Biology UCAS Personal Statement Examples (2026 Guide)

Biology admissions are more competitive than ever, with top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial accepting only a small percentage of applicants. Oxford received 731 applications for Biology in the 2024/25 admissions cycle and accepted only 109 undergraduates, a success rate of only 15%. Cambridge's Natural Sciences programme had an acceptance rate of 22% in 2024/25, accepting only 569 undergraduates from 2,529 applicants.

The difference between successful and unsuccessful applications lies in demonstrating genuine intellectual curiosity through biological exploration using specific experimental or research examples, rather than generic statements about biology being fascinating or life-saving. Students who secure places on leading biology programmes show admissions tutors they're already thinking like biologists: analytically, experimentally, and with deep appreciation for molecular mechanisms, evolutionary principles, and the complexity of living systems.