personal statement for philosophy degree

Personal statement advice: philosophy

Applying to university.

Getting started
UCAS Tariff points
Calculate your UCAS Tariff points
Amendments to the Tariff consultation
Offer rate calculator
How to use the offer rate calculator
Understanding historical entry grades data
Admissions tests
Deferred entry
Personal statement advice and example: computer science
Personal statement advice: English
Personal statement advice: Midwifery
Personal statement advice: animal science
Personal statement advice: biology
Personal statement advice: business and management
Personal statement advice: chemistry
Personal statement advice: dance
Personal statement advice: dentistry
Personal statement advice: drama
Personal statement advice: economics
Personal statement advice: engineering
Personal statement advice: geography
Personal statement advice: history
Personal statement advice: law
Personal statement advice: maths
Personal statement advice: media studies and journalism
Personal statement advice: medicine
Personal statement advice: modern languages
Personal statement advice: music
Personal statement advice: nursing
Personal statement advice: pharmacy
Personal statement advice: physiotherapy
Personal statement advice: politics
Personal statement advice: psychology
Personal statement advice: social work
Personal statement advice: sociology
Personal statement advice: sports science
Personal statement advice: statistics
Personal statement advice: teacher training and education
Personal statement advice: veterinary medicine
Personal statement: finance and accounting
Filling in your application
Staying safe online
How to write a personal statement that works for multiple courses
How To Write Your Undergraduate Personal Statement
Fraud and similarity
How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber
How to end your personal statement
Introducing the personal statement tool
Personal statement dos and don'ts
What to include in a personal statement
Using AI and ChatGPT to help you with your personal statement
Using your personal statement beyond a university application
Carers, estranged students, refugees, asylum seekers, and those with limited leave to remain
Personal statement guides
References for mature students

Show your analytical abilities

Some applicants for philosophy degrees will already be studying the subject, but many won’t have studied it before. If you are in that position, then Professor Christopher Janaway at University of Southampton has some simple but clear advice to offer: 'We want you to show us that you have a genuine interest in the subject, so tell us about the reading you’ve done, lectures you’ve been to, or any other ways you have engaged with philosophy.'

University of Bristol selectors outline a whole range of qualities that would impress. But what perhaps stands out amongst these, alongside demonstrating your interest and commitment to philosophy, is that the way you approach your statement needs to show that you are capable of clear thinking, and understanding and that you can analyse problems and construct an argument.

Giving structure to your statement will be very important, though how you actually thread it is entirely up to you.

London School of Economics selectors are also interested in your views and opinions on 'questions such as morality, free will, or consciousness,' as well as the experiences you have had which have led to your desire to study philosophy. Such as, they would expect the majority of your statement to be based around your subject interest and enthusiasm.

It’s open-ended – you have 47 lines and no rules, but don’t try to be too smart. You will stand out by doing your research, being interesting, relevant, and different, and by reflecting on what you’ve been reading.

Successful Personal Statement For Philosophy At Cambridge

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it.

Today, we are looking through a Philosophy applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The Philosophy Course at Cambridge explores human thought, the basis of knowledge, the nature of reason, consciousness and cognition, as well as the foundations of value and political theory.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate philosophical thinking to successfully receive a Cambridge offer.

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Cambridge Philosophy comprehensive Programme will give you access to Personal Statement redrafts.

With our Cambridge Philosophy Premium Programme, your tutor will give you regular actionable feedback with insider tips on how to improve and make your Personal Statement Oxbridge quality for the best chances of success.

Click the button below to learn how you can enrol and triple your chances of success.

Philosophy Personal Statement

“And if you find her poor, Ithaka has not fooled you. / Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, / You will have understood by then, what these Ithakas mean.”

Cavafy was right, indeed. Like any other reflective person, I am essentially a philosophical entity. While most people, perhaps those outside academic philosophy, would consider it a prime example, maybe along with Mathematics, of an established body of a priori truths, of some kind of Ithaka (thus excluding themselves from the possibility of realizing their philosophical essence), I beg to differ. For years, though, unwise as I was according to Cavafy, I was looking for Ithakas like most men, misled by this major misconception. For years, I have been reading Plato and Aristotle, Descartes and Nietzsche always, hastily and impatiently, heading towards truth; towards my rich Ithaka, and always falling on reefs and mythical objections raised by one philosopher against the truths of the other. Always, en route.

When, “wise as I had become” on the road, like old Ulysses, I realized that philosophy is much more than just a truth per se. Instead, philosophy is the pursuit of truth, irrespective of whether that truth is ever achieved; in fact, if and when something ever counts as truth, it does not belong to the realm of philosophy any more. Not until I read Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, had I realized that the aim of philosophy is to designate what can be said and what not, what is non-sense or what might be senseless. This very sub specie aeternitatis realization of philosophy as an activity, a method of approaching truth and reflecting on reality rather than as an established body of justified true belief, was crucial in my selection of philosophy as the subject of my academic study. Since this realization, my chief preoccupation has been to learn as much as possible from the journey to Ithaka, to hone this ability to philosophize effectively, to exercise and engage philosophy as much as possible, whenever and wherever possible.

A culmination of this constant struggle to sharpen my philosophical essence happened this summer in the Epic Questions Summer Institute of U of Va, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. In this intensive, three-week seminar for high-school teachers, I was the official note-taker and the only high-school student to be accepted among the scholars as an intern of Dr. Mitchell S. Green. Courses in Epistemology, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Mind, Formal Logic, Philosophy of Language, Ethics, Political Philosophy and Bioethics unprecedentedly furthered this philosophical activity and I made the acquaintance of contemporary philosophical thought, reading, such as T. Nagel, R. Chisholm, D. Papineau, B. Williams, along with classical readings.

Hence, to my readings of Plato’s Five Dialogues, Descartes’s Meditations on First Philosophy and Nietzsche’s Übermensch, were added those of the British Empiricists, esp. some of Hume’s Enquiries, Kant, B. Rusell’s The Problems of Philosophy and Mill’s Utilitarianism.

I must admit that I have been uncritically assuming a certain account of human nature (as inherently philosophical), which many may find controversial. And this, itself, thus, turns into a philosophical question. And so on and so forth.

This is exactly the philosophical beauty I live for.

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

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Successful personal statement for economics at cambridge, successful personal statement for land economy at cambridge, successful personal statement for chemistry at oxford, successful personal statement for geography at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at oxford, successful personal statement for law at oxford, successful personal statement for classics at cambridge, successful personal statement for engineering at cambridge, successful personal statement for veterinary medicine at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychological and behavioural sciences at cambridge, successful personal statement for psychology at oxford, successful personal statement for history at oxford, successful personal statement for physics at oxford, successful personal statement for cambridge mathematics and physics, successful personal statement example for computer science at oxford, successful personal statement for english at cambridge, successful personal statement for oxford english language and literature, successful personal statement for medicine at oxford university, successful personal statement for modern languages at oxford, successful personal statement for engineering at oxford, successful personal statement for natural sciences (biological) at cambridge, successful personal statement for economics & management at oxford, successful personal statement for ppe at oxford, successful personal statement for law at cambridge, successful personal statement for dentistry at king’s college london, successful personal statement for medicine at cambridge.

Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

The statement is well written, and the student clearly demonstrates their passion for philosophy, as well as their motivation for pursuing further study of it, and something of a personal journey through which their philosophical thinking has developed. The discussion of the nature of philosophical thought ties nicely into their own motivation to study philosophy. The statement shows their broad philosophical education, as well as indicating a strong self-motivating passion for learning (in a much more subtle manner than simply stating that they are self-motivated), as much of this education is in the form of private study. Acceptance to the prestigious seminar is an impressive achievement, and the student is right to stress this, and the ‘unprecedented’ effect it had on their philosophical activity.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The statement is vague in what it terms ‘philosophy’; though the student clearly has an interest in some vague notion of ‘human nature’, they don’t narrow down exactly what they wish to study at university (philosophy being such a broad subject that quite a bit of specialisation is necessary). The time spent listing impressive works that they had read would have been better invested in mentioning just one (or even just one subject that they had read around) that had particularly affected them and expanding on it. Similarly, they could have expanded further on the experience of the seminar (how it affected their philosophical thinking, new ideas encountered while there, etc.), rather than listing the respected philosophers they had met. The grammar is, at points, questionable, indicating the statement required closer proofreading prior to being submitted.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This statement is very strong; it conveys a rare passion for the subject and, more importantly, a passion that has been actively pursued in the student’s own time. It could, however, benefit from a little more specificity regarding their thoughts on specific readings, and from reading less like a list of books and philosophers. Overall, the statement reads like an intriguing personal philosophical work.

This Personal Statement for Philosophy is a great example of demonstrating passion which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Cambridge, these Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

There are plenty more successful personal statements and expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Cambridge Philosophy application.

With our Cambridge Philosophy Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal Statement , score highly on the PAA and teach you how to Interview effectively .

Discover our Cambridge Philosophy Premium Programme by clicking the button below to enrol and triple your chances of success.

UniAdmissions students placed at Oxford And Cambridge

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

Ai writing & ucas personal statements: what you need to know.

When it comes to writing in the 2020s, AI-Generation has become one of the most important issues for many industries,…

Oxbridge Personal Statements: A Complete Teacher’s Guide

As a teacher, you will support students with their UCAS Personal Statements every year, but what about Personal Statements for…

UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

On January 12th 2023, UCAS announced that the traditional Personal Statement would be replaced by a multi-question form for university…

Writing an Economics and Management Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we…

Successful Personal Statement For Computer Science At Oxford

Read through a successful Computer Science Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why…

What Are The Lowest Entry Requirements For Medicine?

With so many Medical Schools it is inevitable that some will offer lower entry requirements than others. But what are…

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

We cracked the Oxbridge formula . Find out what we discovered here.
Looking for application support? Don't work with a random tutor. This is what you need to know first.
Get up-to-date Oxbridge advice with our webinars. Follow our Open Days led by our experts and stay updated.
Begin your Oxbridge journey with UniAdmissions through our programmes of support by clicking here.

Personal Statement Starter Guide

We have developed an 80-page E-Book filled with expert Personal Statement Advice. Inside, you’ll find guides on planning and writing your personal statement, as well as our full collection of 25+ Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements.

Get it directly to your inbox by registering your email.

How would you like to speak to an Admissions Consultant?

Student Good Guide

The best UK online resource for students

Philosophy Personal Statement

The following philosophy personal statement example should be used as a guide only. When applying to your dream university in the UK, write a personal statement to match your profile for the programme you are applying for.

Philosophy Personal Statement Example

As a recent graduate of Wycombe Abbey School, I have a strong foundation in the liberal arts and a passion for philosophy. I have always been fascinated by the big questions that philosophy grapples with, such as the nature of reality, the limits of human knowledge, and the principles of morality.

I have had the opportunity to explore these topics in depth through my coursework at Wycombe Abbey, and have found that studying philosophy has sharpened my critical thinking skills and has taught me how to approach complex problems in a systematic and logical way.

In college, I hope to continue my studies in philosophy and delve even deeper into these fascinating questions. I believe that studying philosophy will not only provide me with a broad and well-rounded education but will also equip me with the critical thinking skills that are necessary for success in any field.

I am particularly interested in exploring the connections between philosophy and other disciplines, such as psychology and neuroscience. I believe that a better understanding of the human mind and how it works can shed light on some of the most fundamental philosophical questions.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am also an avid reader and a passionate writer. I enjoy reading a wide range of literature, from classic philosophical texts to contemporary fiction. I have also been involved in my school’s literary magazine, where I have had the opportunity to develop my writing skills and share my love of literature with others.

I am excited about the prospect of continuing my studies in philosophy at the university level and I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I will be able to achieve my goals and make the most of this exciting opportunity.

Tips For Philosophy Personal Statement

As a additional help, follow our writing tips for philosophy personal statement:

Start by brainstorming and outlining your ideas to organise your thoughts and create a clear structure for your statement.
Keep your personal statement focused on your passion for philosophy and how studying it will benefit your academic and professional goals.
Use specific examples from your coursework, extracurricular activities, and life experiences to illustrate your passion for philosophy and your potential as a student.
Avoid using overly complex language or philosophical jargon, and instead, aim for clear and concise writing that is easy to understand.
Proofread your statement carefully to ensure that it is free of spelling and grammar errors, and have someone else review it as well to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
Be authentic and genuine in your writing, and avoid trying to impress the admissions committee with pretentious language or overblown claims.
Use your personal statement to showcase your unique perspective and interests, and to demonstrate why you are a good fit for the programme and the university.

Personal Statement Examples

Animal Science Personal Statement Examples
Anthropology personal statement examples
Statistics Personal Statements
PPE Oxford Personal Statement Example
Classics Personal Statement Examples
Theology Personal Statement Examples
Physics Personal Statement Examples
Chemical Engineering personal statement examples
Oncology Personal Statement Examples
Psychiatry Personal Statement Examples
Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example
History Personal Statement Examples
Veterinary Personal Statement Examples For University
Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples
User Experience Design Personal Statement Example
Finance Personal Statement Examples
Neuroscience Personal Statement Examples
Graphic Design Personal Statement Examples
Film Production Personal Statement Examples
Events Management Personal Statement Examples
Counselling Personal Statement Examples
Forensic Science Personal Statement Examples
Children’s Nursing Personal Statement Examples
Chemistry Personal Statement Examples
Sports Science Personal Statement Examples
Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Quantity Surveying Personal Statement Examples
Social Work Personal Statement Examples
Physiotherapy Personal Statement Examples
Journalism Personal Statement Examples
English Literature Personal Statement Examples
Marketing Personal Statement Examples
Computer Science Personal Statement Examples
Fashion Marketing Personal Statement Examples
Dietetic Personal Statement Examples
Product Design Personal Statement Examples
Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Examples
Geography Personal Statement Examples
Business Management Personal Statement Examples

Top Tips for a Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

Cambridge philosophy personal statement – top 10 tips: dos and don’ts .

The Cambridge Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application. It presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. You would be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are, providing a platform to bounce off questions during your interview.

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. To guide you through the arduous university application process, our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement tips– do’s and don’ts– for your Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle.

personal statement for philosophy degree

General Philosophy Personal Statement Advice

Philosophy is a course that would be exciting for students who enjoy arguments on the benefits and disadvantages of a wide-reaching range of issues. Ideal candidates would be students who enjoy rigorous thought and are interested in the basis of knowledge, the foundation of value and political theory, as well as the nature of cognition, consciousness, and reason.

In your philosophy personal statement, Cambridge tutors are looking for you to clearly demonstrate your interest in academic rigour and thought, as well as the fields outlined above. Furthermore, when planning out your personal statement, make sure you research Cambridge’s achievements in Philosophy and include it in your writing to illustrate your interest in Philosophy.

Additionally, When creating your Cambridge personal statement, understandably you’ll be applying to four other University courses which may result in your statement being vaguer. The University of Cambridge is aware of such. It will require you to fill out an ‘Online Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)’ shortly after submitting the UCAS application, so make sure you’ve created another condensed version of your Philosophy personal statement that you can submit to Cambridge.

Top 5 Tips for Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

1. demonstrate why you are a good match for philosophy.

The traits that would make up a good philosophy student would be vastly different from the desirable traits of students from other courses. For example, some unique traits that they would be looking out for students who are capable of critical thinking, and those who enjoy rigorous analysis. Being open-minded is also crucial and in your philosophy personal statement, Cambridge is looking out for students who are able to consider new perspectives. Try and demonstrate how you display these traits in your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement. You can do so by explaining a specific experience that you had in the past and reflecting on how it has equipped with these desirable qualities.

2. Be well-read in philosophy or related fields

Philosophy is a subject that heavily focuses on human thought and the basis of knowledge. Hence, an ideal philosophy student would be well-read, both because they have a natural thirst for knowledge, and also because being well-informed or deeply versed would equip you with unique perspectives when pursuing your degree. Also, remember when writing your philosophy personal statement, Cambridge is definitely looking out for students who are well-read, and this is evident even on their page outlining the course. You definitely don’t need to be an expert (after all, you are going to university to study philosophy), but you should definitely do some preliminary reading. You can access their recommended reading list through their webpage: Cambridge Philosophy . Beyond that of reading, podcasts, documentaries, or even short news articles are a great way to kickstart your journey in being more deeply versed in literature and a wide range of perspectives. You can incorporate these various forms of mediums into your everyday lifestyle, such as watching a documentary instead of your usual TV series or listening to a podcast instead of your usual playlist on your way home from school.

3. Hone your ability to think outside the box

Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it, check it and check it again! Any mistakes in your Philosophy personal statement could count against your application. Spelling and grammar checking software will do most of the work but don’t rely on it completely, as it doesn’t pick up everything. These kinds of mistakes are really common, so don’t assume you won’t make them.

4. Structure your Philosophy personal statement well to enhance readability

Especially when you are trying to convey a huge range of ideas in your Cambridge personal statement, or to explain your story and why you are a good fit for philosophy at Cambridge, it can be difficult to communicate it in the way you intended. Hence, sticking to a good structure would help you convey your thoughts better. For example, in your personal statement, you should explore your philosophy interests. Do you have a topic that deeply intrigues you and is the beginning of your exposure to this field? You can then spend later paragraphs explaining how you explored this interest, through concrete experiences and actions, such as that of reading or participating in conferences and competitions. You can then conclude by summarising your points and ending them with an impactful statement.

5. Starting early and getting people around you or seniors to proofread your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement

Especially when we are explaining our personal story or beliefs, we might not be the best judge of our own work as we might not be objective about it. Hence, it would be good to get seniors you know who are currently pursuing philosophy at Cambridge to proofread your work and provide feedback. Even if you do not know of such seniors, getting friends or family to proofread your work can also provide valuable feedback on readability! Don’t share your Philosophy personal statement in case it gets plagiarised by someone else. Furthermore, starting early would be extremely helpful and you would be thankful when completing your applications. If you are finding yourself to be in a slump or having writer’s block, start by listing out all your experiences and interests, then create a separate list of good qualities of philosophy students, and finally a list of what the philosophy course at Cambridge is about. You can match your experiences and interests to the qualities and details of the course, and slowly flesh out paragraphs to start. Once you complete your draft, it would also be good to leave and come back to it a week later with a fresh mind.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

1. sacrificing readability over conciseness.

It can be tempting, predominantly for a course such as Philosophy, to fill and embellish your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement with difficult vocabulary or unconventional words. However, if you are not used to such language, do not feel pressured to decorate your Cambridge personal statement with a fancy vocabulary. This is because when reading your personal statement, philosophy tutors may find it difficult to understand what you’re really trying to say. Imagine this– tutors would get through hundreds of applicants per day. Similarly to getting through articles or academic journals full of jargon you are unfamiliar with, it would be tough for tutors to focus on what you are trying to communicate if you use too difficult vocabulary. The first and foremost aim of your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement is for the reader to understand what you are trying to convey, and sometimes fancy vocabulary gets in the way of that. Prioritise conciseness and readability, and sometimes simple language, especially when you are trying to describe complex topics, is best for that!

2. Be afraid to admit that you don’t know something

You are going to university to learn and to study for the degree after all. Although it is a plus point for you to be well-read and thoughtful, Cambridge tutors definitely don’t expect 18 or 19 years old to know everything there is to know. In fact, admitting that you don’t know something, but still being able to apply first principles and logic to a foreign topic, could be advantageous to you. Tutors consider it impressive when they encounter a student who recognises the complexity and difficulty of philosophical issues.

3. Think that there is a right answer or a fixed answer to any problem

Especially in a course like philosophy, Cambridge tutors are looking for students who are able to have an open-minded view on things. For example, students who are able to challenge a well-respected or widely accepted view whilst displaying sound logic, or being able to defend a view in exceptional circumstances and grey areas, would be ideal candidates for the course. Try not to be fixed in your views, even if you strongly believe in something– you can have an opinion or belief in a topic or idea, but that also still leaves space for the understanding and acceptance of other views.

4. Writing an essay on a school of thought instead of a Cambridge personal statement

Especially for a course such as philosophy, when explaining a particular school of thought, you could end up writing a personal statement that looks like an argumentative essay instead. Remember to keep the focus of the Cambridge Philosophy personal statement– explaining why YOU are a good fit for the philosophy course at Cambridge. Cambridge admissions tutors would be familiar with any philosophy you are trying to explain, and they are not reading a textbook or to learn a new perspective on it– they are looking to learn about you.

5. Only expect to have one draft of your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement

Your first draft will never be your best draft. When planning your timeline for your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement, always factor in time to allow multiple drafts to be completed. It is also important to not leave it to the last minute. This is because it would show in the quality of your work, and tutors would be able to tell if it is rushed. Furthermore, you might miss out on relevant experiences because you were not able to remember them in time.

→What is a Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

A Cambridge Philosophy personal statement is a document that applicants to the University of Cambridge’s Philosophy program submit as part of their application. The personal statement allows applicants to showcase their academic background, relevant experiences, and motivation for studying Philosophy at Cambridge.

→What should I include in my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

Your personal statement should highlight your academic background and relevant experiences, as well as your motivation for studying Philosophy at Cambridge. You should also demonstrate your critical thinking skills, ability to analyze complex issues, and passion for philosophical inquiry.

→What kind of experiences should I include in my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

You should include experiences that demonstrate your interest in and preparation for studying Philosophy at Cambridge. This can include relevant coursework, research projects, internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities that showcase your passion for philosophical inquiry.

→How long should my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement be?

Cambridge University recommends that your personal statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters, or about 500 words. It is important to be concise and focus on the most relevant and compelling aspects of your experience and qualifications.

→What qualities are Cambridge Philosophy admissions looking for in applicants?

Cambridge Philosophy admissions are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong academic record, critical thinking skills, creativity, and a genuine interest in philosophical inquiry. They also value experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

→What is the interview process like for Cambridge Philosophy?

The interview process for Cambridge Philosophy typically involves a one-on-one interview with a faculty member or admissions officer. The interview will focus on your academic background, personal statement, and motivation for studying Philosophy at Cambridge. It may also include questions about your understanding of the field and your interest in specific areas of study.

→How important is the personal statement in the Cambridge Philosophy admissions process?

The personal statement is an important part of the Cambridge Philosophy admissions process, as it provides admissions officers with insights into your academic background, experiences, and motivation for studying Philosophy. It is an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and strengths as an applicant.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Advice and feedback from our expert tutors on writing a standout personal statement

Prepare for your interview with the help of our expert Oxbridge tutors, who will personalise your sessions according to university and college

This comprehensive course includes tutorials, sample scenarios and model answers and award-winning strategies!

FREE Applying to Oxbridge Course
FREE Applying to Law Course
FREE Applying to Medicine Course
FREE Oxbridge Admissions Test Past Papers

Contributors
Valuing Black Lives
Black Issues in Philosophy
Blog Announcements
Climate Matters
Genealogies of Philosophy
Graduate Student Council (GSC)
Graduate Student Reflection
Into Philosophy
Member Interviews
On Congeniality
Philosophy as a Way of Life
Philosophy in the Contemporary World
Precarity and Philosophy
Recently Published Book Spotlight
Starting Out in Philosophy
Syllabus Showcase
Teaching and Learning Video Series
Undergraduate Philosophy Club
Women in Philosophy
Diversity and Inclusiveness
Issues in Philosophy
Public Philosophy
Work/Life Balance
Submissions
Journal Surveys
APA Connect

Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement?

As the graduate adviser for my department’s terminal MA program at NIU, I answer a lot of questions about applying to PhD programs in philosophy. I feel pretty confident about my answers to most of them. But there is one question about which I don’t feel confident at all:

What should I say in my personal statement?

Departmental websites tend to be pretty vague about what they’re looking for in this part of the application. “[I]f you can tell us a bit more about your background and interests, this information might be helpful,” Yale advises. Rutgers asks for “a short essay on why you are interested in applying to your program.” These instructions are pretty representative.

Since now is the time of year when prospective applicants start to worry about these things, I thought it would be useful to share the general advice I give in response to this question, and find out how it squares with the expectations and experiences of the people reading them. If it’s terrible advice, I’d like to know! And if it’s good advice, it seems worth sharing with others. So, here goes:

This should be your guiding principle. A great personal statement is unlikely to make the difference between your application being accepted and being rejected, but a terrible personal statement might result in a borderline application being moved to the reject pile. People on admissions committees will pay significantly closer attention to your writing sample, grades, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Taking risks in your writing sample can pay off; taking risks in your personal statement is unlikely to help and may very well hurt.

Be concise and substantive

Less than one double-spaced page is probably too short; anything more than three full double-spaced pages is probably too long. Don’t waste time on platitudes about how much you love philosophy, how deeply you cherish the life of the mind, what a privilege it would be to join the department at X, etc. Everybody reading your statement already assumes those things are true. Why else would you be applying to their program? Make each sentence count; don’t make your reader feel like she has to work to get to the point.

Be specific, but non-committal, about your interests

Describe your philosophical interests honestly, intelligently, and in specific terms. Don’t just say you’re interested in epistemology (for example); say what problems or topics in epistemology interest you and why. If you can, show you know something about what is going on in the field, talk about your best paper or conference presentation on relevant questions, and describe some issues and arguments you’d like to work on further. If you wrote a thesis that lays a groundwork for future research, it can be good to describe it. But don’t give the impression that you already know what you’re going to argue in your dissertation. You’ll have two years of coursework and probably another year or two of guided research before your dissertation topic is even settled. Departments aren’t interested in applicants who don’t think they have anything to learn .

Show you’ve done your homework, but only if you really have

If there is a particular researcher or group you’re excited about at the department, talk about this. But only do this if your excitement is based on real knowledge of what those folks are actually doing — ideally knowledge acquired by reading their work, seeing them give talks, having conversations with them, talking with your own professors, etc. Do not just copypaste the names of all the people who work in your areas from the department website and proclaim your excitement about working with them. This makes you look like a bullshitter. In my experience, students invest the most time and energy into trying to sell their interests as a good fit to the most prestigious, competitive departments to which they’re applying. This is not an unreasonable strategy, but I think you can expect more bang for your homework buck by researching the departments that may not be your top choices. Just about everybody applying to NYU with an interest in metaphysics is going to talk about Kit Fine; you won’t stand out by showing off what you know about his work on vagueness or grounding. There are brilliant philosophers doing fascinating, exciting work at all of the departments you’re likely to consider, even the places you might think of as your “safety” schools. You can make a great impression by showing that you’re familiar with what’s going on at somewhat lower-prestige programs, and evincing genuine enthusiasm about them.

If you have a compelling history or relevant personal background, mention it, but don’t disclose too much

If you’ve had to overcome significant hurdles to make it where you are today, it can be helpful to tell your story (briefly). If there is some cool, interesting, memorable element of your personal history, feel free to work it into the statement. (I still remember the applicant who grew up in a travelling circus!) If you have a non-standard background — you’re in the midst of changing careers or fields, you aren’t currently enrolled in a philosophy degree program, or you didn’t graduate from one within the last few years — say what led you to philosophy and how your background prepares you to succeed in graduate school.

However, be cautious about disclosing too much personal information. I’ve read statements from applicants describing their struggles with addiction, eating disorders, mental health problems, appearances before disciplinary boards, family troubles, and run-ins with the law. Personally, I am drawn to people who have dealt with these kinds of struggles, so these stories tend to make me like the applicants more. But that attitude is not universally shared! There are some tricky moral and legal issues here, but you should avoid giving the admissions committee reason to worry that you are going to have trouble completing the program, or become a “problem” student.

On the other hand, if your personal situation is directly relevant to the academic work you want to do, it would probably be helpful to talk about it. So, for example, if you want to work on the philosophy of disability, and you have a disability, it would probably be helpful to discuss how your own experience as a person with a disability has shaped this interest, if it has. But even in a case like this, you would do well to talk with a trusted advisor, preferably someone who is also writing one of your recommendation letters, when thinking about how to frame your personal story. Unless they are directly relevant to your interests, avoid discussion of your political views or religious beliefs (and even if they are, err on the side of caution).

Unless it’s major, avoid the temptation to explain any weaknesses in your application

Perhaps your Verbal GRE score is low. Though many philosophers say that they do not care about GRE scores, my inductive evidence strongly suggests that many do. A poor GRE score is likely to hurt your chances, at least at some programs. But attempting to explain this problem away in your personal statement (“I have always struggled with standardized tests…”) is almost certainly not going to help. Moreover, it may hurt by calling attention to something the people reading your application may not have been worried about before. One exception to this piece of advice is when there is a major problem with your academic record; e.g., if you got terrible grades in most of your classes one semester because of a medical emergency or family tragedy. Then it is worth explaining the situation briefly, again keeping in mind the advice above about not disclosing too much. If you can, you should discuss how to discuss major issues like this with your recommendation letter writers. The assurances they can provide in their letters that the issue does not reflect your abilities or current situation may be more valuable than your own.

Miscellania: be professional but humble; be polished; don’t be cutesy

You should come across as an early career academic, a self-driven grown-up who can be expected to meet the demands of an exacting program. You should not come across as someone who thinks they are the next Wittgenstein, or as someone who regards themselves as an academic peer with the people reading your application. Don’t refer to your professors or those at the program by their first names, even if you know them and would do so in person; be deferential and respectful. Keep in mind that whatever else it does, your personal statement provides further evidence about your writing skills, so ask at least one person who is a good writer to carefully proofread your statement. Don’t be jokey, self-deprecating, or overly clever. Remember the guiding principle: do no harm.

Don’t mention your two-or-more-body problem

It’s best not to call attention to the fact that your ultimate decision about where to attend graduate school will depend in part upon your significant other’s (or others’) decisions, even if this is true. (This is the piece of advice I am least confident about.)

These are only meant as general guidelines. I am certain that some applicants have been helped by personal statements that violate all of them! And as I said before, I’m not especially confident in them: they seem plausible, and the people I’ve asked about them tend to agree, but it is hard to know. I’m quite interested to hear what others think.

Let us know in the comments section below!

Geoff Pynn is associate professor of philosophy at Northern Illinois University, where he has been the graduate adviser for the department’s terminal MA program since 2011.

applications
editor; Michaela Maxwell
Grad School
Graduate School
Personal Statements

Nominations are open for apa leadership positions, i am a teacher, not a job trainer: a philosophy teacher pushes back, enlivening the public discourse with ram neta, women and philosophy on wikipedia, a bright diversity idea from naomi zack.

Having served on grad admissions at two places, this seems to me to be excellent advice. I agree with every bit of it. One small thing, just strengthening one of the points you make: be very careful about how/if you “name names” regarding who you might be interested in working with.

There are errors on the side of over-inclusion: you mention people who (a) are never around or are not taking on new students or are leaving, or (b) are not really working on the topics you are in interested in any more. Knowing either (a) or (b) can require a lot of very current local knowledge, and while you can’t be blamed for not having it, it can make us worry about your interest/fit in the program if it turns out (a) or (b) is the situation.

And there are errors on the side of under-inclusion: you don’t mention people who (c) are working in the area and (d) might be offended (we all have our frail egos…) not to be mentioned and who might be reading your file. You can sometimes be blamed for not knowing (c), but not always, if people’s interests don’t align perfectly with what they have already published, etc.

All of this makes it kind of dicey to name people, rather than areas. And I don’t see much upside to “naming names,” given that you shouldn’t get so much credit for being able to identify who works on what topics…

Programs want people who are likely to succeed in completing their graduate work on time and getting hired in the profession. But if you eat, drink and sleep philosophy you’ll come across as someone who is not well-rounded, or, worse, as someone who is unbalanced! So, mention (one sentence will do) other interests: from cooking to camping to children–DO mention that you compete in chili cook-offs, or go camping and forage for wild edibles, or volunteer at the local library to read books at storytime on Saturday mornings. Hobbies and non-academic interests show that you are a well-rounded human being, not some nut case who is seeking nirvana through the study of Nietzsche.

Dr. Pynn, thank you for the thoughtful comments on preparing a statement of purpose. As you are in the position of interacting with students both applying to enter MA programs as well as students moving on to PhD programs, I’m curious: Would your advice remain the same for students writing statements of purpose directed at MA programs, or would you tweak any of your emphases above?

Hi Connor, good question. I would say in general for MA applicants it is less important to have a detailed and specific statement describing your interests than it is for a doctoral program, but that may vary from program to program (some departments, eg Georgia State, have fellowships reserved for people working in specific areas, and if I were applying to such a program and had the relevant interests, I would definitely play that up in my statement). But speaking just about us, everyone will be required to take a broad range of courses, which we expect them to approach with equal gusto across the board, and there is no thesis requirement, so you aren’t going to develop any long term research relationships with your professors here. So while evincing some familiarity with the general thrust of our department (contemporary “analytic” philosophy, faculty who work in epistemology, ethics, language, metaphysics, and philosophy of science) and expressing an interest in stuff within that broad purview is good, we aren’t worried about whether your interests align with the research interests of our faculty. Hence concerns about “fit” are somewhat less important for us.

On all the other points I would say yes, my advice remains the same.

What a great article I have found finally, dear author, thank you very much for it! And I would like to add that not so long ago I was looking for some im personal statement for graduate school, but unfortunately I have not found it in the internet at all. And that is why I am really very happy that now I have seen your very helpful and well structured article. And please do not stop to write them, because I am completely sure that they can help to many of other people who are looking for some help as well as me!

The best of your ideas can come to your mind when you are not sitting in front of your computer and that is very much required to make your mind fresh at times because if you pay someone to write personal statements so you need to know that what is inside if that content and how that content is going to content is going to help you.

Dear author, I want to apply to grad school in a year’s time for a doctorates in Psychology. In many cases, the universities I am considering mention a personal statement – one of them even has a topic for an essay in the application that is about your personal background. I have experienced (personally) the speciality I want to go into – it is quite personal, therefore I shall not name it, but I think you can guess in what direction I am going. Should I mention it in my statement? It is very personal information and I am afraid that it would make a less attractive applicant. What do you think?

Posts You May Enjoy

Medusa: an undergraduate journal of feminist philosophy, property and contract are dead. long live economic rights, a drama for the sages, the mystery of consciousness shows there may be a limit to..., open access in the humanities: what is open access, interdisciplinarity in practice: directing a gender studies program, referee reports: a beginner’s guide.

Preparing for Philosophy at University: Reading, Personal Statement and Oxbridge Interview Questions

Philosophy university applications.

Philosophy is an absolutely fascinating subject to explore at university. It allows for the study of the evolution of human thought, the basis of knowledge and the theory that underpins our political structures. Its relevance is applicable to topical societal debates from the definition of gender, to what constitutes personhood, encouraging passionate discussion. Philosophy requires rigorous analytical thought that develops your ability to root out underlying assumptions and deconstruct arguments developing skills useful for many professions.

Reading Around Philosophy - How and Why

If you are aiming to apply for the best UK Universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, it is crucial that reading makes up a large portion of your preparation for the application process. Analysis of your reading should be incorporated throughout your philosophy personal statement, and be used as evidence in your potential Oxbridge philosophy interviews.

Your philosophy personal statement should incorporate an engaging overview of your reading, and your thoughts and opinion on the texts. Make sure you don’t include an exhaustive list of texts without analysis (name-dropping), and on the other side, refrain from turning your personal statement into an essay on texts you have read. Keep some texts up your sleeve to bring up at interview (if applicable) rather than mentioning everything you have read in your personal statement

Make notes as you read of anything you find interesting as well as a summary of each book; this will help you to remember its contents and save you loads of time when you come writing your personal statement, preparing for interview etc.

Discuss your reading with a parent or friend; this can help you clarify what you thought of it and ensure that you can speak confidently about it

Philosophy Reading Suggestions - What to Read

The Cambridge Philosophy reading list is a great place to start. You could also try Peter Singer’s Practical Ethics and Volker Halbach’s The Logic Manual . Try working through the first few chapters of Halbach if you have the time as this will expose you to formal logic and would certainly impress an interviewer.

Other Interesting Books

Peter Singer’s Practical Ethics offers an accessible introduction to practical ethics which explores complex social problems from euthanasia to discrimination

Simone De Beauvoir The Second Sex considers human history through a feminist lens

Jean-Paul Sartre’s Existentialism and Humanism offers a short explanation of existentialist thought that offers a starting point for critical debate of modern philosophy

Bell Hooks: Ain’t I A Woman: Black Women and Feminism fascinatingly examines how prejudice operates at the intersection of race and sex for Black Women

Beyond the Library: Non-Text Preparation Suggestions for University Philosophy

Remember to look beyond the literary in your preparation! Your exploration into philosophy can take many forms – seek out videos, educational podcasts, lectures, essay competitions – anything that caters to your interests and specialities.

Events/ Talks

We recommend looking up talks in your area (or online) as they can be a hugely beneficial way of delving into subject areas beyond your syllabus and igniting your interests. In London, The New College of Humanities often hosts engaging talks by AC Grayling. Also check out Gresham College’s lectures: https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch/?subcat=philosophy .

Podcasts/YouTube Videos

AC Grayling - What We Now Know about Science, History and the Mind (Youtube)

Noam Chomsky – Cambridge Union Address (Youtube)

In Our Time: Philosophy

The Partially Examined Life

Watching debates on YouTube can be very helpful - try Sam Harris who also has a fantastic podcast ( https://samharris.org/podcast/ ). Aim to adopt his rational, logical style of arguing

Topical Issues in Philosophy

These are a few example key topics and debates philosophers are thinking about at the moment. Undertake your own research and try to add to the list!:

Feminist Philosophy – questions such as what is gender? Should surrogacy be treated as economic labour?

Artificial Intelligence – considers how AI effects our conceptions of knowledge, consciousness and free will

Euthanasia – practical ethics incorporates moral discussion around euthanasia

Some Philosophers You Might Want to Be Aware Of

Descartes – heralded as the first modern philosopher, his theory of metaphysics is essential to the study of philosophy

John Stuart Mill – developed the ethical theory of Utilitarianism and contributed significantly to political theory

Immanuel Kant – his works span epistemology, ethics and metaphysics. Modern philosophy is sometimes referred to as Post-Kantian revealing how expansive his influence has been

What to Include in Your Philosophy Personal Statement

The personal statement is just one of the many things that universities look at, alongside all the other elements of your application profile. A great personal statement won’t get you in, but a bad one can certainly count you out. It is important to give the tutors a springboard into conversation at interview if applying for Oxbridge.

Write in simple, straightforward, everyday English. Express yourself as succinctly as possible using short sentences. Do not get weighed down in jargon or complicated terminology – us it properly if you do

We recommend ~500 words, 3/4 paragraphs and 1 very short paragraph on extracurriculars at the end, mostly relating to the course. The function of this paragraph is to show that you are a real person with interests outside academia. It is not a factor in their assessment of you as a prospective applicant. Use it as an opportunity to add colour to you as an individual, rather than to brag about getting sports colours or being a prefect; make it quirky, interesting and unique

In the subject paragraphs, do not try to tell any form of grand narrative about either you or the subject e.g. “the first moment I realised I wanted to study Philosophy was” or even “Philosophy is the most important subject because”; these come across as pompous and insincere

It is a common misconception that you need to include lots of books in your personal statement: only include them if you have read them and the specific thing mentioned is highly relevant to your point, or it had a large bearing on your interest in the subject. It is much better to simply write about the ideas, concepts and theories that have captured your attention through your work at school and how you’ve explored them in your own reading

Ensure that you offer your own opinion on the things you’ve read. If you disagree with a philosopher then say so, but remember: the tutor might have spent his/her entire career studying that particular philosopher and might think she is the best thing since sliced bread so support your disagreement rationally and be prepared to justify in more detail at interview

What is an Oxbridge Philosophy interview like?

This is often regarded as the most daunting element of the whole Oxbridge admissions process, but if approached in the right way this can be a (relatively) stress free and even possibly enjoyable experience(!) Interviews may include discussion of:

Your application (personal statement, any submitted work). You might be asked to expand on things mentioned in your personal statement, so make sure you feel comfortable talking about everything you’ve said in more depth

A recent book you have enjoyed

Topical issues in philosophy

Hypothetical scenarios: One Oxford Philosophy applicant (Applying for PPE), was asked to discuss the possibility of a machine thinking - the tutors tried to think of scenarios where the student’s views were inconsistent and probe into their reasoning process

Logical problems: You may be given a logical problem to consider to examine the process of your thinking. How did you get to your answer? What assumptions have you made? Where might there be ambiguities?

Ethical questions e.g. If we had an obligation not to kill animals, would we also have an obligation to intervene to prevent a predator attacking its prey?

Abstract/ theoretical questions e.g. “Why do we care about you having a stable identity that continues over time?”

Thought experiments

Questions on a passage from a text

This list is not exhaustive – every interview is different, and may include a myriad of different formats of question.

A Few Example Oxbridge Philosophy Interview Questions to Practice

If you lost a leg, would you be the same person?

To what extent are you determined by your DNA, your upbringing, your cultural norms?

‘It may be bad taste to commit genocide in a computer game, but it is no more wrong than it would be right to alleviate world poverty in a computer game.’ Do you agree?

How you prepare is entirely up to you – all you can do is explore, read, and practise verbalising responses to example questions as much as possible in the lead-up! Find things you enjoy, demonstrate your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the subject at interview, and you’ll be on the right track for success.

By Elspeth (U2 Philosophy and Theology Tutor - Trinity College, Oxford Graduate)

Are You Applying For Philosophy as a Single Honours or Joint Honours Course at Oxbridge?

Oxbridge philosophy tutoring.

U2 offers ad hoc sessions as well as wider Oxbridge Mentoring programmes ( book a free consultation to discuss options). We have a great team of Oxbridge-educated Philosophy tutors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest a Philosophy graduate as a tutor and send their full CV for review. Our tutors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Philosophy at the University of Oxford and Cambridge, and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation, the entrance exam (if applicable) and interview process. We have tutors from the straight Cambridge Philosophy course, as well as Joint Honours tutors in French and Philosophy, PPE, PPL etc.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour informal assessment/ taster session , where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level at for application, including test and interview. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Philosophy application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview. Tutors ensure each student refines their interests within Philosophy, and is exposed to a range of approaches and new concepts, guiding students in their reading and wider subject exploration. Together, we build a case for the student, exploring their special interests in the subject and honing skills for the admissions test if applicable.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , our Philosophy Summer School and Oxbridge mock interview days. Oxbridge tutoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from and be inspired by some extraordinary academic minds. We would be delighted to support you through what can be a challenging, but hugely rewarding process.

Sessions from £75/h.

Preparing for Theology at University: Reading, Personal Statement and Oxbridge Interview Questions

Applying for music at oxbridge: the course, and how to craft a standout music personal statement.

Telephone Tel: +44 (0) 20 7499 2394
Email Email: [email protected]

Strategic Guidance

Private Oxbridge Consultation
International Oxbridge Consultation
Postgraduate Applications Guidance
Book a Complimentary Call

Comprehensive Support

The Premier Service
Oxford and Cambridge Interview Preparation Weekend

Targeted Support

Oxbridge Personal Statement Support
Oxbridge Admissions Test Support
Oxbridge Interview Preparation Support

Application Guidance

‘Aspiring to Oxbridge’ School Talk
Teacher Training Workshop
Individual Guidance Consultations

Personal Statement Support

Personal Statement Group Workshop
Personal Statement Consultations

Admissions Test Preparation

Admissions Test Day
Admissions Test Course

Interview Preparation

Interview Preparation Day
Interview Preparation Course

Free Library

Oxbridge Interview Resources
Admissions Tests Resources
Student Library
Teacher Library
Keeping You Current
Webinar Library

Our Publications

Course reports, oxbridge applications.

Become A Tutor
Our Offices
Dukes Education

News & Press

Widening Access
Publications
Sign In Register
Sign In Register

Download a Philosophy Personal Statement

This Oxbridge Philosophy personal statement demonstrates strengths and weaknesses which are broken down in annotation. She was asked about the statement at interview, as were 64% of applicants last year – see our Personal statement tips in The Independent which talk about how your personal statement must act as a springboard for interview at Oxford or Cambridge.

Login To View

To continue reading this page, please Log in. If you do not have an account with us then simply Register now

Pardon Our Interruption

As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen:

You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser.
You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed.
You've disabled cookies in your web browser.
A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article .

To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page.

Find a Person
For EMS Faculty & Staff
Community Resources

Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by:

Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam;
Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;
Formal dissertation proposal; and
Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

Free Al Office Suite with PDF Editor

Edit Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE.

Read, edit, and convert PDFs with the powerful PDF toolkit.

Microsoft-like interface, easy to use.

Windows • MacOS • Linux • iOS • Android

Articles of Word

Write a Teaching Philosophy Statement: Examples and Guide

As a writer, I constantly look for ways to improve, and I found that connecting with other writers and building a community around collective growth is the best approach. In this community, we share our ideas and methods on effective writing, which helps everyone grow. Similarly, educators need to explain how they teach, especially when convincing an organization to hire them. They do this by telling their values, strategies, and effectiveness through a teaching philosophy statement. I understand that writing one is not easy, so here are some tips on how you can write an effective teaching philosophy statement.

Definition and Functions of a Teaching Philosophy Statement

Let me break down what a teaching philosophy is, its purpose and significance for teachers, and why it should be well-written. A teaching philosophy is a reflective statement that outlines a teacher's beliefs, values, and approaches to education. It serves as a guide for their teaching practices, helping to define their goals and methods in the classroom. A well-crafted teaching philosophy is crucial because it not only communicates the teacher's commitment and passion for education but also provides a clear framework for their instructional strategies, fostering a more effective and impactful learning environment.

What is Teaching Philosophy?

In short, a teaching philosophy is a reflective narrative that explains an educator's beliefs and approaches to teaching and learning. It details how they teach and provides justifications for their chosen methods.

What are the Purpose and Functions of a Teaching Philosophy Statement?

A teaching philosophy statement serves several critical functions:

Self-Reflection and Purpose: It demonstrates that the educator has thoughtfully considered their teaching practices and the underlying principles guiding them.

Communication of Goals: It articulates the educator's teaching objectives and how they translate these goals into classroom activities.

Integration: It connects and aligns the various elements of a teaching portfolio, providing a coherent narrative.

The primary purposes of a teaching philosophy statement include:

Application Requirement: Often required when applying for academic positions, it communicates the educator's teaching values, beliefs, and goals.

Quality Criteria: It establishes standards for evaluating the educator's teaching effectiveness.

Evidence of Effectiveness: It provides concrete evidence of the educator's success in teaching, through methods like peer reviews, student feedback, and teaching evaluations.

Key Components

A comprehensive teaching philosophy statement typically includes:

Educational Purpose and Learning Goals: Outlining the primary objectives for student learning.

Teaching Methods: Describing the strategies and techniques used to facilitate learning.

Assessment Methods: Detailing how student learning and teaching effectiveness are evaluated.

Additional Elements: May include a list of courses taught, sample syllabi, teaching evaluations, and letters of recommendation.

Teaching Values and Goals

Educators should clearly state their views on the ultimate goals of education, which may include:

Mastery of content

Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Promotion of self-directed and experiential learning

Encouragement of engaged citizenship and teamwork

Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

Effective teaching can be demonstrated through various forms of evidence, such as:

Peer reviews and observations

Student comments and ratings

Detailed portfolios and syllabi

Documentation of teaching activities and innovations

How to Write a Teaching Philosophy Statement (with Examples)

Understanding the purpose of a teaching philosophy statement is crucial before you start writing one, as this is what sets you apart from other applicants. Remember, when applying for a teaching position, you and your competitors are all likely qualified for the job. The final factor that could land you the position? A well-crafted teaching statement.

In this tutorial, we'll be using WPS AI to help us write an effective teaching philosophy statement. This AI tool will assist us in generating ideas and refining our thoughts throughout the process.

Let's explore how to write a teaching philosophy statement, along with a few teaching philosophy examples for professors.

Beginning/Introduction

As we begin writing our teaching statement, it's important to start with your personal experiences as a student. This approach provides a solid foundation for your philosophy. Here's how you can structure this part of your statement:

Reflect on your student experiences:

Think about your time at university or divinity school

Consider what methods and approaches resonated with you

Recall teachers who inspired you and why

Connect your past to your present:

Explain how these experiences shaped your teaching philosophy

Highlight the lessons you learned that you now apply in your own teaching

Align with your target institution:

Research the school or university you're applying to

Identify their values and teaching approach

Show how your philosophy aligns with their educational goals

Focus on relevance:

Ensure there's congruence between your experience and the position you're applying for

Avoid dwelling on experiences that don't directly relate to the role

Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive narrative that links your past experiences as a student to your current teaching philosophy and the institution you're applying to. This approach demonstrates self-reflection, growth, and intentionality in your teaching methods.

Keeping all these points in mind, let's write a draft introduction for your teaching philosophy.

Once you have prepared the draft, you can ask WPS AI to refine your introduction. It can help you refine it, shorten it, or make it a little longer. Let's look at the process of asking WPS AI to enhance our teaching philosophy.

Step 1: Use your mouse to select the draft you have written in WPS Writer.

Step 2: Once the text is selected, a hover menu will appear. Click on the "WPS AI" icon.

Step 3: A list of WPS AI options will appear. Click on "Improve Writing" to request WPS AI to work on your draft and improve any shortcomings.

Step 4: The improved version will be displayed in a small WPS AI window. To use the improved version, simply click on "Replace", or if you wish to make it better, click on "Rewrite”.

For the body of your teaching statement, it's important to list your ideologies. Describe what you think makes learning more effective and what strategies or steps you incorporate into your teaching techniques. Remember, teaching is not only about conveying concepts and hoping students will excel. It's about creating a classroom environment, equipping your students with the right skills and mindset to excel in the future, and much more. Let's ask WPS AI for more help on this.

Step 1: In WPS Writer, type "@AI" and press Enter to activate WPS AI assistant.

Step 2: Enter your prompt, e.g., "Generate ideas for a Teaching Philosophy Statement".

Step 3: WPS AI will suggest ideas; select those that resonate with your teaching style. Avoid overpromising; include ideas that genuinely define your approach.

Bonus: Provide a detailed prompt including your teaching ideas and techniques to help WPS AI generate ideas that align best with your philosophy.

Wrapping up your teaching philosophy statement effectively is crucial. It's your final chance to leave a lasting impression. Here's how to craft a strong conclusion:

Summarize your key philosophies

Reaffirm your passion for teaching

Connect your approach to the institution's goals

Look towards future growth and contributions

Now let's talk about writing a draft. After creating your draft, we can use WPS AI to help shorten it. In the WPS AI options, simply click on the "Make Shorter" option, and WPS AI will help you reduce the length of your conclusion.

General Guidelines:

Be mindful of the following guidelines while writing your teaching philosophy statement. They will help make it impactful and authentic:

Keep it concise:

Aim for 1-2 pages for hiring purposes; tenure-level statements may be longer. Ensure every sentence adds value and clarity to your philosophy.

Use a narrative, first-person approach:

Make it personal and reflective. Describe your experiences and beliefs in your own voice to convey authenticity.

Avoid jargon:

Use clear, accessible language. This ensures that readers from different backgrounds can understand your philosophy without being put off by technical terms.

Be sincere and unique:

Avoid clichés and demonstrate genuine passion for teaching. Highlight what makes your teaching style distinctive and effective.

Revise regularly:

Reflect on and update your teaching philosophy over time. As your experiences and insights grow, so should your teaching statement.

Avoid plagiarism:

Ensure that your teaching philosophy is entirely your own work. Plagiarizing others' statements undermines your integrity and can severely damage your professional reputation. Use your own experiences and reflections to craft your statement, and if you do reference others' ideas or quotes, be sure to cite them appropriately.

More Examples of Teaching Philosophy

I have written a sample Teaching Philosophy Statement to help you understand better what goes into a teaching philosophy statement.followed a structured approach to ensure it reflects my beliefs and practices accurately. I started by reflecting on my teaching experiences and identifying the core values that guide my approach to education. I considered the impact I aim to have on my students and how my teaching methods contribute to their learning. Additionally, I reviewed feedback from students and colleagues to identify strengths and areas for improvement in my teaching practices. By synthesizing these insights, I created a comprehensive and authentic statement that encapsulates my teaching philosophy.

Teaching Philosophy Statement Sample

1.Search Specific Details of Your Targeted University

When writing your teaching philosophy, learning more about the targeted university is always a great resource to write a more effective philosophy. You can be more specific, targeting the requirements of the university of choice, and hence increasing your chances.

A simple search on Google will help you gain information on the university of your choice. However, if you want to take it a step further, simply use AIPal for more in-depth research. AIPal is an excellent research assistant in the form of a Google Chrome extension. It helps refine Google searches by picking out only the right links related to your research.

And what's even better is its translation feature! With the help of AIPal, teachers can easily translate English to other languages, whether it be a phrase, paragraph, or even an entire webpage. With the help of AIPal, you can easily translate the content with more accuracy. Not only is AIPal integrated with the best translation services like Google Translate and Bing Translate, but it is also coupled with AI, making the translations more accurate.

2.Using WPS PDF Extension for Teaching Philosophy Examples

If you're going through teaching samples, chances are most of them are available as PDFs. With the native Chrome PDF viewer, highlighting or editing these PDFs might not be possible. To get more out of your research, the WPS PDF Extension can be used to annotate and highlight teaching philosophy samples. This way, when you sit down to write your own, you have your notes and important points from the samples highlighted.

3.Using WPS AI to Perfect Your Statement

WPS Office is known for its premium office suite services, but it also offers a powerful AI tool that can help perfect your teaching philosophy statement. Here’s how you can leverage WPS AI to enhance your statement:

Grammar and Spelling Check:

With WPS AI, you can ensure your statement is free of grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. The AI-powered checker meticulously reviews your document, identifying and correcting any issues to enhance the professionalism and accuracy of your writing.

Clarity and Conciseness:

WPS AI helps simplify complex sentences and eliminate redundancy, making your main points clear and impactful. By refining your language and reducing unnecessary words, the tool ensures your teaching philosophy is easy to understand and resonates with your audience.

Content Enhancement:

WPS AI offers suggestions for additional details or examples to strengthen your points. It analyzes your content and recommends ways to elaborate on your ideas, providing concrete examples and evidence that support your teaching philosophy and demonstrate your effectiveness as an educator.

1. Can I change the teaching philosophy?

Yes. Educators should foresee that their approach to teaching will shift over the years as they gain more experience and develop professionally and personally. This perspective encompasses their aims, techniques, and assessments. It usually includes illustrations of how teachers conduct their classes and is tailored to the specific subject they teach.

2. How do I provide evidence of teaching effectiveness?

Here are several methods to demonstrate effectiveness in teaching:

Peer Evaluation: Receive feedback from colleagues or supervisors on teaching methods and effectiveness.

Student Feedback: Gather comments and input from students about their learning experiences and your teaching approach.

Performance Ratings: Ratings or evaluations from students assessing your teaching performance.

Teaching Portfolio: Compile a collection of documents and evidence that showcases teaching philosophy, achievements, and examples of student work.

Craft Your Teaching Future

When you are becoming a new teacher, you especially need a catalytic element in your life to kickstart your career in full swing. In that case, a teaching philosophy statement can greatly assist you. In this guide, you will not only learn how to write the perfect teaching philosophy statement but also see a complete sample. Additionally, discover how WPS AI can assist you in creating a statement that is beyond perfect. So, download WPS Office today to make your life simpler and give your career this essential boost.

1. How to Use the IF Statement in Google Sheets (With Examples)
2. Best 4 Steps on How to Edit a Bank Statement PDF on Windows with WPS Office
3. How to Add Presenter Notes in WPS Powerpoint for Teaching
4. How to Write A thesis statement - Steps with Examples
5. How to Write a Cover Letter for Teaching Positions [Tips with Examples]
6. How to Write an IF Statement in Excel: Easy Steps

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

Ask a question Ask
go advanced Search
Please enter a title
Please enter a message
Your discussion will live here... (Start typing, we will pick a forum for you) Please select a forum Change forum View more forums... View less forums... GCSEs A-levels Applications, Clearing and UCAS University Life Student Finance England Part-time and temporary employment Chat Everyday issues Friends, family and work Relationships Health News Student Surveys and Research
post anonymously
All study help
Uni applications
University and HE colleges
University help and courses
University student life

Postgraduate

Careers and jobs
Teacher training
Finance and accountancy
Relationships
Sexual health
Give feedback or report a problem
University and university courses
Universities and HE colleges
Life and style
Entertainment
Debate and current affairs
Careers and Jobs
Scottish qualifications
Foreign languages
GCSE articles
A-level articles
Exam and revision articles
What to do after GCSEs
What to do after A-levels
When is A-level results day 2024?
When is GCSE results day 2024?
Studying, revision and exam support
Grow your Grades

Exam results articles and chat

Exam results homepage
A guide to GCSE and A-level grade boundaries
Year 13 chat
Year 12 chat
Year 11 chat

A-level results

Guide to A-level results day
Get help preparing for results day
A-level retakes and resits
Exam reviews and remarks
Here’s what to expect on A-level results day
Six ways to help results day nerves
Understanding your A-level results slip

GCSE results

Guide to GCSE results day
How GCSE combined science grades work
Stressed about GCSE results day?
Understanding your GCSE results slip

Finding a uni in Clearing

Clearing articles and chat
UK university contact details
Guide to Clearing
Seven things people get wrong about Clearing
How to make a great Clearing call
Finding accommodation after Clearing
How Clearing can help you prepare for results day
All universities
Applying through Ucas
Student finance
Personal statement
Postgraduate study
Uni accommodation
University life
All uni courses
Apprenticeships
Arts and humanities courses
Stem courses
Social science courses

Universities by region

North of England
South of England
Greater London
Distance learning
International study

University guides and articles

All university articles
Applying to uni articles
Personal statements
Personal statement examples
University open days
Studying law at university
Student life at university
Careers and jobs discussion
Apprenticeships discussion
Part-time and temp jobs
Career forums by sector
Armed forces careers
Consultancy careers
Finance careers
Legal careers
Marketing careers
Medicine and healthcare careers
Public sector careers
Stem careers
Teaching careers
General chat
Relationships chat
Friends, family and colleagues
Advice on everyday issues
General health
Mental health
UK and world politics
Educational debate

Undergraduate

Postgraduate Master’s Loan
Postgraduate Doctoral Loan
Disabled Students’ Allowances
Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Further information

Parents and partners
Advanced Learner Loan
English personal statements

Personal Statement - English and Philosophy 1

English and Philosophy Personal Statement The magic that I have found in both verse and prose has never failed to enthral me; from the desolate moors of Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights', to the Cantos of Dante's 'Inferno'. Metaphor, symbolism and the pure beauty of the written word have fuelled my desire to dedicate my life to the study of a subject I admire and adore.

What appeals to me most about studying English at degree level is that it will give me the opportunity to analyse both traditional and contemporary texts alongside their contextual backgrounds, allowing me to appreciate both writer and work historically and philosophically. Equally I long to discover and truly acknowledge the works of Chaucer, Spencer and Marlowe, establishing a firm grounding in the foundations of literature, while achieving a sense of freedom I feel one cannot obtain simply from A Level study.

Literature incorporates so much of what makes our culture rich, diverse and intrinsically artistic. Whether it be the great tragic lovers of Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra' or the lives of the bedraggled residents of Pat Barker's stark text 'Union street', the study of literature only advances ones understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live.

My study of Philosophy has been particularly insightful in that it has instilled in me a sense of intrigue as to why and with what motive a piece of literary work is undertaken. I have been introduced to teachings from St Thomas Aquinas to Thomas Nagel and his critical essay 'What is it like to be a bat?' focussing on the mystery of the soul and the enigma of the creative mind. In his essay, Nagel introduces his term 'Qualia', referring to the innate and subjective nature of our conscious experience. After recently reading E M Forster's 'Howards End', I feel I have become more acquainted with Nagel's Qualia as Forster succeeds in transporting his reader into the depths of each of his character's souls, opening a door to his creative contemplation and drawing upon the importance to 'connect' the passis may be expressed and exposed, not only for the reader, but for the author himself. Indeed S.T. Coleridge stated that when writing poetry he sought 'a symbolical language for something within me that already and forever exists' and when analysing use of language within a text, it is this symbolism that I yearn to find and explore.

This year I entered The Vogue Young Writer's Contest, submitting an essay on a personal experience and a polemic concerning the existence of God. I have also enjoyed writing for The Peterhouse Essay Competition, in which I evaluated the change in human character, particularly focusing on the work of Edward Albee and George Orwell.

Outside of my studies I am a keen dramatist and recently played the role of Dorothy in an award winning amateur production 'The Wizard of Oz'. Additionally I have taken LAMDA Examinations up to Grade 5, which have introduced me to a wide range of poetry and prose. This summer, after fundraising for 18 months, I travelled to Ghana as a volunteer, to work with orphans, providing care and English language support. This was one of the most fulfilling experon and prose in order to avoid a life of fragmented 'gray'.

The theories of Carl Gustav Jung also interest me immensely, especially those relating to literary influence, criticism and motive. In his essay 'Psychology and Literature' Jung discusses the use of archetypal images and asserts that many texts convey a shadow of the writer's unconscious being, building upon theories such as those of Plato's 'Eternal Forms'. Jung intimates that literature is an outlet by which the primordial images of the unconsciouiences of my life to date and has only helped to increase my drive to succeed in my educational career; whilst boosting my ambition to make a difference to the world at large, a difference I believe the study of literature can only enhance.

Universities Applied to: University of Cambridge (English) - Interview at King's College - Rejection University of Warwick (Philosophy and Literature) - Rejection University of London (Royal Holloway) (English with Philosophy) - Offer (AAB) Insurance University of Aberdeen (English & Philosophy) - Offer (ABB) Firm Universityof Surrey - Offer (ABB)

Grades Achieved: English Literature (A2 - A* Philosophy (A2) - A History (A2) - B

Share this story :
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Google+
Share on Pinterest
Latest Latest
Trending Trending
create my feed
Edit my feed
0 new posts
Started by: Saracen's Fez
Forum: Cambridge Undergraduate
Replies: 252
Last post: 1 minute ago
Started by: SchJam
Forum: Applications, Clearing and UCAS
Started by: Talkative Toad
Forum: Forum games
Replies: 2387
Started by: meliodas89
Started by: KA_P
Forum: Medicine
Replies: 937
Started by: MrAlevels
Forum: International Study
Replies: 22
Started by: gojosrubicscube
Forum: King's College London
Started by: ma_they
Forum: University of Bristol
Replies: 30
Last post: 2 minutes ago
Started by: user5783
Forum: Dentistry
Started by: Nadimmiah1
Forum: Biological and life science
Last post: 3 minutes ago
Started by: PaulOndion
Forum: Ask Student Finance England
Started by: BulgarianDentist
Last post: 4 minutes ago
Replies: 7301
Started by: dday23
Forum: Accounting and finance
Started by: Anonymous
Forum: Mental health
Started by: Monklithemonkey
Started by: mitya739
Forum: University of Cambridge
Last post: 5 minutes ago
Started by: jl2005_
Started by: Revadz99
Started by: Echoez
Forum: Cardiff University
Last post: 6 minutes ago
Started by: Lazlay
Forum: Civil service, public sector and public services
Replies: 646
Last post: 24 minutes ago
Started by: maiarhysdavies
Replies: 586
Last post: 44 minutes ago
Forum: UK and World Politics
Replies: 459
Last post: 1 hour ago
Started by: normaw
Replies: 51
Started by: Adam Woodbridge
Forum: Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Replies: 777
Last post: 2 hours ago
Started by: Scotland Yard
Replies: 314
Started by: PQ
Forum: A-levels
Replies: 792
Started by: crimsonrose3205
Forum: Mature Students
Replies: 115
Last post: 3 hours ago
Started by: reubenn05
Forum: Medical Schools
Replies: 975
Started by: Oatmilklattepls
Forum: Performing arts and music
Replies: 2887
Last post: 9 hours ago
Started by: aishaslm
Forum: Legal careers and training
Replies: 163
Last post: 10 hours ago
Started by: Miss.fcxxx
Replies: 280
Last post: 18 hours ago
Started by: asdfjkmel
Forum: Graduate Schemes
Replies: 2703
Last post: 19 hours ago
Started by: Sandtrooper
Forum: Cambridge Postgraduate
Replies: 8201
Last post: 20 hours ago
Started by: miss_nia
Last post: 1 day ago
Started by: Lc627183
Replies: 271
Started by: Chi chi5
Replies: 911
Started by: Fiyero
Replies: 183
Started by: Brooklyn77
Replies: 39
Great! I exceeded my expectations
Good, I got what I needed/expected
Not so good, I didn't get everything I expected
Terrible, I didn't get any of the grades I needed
Tell us more about your answer in the thread

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are both part of The Student Room Group.

Main topics
GCSE and A-level
Exam results
Life and relationships

Get Started

Today's posts
Unanswered posts
Community guidelines
TSR help centre
Cookies & online safety
Terms & conditions
Privacy notice

Connect with TSR

The Student Room and The Uni Guide are trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd.

Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. 806 8067 22 Registered Office: Imperial House, 2nd Floor, 40-42 Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 3XB

Jump to navigation

Search form

The Graduate School

Faculty/Staff Resources
Programs of Study Browse the list of MSU Colleges, Departments, and Programs
Graduate Degree List Graduate degrees offered by Michigan State University
Research Integrity Guidelines that recognize the rights and responsibilities of researchers
Online Programs Find all relevant pre-application information for all of MSU’s online and hybrid degree and certificate programs
Graduate Specializations A subdivision of a major for specialized study which is indicated after the major on official transcripts
Graduate Certificates Non-degree-granting programs to expand student knowledge and understanding about a key topic
Interdisciplinary Graduate Study Curricular and co-curricular opportunities for advanced study that crosses disciplinary boundaries
Theses and Dissertations Doctoral and Plan A document submission process
Policies and Procedures important documents relating to graduate students, mentoring, research, and teaching
Academic Programs Catalog Listing of academic programs, policies and related information
Traveling Scholar Doctoral students pursue studies at other BTAA institutions
Apply Now Graduate Departments review applicants based on their criteria and recommends admission to the Office of Admissions
International Applicants Application information specific to international students
PhD Public Data Ph.D. Program Admissions, Enrollments, Completions, Time to Degree, and Placement Data
Costs of Graduate School Tools to estimate costs involved with graduate education
Recruitment Awards Opportunities for departments to utilize recruitment funding
Readmission When enrollment is interrupted for three or more consecutive terms
Assistantships More than 3,000 assistantships are available to qualified graduate students
Fellowships Financial support to pursue graduate studies
Research Support Find funding for your research
Travel Funding Find funding to travel and present your research
External Funding Find funding outside of MSU sources
Workshops/Events Find opportunities provided by The Graduate School and others
Research Opportunities and programs for Research at MSU
Career Development Programs to help you get the career you want
Graduate Educator Advancement and Teaching Resources, workshops, and development opportunities to advance your preparation in teaching
Cohort Fellowship Programs Spartans are stronger together!
The Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (BGHS) A national network society for students who have traditionally been underrepresented
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) A gateway to graduate education at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities
Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) A community that supports retention, and graduation of underrepresented doctoral students
Recruitment and Outreach Ongoing outreach activities by The Graduate School
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Funding Funding resources to recruit diverse students
Graduate Student Organizations MSU has over 900 registered student organizations
Grad School Office of Well-Being Collaborates with graduate students in their pursuit of their advanced degree and a well-balanced life
Housing and Living in MI MSU has an on and off-campus housing site to help find the perfect place to stay
Mental Health Support MSU has several offices and systems to provide students with the mental health support that they need
Spouse and Family Resources MSU recognizes that students with families have responsibilities that present challenges unique to this population
Health Insurance Health insurance info for graduate student assistants and students in general at MSU
Safety and Security MSU is committed to cultivating a safe and inclusive campus community characterized by a culture of safety and respect
Why Mentoring Matters To Promote Inclusive Excellence in Graduate Education at MSU
Guidelines Guidelines and tools intended to foster faculty-graduate student relationships
Toolkit A set of resources for support units, faculty and graduate students
Workshops Workshops covering important topics related to mentor professional development
About the Graduate School We support graduate students in every program at MSU
Strategic Plan Our Vision, Values, Mission, and Goals
Social Media Connect with the Graduate School!
History Advancing Graduate Education at MSU for over 25 years
Staff Directory
Driving Directions

Writing Your Teaching Philosophy Statement: Who are you as an Educator?

Many academic positions require a teaching philosophy statement as one of the application materials to learn about a candidate’s teaching beliefs, values, and use of evidence-based teaching and assessment practices for effective instruction. In this workshop you will learn how to document your teaching and/or teaching professional development experiences to start crafting your teaching philosophy statement with the help of a rubric. At the end of this session, you will have a working draft of your teaching statement, which will encourage you to continue your efforts toward intentional and effective teaching and instruction.

Facilitator : Dr. Stefanie Baier (Director, Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Instructional Development)

*This is part 3 of our 4-part workshop series. Our next one is on Diversity Statement on November 18 (3:00 – 4:30 pm)

Zoom link will be shared closer to the workshop date.

Call us: (517) 353-3220
Contact Information
Privacy Statement
Site Accessibility
Call MSU: (517) 355-1855
Visit: msu.edu
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Spartans Will.

Bovine highly pathogenic avian influenza virus stability and inactivation in the milk byproduct lactose

Find this author on Google Scholar
Find this author on PubMed
Search for this author on this site
ORCID record for Taeyong Kwon
ORCID record for Natasha N. Gaudreault
ORCID record for Diego G. Diel
ORCID record for Juergen A. Richt
For correspondence: [email protected]
Info/History
Preview PDF

A bovine isolate of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus was stable for 14 days in a concentrated lactose solution at under refrigerated conditions. Heat or citric acid treatments successfully inactivated viruses in lactose. This study highlights the persistence of HPAIV in lactose and its efficient inactivation under industrial standards.

Competing Interest Statement

Conflict of Interest Disclosure The J.A.R. laboratory received support from Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Xing Technologies, and Zoetis, outside of the reported work. J.A.R. is inventor on patents and patent applications on the use of antivirals and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of virus infections, owned by Kansas State University. Other authors declare no competing interests.

View the discussion thread.

Thank you for your interest in spreading the word about bioRxiv.

NOTE: Your email address is requested solely to identify you as the sender of this article.

Citation Manager Formats

EndNote (tagged)
EndNote 8 (xml)
RefWorks Tagged
Ref Manager
Tweet Widget
Facebook Like
Google Plus One

Subject Area

Microbiology
Animal Behavior and Cognition (5524)
Biochemistry (12566)
Bioengineering (9426)
Bioinformatics (30805)
Biophysics (15841)
Cancer Biology (12913)
Cell Biology (18521)
Clinical Trials (138)
Developmental Biology (9998)
Ecology (14967)
Epidemiology (2067)
Evolutionary Biology (19149)
Genetics (12729)
Genomics (17529)
Immunology (12674)
Microbiology (29714)
Molecular Biology (12365)
Neuroscience (64697)
Paleontology (479)
Pathology (2000)
Pharmacology and Toxicology (3452)
Physiology (5324)
Plant Biology (11090)
Scientific Communication and Education (1728)
Synthetic Biology (3063)
Systems Biology (7682)
Zoology (1728)

Applying to Uni
Apprenticeships
Health & Relationships
Money & Finance

Personal Statements

Postgraduate
U.S Universities

University Interviews

Vocational Qualifications
Accommodation
Budgeting, Money & Finance
Health & Relationships
Jobs & Careers
Socialising

Studying Abroad

Studying & Revision
Technology
University & College Admissions

Guide to GCSE Results Day

Finding a job after school or college

Retaking GCSEs

In this section

Choosing GCSE Subjects

Post-GCSE Options

GCSE Work Experience

GCSE Revision Tips

Why take an Apprenticeship?

Applying for an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships Interviews

Apprenticeship Wage

Engineering Apprenticeships

What is an Apprenticeship?

Choosing an Apprenticeship

Real Life Apprentices

Degree Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

A Level Results Day 2024

AS Levels 2024

Clearing Guide 2024

Applying to University

SQA Results Day Guide 2024

BTEC Results Day Guide

Vocational Qualifications Guide

Sixth Form or College

International Baccalaureate

Post 18 options

Finding a Job

Should I take a Gap Year?

Travel Planning

Volunteering

Gap Year Blogs

Applying to Oxbridge

Applying to US Universities

Choosing a Degree

Choosing a University or College

Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Clearing Guide

Guide to Freshers' Week

Student Guides

Student Cooking

Student Blogs

Top Rated Personal Statements

Personal Statement Examples

Writing Your Personal Statement

Postgraduate Personal Statements

International Student Personal Statements

Gap Year Personal Statements

Personal Statement Length Checker

Personal Statement Examples By University

Personal Statement Changes 2025

Personal Statement Template

Job Interviews

Types of Postgraduate Course

Writing a Postgraduate Personal Statement

Postgraduate Funding

Postgraduate Study

Internships

Choosing A College

Ivy League Universities

Common App Essay Examples

Universal College Application Guide

How To Write A College Admissions Essay

College Rankings

Admissions Tests

Fees & Funding

Scholarships

Budgeting For College

Online Degree

Platinum Express Editing and Review Service

Gold Editing and Review Service

Silver Express Editing and Review Service

UCAS Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Oxbridge Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

Postgraduate Personal Statement Editing and Review Service

I believe that there are two ways to look at how the world develops: the first is through the progress of history and human civilisation, and the second is through the progress of knowledge and human understanding. The two are intensely interlinked, and I am and always have been passionately interested in both. In addition to maths, cosmology and philosophy, I also devote much of my time to pursuing my love of history and current affairs.

I have read widely in these subjects, but have ultimately decided that my abilities and interests are best focused in the study of mathematics and philosophy, in order that I may be able to increase my understanding of the universe we live in so that I can perhaps contribute to its future. Over the last couple of years I have regularly read New Scientist (and the Economist), and occasionally copies of Nature and the BMJ. I have always read the newspapers and books on science, history and politics; I have been to political party conferences as an observer, participated in debating all through school and spent time in the medical world both on work experience and with my parents.

In my own time, I enjoy swimming, walking and climbing. I work part-time as an office junior for a local independent financial advisor and have a babysitting business. I love working with children and seeing their minds develop - two of the children I look after were unable to speak English when they arrived in this country, and I have really enjoyed watching and helping both their linguistic and mathematical abilities develop. This has made me realise that maths above all things is something that can be universally understood.

I am also lucky enough attend one-to-one tutorials once a week at Glasgow University, and have done so since September 2002. There is no set course: I have covered some number theory, fields, complex numbers, quaternions and octonians, but, more importantly, I have gained a basic understanding of proof and mathematical arguments. The tutorials have been an inspiration in that I have discovered ideas and a way of thinking which I did not know was possible and which I am extremely excited by. It is this that has really attracted me to studying both maths and philosophy at university; I really love the process of arguments and proofs and I am eager to pursue this interest, wherever it may take me. My personal study of some of the early Greek philosophy - such as Plato's Republic, which I particularly enjoyed - has only served to make me more certain of my decision.

Studying at university is something I have looked forward to for a very long time, but what to study has been a difficult decision as I find it almost impossible to focus on a career. Ultimately I have chosen, as I have always done, based on my own interests and passion for learning. I hope that if I am able to study the 'language' of maths along with the process of philosophy, I will be ableto develop myself and my thinking in order that I may take my place in the world.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by mussed for application in 2004.

mussed's university choices Oxford University University of Bristol The University of Warwick University of Bath The University of Durham The University of York

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

mussed's Comments

First, I'm from Scotland, so I sat S Grades not GCSES, and got 1s rather than A*s; I did Highers and Advanced Highers instead of ASs and A2s, and didn't have room on the form to put in this year's Chemistry Higher. Just to clarify.

You may notice that my personal statement does not have the obligatory paragraph saying "I am a Prefect and a Sgt in the cadets and captain of debating and..." I was all these things, but decided that they were not relevant to the future and really not as important to me as the learning aspect of a degree. The school were not happy about that (!) but to be honest, my only advice is to be true to who you are and where your interests lie: this is true to me, and I got six offers, so I feel quite happy with it; really, though, it's personal, so write what you want rather than following the formula. At least it will stand out! *g*

Related Personal Statements

Two words absolutely.

Tue, 20/09/2005 - 00:00

two words absolutely fantastic.

Wed, 21/09/2005 - 00:00

Does anybody else feel

Sun, 25/09/2005 - 00:00

Does anybody else feel intellectually inferior?!

inferior is not the word!!

Tue, 05/09/2006 - 00:00

inferior is not the word!! people that are like this want to make us look bad i thought i was having problems before but now well...

Thu, 14/09/2006 - 00:00

Judging by your results you deserve all 6 offers. I was just confused by one thing.. Your A levels say that you didn't do maths or philosophy, hence how did you get into oxford if you didn't do maths at A level?

Thu, 28/09/2006 - 16:05

The last comment says you didnt do maths? How did you get in, I really want to know

I understood everything. I

Mon, 05/03/2007 - 19:59

I understood everything. I mean, PS is not written in complicated way and there is no arrogance in her words. Bravo!

Fri, 29/06/2007 - 09:16

your personal statement is truly impressive, very well structured and balanced in your activities,

simply brillant

Mon, 16/06/2008 - 21:03

i'm guessing, but oxford

Sat, 19/07/2008 - 19:33

i'm guessing, but oxford might have accepted her without mathematics A level because of the mathematics tutorials which she attended at glasgow. They sound far more valuble than just following the fumulaic maths a level sylabus, and oxford would value real university maths experience over the A level, which doesn't prepare you for the rigorous proofs involved in uni maths. Excellent ps btw.

Being an Admissions officer

Thu, 11/09/2008 - 20:47

Being an Admissions officer for the University of Oxford I believe it got through due to one, and only one reason:

It's passion to strive through the integral facilitated components of integration and differentiation of simple functions etc.

well written, i like the tone

Tue, 04/11/2008 - 19:26

well written, i like the tone portrayed however i do think at times you need to cut wording down and make things more direct. i have written my PS for maths and philosophy too, might well put it up on here.

I love it! And thanks for the

Wed, 15/06/2011 - 09:54

I love it! And thanks for the advice.

likelikelike

Thu, 15/12/2011 - 20:18

It was a real pleasure reading this PS! The best one in this site so far.

Good luck finding you place in the world!

Add new comment

IMAGES

💄 Writing a personal philosophy statement. What Is A Personal
Best Personal Statement Examples in 2023 + Why Do They Work?
FREE 11+ Sample Personal Statement For Graduate School in Word, PDF
📗 Statement of Personal Philosophy
Sample Phd Personal Statement Download Printable PDF
30 Best Statements Of Purpose For Graduate School

COMMENTS

Philosophy Personal Statement Examples
Philosophy Personal Statement Example 7. The body: An entity existing in a space-time universe constructed of atoms and energy. The soul: Indefinable, non-physical, indeterminable; the conscience, the mind, a meta-physical property. One of these uses scientific measuring equipment as a means to measure and define, the other, the mind ...
Personal statement advice: philosophy
Show your analytical abilities. Some applicants for philosophy degrees will already be studying the subject, but many won't have studied it before. If you are in that position, then Professor Christopher Janaway at University of Southampton has some simple but clear advice to offer: 'We want you to show us that you have a genuine interest in ...
Philosophy personal statements
Philosophy personal statements. On this page you'll find a collection of real personal statements written by students applying to study philosophy and related courses at university. These personal statements are written by real students - don't expect them all to be perfect!
Philosophy Personal Statement Examples
PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLES. Discover personal statement examples written by students accepted onto and related courses. Read through the examples to help shape your own personal statement. All Statements.
Successful Personal Statement For Philosophy At Cambridge
Today, we are looking through a Philosophy applicant's Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The Philosophy Course at Cambridge explores human thought, the basis of knowledge, the nature of reason, consciousness and cognition, as well as the foundations of value and political theory.
Philosophy Personal Statement Example For UCAS
The following philosophy personal statement example should be used as a guide only. When applying to your dream university in the UK, write a personal statement to match your profile for the programme you are applying for. Philosophy Personal Statement Example . As a recent graduate of Wycombe Abbey School, I have a strong foundation in the liberal arts and a passion for philosophy.
Help with 2021 University Philosophy Personal Statements
I'm hoping to collect, here, examples of good university philosophy personal statements for the forthcoming academic year. I'll post news on the usual social media. At any time, you can access free philosophy podcasts, videos, articles and courses by following these social media pages: ...
Top Tips for a Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement
Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement - Top 10 Tips: Dos and Don'ts The Cambridge Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application. It presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. You would be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an
Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement?
This should be your guiding principle. A great personal statement is unlikely to make the difference between your application being accepted and being rejected, but a terrible personal statement might result in a borderline application being moved to the reject pile. ... you aren't currently enrolled in a philosophy degree program, or you ...
Philosophy Personal Statement Example 4
Philosophy Personal Statement Example 4. As anyone, I have the desire to reach my highest potential. For me, that is to engage in higher philosophical questions and ideas. It is one of the most valuable and important activities done by people. And, as everyone else, I desire to learn from the best.
Philosophy and Politics Personal Statement
Architecture Personal Statement. Submitted by Thomas. From a young age, I knew that I would pursue a career in design. Whether it was creating and designing my flawless dream car or producing my own handcrafted mechanical paper guns; scissors, a roll of cello-tape, and a set of colouring pencils were the main tools that never left my hands.
Philosophy Personal Statement
Clearing spots available on a top 10 UK Philosophy degree (The Times Good University Guide, 2024), apply to University of Southampton now! Philosophy Personal Statement . ... Philosophy Personal Statement . Plato said that 'wonder is very much the affection of a philosopher, for there is no other beginning of .
Philosophy Personal Statement
Whilst it is true that personal statements aren't the most important component of the Oxbridge application in and of themselves, they can determine the outcome of the most important component; the interview. If your personal statement is weak, or you don't understand content in it, the outcome of your interview may be severely affected.
Philosophy Personal Statement Example 5
I believe that the opportunity to travel and experience other cultures will only reiterate to me that philosophy is endlessly relevant to modern life - for until all the world's questions are answered, its work will not be complete. This personal statement was written by Mishael for application in 2004. Mishael's university choices.
Preparing for Philosophy at University
3) U2's approach for regular Philosophy application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview. Tutors ensure each student refines their interests within Philosophy, and is exposed to a range of approaches and new concepts, guiding students in ...
Download a Philosophy Personal Statement
blog Updates to the UCAS Personal Statement for 2026 Entry UCAS are introducing changes to the format of their infamous personal statement. These changes will come into place from October 2025 for applicants looking to begin university in Autumn 2026 and onwards. The new personal statement will feature what UCAS are calling 'scaffolding ...
Personal Statement:Philosophy 1
Philosophy Personal Statement. I have chosen to study Philosophy because I find the subject stimulating and enjoyable. I find the ideas of great philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle exciting particularly Plato's Myth of the Cave. I have done a substantial amount of reading on the subject of philosophy including Plato's 'Republic' and ...
How to Write a Personal Statement
Insert a quote from a well-known person. Challenge the reader with a common misconception. Use an anecdote, which is a short story that can be true or imaginary. Credibility is crucial when writing a personal statement as part of your college application process. If you choose a statistic, quote, or misconception for your hook, make sure it ...
Personal Statement:Philosophy and Psychology
Philosophy and Psychology. The human condition is, and always will be my motivation and fascination for learning. As a whole society, we have traversed various ideologies throughout history. We label them as Marxist, Liberal, Christian, absolute Monarchism and thousands of others. These schools of thought, though decidedly different, arise from ...
Philosophy Personal Statement Example 6
Through a Philosophy degree and the challenges which I am sure are synonymous with university life, I feel I will be able to become aligned with Aristotle when he states "It is the mark of an educated man to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." This personal statement was written by helen_89 for application in 2007.
Crafting a Personal Philosophy of Leadership: Setting Goals
Management document from Liberty University, 10 pages, Philosophy of Leadership 1 Personal Philosophy of Leadership Kelsey Nesnick Liberty University CJUS 610 Professor Lafond March 28, 2024 Philosophy of Leadership 2 The personal philosophy of leadership is an aspect of an individual's thought process for t ... Through a vision statement, ones ...
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master's degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular ...
Write a Teaching Philosophy Statement: Examples and Guide
Write a Teaching Philosophy Statement. Definition and Functions of a Teaching Philosophy Statement. Let me break down what a teaching philosophy is, its purpose and significance for teachers, and why it should be well-written. A teaching philosophy is a reflective statement that outlines a teacher's beliefs, values, and approaches to education.
Personal Statement
Personal Statement - English and Philosophy 1. English and Philosophy Personal Statement. The magic that I have found in both verse and prose has never failed to enthral me; from the desolate moors of Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights', to the Cantos of Dante's 'Inferno'. Metaphor, symbolism and the pure beauty of the written word have fuelled my ...
Writing Your Teaching Philosophy Statement: Who are you as an Educator?
Many academic positions require a teaching philosophy statement as one of the application materials to learn about a candidate's teaching beliefs, values, and use of evidence-based teaching and assessment practices for effective instruction. In this workshop you will learn how to document your teaching and/or teaching professional development experiences to start crafting your teaching ...
Philosophy and Politics Personal Statement Example 4
I used this statement to apply for Philosophy and Politics, Politics, Philosophy and Law and PPE. This personal statement is unrated. My interest in Philosophy and Politics evolved as a direct result of both academic and personal circumstances. From my personal experience as a witness in court, where I received direct support from charities and ...
© 2024 Boise State University Athletics
Three sisters, Aubree, Ali and Lexi Chatterton , have a tradition that has significance for the Bronco program and head coach Jim Thomas as he hopes the stor...
Bovine highly pathogenic avian influenza virus stability and ...
Competing Interest Statement. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The J.A.R. laboratory received support from Tonix Pharmaceuticals, Xing Technologies, and Zoetis, outside of the reported work. J.A.R. is inventor on patents and patent applications on the use of antivirals and vaccines for the treatment and prevention of virus infections, owned by Kansas State University.
Maths and Philosophy Personal Statement Example 1
Maths and Philosophy Personal Statement Example 1. I believe that there are two ways to look at how the world develops: the first is through the progress of history and human civilisation, and the second is through the progress of knowledge and human understanding. The two are intensely interlinked, and I am and always have been passionately ...

Personal statement advice: philosophy

Show your analytical abilities

Sponsored articles UCAS Media Service

Successful Personal Statement For Philosophy At Cambridge

Table of Contents

Philosophy Personal Statement

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

Continue learning about Oxbridge...

Oxbridge Personal Statements: A Complete Teacher’s Guide

UCAS Personal Statements Are Changing in 2025

Successful Personal Statement For Computer Science At Oxford

What Are The Lowest Entry Requirements For Medicine?

The Secrets to Oxbridge Admission.

Personal Statement Starter Guide

Philosophy Personal Statement

Philosophy Personal Statement Example

Tips For Philosophy Personal Statement

Personal Statement Examples

Top Tips for a Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

General Philosophy Personal Statement Advice

Top 5 Tips for Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

2. Be well-read in philosophy or related fields

3. Hone your ability to think outside the box

4. Structure your Philosophy personal statement well to enhance readability

5. Starting early and getting people around you or seniors to proofread your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Philosophy Personal Statement

2. Be afraid to admit that you don’t know something

3. Think that there is a right answer or a fixed answer to any problem

4. Writing an essay on a school of thought instead of a Cambridge personal statement

5. Only expect to have one draft of your Cambridge Philosophy personal statement

→What is a Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

→What should I include in my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

→What kind of experiences should I include in my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement?

→How long should my Cambridge Philosophy personal statement be?

→What qualities are Cambridge Philosophy admissions looking for in applicants?

→What is the interview process like for Cambridge Philosophy?

→How important is the personal statement in the Cambridge Philosophy admissions process?

Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement?

Be concise and substantive

Be specific, but non-committal, about your interests

Show you’ve done your homework, but only if you really have

If you have a compelling history or relevant personal background, mention it, but don’t disclose too much

Unless it’s major, avoid the temptation to explain any weaknesses in your application

Miscellania: be professional but humble; be polished; don’t be cutesy

Don’t mention your two-or-more-body problem

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Posts You May Enjoy

Preparing for Philosophy at University: Reading, Personal Statement and Oxbridge Interview Questions

Reading Around Philosophy - How and Why

Philosophy Reading Suggestions - What to Read

Other Recommended Reading for Philosophy

Other Interesting Books

Beyond the Library: Non-Text Preparation Suggestions for University Philosophy

Events/ Talks

Podcasts/YouTube Videos

Topical Issues in Philosophy

Some Philosophers You Might Want to Be Aware Of

What to Include in Your Philosophy Personal Statement

What is an Oxbridge Philosophy interview like?

A Few Example Oxbridge Philosophy Interview Questions to Practice

Are You Applying For Philosophy as a Single Honours or Joint Honours Course at Oxbridge?

Preparing for Theology at University: Reading, Personal Statement and Oxbridge Interview Questions

Strategic Guidance

Comprehensive Support

Targeted Support

Application Guidance

Personal Statement Support

Admissions Test Preparation

Interview Preparation

Free Library

Our Publications

News & Press

Download a Philosophy Personal Statement

Login To View

Related Content

Recently Updated Blogs

Pardon Our Interruption