Earth Sciences Personal Statement Guide

Your earth sciences personal statement is an integral part of your university application, serving as your first chance to introduce yourself to the admissions tutors.

It's your opportunity to convey your enthusiasm for earth sciences, highlight your personal motivations, and communicate your readiness to study the subject at a higher level.  

Many applicants find writing the personal statement challenging. At first, it can feel tricky to include all of your academic interests and notable achievements, whilst being clear and concise in your writing.

Our comprehensive Personal Statement Guide provides tailored advice, guiding you through the process of writing a stand-out personal statement for earth sciences:

• Why are Personal Statements Important?
• What Should I Include in an Earth Sciences Personal Statement? 
• What Should I Avoid in an Earth Sciences Personal Statement? 
• Advice on How to Start an Earth Sciences Personal Statement 
• Advice on How to Finish an Earth Sciences Personal Statement 
• FAQs 

Why are Personal Statements Important? 

The personal statement is an important part of your UCAS application, consisting of a single submission to all your chosen universities (up to five). The personal statement is limited to 4,000 characters or 47 lines, whichever comes first.

It offers Admissions Tutors a valuable insight into your suitability to study earth sciences at a top university. You have the opportunity to add a personal touch to your application, which helps universities decide if you are right for the course.

A good personal statement should meet specific criteria - illustrating the skills essential for success in the field, displaying a genuine curiosity for earth sciences, and expressing your motivation for pursuing higher-level studies in the subject.

Given that geology is not widely-offered at A Level or IB, highlighting your passion for the field becomes even more crucial. A compelling earth sciences personal statement is distinguished by its depth of engagement, and should focus on unique interests within the discipline. Particularly for those aiming for prestigious institutions like Oxbridge, concentrating on academic pursuits and relevant accomplishments is essential.

What Should I Include in an Earth Sciences Personal Statement? 

A stand-out personal statement for earth sciences should highlight your interests, academic achievements, and super-curriculars or any relevant extracurriculars.

Not many sixth forms or colleges offer Geology A Level, unfortunately. If you aren’t formally studying earth sciences at the moment, it's especially important to include what first drew you to the subject . Express your genuine enthusiasm for earth sciences and what specifically interests you about the subject. This could be intricate crystalline formations, the study of natural disasters and their impact, or the exploration of Earth's history and evolution.

Highlight any notable academic achievements, particularly those relevant to earth sciences. This could include participating in competitions, receiving school awards, or excelling in related subjects, like chemistry or geography. Discuss personal milestones, such as successful completion of fieldwork or independent research projects. Emphasise transferable skills, like analytical thinking and problem-solving, that will come in handy when studying earth sciences at university.

Demonstrate your engagement with earth sciences beyond what you’ve covered in class. You could include influential academic literature, textbooks, or articles that have deepened your understanding of geology. Highlight significant breakthroughs that interest you, such as advancements in climate modelling, and discuss their real-world impacts. If you’ve had the chance to gain some research or field work experience, be sure to include this! By integrating these examples and experiences, you can demonstrate your readiness for studying earth sciences at top institutions like Oxbridge.

What Should I Avoid in an Earth Sciences Personal Statement? 

Writing an impactful earth sciences personal statement requires precision and clarity. Try to avoid clichés and broad statements about the field; instead, focus on particular areas like paleobiology or volcanology, providing tangible examples that interest you. Ensure readability by avoiding excessive technical jargon, making your statement accessible to a wider audience.

If you mention influential figures in earth sciences, delve into their specific contributions. Examples might include Marie Tharp's pioneering work in mapping the ocean floor or James Hutton's foundational principles of geology. Showcase how these discoveries have shaped your perspective and fuelled your interest in earth sciences.

Be selective about including personal achievements, and emphasise experiences that could relate to earth sciences. This might include independent research, fieldwork, or group projects. For instance, you could discuss your participation in super-curricular field trips, attendance of masterclasses and webinars, or contributions to an environmental science club.

Advice on How to Start an Earth Sciences Personal Statement  

Starting your earth sciences personal statement can feel daunting at first. There are various approaches you can take, and there is no one-size-fits-all policy. Some applicants begin with a quote from an influential scientist, while others dive into their personal motivations for studying earth sciences at university.

You might also kick off by exploring a specific area within earth sciences that fascinates you, such as geophysics, or oceanography. The introduction sets the tone of your personal statement, so authenticity is key—use your own words and avoid meaningless clichés. Instead of making generic claims, consider explaining how a particular concept, like erosion processes or fossil formation, has deepened your understanding of the natural world and inspired you to pursue earth sciences at university.

If finding the right opener proves challenging, try drafting the main body of your personal statement first. This can make it easier to write an introduction that naturally leads into the rest of your statement.

Advice on How to Finish an Earth Sciences Personal Statement  

Writing the conclusion of your earth sciences personal statement can sometimes feel as challenging as writing the introduction. This closing paragraph should highlight your dedication to earth sciences and your academic goals.

Outline your aspirations within the field and any career plans you might have, whether it’s contributing to sustainable environmental solutions, advancing geotechnical engineering, or exploring new frontiers in paleoclimatology. Reflect on how your experiences have prepared you for these goals and how studying earth sciences will help you achieve them.

Like the introduction, the conclusion might need multiple revisions. Don’t be discouraged by this; keep refining until you’re satisfied, and seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to ensure your statement is as strong as possible.

FAQs