The personal statement is the first bit of information the university will receive about you so it’s important you make a good first impression. Also, unlike some universities, Oxford use this as an opportunity and useful tool to test the candidate.
Does personal statement matter for Oxford?
What do Oxford look for in a good personal statement. At the University of Oxford we read every personal statement, multiple times, so it is definitely worth spending a good amount of time writing it. We are interested in your potential in your chosen subject, so we are very keen to hear about anything academic.
Does personal statement matter for Oxbridge?
Make your Oxford or Cambridge application truly stand out
Everyone knows that the two Oxbridge universities and their colleges are among the world’s very best. This means that you, too, will need to present yourself as a world-class student with a personal statement that really presents your potential.
What does Oxford look for in a personal statement?
You can show your interest and ability in your subject with examples of books you’ve read, an EPQ you’ve written, a prize you’ve won, lectures you’ve attended, documentaries you’ve watched, podcasts you’ve listened to, or really anything you can think of! Tip: Instead of: “I am interested in molecular biology”
Do universities really care about personal statements?
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application, and your chance to sell yourself to your chosen university. “Ultimately, a personal statement is a chance for you to convey why you would like to study a particular course, and how you hope this will benefit you in the future.
Do UK universities actually read personal statements?
Your UCAS personal statement will be read by all UK universities you apply to, so should not be overly tailored to any one institution, unless you are applying only to one.
What percentage of people get interviews at Oxford?
Oxford Interviews Statistics
Each year, Oxford receives around 22,000 applications for 3,300 places. Oxford then shortlists around 10,000 candidates for Interviews, which is generally 40-45% of applicants every year.
Is a * aa good enough for Cambridge?
Cambridge usually requires A*A*A for most sciences courses and A*AA for arts courses or 40–42 in the IB, including core points, with 776 at Higher Level. AAA is usually required at Advanced Higher grade, for students in Scotland.
Do Oxbridge prefer 4 A levels?
Oxbridge entry requirements
Oxford and Cambridge Universities are known for demanding the highest grades of As and A*s off students. However, doing 4 A levels over 3 is neither required nor preferred.
How do I stand out in Oxford application?
3 Tips To Help Your Application To Oxford Stand Out
- Show enthusiasm for the subject. It is important to start thinking of which subject you would want to apply for university early on in your high school career so that you can begin to prepare your application early.
- Wider Reading.
- Prepare well for the Interview.
How do I know if Im good enough for Oxford?
The one real requirement is that you are passionate for your subject and can demonstrate it. In this respect, you might not be good enough for Oxbridge yet. You do have to develop in-depth knowledge of your subject built upon a true passion for academic study.
What percentage of Oxford applicants get an offer?
Overall applications to Oxford, offers made and students admitted by area of domicile, 2017–2021
| EU Students | Applications | Proportion of total applicants |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,136 | 8.8% |
| 2020 | 2,746 | 11.7% |
| 2019 | 2,773 | 12.0% |
| 2018 | 2,687 | 12.5% |
What should you not do in an Oxford interview?
3 things you should avoid during your Oxbridge interview
- One mistake in your interview won’t dramatically damage your chances of being offered a place on your chosen course.
- Absolutism.
- Dismissiveness.
- Suffering in silence.
Can you get rejected because of personal statement?
If your writing is flagged as unoriginal, the universities you are applying to will be alerted to this and are unlikely to make you an offer. If your statement is entirely unoriginal, then your application stands a good chance of being rejected entirely, leaving you without any options.
Do lecturers read personal statements?
You probably have loads of enrichment activities to talk about, and they may seem more interesting, but don’t fall into the trap of talking about them too much. Your personal statement will be read by a lecturer, and their main priority is selecting students who will be the best academics.
What should you avoid in a personal statement?
7 Things to Avoid in Your Personal Statement
- Whining. Don’t whine in your essay!
- Someone else is the hero.
- Reads like a resume.
- Lack of focus.
- Leaves out personal growth.
- Overcomplicated language.
- Incorrect grammar or spelling.
What makes a bad personal statement?
Avoid using up valuable words with obvious statements. Write succinctly and explain points without repeating yourself. Don’t tell the admissions tutor what they already know – instead, expand on how you’ve acquired certain skills and why they’re important.
What is a bad personal statement?
Additional Personal Statement Mistakes to Avoid
Listing your accomplishments or rehashing your CV and extracurriculars. You need to show, not tell. Choosing a bland topic that admissions committees see over and over again. Overstating the obvious and using clichés.
Should you mention ADHD in a personal statement?
I think that mentioning your ADHD would be a great thing to include in your personal statement as it makes you who you are. It’d be great to include how you overcame challenges relating to your ADHD to highlight your resilience, passion and commitment to pursuing further education.
Can you get into Oxford with B’s?
Yes! Just about all of my friends got Bs and Cs in their GCSEs and got in with equivalents of A*s at A level. However, only one of us got all A* grades; the rest got the odd A/B at A level but got in anyway through having sat the Oxbridge exam pre-A level.
What is the easiest subject to get into Oxford?
Oxford
- Best chance of getting an interview (%) Chemistry 96.2. Classics 95.9. Human Sciences 92.8. Modern Languages & Linguistics 92.5.
- Highest Success Rate (%) Classics 40.1. Chemistry 33.6. Theology & Oriental Studies 33.3.
- Highest Success Rate (%) Classics 50.3. Music 48.3. Archaeology & Anthropology 45.1.