include in your personal statement! And don't forget any skills and experiences you've picked up from work experience, a part-time job, or volunteering.

Reflecting on your learning

Reflect on what you learnt from those experiences. What skills can you take with you? How do they connect to the skills and qualities needed for a career in medicine? 

Describe those moments and how they've shaped you into the future doctor you can be!

Discover more about the core attributes needed to study medicine [PDF]. 

How your personal statement could be used during the application process

Medical schools may use your personal statement in the following ways:

1. Your personal statement could be reviewed during the interview shortlisting process. It will give the admissions teams an insight into the skills, motivations and experiences you have developed beyond your academic achievements.
2. If you are invited to interview, the panel may ask questions about what you included in your personal statement.

Find out more about medical school interviews.

More tips and advice for personal statement success

The You Can Be A Doctor website offers further advice on the content and structure of your personal statement. Discover top tips on preparing your personal statement.

You could also seek support from a career adviser or guidance teacher. They may be able to provide tips and ideas on how to reflect on your skills, values, qualities, and achievements.