OSCE Toolbox

Writing any personal statement can be arduous (let alone a pharmacy one) but it doesn't have to be. With the abundance of information online, there is no reason your personal statement shouldnt sound impressive. Saying this, don't get hung up on crafting the perfect piece. A personal statement is one small part of many to get into a pharmacy degree and an even smaller part to become a pharmacist. With that being said, this article will help you create a powerful and memorable personal statement so the reader knows you're the fit for the course, whilst also helping you not spend 4 weeks writing it.

How we wrote this article:

Youtube vids

Online articles

Personal experience
ChatGPT (for some of the example sentences)

Writing style:

Obviously, ensure there are no grammatical errors or typos (always proofread)
Infuse your own flavour but be concise, every sentence should fight for its life to be included
Be honest and authentic
Start sentences/paragraphs with “I”, its a personal statement for a reason, talk about yourself
Whilst writing, always consider two key questions: Why me? Why pharmacy?

Length:

1 page (5 beefy paragraphs)

Structure:

Paragraph 1 = Introduction
Paragraphs 2-4 = Main content
Paragraph 5 = Conclusion

Introduction:

Why pharmacy specifically? How does that reason link to you?

E.g “While volunteering at a community pharmacy, I saw firsthand the critical role pharmacists play in patient care and developed a passion for the science behind medications.”

Highlight key aspects of pharmacy, academic challenge, patient interaction, pathophysiology etc.

E.g “I am drawn to pharmacy because it combines academic challenges, such as understanding pathophysiology, with rewarding patient interactions and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's health.”

Mention relevant work experience but don’t go into detail here

E.g “I have been working at a local pharmacy, which has provided me with valuable insights into the profession."

Content (paragraphs 2-4):

Provide details about work experience, highlight the qualities of pharmacists and how you saw these/learnt more about them

E.g “During my work experience at a local pharmacy, I observed the pharmacists' dedication to patient care, precision in medication management, and effective communication skills, which deepened my understanding of the profession's core qualities.”
NOTE: This work experience does not have to be Pharmacy or even healthcare related, but could be part-time jobs, just highlight the transferable skills to the role of a Pharmacist
Use technical jargon relating to pharmacy if you get the opportunity to impress the reader

Mention your relevant A-levels/GCSEs and how/why you enjoyed them and how they relate to picking Pharmacy

E.g "My A-levels in Chemistry and Biology enhanced my love for science, while my GCSE in Mathematics honed my analytical skills.”
E.g "The practical tasks in A-level chemistry highlighted the application of seemingly abstract concepts to real-life situations, which is mirrored in the field of Pharmacology. I came to realise how essential chemistry is in determining the correct drug dosage to ensure patient well-being"

Mention any relevant personal life reasons for choosing pharmacy

E.g "My decision to pursue pharmacy was influenced by my experience caring for my grandmother who suffers from Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, where I saw the crucial role pharmacists play in patient care and management."

Show your knowledge about the current state and changes in pharmacy

E.g “I make an effort to stay updated on pharmacy advancements, such as integrated care models and expanded pharmacist roles in primary healthcare (E.g the Pharmacy First scheme), which are reshaping patient care."

Talk about your relevant skills to pharmacy and how you've shown them already/still do, E.g leadership, teamwork, numeracy, attention to details etc

E.g "I've developed key pharmacy skills by leading my school's science club, working in a team on a healthcare research project, achieving top grades in chemistry and maths, and carefully conducting lab experiments."

Mention supercurriculars (activities related to academic interest that you pursue outside of your normal schoolwork) e.g. Documentaries, podcasts, talks you have attended, projects you have taken on
Hobbies - only mention these if they are unique and interesting e.g. beekeeping

Conclusion:

Show your understanding of the degree, acknowledging its challenges and the rewards on the other side
Remind the reader of the key points
Remind the reader of how your attributes would make you a great pharmacist

Final notes:

Once a draft is created, send it to people you know in relevant fields and don't be afraid to reach out to people you don't know as well

You can find people via LinkedIn, Sixth form/college tutors/teachers, family contacts etc.
You'll be surprised by how many people want to/will help

Ask for feedback: Does it read well? Any mistakes? Do you seem like a fitting candidate?
For more detailed information on pharmacy news we recommend CPE and The Pharmaceutical Journal for updates in the field - we post News of the Week on our Instagram @oscetoolbox.com

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