Everyone wants to secure an interview – so how do you make your personal statement stand out?
In this blog, we'll break down the essential elements of a successful Oxbridge personal statement, offering advice on what admissions tutors are really looking for, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to use super-curricular activities to demonstrate your passion and intellectual curiosity.
The 'P' Word
Avoid saying 'passion.' The best thing to do in a personal statement is to show, not tell.
Don't say: 'I've been passionate about Law for as long as I can remember.' Anyone can say that; Oxford and Cambridge are looking for proof. What have you done or read that shows your interest in your subject?
Here's an example:
'I am so passionate about Mathematics.'
Here's a better example:
'Since learning about the unsolved Hodge Conjecture, I have been particularly fascinated by the complexities of algebraic varieties.'
You want to show that you have passion without saying it directly. Avoid cliches, sweeping statements, and generalisations. Be specific and precise.
What Oxbridge are Looking For
As General Sun Tzu once said, know your enemy. In this case, it's your potential Oxbridge tutors.
Above all, tutors and admissions teams are looking for originality and interest. Being intelligent is almost a given for Oxbridge applicants.
You want to have something to stand out, and you need to prove that you would be a receptive student to teach. But how?
Super-curriculars
The answer is 'super-curriculars.' Unlike extracurriculars, like sports or hobbies, super-curriculars are directly related to your academic interests.
So why do Oxford and Cambridge admissions tutors like super-curriculars? They demonstrate passion in action, and they prove self-motivation and intellectual curiosity. Showing enthusiasm for the subject is a key factor in the admissions process.
Some examples of super-curriculars:
Reading books, academic papers, or articles related to your subject.
Attending lectures, talks, or conferences, either in-person or online.
Participating in subject-related competitions like Olympiads, essay contests, or mathematical challenges.
Completing online courses or MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) relevant to your subject. You can find courses from platforms like Coursera, edX, or Future Learn. This is particularly popular with students as it is accessible and free.
Visiting relevant museums, galleries, or historical sites.
Taking part in research projects, either independently or through a school or university program.
But super-curriculars can also be other things. For instance, if you're applying for Biology, you might mention experimenting with plant genetics in your garden.
Be Critical
Don't just list the books you've read or the places you've been. Consider deeply how they have impacted your understanding of the subject, whether negatively or positively.
Your super-curriculars should have shaped your view of a topic. Explain why. Tutors want to see that you can think critically about your topic and that you are receptive to new ideas.
Oxbridge interviews specifically test for these skills, so try to show that you can do it in your personal statement to increase your chances of getting an interview.
The Wow Factor
You might have heard this terrifying phrase before. But how do you give that 'wow' that gets you an interview?
The answer is to go for a niche interest, and this is where your super-curriculars might help you. Maybe it's chaos theory, or an 18th century musician, or a particular legal case. Whatever it is, try to show that you know your subject in depth.
Structuring Your Statement
Students often struggle most with structuring the personal statement. Reading example statements can help with this.
A good tip is to forgo generic introductions, and instead begin with a defining moment. This can be your first experience with your subject, or perhaps a particular super-curricular. Anything that significantly shaped your understanding of your chosen course is useful.
Most of your statement should be discussing your super-curriculars. Don't forget to include your own ideas and questions about the things you learned from them.
Consider your tone. Don't be afraid to be yourself in your statement, as long as you keep it professional and academic. Remember, admissions tutors are not interested in teaching robots.
Here's an example:
"What excites me most about chaos theory is the idea that beneath the randomness lies a structure that we can uncover. It mirrors how I see the world – a puzzle that invites constant questioning and discovery."
Finally, try to end on a forward-thinking note, like how this particular course might help you in a chosen career.
Ask for Feedback and Redraft
It's absolutely essential to redraft your personal statement. Ask for feedback on your first draft, preferably from someone who is experienced in that course.
This is where Avalon comes in! An experienced tutor who has successfully applied to your chosen course can be invaluable. They can help you brainstorm ideas, write a first (and second, and third) draft, and polish your statement until they are sure it shows you off in the best light.
Book before August 1st to get a trial session for just £5, and make that first step towards getting into your dream university.
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