We typically suggest that you focus
around 80% of your personal statement
on your academic interests, abilities and achievements. This can include discussion of any relevant extra-curricular activities. The remaining 20% can then cover any unrelated extra-curricular activities.
Does Cambridge look at personal statements?
Admissions decisions at Cambridge are based solely on academic criteria (ability and potential).
Personal statements are often used as a basis for discussion at interview
. In a personal statement we are looking for applicants to: explain their reasons for wanting to study the subject.
Does Cambridge care about personal statement?
A spokesman for Cambridge University said: “Cambridge admissions tutors and subject
interviewers do indeed give careful consideration to the personal statements of applicants for undergraduate admission
.
Does Oxbridge care about personal statement?
Your personal statement for Oxford and Cambridge
should be considered a springboard for your interview
and you could and should expect to be questioned about any single detail of it.
Do UK universities care about personal statements?
Clare Marchant, chief executive of Ucas, said a survey of 118 universities by Ucas in 2016 found that
89% of them used personal statements in their initial decision making
.
How long is a Cambridge personal statement?
What is a personal statement? The personal statement is one part of your UCAS application. You are given
4,000 characters and 47 lines
to describe your interest in the subject you are applying for and what skills and experience you possess that show your passion for your chosen subject.
Can you lie in your personal statement?
Untruths. Admissions tutors will be able to spot any fictions in your application. Firstly, and most crucially:
never, ever lie in your personal statement
. If you do, it will almost certainly come back to haunt you.
What makes a good Oxbridge personal statement?
You can show your interest and ability in your subject with examples of books you've read, an EPQ you've written, a prize you've won, lectures you've attended, documentaries you've watched, podcasts you've listened to, or really anything you can think of!
How important is a personal statement for Oxbridge?
Even the very best personal statement won't get any candidate in to Oxford or Cambridge on its own. … Secondly, a good personal statement might
give you some degree of control over how your admissions process goes
. Interesting things you say in your personal statement are likely to come up at interview.
Do universities actually look at personal statements?
Clare Marchant, chief executive of Ucas, said a survey of 118 universities by Ucas in 2016 found that
89% of them used personal statements in their initial decision making
. … Some students may meanwhile have extenuating reasons for under-performance, and a statement can let universities know about it.
What should you not put in a personal statement?
- NEGATIVITY. …
- NOT MENTIONING YOUR SKILLS & ACHEIVEMENTS. …
- EXAGGERATION & OUTRIGHT LIES. …
- POOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. …
- NOT GETTING FEEDBACK. …
- STATING THE OBVIOUS. …
- TALKING ABOUT YOUR CHILDHOOD. …
- THE WORD PASSION.
How do you write a strong personal statement?
- Make a draft without a character counter. …
- Take your time. …
- Find the perfect words and expressions. …
- Concentrate on your strengths. …
- Find the perfect opening sentence. …
- Make it your own work, voice and ideas. …
- Be honest. …
- Get someone to proofread your statement.
How important is personal statement for Cambridge?
Admissions decisions at Cambridge are based solely on academic criteria (ability and potential). Personal statements are
often used as a basis for discussion at interview
. In a personal statement we are looking for applicants to: explain their reasons for wanting to study the subject.
What does Oxford look for in a personal statement?
We typically suggest that you focus around 80% of your
personal statement on your academic interests, abilities and achievements
. This can include discussion of any relevant extra-curricular activities. The remaining 20% can then cover any unrelated extra-curricular activities.
What qualities does Cambridge look for?
We're looking for an indication of
your willingness to argue logically while keeping your mind open to new ideas
. You also need self-discipline, motivation, commitment, and the desire and potential to go beyond what you've learned so far.
