How to Write a UCAS Personal Statement for Medicine (2026 Entry)

Crafting a UCAS personal statement for medicine is a critical step in your journey to becoming a doctor. It's your chance to showcase your passion, skills, and commitment to becoming a doctor. 

Written by Dr Imran Khan and Dr Abdul Mannan, Undergraduate Medical School Tutors.

Applying to medical school is highly competitive, and a strong UCAS personal statement can make a real difference in your application. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate your motivation to study medicine, reflect on relevant experiences, and show why you’re well-suited to a career as a doctor. A well-structured and engaging statement can help you stand out to admissions tutors, especially when paired with strong academic results and admissions test scores.

While the core expectations of the UCAS personal statement for medicine have stayed consistent over the years, its role in the admissions process can vary between universities. Some medical schools may emphasise predicted grades and UCAT or BMAT scores in the early stages, while others review personal statements closely, particularly during interviews or for assessing widening participation.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to write an excellent medicine personal statement. We’ll also share examples from our Blue Peanut Alumni—students now studying at medical school—to inspire and inform your writing.

Important reminder: The UCAS deadline for 2026 medicine entry is 15 October 2025 at 18:00 (UK time). This applies to courses at Oxford, Cambridge, and most universities offering medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine/science.

Important: Do not copy any example personal statements we have provided. These have been submitted by past students, and medical schools use plagiarism detection software. Submitting copied content could lead to your application being rejected or even prevent you from applying in future years.

1. Understand the Purpose of the UCAS Personal Statement for medicine.

The personal statement is your opportunity to tell admissions tutors why you want to study medicine and why you are a strong candidate. It should reflect your understanding of the medical profession, highlight your relevant experiences, and demonstrate your suitability for the rigorous demands of medical school 🧐

Guidance from the Medical School Council lists what medical schools want to see on your UCAS personal statement for medicine.

  • Think about what medicine means to you and express it in your own words

  • Focus on what you have learned about being a doctor and working in the healthcare profession from your work or voluntary experience

  • Write about the knowledge you have gained about life as a doctor, rather than the activity itself

  • When talking about skills, explain why these skills are important for a doctor

  • Write about any outreach that has supported your understanding of what it will be like to study medicine or be a doctor

  • Include some information on any areas of medicine that interest you

  • Include information about what you like to do in your spare time and how it has developed you.

At Blue Peanut, we have compiled our list of what to include in your UCAS personal statement for medicine:

  • Motivation for a career in medicine 👁️

  • Your research into the demanding nature and requirements for a career in medicine 📚

  • Demonstrating the caring and scientific side of medicine through suitable work experience ❤️

  • Evidence of participation in activities which demonstrate teamwork, leadership and other communication skills essential for being a doctor 🎙️

  • Your participation in a suitable range of extracurricular activities and interests 🏃🏾🏃🏾

  • The presence of awards or achievements outside normal academia 🏆

2. Structuring Your UCAS Personal Statement for Medicine (Based on 2025 Guidelines)

While the structure of your UCAS personal statement is ultimately up to you, UCAS introduced a helpful framework in 2025. This marked the first official change to personal statement advice since 1993, and it’s designed to help applicants stay focused, reflective, and appropriate in their writing. Structuring your personal statement around these core questions can help you create a clear, compelling narrative that stands out in a competitive field.

Here are the three key questions UCAS suggests you answer:

  1. Why do you want to study this course or subject?

    This is where you explain your motivation to study medicine. Be specific about what draws you to the profession. Are you inspired by the science behind the human body, or by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives? Mention any defining moments—such as personal experiences with illness, work experience in healthcare settings, or a long-standing fascination with biology—that sparked your interest. Avoid generic statements and aim for genuine, well-thought-out reflections.

  2. How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course?

    In this section, highlight the academic side of your journey. Discuss A-level subjects that have strengthened your understanding, such as Biology and Chemistry, and how they've equipped you with relevant knowledge and study skills. Go beyond just listing your subjects; explain how specific topics, coursework, or projects have helped you think more like a future medical student. If you've taken part in any extended reading, online courses, or independent research, this is also a great place to include them.

  3. What have you done outside of education to prepare, and why are these experiences valuable?

    Admissions tutors want to see that you’ve explored medicine beyond the classroom. Here, you should discuss work experience, volunteering, part-time jobs, summer schools, or extracurricular activities that relate to healthcare. Focus on what you learned from these experiences, such as communication skills, empathy, teamwork, or resilience—qualities essential to any good doctor. Reflecting on these moments shows maturity and self-awareness.

Top Tip: A balanced UCAS personal statement doesn’t just tick boxes—it tells a story. Start by answering the three questions above in separate paragraphs, then revise your statement so it flows naturally from one section to the next. The goal is a personal, focused, and engaging piece that highlights both your passion and your preparation for studying medicine.

Here are some general tips you should be aware of before you put pen to paper: -

Don’t go over the top. Don’t say you are passionate about a topic without a detailed explanation.

Don’t write obvious statements that add no value, e.g. ‘doing A-level English helps me write essays’.

Don’t write long sentences that do not follow. You will bore the tutor.

Don’t lie. You will be found out ⚠️

Start strongly – capture attention. Don’t beat about the bush. You don’t have the space 🌳

Don’t be too cocky 🐓

Finish neatly. Don’t leave cliffhangers or end up in the middle of nowhere 😐

Do not plagiarise! Don’t copy any statements on the internet or from books. Don’t copy each other ⚠️

Write in your own words. It might appear again in your medical school interview, and your answers must be consistent.

Be cautious when using AI, as there is software capable of detecting it.

Be aware of companies that will write the statement for you. If they use templates, you risk that software will find you out. Some companies will also use postgraduates to write the UCAS personal statement. The difference in style from a typical sixth-form student stands out.

3. Introduction: Start with your motivation for applying to study medicine

Your first paragraph should show an impactful beginning. You can start your sentences with the following words: -

  • The reason why I…….

  • Ever since I…….

  • When I discovered that…….

  • To be a doctor……

  • My initial interest in……

  • When is saw…….

  • Watching…….

  • Shadowing………

  • I realised that………

Begin your UCAS personal statement for medicine by explaining why you want to study medicine.

This could stem from a personal experience, an inspiring role model, or a deep-seated interest in science and healthcare. Make sure your motivation is genuine and clearly expressed.

Avoid clichés like "I’ve always wanted to be a doctor"—instead, provide specific examples that illustrate your passion for the field.

Here are some thoughts on areas you can use and reflect on to show motivation for medicine. We advise that you focus on at most two.

  • The scientific side of medicine 🧬

  • Caring side of medicine ❤️

  • Medicine as a career that involves working with People 👴🏻 (Weaker reason)

  • Making a difference to people’s lives 🔎

  • A career that involves professional development and lifelong learning 📚 (Weaker reason)

  • A large choice of final career options ⚖️ (Weaker reason)

  • Challenging aspects of medicine 🧐

  • Your own personal circumstances, including family illness 🤒

  • Something you have seen in your work experience 👁️

Here are some things you should not do in your first paragraph ❌

Too many students start with, ‘I love the combination of science with working with people.’

Don’t bore the admissions tutor.

You don’t need to begin with a poetic or grand statement. Don’t waste space.

Don’t waste space by saying facts ‘medicine is a subject that involves treating patients’

Here are some tips for the first paragraph

If you say you are interested in something (e.g. medicine or science), back up with evidence.

Please give examples of patient cases and your reflections. Your interviewers will (hopefully) be doctors.

Mention the caring side of medicine and not just the science.

If you mention a disease, explain how it affects the patient. How does it affect them at home, at work and their hobbies?

Be careful of the word ‘research’ – you need to back up this with examples. Don’t dig yourself into a hole.

Here are some things you should not include in your motivation for medicine ❌

  • I want to do medicine because my father is a doctor, and I want to be like him. If you use family in the profession, you must reflect on what you have observed and why this has motivated you. We suggest avoiding this as it can give the impression of a sense of entitlement ❌

  • The unemployment level is low. This may have been an accurate statement in the past, but you may have encountered the controversy surrounding additional roles in the NHS ❌

  • It brings in good money, or it’s well-paid, etc. This is now debatable, considering the recent industrial action by doctors and other NHS workers ❌

  • My dad (or teacher, uncle, etc.) told me to apply for medicine ❌

  • I like the fame and prestige it brings ❌

  • I wanted to do law (etc.) but have yet to get a place. Never give the impression medicine is not your first choice ❌

  • Don’t intentionally mention the 5th UCAS choice—they can no longer see it (unless perhaps it is at the same university). ❌

  • Don’t put ‘this was my childhood dream’. You were not interested in medicine from nursery school 👶🏼 ❌

4. Highlight Relevant Work and Volunteering Experience in your UCAS personal statement for medicine.

Admissions tutors want to see that you have a realistic understanding of what a career in medicine involves. Discuss any work experience or volunteering in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or care homes. Reflect on what you learned from these experiences, particularly about the challenges and rewards of working in medicine.

For example, if you volunteered at a care home, you might discuss how this experience taught you the importance of empathy and communication in caring for vulnerable individuals. If you shadowed a doctor, discuss what you observed regarding the balance of scientific knowledge and patient care.

Here is a list of points you can use to start writing this section: -

  • What did you gain from your work experience, and what insight did it give you into being a doctor? 🔎

  • Briefly include the length of time per placement – ‘Two weeks in hospital showed me …’ ⏱️

  • What aspects of medicine attracted you and why 🤔

  • What did you find interesting and why? 😐

  • Did you come across anything unexpected? 😳

  • Use your journal or reflective log – you did one, didn’t you? 📚

Here is our list of some of the qualities of a doctor. They will test some of these again in your medical school interview, but if you can already demonstrate some, include them on your UCAS statement with examples.

  • Insight into strength and weakness

  • Academic and problem-solving ability

  • Effective communication

  • Lifelong learning and professional development

  • Responsibility for own actions

  • Team working skills

  • Resilience, dealing with uncertainty and managing risk

  • Empathy and ability to care

  • Honesty and integrity

5. Demonstrate a Balance of Science and Compassion on your UCAS personal statement for medicine.

Medicine is both a science and a caring profession; the two go hand in hand. Your UCAS personal statement should reflect your interest in both aspects. Discuss how your academic studies have fuelled your interest in the scientific side of medicine, perhaps mentioning any relevant subjects like biology or chemistry. At the same time, highlight experiences that have developed your compassionate side, such as volunteering or caring for a family member.

6. Discuss Academic Achievements and Skills in your UCAS personal statement for medicine.

Your academic background is crucial in demonstrating that you have the intellectual capability to succeed in medical school. Mention any relevant academic achievements outside of sixth form or awards you’ve received. Additionally, discuss the skills you’ve developed through your studies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management.

  • Are there any topics in your A-level students that interest you?

  • Have you read any interesting articles, for example, in a medical journal?

  • Don’t panic read two weeks before submission ❌

  • Have you been to any lectures or seminars?

  • You must reflect on why it is relevant to medicine

  • What you have learnt and how it interested you

  • ‘I was fascinated by the heart in biology. I saw a patient with heart disease…and was treated with ...’

You may have participated in activities and clubs at school. Think how you could use these to demonstrate some of the qualities of a doctor.

  • Have you organised anything at school?

  • Have you done any fundraisers at school?

  • Have you organised anything for the medical society?

  • Class representative, form perfect

  • School play or concert

  • School Ambassador

  • Head boy or head girl

  • The medical school will be aware only some schools have the opportunity to participate in school activities.

7. Reflect on Your Extracurricular Activities on your UCAS personal statement for medicine.

Medical schools value well-rounded candidates, so don’t overlook your extracurricular activities. Whether playing a sport, learning an instrument, or participating in a debate club, these activities can demonstrate important skills like teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Explain how these experiences have helped you grow as a person and prepared you for the challenges of medical school.

  • This should not use more than 25% of your UCAS personal statement – you need to focus on motivation and work experience ⚠️

  • Duke of Edinburgh Award? 🏆

  • Are there other awards or achievements that could help you as a medical student?

  • Any skills in sport, music, art? See if you can continue these at university 🎹

  • Cubs etc.

  • Any experience in public speaking 🎙️

  • Any part-time jobs that taught you skills that could be useful as a medical student?

  • Remember to relate to the qualities of a doctor 🔎

8. Show Awareness of the Challenges in Medicine

A career in medicine is demanding, and admissions tutors want to see that you know the challenges you’ll face. Reflect on the problematic aspects of the profession you’ve observed or learned about, such as the emotional toll of patient care or the long hours. Show that you’re prepared to meet these challenges with resilience and determination.

Avoid controversial areas such as industrial action unless they ask you to discuss them in your interview.

9. Include Any Relevant Research or Outreach Activities

If you’ve participated in medical research or attended outreach programs, mention these experiences in your UCAS personal statement. They demonstrate your proactive approach to learning more about the field and your commitment to pursuing a medical career. Please discuss what you gained from these activities: a deeper understanding of medical ethics, exposure to cutting-edge research, or insights into the healthcare system.

Be careful about mentioning specific medical schools in your UCAS statement. You are applying to four medical schools and do not wish to give the admissions tutor the impression that you have a preferred option ⚠️

In your conclusion, bring your UCAS personal statement full circle by reflecting on how your experiences have solidified your desire to study medicine. Reiterate your passion for the field and your readiness to take on the challenges of medical school. Two sentences would be enough.

Summarise some of the difficulties you have encountered and summarise some of your positive attributes. End positively and confidently, leaving a lasting impression on the admissions tutors.

10. Craft a Strong Conclusion in the final paragraph of your UCAS personal statement for medicine.

11. Proofread and Revise

  • A well-written personal statement is free of spelling and grammatical errors, so take the time to proofread carefully. Spell check & grammar check. Use software but also your tutors. Don’t just trust Word. Do not use artificial intelligence software on its own.

  • It’s also important to review your statement multiple times, refining it until every sentence serves a purpose. Consider asking teachers, mentors, or family members to provide feedback. They can offer valuable perspectives on how your statement reads and whether it effectively conveys your strengths.

  • You will have to write multiple drafts; students rarely get it right the first time. You must submit in good time and be mindful of your school's internal deadlines. Please don’t leave it until the last minute. The fifth choice could be added later.

12. Avoid common pitfalls on your UCAS personal statements for medicine.

  • Do not include clichés. Avoid overused phrases and generic statements. Be original and personal in your writing ❎

  • Make it fun and stand out from the rest. Engage the tutor.

  • Don’t pack in too much. The admission tutor wants to see how you think and critically analyse things ❎

  • Remember, you don’t have to come across as an expert ❎

  • Don’t just list your experiences—reflect on what you learned from them and how they’ve prepared you for a career in medicine ❎

  • Don’t be overly technical. While it’s important to demonstrate your understanding of science, avoid overly technical language that might come across as trying too hard to impress ❎

  • Pay attention to the human and caring side of medicine. Remember that medicine is about people, not just science. Make sure your UCAS personal statement reflects your empathy and compassion.

  • Not using enough words. Keep close to the character count. Empty space creates a poor impression. This was more of an issue when the UCAS personal statement was handwritten in the past, but the concept still applies.

  • Lack of detail or reflection. Too many students still produce a list. Write what you have gained from activities.

  • Don’t be too generic. The statement must be personal and unique ❎

  • Don’t include negative comments. Don’t say you did not enjoy something or talk negatively about medicine ❎

  • Don’t waste space talking about medical facts ❎

  • Don’t talk about money or potential earnings ❎

  • Do not overuse repeated ‘stock’ phrases or overuse the thesaurus ❎

13. Tailor Your Statement to Medicine

Throughout your UCAS personal statement, keep the focus on medicine. Don’t start talking extensively about why you studied history. Everything you include should relate to why you want to become a doctor and how your experiences have prepared you for this path. While it’s okay to mention other interests and achievements, they should all contribute to the overall narrative of your commitment to medicine.

Final Thoughts on your UCAS personal statement for medicine.

Writing a UCAS personal statement for medicine is a challenging but rewarding process. It’s your chance to show admissions tutors who you are, why you want to study medicine, and why you’re a strong candidate for medical school. By planning carefully, reflecting deeply on your experiences, and writing with clarity and passion, you can craft a personal statement that stands out and sets you on the path to becoming a doctor 😀

Our Blue Peanut Alumni have shared several other Examples of UCAS Personal Statements for Medicine. Read further examples for ideas and inspiration for your own statement 💡

Medicine Personal Statement Examples

Here's a unique journey from one of our Blue Peanut Alumni. This student's UCAS personal statement for medicine led them to a prestigious London medical school. They were invited for four interviews, and after attending our Medical School Interview Course and then practising four interviews on our Mock MMI Circuits, they received four offers 🏆

Remember, your personal statement should reflect your unique journey and aspirations. Under no circumstances should you copy this statement in your medical school application.

Medical science has evolved from a generalised approach to research-informed individualised decisions. When rushed to A&E in an ambulance at the age of 8 with acute abdominal pain, I witnessed how the paediatricians skilfully diagnosed the aetiology as abdominal migraine. This sparked my interest in the nervous system and inspired me to seek out opportunities to learn more. The vast potential for learning, whilst ultimately having a positive impact on the lives of others cemented my decision to study medicine.

To further explore this interest, I organised a 2-week-long placement in neurology. I observed how a neurologist attentively communicated with their patient, who was readmitted with encephalitis, through an open and respectful conversation. I saw how the doctor’s conscientious communication reassured and enabled the patient to make decisions about her own care. Recognising the significance of communication in medicine, I have honed these skills whilst volunteering at a charity shop every week. My interpersonal skills have improved while talking to a wide range of customers with varying expectations. Effective communication ensures quality healthcare and develops a trusting doctor-patient relationship. My clinical work experience also highlighted the opportunities to interact with a diverse range of people, an essential aspect I look for in a career.

I observed the importance of empathy and compassion when I shadowed a GP. The challenging nature of the profession was depicted when an elderly woman had received an inappropriate antibiotic prescription, causing an allergic skin rash. Through her compassionate and empathetic tone, the GP apologised for the error, upholding the duty of candour. This reassured the patient and eased her worries. Building rapport with patients establishes mutual trust and helps gain insight into their symptoms. During my regular volunteering at a care home since November, maintaining a sensitive attitude has been crucial when actively listening to residents with dementia. I was able to provide comfort as many found it difficult to communicate their concerns. Witnessing the positive impact of these interactions has been rewarding for myself and for the residents. These experiences encouraged me to research other related conditions such as amnesia. I delivered a presentation to the Biology Society about Henry Molaison, an amnesiac whose case was fundamental in many cognitive advancements. This helped me practise my critical thinking skills and will hopefully enable me to ensure equitable decision making in my future medical career.

I recognised the importance of teamwork in both primary and secondary care. When undertaking clinical work experience, I saw the high-pressure environment faced by doctors, especially in A&E. To ensure safe clinical practice, clinicians had to work cohesively in a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to prioritise the quality of care. Seeing the consultants work alongside the wider clinical team including other specialists, nurses, therapists and junior doctors assured me of the supportive working dynamic within a hospital. They showed flexibility when modifying their initial management plan to achieve clinical excellence. Team sports and classical dance have created an avenue to cement my collaborative skills and express myself artistically. By cooperating with each other we are able to utilise our individual strengths and uphold our morale prior to matches which is also imperative within an MDT. As a senior prefect, I have been a role model to younger students who have appreciated my leadership skills.

Utilising the various skills I have acquired, I am motivated to study medicine. The experiences I have gained have provided me with realistic insights into the demands of the profession. My resilience and composure will equip me to deal with the rigorous working environment. I hope to contribute to society whilst fulfilling my academic endeavours through my career as a doctor.

  • The UCAS personal statement is your opportunity to tell medical schools why you want to study medicine and why you’re a strong candidate. Unlike your grades or UCAT score, this is your chance to bring your application to life with your voice and your experiences.

    For many universities, your personal statement helps assess your motivation, suitability, and understanding of what a career in medicine involves. It can influence whether you're invited to interview, and in some cases, play a role in decision-making after interviews. While academic excellence is crucial, medicine is also about empathy, resilience, teamwork, and communication — and your personal statement is where you can reflect on those traits.

  • Admissions tutors are looking for evidence of:

    • Genuine motivation to study medicine

    • Insight into the realities of a medical career

    • Relevant work experience or volunteering that shows commitment to helping others

    • Reflection on what you’ve learned from your experiences

    • Key skills such as communication, empathy, leadership, and resilience

    • Academic ability and curiosity, especially in science

    Rather than listing achievements, focus on what you learned, how you grew, and why these experiences made you more suited to medicine.

  • Different UK medical schools use personal statements in different ways. Some use them to shortlist candidates for interview, others only review them during the interview itself, and a few place little emphasis on them altogether.

    Here’s a brief overview:

    • Used before interview: Some universities, such as Aberdeen and Birmingham, may consider your personal statement when deciding whether to invite you for interview.

    • Used during interview: Others, like Anglia Ruskin and Manchester, may not score your personal statement but use it as a discussion point during MMIs or panel interviews.

    • Minimal use: Some universities like Bristol or Brighton and Sussex place limited or no formal emphasis on the personal statement in their selection process.

    Always check each university’s admissions policy on their official website to understand how they use personal statements for 2026 entry.

  • For 2026 entry, the UCAS application deadline for medicine is likely to be Tuesday 15 October 2025 at 18:00 (UK time). This deadline applies to all applicants for medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science.

    That means your personal statement must be finalised, proofread, and included in your application by that date. Don't leave it to the last minute — most sixth-form students start drafting over the summer and aim to finish by early autumn.

  • To stand out, your personal statement must be authentic, reflective, and structured. Here are some key tips:

    ✅ Start with a strong and personal introduction – avoid clichés and try to grab the reader's attention.

    ✅ Show, don’t tell – use real-life examples to illustrate your qualities.

    ✅ Reflect deeply – admissions tutors value reflection more than just experience. What did you learn?

    ✅ Be specific – vague statements like “I like science and helping people” won’t set you apart.

    ✅ Demonstrate insight into medicine – show you understand the challenges, not just the rewards.

    ✅ Finish with impact – your conclusion should tie everything together and reaffirm your motivation.

    Most importantly, be you. A personal statement that sounds genuine and thoughtful is far more powerful than one filled with buzzwords or forced storytelling.