Genetics personal statement

Reading time: 2 minutes
Price: Free download
Published: 13th September 2019
Word count: 562 words
File format: Text

I have always had a strong interest in science-based subjects, specifically Biology. As a result, to further my knowledge and understanding I undertook A-level Biology in addition to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care, it is here that I discovered a passion for genetics. Genetics is an ever-evolving field constantly supplying scientists with new questions, ideas, and information. As someone who aspires to be in this field, I would love the opportunity to be able to answer some of these questions and explore new information to another depth.

As a potential future geneticist, finding out that the course includes aspects such as cell mutation, the studying of chromosomes, and the behaviour of micro-organisms sparked my interest in the course. Having studied Biology to A2 level and Chemistry and Maths to AS level, I believe that these choices have left me with a varied base of knowledge to begin my studies in genetics. From these courses, I have developed the expected strong skills of working in a practical laboratory. This is evidenced by the fact that I passed the practical endorsements in both Biology and Chemistry.
To ensure that I would enjoy this course I completed some online courses and taster sessions for Gene Therapy and Gene Testing provided by the Open University. As I successfully completed these courses I received certificates for ‘statement of participation’. As well as this in March, I will be doing a 2-week block placement at a Leeds hospital in the Genetics Department.

My desire to study genetics at an undergraduate level is driven by the idea of being at the forefront of future medical developments. I am keen on contributing to the growing medical fields and give my utmost to help our society overcome genetic diseases and I believe that my intellectual curiosity reflects this.

I have received a certificate for first aid, which will come in handy especially if working in a laboratory where safety is of the utmost importance. In the past, I have volunteered as a café assistant at the local village hall and I believe that this has helped me enhance skills such as communication skills, learning how to handle money, solving problems, working in a team, and, most importantly, managing time efficiently.

As well as being in education, I have had part-time jobs since I was 15 which have included various waitressing and sales advisory roles. Working and studying simultaneously has been a struggle at times but it has helped me develop the ability to manage a heavy workload and to work under pressure.

Within school, I was an active member of the sixth form. I was appointed as a ‘Buddy’ for the lower years, meaning I give support and guidance for students struggling with school or personal issues. Even though I left Sixth Form to begin college I stayed in touch with the teachers and students involved and regularly met up with the students to ensure they were okay and that I was still their ‘buddy’ whether I was around or not.

I regard myself as a responsible, ambitious and diligent individual with the ability to quickly adapt to situations. I am ready and willing to take on the challenges of university and this course. Although, I understand a scientific career is difficult, I know that genetics is where my passion lies. I hope to hear from you soon.

Why this example works — strengths and ways to improve

Your statement shows a genuine, practical route into genetics: A-level Biology, Open University taster courses and a planned hospital placement. Its main weakness is that it names activities rather than explaining what you learned from them. Your scientific motivation stays broad, and the later paragraphs list transferable skills without much reflection. Developing one or two genetics ideas in depth would strengthen it considerably.

Subject motivation

it is here that I discovered a passion for genetics

You say where your interest began but not what triggered it. A specific topic, question or moment from A-level Biology would show why genetics, rather than biology generally, appeals to you. The later line about being 'at the forefront of future medical developments' is sincere but too general to persuade on its own.

Academic preparation

Having studied Biology to A2 level and Chemistry and Maths to AS level

This is a sensible spread of subjects for genetics, and the practical endorsements are concrete evidence of lab competence. However, you assert a 'varied base of knowledge' without showing any of it. Briefly applying a concept you studied, such as inheritance or DNA replication, would demonstrate readiness far better.

Evidence and reflection

I received certificates for ‘statement of participation’

The Open University courses on gene therapy and testing are strong, relevant evidence. Yet you emphasise the certificate rather than the content. Saying what surprised you, what ethical or scientific issue arose, or how the courses confirmed your choice would turn participation into reflection.

Relevant experience

a 2-week block placement at a Leeds hospital in the Genetics Department

This placement is potentially your most valuable evidence, and the waitressing, café and buddy roles show real responsibility. Because the placement is still upcoming, you could say what you hope to observe. The skills list from the café reads as generic. One concrete example would be more convincing than five named skills.

Credibility and voice

I regard myself as a responsible, ambitious and diligent individual

Self-description like this carries little weight. Your buddy commitment after leaving sixth form already shows these qualities more credibly. The first aid link to laboratory safety feels forced, and phrases such as 'give my utmost' and repeated 'utmost' weaken an otherwise honest, plausible voice.

Structure and format

I hope to hear from you soon.

Your academic material comes first, which is sensible, but the motivation paragraph interrupts it, and the ending reads like a letter rather than a statement. There are some grammatical slips, including a comma splice in the opening and 'explore new information to another depth'. A conclusion returning to genetics would be stronger.

What you’ve done well

You give concrete, subject-relevant evidence: practical endorsements, Open University gene therapy and testing courses, and a hospital genetics placement.
Balancing part-time work since 15 with study, and continuing as a buddy after moving college, shows sustained commitment rather than token involvement.

How this draft could improve

Choose one genetics topic from your A-level or OU courses and explain what you learned and what question it left you wanting to explore.
Replace the lists of skills in the café and work paragraphs with one specific example each, and cut the generic self-description near the end.
Rewrite the conclusion to restate your scientific motivation instead of closing with a letter-style sign-off, and correct the grammatical errors.

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