Free help and advice on how to write the perfect UCAS personal statement for medicine.

 

What should you not say in a medical personal statement?

  • I want to do medicine because my father is a doctor and I want to be like him.

    This gives the impression of entitlement and is not good to include isolation.

  • The unemployment level for doctors is low.

    Yes, historically doctors have always been in work all around the world, but do you really need to state this on your application?

  • It brings in good money or doctors are well paid etc.

    Keep away from any mention of finance on your statement. Doctors in the UK are relatively well paid, and this is a known fact. There is no value to be added by including this and your primary motivation should not be financial.

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

    Historically peer pressure was higher in the past and higher in some ethnic backgrounds. You do not wish to give the impression that you are being coerced in doing a career that on the inside you do not want to do.

  • I like the fame and prestige that comes with being a doctor.

    Doctors are well respected and trusted members of society but there is no need to indicate this on your application.

  • I wanted to do law (etc.) but did not get a place, so I now want to do medicine.

    You don’t want to give the impression that medicine is a second choice.

  • Don’t intentionally mention 5th UCAS choice.

    They can do longer see this (unless perhaps it is at the same university). Again, your primary choice of career must come across as being medicine.