How to write the PERFECT Oxford & Cambridge Physics Personal Statement with example personal statement from successful applicant
How to write the PERFECT Oxford & Cambridge Physics Personal Statement
An example personal statement with annotations from a successful applicant
The first scientific question I encountered was why one can sometimes see a reflection of a car driving in the distance on the road. Only in 8th grade did I finally understand the physics behind the phenomenon when we learnt Snell's law. However, an answer alone never satisfied me, I wanted proof and always sought to perceive the concept. Physics was one of the first subjects to fulfil this desire.
[1] The personal statement begins with a personal anecdote about the applicant's early curiosity and desire for proof, showcasing their scientific curiosity and analytical thinking skills.
In middle school, physics answered many basic questions, but I wanted to go further and learn the fundamentals. To deepen my knowledge, I enrolled in Vilnius Lyceum which provides students with extra and more intense curriculum. As seniors, my friends and I took over the tradition of teaching lower grade students advanced physics and new methods of solving problems needed to succeed in national Olympiads. This way we learn through teaching others. Also, I was admitted to an advanced mathematics class where we had lessons that contained material outside the syllabus supporting my interest in physics. Learning calculus let me derive generalised equations, for example, the current's dependency on time in an RC circuit.
[2] The mention of enrolling in Vilnius Lyceum and teaching lower grade students advanced physics highlights the applicant's dedication to deepening their knowledge and their passion for sharing their understanding with others.
[3] The participation in an advanced mathematics class and the ability to derive generalized equations demonstrates the applicant's proficiency in applying mathematical concepts to solve complex physics problems.
An extracurricular school 'Fizikos Olimpas' at Vilnius University consolidated my appetite for physics even further. There we are taught topics, such as mechanics, hydrodynamics, oscillations, thermodynamics and electrostatics by university professors. Learning at a university level enhanced my advanced problem-solving skills. Testing theory in practice is essential to understand the material. In 'Fizikos Olimpas' we conducted many experiments including finding air molar thermal capacity or water surface tension coefficient. In addition, I use my physics knowledge to construct things, for instance, I made a metal foundry and the temperatures I managed to reach were high enough to melt iron. Experimental work let me realise how many factors we neglect while solving problems in theory. So, I wanted to immerse myself in all the details and started doing research on my own. In the beginning, I asked simple questions: how planes fly or why objects with mass cannot reach the speed of light. Later, the questions I raised got increasingly more theoretical and fundamental: what mass is or what symmetries are. Recently, I have been learning from 'University Physics' written by Hugh D.Young and Roger Freedman. The book gives a strong mathematical and theoretical base from which I can go deeper and lately, I have been most interested in quantum field theory because it neatly explains the interactions between fundamental particles.
[4] The involvement in an extracurricular physics program at Vilnius University reflects the applicant's commitment to exploring physics at a university level and honing their problem-solving skills through hands-on experiments.
[5] The mention of conducting experiments and constructing things, such as a metal foundry, showcases the applicant's practical application of physics knowledge and their understanding of the importance of experimental work.
[6] The pursuit of independent research and the exploration of theoretical and fundamental questions highlight the applicant's intellectual curiosity and their willingness to delve into the deeper complexities of physics.
To challenge myself I participate in Physics Olympiads and other related contests. I got first place (2017 and 2018) in Vilnius city Physics Olympiad. In national Olympiads, I got an honourable mention certificate (2017) and a third place (2018). As a result of my latest achievement, I was invited to Lithuania's International Physics Olympiad preparation camp. During my free time, I do sports. I have trained in a football team and represented my school in Vilnius city football tournament. One of my hobbies, diving, is quite relevant to physics. Calculating the time for decompression was confusing until I started learning thermodynamics. Besides sports, I like creative pastime. With a group of friends, we competed in a film festival organised by AISV and won several awards. Doing various activities boosted my confidence and gave me the motivation to work consistently and persistently.
[7] The participation in Physics Olympiads and related contests, including notable achievements, demonstrates the applicant's commitment to challenging themselves and their ability to perform well in competitive academic settings.
[8] The mention of participation in sports, such as football and diving, showcases the applicant's ability to balance academic pursuits with physical activities and their understanding of the application of physics principles in real-world contexts.
[9] The engagement in creative pursuits, such as participating in a film festival and winning awards, demonstrates the applicant's well-roundedness and their ability to think creatively outside the realm of science.
[10] The applicant's expressed interest in quantum physics and their aspiration to pursue research in this field showcases their specific career path and their enthusiasm for delving into the fundamental aspects of the universe.
I chose this course because it would let me concentrate on the field that explores the very fundamentals of the Universe, letting me get closer to its secrets. In particular, I would like to do research in quantum physics as my career path. I believe that university education in the UK can offer the most modern facilities, thus allowing me to employ my knowledge to discover the unknown. Studying here would let me develop and thrive as a person in a circle of interesting and motivated people.
[11] The desire to study in the UK and the belief in the modern facilities and educational opportunities offered by UK universities reflect the applicant's motivation for seeking a high-quality education to further their knowledge and discoveries.
[12] The mention of personal development and the desire to thrive among like-minded individuals highlights the applicant's enthusiasm for personal growth and the collaborative nature of studying at the university level.
Why is this a good Oxbridge Physics personal statement?
This personal statement showcases the applicant's passion for physics, academic achievements, dedication to teaching, practical engagement, research aspirations, and extracurricular involvements.
Their commitment to academic excellence is evident through their enrollment in advanced physics programs and participation in teaching initiatives.
Their practical experiments and research projects demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical concepts and explore the unknown.
Additionally, their involvement in Physics Olympiads highlights their competitive spirit and commitment to personal growth.
Overall, their exceptional qualities and accomplishments make them a strong candidate for an interview at Oxford.
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