Tips for writing a personal statement for medicine

Writing a personal statement is no easy task - trust us, we've been there - especially now that the format for the personal statement has changed for 2026 entry.

For medicine, the personal statement can determine whether you get offered an interview or not, and could even influence the questions you get asked in the actual interview itself. That's why it's important to get it done right. Read on to see our tips for writing the perfect personal statement!

1. Start early

   
   

   We get it. You've just spent the entire summer revising for the dreaded UCAT, and now you want some time to relax, and that's not a problem. However, you need to start drafting your personal statement early in order to produce the best possible version of it. Start simple - make a document full of all the bits and bobs you want to include in your personal statement, like any work experience, supercurriculars and extracurriculars you've done. Then, make a plan detailing which question you want to put these under. Once you're happy, you can start writing your first draft.

   
   

2. Don't worry if you're over the character limit

   
   

   It's completely normal to be over the character limit when you've made your first draft. You'll have filled it with practically every relevant opportunity you've taken, but the truth is, now it's time to make brutal cuts. Use more concise language, and remove any sentences that don't tell the reader much about you, or your reflections.

   
   

   Example:

   Three years ago, I completed the Bronze DofE award. As part of this award, I volunteered for six months at a local care home. I had the opportunity to speak to the residents for an hour every week and keep them from getting bored, which was an enjoyable experience and allowed me to improve my listening skills. (311 characters)

   
   

   Feedback:

   Good! This is a very nice way to show you are a caring individual, but cuts can be made here! Have a look at this updated version.

   
   

   As part of the Bronze DofE award, I volunteered at a care home for six months, where I got to chat to the residents and learn about their lives. This allowed me to develop my listening and communication skills – important for any medic. (236 characters)

   
   

   Another way to improve this answer could be to follow it with an example of why listening and communication skills are important for a doctor.

   
   

3. don't just tell them about medicine, tell them about you!

   
   

   Too many personal statements I've read tell the reader all about what a career in medicine is like, but not enough about the applicant themselves. Remember your personal statement is meant to show why YOU would be a good fit for the course - it's not just to explain what a doctor is! Don't get me wrong, you should include all the observations you've made about what a doctor's role is, but this should be supported by supercurriculars/work experience you've done, and expanded on to show why you want to take on this role in the future.

   
   

So there you go: 3 tips to writing a smashing personal statement. Good luck to everyone applying this cycle and remember, our tutors - including current Oxford medical students - are happy to review your personal statement for just £20! Just use this link to submit your personal statement for review. Hurry, the October 15th deadline is approaching!