Personal Statement Tips for Graduate Entry Medicine Applicants

Writing a personal statement for Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) can feel overwhelming, especially with the new UCAS structure introduced for 2025 applications. But with the right approach, your statement can clearly showcase your motivation, suitability, and readiness for a career in medicine. In this guide, we’ll break down practical tips tailored to GEM applicants, aligned with the new UCAS format, and help you write a strong, focused personal statement.

What is the New UCAS Personal Statement Format?

From 2025 onwards (for entry 2026), UCAS is replacing the traditional free-form personal statement with a structured question-based format. This revision of the personal statement will follow a new structure, which entails 3 sections.

• Why do you want to study this course or subject?
• How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
• What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

This is a big change, but the change helps applicants stay focused and gives universities a clearer view of each candidate’s strengths and experiences. The context of a personal statement will basically be the same. A lot of difficulties when writing a personal statement come from structuring your text, so hopefully this will ease that process.

The Key Points to note are:

1. The total character limit stays at 4,000 characters (including spaces).
2. Each response must be at least 350 characters long.
3. You can divide the rest of your character allowance between the sections as you choose.

Why GEM Applicants Need a Tailored Approach

Unlike undergraduate applicants, graduate entry medicine students bring a broader range of academic and life experiences. You’re not just proving your interest in medicine; you’re showing how your previous degree and journey so far make you a competitive and mature candidate.

Let’s break down each question with tips specific to GEM applicants.

A. Why do you want to study this course or subject?

What to Include:

1. Why medicine now? Be clear about what has drawn you to this path.
2. Any experiences (work, volunteering, shadowing) that inspired you?
3. Evidence of understanding the demands of medicine
4. Long-term career goals (even if not fully defined)
5. Any particular areas of medicine you’re curious about

1. Why Medicine Now?

• Share the pivotal moment(s) or gradual realization that led you to pursue medicine.
• Was there a recent experience that made everything “click”?
• Mention personal values—service, curiosity, problem-solving, empathy—and how medicine aligns with them.
• Be honest if it was a gradual decision rather than a lifelong dream.

Example:

“While I have always been drawn to science and helping others, it was during [specific experience] that I saw how medicine uniquely blends both. Seeing [describe a moment—a patient interaction, shadowing experience, or volunteer work] made me realize that this is where I can make a lasting impact.”

2. Any experiences (work, volunteering, shadowing) that inspired you?

• Choose meaningful experiences, not a long list.
• Focus on what you learned or observed, not just what you did.
• Highlight human interactions, team collaboration, or insights into patient care.

Example:

“Volunteering at [hospital/clinic] allowed me to witness the physician’s role beyond diagnosis and treatment—being an advocate, listener, and leader. Shadowing Dr. X in [field] revealed the complexity of care and the trust patients place in their doctors.”

3. Understanding the Demands of Medicine

• Show awareness of long hours, emotional challenges, lifelong learning, and the weight of responsibility.

Example:

“I’ve seen firsthand how demanding medicine is—long shifts, emotionally charged situations, and critical decisions. Yet, it is this blend of challenge and purpose that draws me in. I am ready to commit to the resilience, humility, and continuous growth this career requires.”

4. Long-Term Career Goals

• You don’t need a specific specialty, but you should convey purpose.
• Think about patient care, leadership, research, advocacy, global health, underserved populations, etc.

Example:

“Though I am open to various specialties, I’m especially drawn to [primary care/public health/surgery/research] for its potential to [explain impact]. My long-term goal is to serve communities where access to care is limited and be part of advancing healthcare equity.”

5. Areas of Curiosity in Medicine

• Mention specialities, healthcare systems, research, patient care, etc.
• Link this to curiosity or a question you want to explore.

Example:

“I’m particularly fascinated by the intersection of technology and patient care—how innovations in personalized medicine or AI could enhance diagnosis and treatment. I want to be part of this evolving landscape.”

6. Commitment to Lifelong Learning and Service

• Show readiness for continuous education and your desire to serve beyond just practicing medicine.
• Examples: mentoring, advocacy, teaching, community outreach.

Example:

“Medicine is a field that demands perpetual learning, not only in knowledge but in empathy and cultural competence. I am eager to grow alongside the profession, constantly learning from patients, colleagues, and research. Service isn’t just a component of medicine—it’s at its core, and I hope to embody that throughout my career.”

B. How have your qualifications and studies helped you prepare for this course or subject?

What to Include:

1. Relevant Courses and Qualifications
2. Skills developed through the course and qualification

1. Relevant Academic Qualifications

• Highlight specific subjects, courses, or projects that relate to the course (biology, chemistry, anatomy, psychology, etc.).
• Mention grades or achievements if strong, but focus on what you learned and how it shaped your interest.

Example:

“Studying biology at A-level sparked my interest in human physiology, particularly how complex systems work together in health and disease. My coursework on [topic] taught me critical thinking and analysis, skills essential for studying medicine.”

2. Key Skills Developed Through Studies

• Critical thinking, problem-solving, research skills, data analysis, teamwork, communication, and time management.
• How do these skills apply to the demands of the course you’re applying for?
  

Example:

“Working on group projects taught me the importance of collaboration and communication, both crucial in healthcare settings. Independent research assignments strengthened my ability to analyze information and apply it to real-world contexts.”

3. What else have you done to prepare outside of your education, and why are these experiences useful?

What to Include:

• Clinical experience (hospital, GP, care homes)
• Volunteering (e.g. with vulnerable groups)
• Work experience in health or education
• Extracurricular activities

1. Clinical Experience (Hospital, GP, Care Homes)

• Where did you shadow, volunteer, or work?
• What did you observe about the role of healthcare professionals?
  What insights did you gain about patient care, teamwork, communication, or the realities of healthcare?

Example:

“Shadowing a GP exposed me to the importance of patient-centred care and communication. I observed how diagnoses often rely as much on listening and empathy as on clinical knowledge. Volunteering at a care home taught me patience and the value of compassion, especially with vulnerable individuals who may feel isolated.”

2. Volunteering with Vulnerable Groups

• Any community service, charities, youth work, elder care, or support groups.
• How did this build your empathy, resilience, cultural awareness, or sense of service?

Example:

“Volunteering with a local food bank gave me firsthand experience of the social determinants of health. Working with people facing hardship helped me appreciate the importance of advocacy and understanding each person’s unique circumstances; a perspective I will carry into a medical career.”

3. Work Experience in Health or Education

• Any paid or unpaid work in healthcare, teaching, mentoring, or tutoring.
• Focus on transferable skills like communication, leadership, patience, or adaptability.
  

Example:

“Working as a teaching assistant at a summer school helped me develop communication and leadership skills, especially in explaining complex ideas clearly. These are vital in medicine, whether educating patients or working within multidisciplinary teams.”

4. Extracurricular activities

• Sports Teams – teamwork, leadership, resilience, handling pressure
• Student Societies/Clubs (committee member or leader) — organisational skills, communication, collaboration
• Peer Mentoring or Tutoring

Example:

“Part-time work taught me time management, resilience, and how to perform effectively under pressure — traits essential for handling the demands of medical training. Playing sport at university level strengthened my teamwork, discipline, and ability to adapt to changing situations, mirroring the collaborative and dynamic nature of healthcare.

Personal Statement Tips for Graduate Entry Medicine Applicants

• Be Reflective, Not Just Descriptive — Don’t just list achievements; explain how they shaped you.
• Show Transferable Skills — Use examples that highlight key qualities like communication, leadership, resilience, and empathy.
• Keep It Personal and Specific — Generic answers won’t stand out. Talk about your unique path.
• Stay Within Character Limits — Make every word count. Keep it focused and relevant.
• Proofread and Get Honest Feedback — Ask someone familiar with GEM to review your answers — a tutor, mentor, or current student.
• Focus on Post-18 Experiences — Highlight what you’ve done as an adult, showing maturity and readiness for the challenges of medical training.
  

Graduate Entry Medicine applicants bring diverse, valuable experiences—but writing about them effectively takes planning. By aligning your answers with the UCAS 2025 structure and reflecting deeply on your journey, you can create a personal statement that’s compelling, mature, and targeted.