Personal Statement Masterclass - Introduction Section

Overview

• Shane, a recently qualified doctor and neuroscience supervisor at Cambridge and Oxford University, introduces the masterclass clip focusing on personal statements.
• The introduction is the most crucial part of a personal statement due to its attention-grabbing nature.

Key Pillars of a Strong Introduction

1. Motivation: Explain why the subject is crucial and worth studying.
2. Engagement: Demonstrate your involvement and activities related to the subject.

Two-Step Process for an Effective Introduction

Step 1: Setting the Scene About the Subject

• Define the main reason for pursuing the subject.
• Examples:
  • "In medicine, I see a purposeful and versatile vocation yet what I love most is its fusion of a scientific call with a philanthropic heart."

Step 2: Setting the Scene About You

• Discuss your engagement with the subject.
• Examples:
  • "Volunteering on the Lifeline Express, a hospital train in Marina India, first inspired me to study medicine."
  • "Last year, my work experience at Dao University Hospital in Karachi was one of the most interesting yet exhausting experiences of my life."

Example Breakdown

• Rahman's Introduction: Combines motivation by discussing the importance of understanding the human body, and engagement through work experiences.

  • "A distressing fact of life is that most people remain somewhat unaware of their body until it malfunctions..."

• Suzanne's Introduction: Follows the motivation-engagement structure by discussing satisfaction from medicine and introduces work experience.

  • "Working with people from different disciplines in various health and social care settings has developed my interest in both the clinical and academic aspects of medicine."

• Akshay's Introduction: Uses a creation story to highlight specific experiences and motivations.

  • "Volunteering on the Lifeline Express, a hospital train in Marina India, first inspired me to study medicine..."

• Ori's Introduction: Introduces suitability for medicine by discussing personal qualities, providing a slightly different structure.

  • "An appetite for scientific knowledge, hard work, and an altruistic outlook are essential characteristics of doctors..."

Conclusion

• The introduction should combine elements of motivation and engagement.
• First part: Define why the subject is worth studying.
• Second part: Detail your engagement and related activities.
• Flexibility in structuring your introduction to best tell your story.
• Full examples available for further analysis and understanding.

Resources: Personal statement guide and examples available online.