What are the most Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements?
The advice and help I give candidates on writing successful Oxbridge personal statements is
based on my experience as a
part-time philosophy tutor at Oxford, my doctoral studies at St Anne's, Oxford
and my masters studies at King's, Cambridge.
To understand what makes the best statements you
need to understand their role in the Oxbridge application process.
The admissions tutor at the University of Cambridge recently conceded that
the university does not take the personal statement into account when
scoring applicants. So what is the function of the Oxbridge personal statement?
The personal statement has two principal roles. First, it's used by interviewers
to select ice-breaker questions to help put you at your ease.
Secondly, it's an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you understand
the nature and demands of the degree for which you're applying.
So the most successful Oxbridge personal statements are ones that
seamlessly combine these two functions.
I have considerable experience of advising candidates on the four key elements of drafting the statement:
keeping the interview in mind
demonstrating that you understand your chosen course
honing the critical first paragraph
proofing the statement for correct grammar and punctuation
If you would like help drafting a successful Oxbridge personal
statement, then please email me:
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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements: Interview in Mind
A successful Oxbridge personal statement will provide the interviewers with
plenty of opportunity to pose ice-breaker questions that help you relax in
the interview.
So, in effect, your preparation for the Oxbridge interview begins with the personal statement.
Your personal statement should therefore also suggest questions to the interviewers to ask
concerning your specialist subject knowledge, especially your knowledge of your chosen degree course.
Giving examples of the topic you're discussing is therefore important: instead of saying 'I enjoy rock climbing',
for example, say 'On a recent rock climbing trip I...'
If you would like more advice on writing a successful Oxbridge personal statement that
lays the foundations for a more relaxed interview, by all means email me:
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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements: Knowing your Course
This section is being redrafted to reflect changes to the 2012/12
academic year.
If you're drafting your Oxbridge personal statement and would like advice
from an experience Oxford tutor, I'd be delighted to receive your email:
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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements: First Paragraph
This section is being redrafted to reflect changes to the 2012/12
academic year.
If you're stuck writing the all-important first paragraph of your
Oxbridge personal statement, feel free to email me:
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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements: Grammar and Punctation Check
This section is being redrafted to reflect changes to the 2012/12
academic year.
If you'd like your Oxbridge personal statement checked for grammar
and punctuation, then please email me:
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What are the most Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements?
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