Materials Science Personal Statement Guide

Your personal statement plays a crucial role in your materials science university application, serving as your first chance to introduce yourself to the admissions tutors.

This is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject, and your motivations for studying materials science at university. You should focus on your academic abilities and achievements and showcase what you would bring to the course cohort. 

Many applicants struggle with writing personal statements. It can be challenging to balance all your academic interests with personal achievements whilst staying within the character limit.

To guide you in the right direction, our Personal Statement Guide covers everything you need to know to create an excellent materials science personal statement:

• Why are Personal Statements Important?
• What Should I Include in a Materials Science Personal Statement? 
• What Should I Avoid in a Materials Science Personal Statement? 
• Advice on How to Start a Materials Science Personal Statement 
• Advice on How to Finish a Materials Science Personal Statement 
• FAQs 

Why are Personal Statements Important? 

The personal statement holds significant weight in your UCAS application. It's a single statement submitted to all chosen universities, and must be within 4,000 characters or 47 lines, whichever comes first.

The statement offers Admissions Tutors insight into who you are as a prospective student, adding a personal touch into your application. It helps universities differentiate applicants with similar qualifications, determining who aligns best with the course.

Your personal statement must meet specific criteria to stand out. Try to focus on showcasing the skills required for excelling in the course, such as problem-solving or critical thinking. Think about ways to demonstrate your academic curiosity for materials science and convey your motivation for pursuing advanced studies in the field. This final point is particularly important for materials science, since it is not formally offered as a standalone subject at A Level or IB.

A compelling materials science personal statement is distinguished by its uniqueness, engagement, and emphasis on your personal interests within the discipline. For applicants eyeing prestigious institutions like Oxford and Cambridge, a focus on academic interests and relevant achievements is particularly important.

What Should I Include in a Materials Science Personal Statement? 

Crafting a compelling personal statement for materials science requires showcasing your unique interests, academic achievements, and any examples of independent research. As materials science is not formally offered as a standalone subject at A Level/IB, it's crucial to express why you are drawn to this discipline and why it stands out from similar subjects, like engineering or physics.

Passion for Materials Science

Express your genuine enthusiasm for materials science and what specifically captivates you about the subject. Share how you discovered materials science and why it stands out to you among other physical sciences, so try to be specific here. For example, this could be the fascinating interplay of science and engineering, the exploration of complex structures, or even the potential for addressing pressing global challenges through innovative materials.

Academic Achievements and Experiences

Highlight your notable academic accomplishments in maths and science thus far. This could include participating in related competitions such as the International Chemistry or Physics Olympiads or excelling in the Maths Challenge. Discuss personal milestones, such as academic awards or successful completion of challenging projects, especially if this has helped you develop skills like analytical thinking and problem-solving.

Specific Interests and Research

Demonstrate your engagement with materials science beyond the confines of what you’ve covered in physics and/or chemistry in class. Think about incorporating influential academic literature, textbooks, or articles, and discuss how they deepen your understanding and provide real-world insights. Highlight historic breakthroughs that interest you, like graphene discovery or biomaterial advancements, explaining their impact on your view of materials science. Be sure to discuss underlying chemistry or physics theories, offering personal perspectives on their significance – but avoid going into too much depth. By integrating specific examples, you can demonstrate your engagement with materials science and readiness for academic pursuits at prestigious institutions like Oxbridge.

What Should I Avoid in a Materials Science Personal Statement? 

Writing an impactful materials science personal statement requires precision and clarity. Avoid clichés and broad statements about the field; instead, focus on specific areas like nanotechnology or biomaterials, providing tangible examples to illustrate your passion and understanding.

If you mention influential and inspirational figures in materials science, be sure to delve into their groundbreaking contributions. For example, you could talk about Richard Feynman's pioneering work on nanotechnology or Jennifer Doudna's development of CRISPR gene editing. Showcase how these discoveries have shaped your perspective and fuelled your interest in materials science.

Be selective about including personal achievements, emphasising experiences related to materials science. This could be independent research projects, laboratory work experience, or any group work. The key is to demonstrate your suitability to the course, so think about examples that demonstrate your transferable skills.

A top priority should be to maintain readability by avoiding excessive technical jargon. This will make your statement accessible to a wider audience. Structure is important, too, and there should be a nice logical flow from paragraph-to-paragraph.

Advice on How to Start a Materials Science Personal Statement  

Starting a materials science personal statement may feel overwhelming at first.

There’s no one-size-fits-all method: some applicants opt for a quote from a revered materials scientist who has influenced them, while others delve into their motivations for pursuing materials science at university. Alternatively, some might start by discussing a specific area of materials science that enthralls them, such as biodegradable materials or superalloys.

The opening of your statement sets its tone, and authenticity is crucial, so use your own words and avoid plagiarism. For instance, instead of employing a generic quote, you could elaborate on how a particular materials science concept has expanded your understanding of scientific phenomena.

If you're finding it tricky to get started, consider drafting the remainder of your personal statement first. Then, you can to back to the first paragraph, and more easily write an introduction that seamlessly leads into the rest of your personal statement. By drawing from your personal experiences and passions, you'll craft an engaging introduction that authentically portrays your motivations to study materials science.

Advice on How to Finish a Materials Science Personal Statement  

Just like the introduction, many applicants struggle with writing the personal statement conclusion. Your closing paragraph is important, and serves as your final opportunity to showcase your motivations for pursuing materials science at university.

Consider outlining your aspirations within the field and any career plans you may have. Perhaps you’d like to pursue academic research, or you’re interested in a career in materials engineering.

Like the introduction, refining the final section of your personal statement may require multiple revisions. Don't be disheartened by this process; continue refining until you are satisfied with the result and ask for feedback from others!

FAQs