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Guide to Oxbridge

Part 2: Personal Statement

Personal Statement

Many pupils spend a lot of time worrying about their Personal Statement. And, while it's true to a certain extent that a good Personal Statement can enhance an application to Oxbridge, it's important to remember it's only one part of a portfolio of evidence that tutors will use. In addition to the statement, the actual and predicted grades, the submitted work, the reference, the admissions tests (if applicable) and the interview all play an important part.

Our top three Personal Statement tips are:

1) Be honest
2) Don't be pretentious
3) Be YOU!

We've heard stories of Personal Statements that have opened with ostentatious quotes that can come across as pretentious! From our experience, we recommend it's best to be business-like, concise and precise. And make sure you have read any books which you say you have.

You can see some example of real Personal Statements here, and can see which ones have been written by Oxbridge applicants (and whether they've been successful or not).

Deadlines

Once you've chosen your course and college, you'll need to prepare your application. Remember, you can't apply to both Oxford and Cambridge in the same year (unless you are applying for an Organ Scholarship or for a second undergraduate degree). Information on how to apply can be found below, and watch out for the deadlines - they are earlier than for other universities. 

Cambridge application process
Cambridge deadlines
Oxford application process (includes list of deadlines)

Cambridge applicants will also be asked to complete a Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) after their UCAS application. 

Applicants for certain Oxford and Cambridge courses and colleges may also be asked to undertake Admissions Tests, information on which can be found below:

Cambridge Admissions Tests
Oxford Admissions Tests

Click here to go to the next section of the Oxbridge Interviews' Guide