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Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

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• Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

Check out our successful Oxbridge personal statement examples below.

You will find a collection of standout personal statements that have helped students gain admission to the prestigious universities of Oxford and Cambridge .

These Oxbridge personal statement examples can serve as inspiration and guidance as you begin to write your own.

Whether you are applying to study law , natural science , economics , or any other course , these examples can help you showcase your unique strengths and experiences compellingly.

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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

Oxbridge personal statement example for economics course.

I volunteer at a local soup kitchen in Singapore, where I help distribute food and check on the well-being of lower-income families living in public housing.

One day, we encountered a family of five who were all seriously or terminally ill but were not receiving any government social support and had been relying mostly on NGOs for assistance.

This experience highlighted a social issue that concerns me – the lack of adequate social security support in Singapore despite its economic strength.

I believe more attention should be paid to addressing poverty and inequality.

I volunteered at the soup kitchen not only to help those in need but also to understand their struggles, as their interests are often overlooked.

As an economics student, I have learned how well-informed economic policy can improve lives by guiding social analysis.

This subject excites me and has motivated me to learn more through books, volunteering, and participating in economics-related competitions.

For example, I received a distinction award in the National Economics and Financial Management Quiz, which tests quick thinking, logical, and mathematical skills.

I also submitted an essay for the GlaxoSmithKline-Economic Development Board Book Prize on how Singapore can capitalize on Asian talent as a source of growth.

In addition, I participated in the local Math Olympiad received a bronze award, and completed a month-long internship at Centennial Asia Advisors, where my work contributed to the analysis of the Great Recession and the process of purchasing bonds to address the crisis.

This experience gave me a greater understanding of the importance of economic policy and its application.

I am also actively working to make a difference. Along with a group of friends and an NGO, I am committed to helping the village of Tom in Cambodia escape poverty by building schools and providing water filtration devices for villagers.

We also plan to support children with scholarships through fund-raisers. Personally helping Tom overcome poverty is one of my goals, and I believe that a strong understanding of economics will be essential in achieving this.

In addition to my academic and volunteer pursuits, I have also participated in various activities that have helped me grow as a person.

For example, I participated in The Odyssey of The Mind, a competition that challenges teams to think creatively through dramatic performances.

Our team won the World Championship after competing against teams from 60 other countries.

I am also an avid sailor, having represented my school as captain and Singapore in international competitions.

What I value most from these experiences are the relationships I formed with my teammates and the importance of dedication and perseverance in achieving success.

At school, I helped start the Young Diplomats’ Society, an interest group focused on Model United Nations Conferences (MUNC).

At Princeton University MUNC, I received an honourable mention, and at the Nanyang Technological University MUNC, I received the Dorothy Cheung Award for Best Delegate.

I also organized the annual iMUN@AC, serving as Chief of Staff in one year and Secretary General in another.

These MUNCs sparked my interest in global politics and led me to research the causes of the Rwandan Genocide for my IB Extended Essay, a 4000-word research paper that I thoroughly enjoyed and received an “A” grade for.

As John Maynard Keynes said, an economist is part philosopher, part statesman, and part mathematician.

I hope to study economics so that I can learn how to make changes on local, regional, and global levels.

Oxbridge Personal Statement Example For Law Course

I have always been drawn to the fields of law and justice. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the concepts of right and wrong and how they were applied in society.

My interest in history has also allowed me to learn about the evolution of the legal system over time.

During my school years, I took on leadership roles, including being a Senior Prefect and a member of the Student Council.

These experiences gave me a unique perspective on how a school operates and the importance of rules for both students and staff.

In my GCSE years, I had the opportunity to study Critical Thinking, which allowed me to hone my analytical and debate skills.

As part of this course, we visited Winchester Crown Court, giving us the chance to observe a court case in person and see the legal system in action.

This experience had a profound impact on me and further solidified my desire to pursue a career in law.

I also gained valuable insights into the legal profession through a two-week work placement at a local solicitor’s firm during the summer between school and college.

During this time, I was able to observe court proceedings and learn about the daily operations of a solicitor’s office.

In my free time, I enjoy reading classic fiction such as “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens and “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell.

I also enjoy cooking, travelling, and leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

I am confident that my personal skills, knowledge, attributes, and work ethic make me an excellent candidate for a law degree at your university.

I hope to use my time at university to develop the skills and qualifications necessary to have a successful career in law and to gain further experience in the courtroom.

Oxbridge Personal Statement Example For Natural Sciences Course

I was always fascinated by the natural world and spent hours exploring the forests and streams near my home.

This curiosity eventually led me to pursue a degree in biology at Oxford University, where I excelled academically and gained valuable experiences that have prepared me to take the next step in my education.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have taken a range of ecology courses and consistently earned high marks. In addition to my coursework, I have also been actively involved in several extracurricular activities that have allowed me to further explore my interests in biology and ecology.

For example, I have participated in research projects on the Forest Eco Programme and have worked as an intern at EcoBio Ltd where I gained valuable hands-on experience.

One of the things that set me apart from other applicants is my passion for biology and my dedication to making a positive impact in the world.

This drive was sparked by my achievements in school, which taught me the importance of the environment and motivated me to pursue a career in which I can make a difference.

I am excited to apply to the biology course at Oxford University because of its reputation for excellence and its commitment to providing students with a world-class education.

I believe that the University of Oxford will provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to achieve my goals and make a meaningful contribution to my field.

I am confident that my strong academic and extracurricular background, along with my passion and dedication, make me a strong fit for the course.

I am eager to join the vibrant intellectual community at Oxford and to continue pursuing my goals in biology.

Oxbridge Personal Statement Tips 

Focus on the following suggestions to write a successful personal statement for Oxbridge :

• Start by thinking about your goals and why you want to pursue them at Oxbridge. What sparked your interest in your field of study, and how have your experiences prepared you to pursue it at a top university?
• Reflect on your achievements and experiences. What have you accomplished that demonstrates your potential to succeed at Oxbridge? This could include academic achievements, extracurricular activities, internships, or other experiences.
• Consider what makes you unique. What sets you apart from other applicants and makes you a strong fit for the program you’re applying to?
• Write in a clear and concise manner, using concrete examples to illustrate your points. Avoid using overly complex language or jargon, and be sure to proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
• Edit and proofread your personal statement carefully. It’s important to take the time to polish your statement and make sure it’s the best it can be.

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The personal statements on this site are strictly meant as a starting point to give an idea of how successful personal statements look like. Oxbridge Solution is STRICTLY AGAINST PLAGIARISM OF ANY KIND. UCAS employs a plagiarism check system that checks applicants’ work against other published writing so please DO NOT PLAGIARISE. These personal statements belong to Oxbridge Solution and are not to be used by 3rd parties.

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How to write a great Oxbridge Personal Statement

Tips for acing the oxbridge personal statement.

Writing a great Personal Statement is a prime opportunity to showcase yourself and stand out from the crowd. What Oxbridge looks for is a little different from other universities, so here are some tips to help you write a standout Oxbridge Personal Statement.

1. Start Drafting Early  

The extra level of preparation that an Oxbridge application requires, combined with the mid-October deadline, means that you should try to start planning your Personal Statement towards the end of Year 12. 

It usually takes a few drafts before you have a perfectly polished Personal Statement staring back at you, so ideally your first draft should be done by the end of the summer holiday before Year 13. This means that you should try to have completed any extra reading or work experience that you want to write about in your Statement by then as well. 

Tip: If you haven’t decided which course you want to study yet, start planning a more general Personal Statement, or even two separate ones for two different subjects. Writing about your enthusiasm and experiences will probably help your decision-making process!  

2. Focus on your academic interests and achievements  

Admissions decisions at Oxford and Cambridge are solely based on academic ability and potential, so you should focus on showcasing your understanding and passion for your chosen subject. We’ve written a guide about navigating Oxbridge’s attitude towards extracurriculars which explains more about this. 

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! 

Tip:  

• Instead of: “I am interested in molecular biology”
• Try: “My interest in molecular biology led me to read X”

3. Set yourself up for an interview  

All successful Oxbridge candidates are interviewed as part of the admissions process, and interviewers often draw on things mentioned in the Personal Statement. 

To help put you in control of the interview as much as possible, you can leave ‘hooks’ for the interviewer which direct them towards topics you’ll be able to talk about confidently. For example, if you write: “I was fascinated by the similarities between Ovid’s Amores and contemporary love poetry” , you should expect to be asked what in particular you found fascinating. 

This is one reason why it's really important to be honest in your Personal Statement. You should never claim to have read a book that you haven’t (even if you plan to read it after submitting your UCAS form, because who knows what will happen!) You also shouldn’t pretend to have an interest in a something just because you think it will sound impressive. Interviewers are likely to ask you about it and it will be pretty clear if you aren’t genuinely interested. 

4. Show that you are intellectually curious and thoughtful  

Oxbridge admissions tutors are looking for thoughtful and perceptive students who are curious about their chosen subject. How much material you have consumed on your subject is not as important as how deeply you have thought about each one. For example, there’s no point listing thirteen books that you’ve read with no comments or thoughts about any of them.  

To demonstrate a thoughtful approach to your studies, you can do things like: 

• Give an example of something you found particularly interesting in what you learned, and explain why you found it interesting.
• For example: “Learning about A at school led me to read X. I was particularly interested by the chapter on B, because …. This led me to further research B by watching Y.”
• For example: Did two different theorists interpret a concept differently? Is there a theme that runs through a set of books you’ve read? Did you disagree with an opinion presented at a lecture?

5. Try to be original…  

In 2019, Oxford University received more than 23,000 undergraduate applications for roughly 3,300 places. The vast majority of these applicants have really good grades, which can make it difficult to stand out from the crowd. This is where your ability to be perceptive and original comes in. Think about how the subject that you are applying for relates to your other studies, the world around you, and even your personal experiences. 

For example, almost every Classics student out there will know the plot of Medea , but how many of them will be able to demonstrate that it’s since been stolen by the screenwriters of Eastenders? Did campaigning for the most recent election remind you of a piece of propaganda from the First World War? 

Remember that the people who will read your application, and interview you, have made a career out of their chosen subject, and it really is their passion. They will genuinely be interested to have a conversation with you if you can bring an interesting or original thought to your Personal Statement and interview. 

6. …but don’t overdo it  

Don’t try to be original for the sake of it. And don’t go overboard with the thesaurus - concentrate on being clear rather than trying to be a lexical aficionado (annoying, right?) 

7. Proof-read, then proof-read again  

One thing which can negatively affect the opinion of Admissions Tutors is a typo. Even if it’s something really minor, some tutors are very strict on accuracy, and it could be the difference between receiving an offer or not.  

Proof-read your Personal Statement several times yourself, and then ask your parents, friends, or teachers to read it over, looking specifically for typos or grammatical errors. A lot of the time, it's easier for someone with fresh eyes to spot a typo than for the person writing.  

8. Don’t name drop Oxbridge  

Remember that you need your Personal Statement to be relevant to all five of the universities you are applying to. This means that you shouldn’t mention Oxford, Cambridge, or any other university by name.  

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How to Write a Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement

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.

"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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• How To Write An Oxbridge Personal Statement

Last Updated: 27th March 2024

Author: Rob Needleman

Table of Contents

Oxford and Cambridge see hundreds of Personal Statements each year, so how do you make your Oxbridge Personal Statement count?

The majority of students are applying with excellent grades, experiences and scores of the highest calibre. However, even the most talented individuals can miss out on a place because of the Oxbridge Personal Statement.

This is because it is not only your academic achievements that make up your identity. Never underestimate the power of being passionate about your chosen degree, it is a big factor that Admissions Tutors look for. It’s not all about your academic prowess.

This article is all about how to write an Oxbridge Personal Statement. We go through important considerations including how to genuinely demonstrate passion without saying “I am passionate”, how to write about reading and what Admissions Tutors are looking for. Let’s get started. 

Writing About Your Subject In Your Personal Statement

Why exactly are you so passionate about studying this degree? Universities often hear phrases like, “I am passionate about the law and aim to one day work at a law firm”, however, this does not demonstrate what it is about law that makes you intent on studying it.

If there have been instances in your life that have helped you discover your passion for this subject, mention them. Discuss the qualities and skills that equip you for the subject; if you are analytical and adept at problem-solving, how would this assist you in exploring History or Law? Perhaps you have a systematic and organised brain, skilled at working through issues of Physics.

You might be completely passionate about a subject, but unless you demonstrate genuine reasons for applying, how are Admissions Tutors supposed to know you are truly passionate? Keep reminding yourself that the only things the Tutors know about you are through your Personal Statement until you get to the Interviews. Use this opportunity to showcase why you are dedicated to the subject. 

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Premium Programmes will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts. 

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.  

What do Oxbridge Admissions Tutors Look For?

Universities are there to teach you, and what is most important to them is not that you have a thorough knowledge of your subject, but rather that you have the skills to allow you to grow and expand your mind in your chosen field.

Admissions Tutors are looking to answer some questions about you, as they will be the ones who you meet each week and will play a huge part in your Oxbridge experience:

• Will you be open to learning new things?
• Can you cope with a challenging workload?
• Are you a person that the professors will enjoy teaching?

Make this clear to the Admissions Tutors!

Let’s look at an example for Cambridge Medicine :

Your Oxbridge Personal Statement is your chance to not only demonstrate your intelligence (your school scores will prove that for you), but to show the kind of person that you are, and why you would be a valuable addition to their college community. Oxford and Cambridge particularly revel in the exploration of knowledge and are far more concerned with seeing how far you will push the boundaries of your subject.

But above all, be honest and ensure the qualities you discuss really do match up with what the Admissions Tutors are looking for. 

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

Successful Personal Statement For Medicine At Oxford University

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With an Oxbridge Personal Statement, students will be aiming to display their knowledge and ability to study their subject at a top university. Therefore, it is essential to include evidence of reading material that might demonstrate initiative and your academic interest.

How Much Reading Is The Right Amount For A Personal Statement?

There is not a specific number of books that you should read to develop and enhance your interest and knowledge of your subject. You may notice that we did not say ‘the number of books you should read to add to your Personal Statement’. There is a huge difference, reading is not a tick box exercise.

As an Oxbridge applicant, you will be applying because you’re passionate about your subject and see yourself immersed in a career related to the subject. If not, then it will be a huge task to genuinely convince Admissions Tutors that you are driven and dedicated to study the subject. It will also be incredibly difficult to keep yourself motivated with the demanding workload of Oxbridge if the course doesn’t interest you.

Going back to the question above, the better way of phrasing it is ‘how do I include wider reading in my Personal Statement?’. We will go through this in more detail below but something we regularly stress with Personal Statements is when writing about reading, achievements, work experience etc. you must never list. To ensure you make an impact on the Admissions Tutors, you have to select relevant points and explain them, how they made an impact on your decision to study the course and anything you feel you gained from these opportunities.

If you are really stuck with wider reading, we have an article that provides reading lists for each Oxbridge subject .

The Different Types Of Reading

“ Wider Reading ” is a very loose term, and you can demonstrate your interest and initiative with different types of material and sources, especially if, as mentioned above, you can show that you have done something with it afterwards.

Here are some other kinds of sources you could try and find:

Don’t forget that you may rely on these sorts of materials in your Oxbridge studies so you should show that you can use and understand them in the same way as you would any other academic source.

How To Include Wider Reading

The difference between a good candidate and a great candidate can be demonstrated by actually doing something with the reading and research you do. That is, you can browse as many sources as you like, but in your Oxbridge Personal Statement, you should be able to demonstrate that you have opinions and can evaluate arguments. Therefore, you should leave space in your Personal Statement to write about how your reading affected you.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help with adding your reading to your Personal Statement:

• Did you agree with the reading?
• Does this exercise show that you can take the initiative and read around your subject?
• Did this reading inspire you to look up something further, or perhaps carry out a project?
• Why did you read this in the first place? Was it upon recommendation? Was it part of work?
• Did you think of any challenges to the point of view put forward?
• Did you go on to read something else as a result? What and why?
• What have you done with your reading?

UniAdmissions Tip

We suggest reading outside of your subject as well to avoid running out of steam or getting too narrow. This includes personal development books to improve your organisation and time management skills. At Oxbridge, you will need good organisation skills to plan your time effectively around lectures, labs and leisure.

This is important, so make sure you are not just name-dropping but giving a real review of what you think. An Oxbridge Personal Statement will be put to the test at an Interview. It is very likely that Admissions Tutors will want to explore some of your ideas there so you need to be ready.

Final Words

You should now have a clearer idea of how to improve and strengthen your Oxbridge Personal Statement to ensure it makes more of an impact on the Admissions Tutors and demonstrates that you are Oxbridge material.

The content we have gone through can be used for other universities you are applying to and if you would like more general information on how to structure your Personal Statement, or how to make your Personal Statement Stand out , we have plenty of insightful guides for you to work through to help you write the perfect Personal Statement.

Looking for Personal Statement support to strengthen your application?

Students enrolled on our  comprehensive application support Programmes  will get access to Personal Statement redrafts.

Your tutor will give you actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve your statement for the best chances of success. With UniAdmissions, you can triple your chances of success . Want to find out how?

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