2025 entry admissions timeline

Start working on UCAS application from June 2024, final deadline 6pm 15 October. Test arrangements to be confirmed. Written work submit by 10 November if required. Interviews in December if you are shortlisted. Find out if you have an offer in Jan 2025.

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How to apply for 2025 entry

  • UCAS application
  • Start working on your application from June 2024.
  • Choose your course
  • Choose a college or decide on an open application
  • Write your personal statement
  • Organise your academic reference
  • Check if you need to take a test and what this involves
  • Submit from early September
  • Final deadline 6pm on 15 October

Find out more at ucas.com .

New arrangements for 2024 admissions tests and beyond are still to be confirmed but will be communicated as soon as possible and no later than the start of the new admissions cycle in early Spring. 

  • Written work
  • Check if written work is needed for your course.
  • Submit any required written work to the college considering your application by 10 November.

Find out more on our Written work page . 

Interviews take place in December, if you are shortlisted.

Find out more on our Interviews webpage . 

Find out if you have an offer in January 2025.

Thinking of deferring entry? 

Deferring entry is not always possible, so we recommend that you check with your course department first. 

Read our step by step

Guide for applicants.

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Applying to Oxbridge: a guide for international students

Most international students will have heard of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and many will want to study there. How can counsellors best support them through the application process?

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Applying to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge (collectively often referred to as Oxbridge) is difficult for those outside the UK. Your students will most likely need a lot of support during the months that they spend preparing their applications, so we suggest learning more about how you can help them through the various steps of the process.

UK university admissions process

First, we will quickly review standard UK university applications.

1. Ucas applications

All applicants to UK universities – including Oxford and Cambridge – need to apply via the  Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas). The process for creating a Ucas hub is the same for UK and international students.

Along with their application form, applicants will need to provide supporting material, including a personal statement and a reference written by you or another member of the school faculty.

The expected standard for these materials is significantly higher for Oxbridge than for other universities, owing to the high number of applications received annually by both universities and the overall quality of applicants. It is vital that you research how you can best provide guidance to those writing Oxbridge personal statements – and learn how to write an Oxbridge-quality reference .

One slight difference between Oxford and Cambridge and most other universities is the need to choose a college. Oxford and Cambridge both operate on a collegiate system, where admissions and many aspects of student life are handled by individual colleges rather than the university itself. Applicants will need to make a college choice in their Ucas application form, so encourage students to research the various options available to them.

Oxbridge applicants – like any applicant to a UK university – have the option to apply to up to five universities. However, they are not allowed to apply to both Oxford and Cambridge. They will need to select which of the two they wish to apply for – this selection cannot be changed once submitted. Those applying to study medicine will also be limited to four medicine courses within their five choices.

The application deadline for all Oxbridge and medicine applicants is 16 October (previously 15 October), so all university/college choices, personal statements and references must be completed and submitted by this date.

2. English language tests

As with any application to a UK university, overseas students will most likely need to complete an English language test. Oxford accepts the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English Advanced). Cambridge primarily accepts the IELTS and TOEFL, although some courses will accept the C1 Advanced (details are found on individual course pages).

3. Grade requirements

The last step of the standard application is to ensure that students are on track to achieve the required grades for their course. Oxford and Cambridge have some of the highest grade requirements in the UK, so your students will need to be high achievers to be considered for a place.

There is a large variation in grading schemes across the world, so both Oxford and Cambridge have pages dedicated to explaining the grade requirements for different countries. Oxford’s can be found here , and Cambridge’s can be found here . We strongly suggest using these resources to determine your students’ suitability for Oxbridge.

Oxbridge also accepts International Baccalaureate diplomas for their courses. The average requirements for Oxford are 38-40 points, with the potential for specific grade requirements, while Cambridge tends to require 40-42 points and 776 at higher level.

Oxbridge admissions requirements

For most universities, submitting the application form and achieving the required grades would mark the completion of their application. However, Oxford or Cambridge (as well as medicine and other select courses) require additional steps.

1. Oxbridge admissions tests

Other than for medicine and law, admissions tests are uncommon in UK university applications. However, most Oxbridge applicants are required to sit a test at some point in their application process. These tests can be very challenging and require a lot of preparation, so it is important that you make your students aware of the revision and practice they will need to undertake.

In addition to general admissions tests, such as the  BioMedical Admissions Test (BMat) and Law National Aptitude Test (LNat), Oxford and Cambridge offer a range of subject-specific tests. These include tests such as the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), the  Natural Sciences Admissions Assessment (NSAA) for Cambridge natural sciences and the  Physics Aptitude Test (PAT) for Oxford physics.

Changes in admissions tests are fairly common, although applicants over the next two years will be facing a series of major changes. This includes the cancellation of various admissions tests in 2024 , such as the BMat, the NSAA and the Test of Mathematics for University Admission, and various changes taking place in Oxford admissions tests . It is important to educate yourself about these changes and to communicate the information to those in your cohort who will be affected.

The tests are designed to examine both subject-specific knowledge and general skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving. They take a variety of formats, including multiple choice, written answers and free-form essays, all of which are scored and used when shortlisting applicants for interview.

Many of these tests are taken in October, although some Cambridge admissions tests are sat directly before interview. Either way, your applicants will need to dedicate time for preparation starting at least two months in advance, in order to be comfortable sitting the exam.

Most admissions tests must be sat at an official centre. There should be at least one official testing centre in your country, although distance and travel may be an issue for some of your students. Online resources are available to find the closest Oxford testing centres and Cambridge testing centres to you, as well as LNat testing centres , which are run independently.

There are various marking schemes used for the different tests. However, applicants should always aim to achieve an above-average score to stand a better chance of success. More details about Oxbridge admissions tests, including scoring statistics, can be found in this admissions test guide .

2. Oxbridge interviews

All subjects at Oxford and Cambridge require students to undergo at least two interviews, typically held between December and January. Conducted by college admissions tutors and subject experts, these interviews are intentionally rigorous, testing applicants on various skills and character traits.

A successful interview significantly improves an applicant’s chance of receiving an offer, meaning that preparation is crucial. Schools can support students through mock interviews and interview-technique lessons, as well as providing emotional assistance when it comes to dealing with the pressure of the day.

Your students will need to attend at least two Oxbridge interviews in the first three weeks of December. Applicants receive invitations for interviews roughly two weeks in advance via email, although preparations for interviews should begin much earlier than this. Full official interview timetables are released far in advance, and these outline when applicants for each subject will be interviewed – although exact dates and timings will also be included in the student’s invitation.

Be aware that some applicants may need to attend additional interviews if they are rejected by their original college choice. These typically take place in January, after initial offers are released.

In previous years, overseas applicants would have had the choice of attending interviews in person, attending an interview in their home country or having an online interview. In recent years, Oxbridge has pivoted to mostly holding online interviews, so your students will be able to attend their interviews without travelling.

They will need to ensure that they have an appropriate location and the correct technology for the interview. They may need to attend their interview at school, so ensure that they have a quiet, distraction-free environment for it.

Final steps

Once your students have completed their applications, the remainder of the process is roughly the same as for any other UK university. Offers are released in early January, meaning that these will likely be the first offers that successful students receive. The offers will be received via Ucas, and students can confirm their offer in the usual way.

Once the offer is confirmed, international applicants will need to complete a financial declaration and proceed with the standard processes for attending university in the UK. You can view the Oxford international student guide and Cambridge international student guide for further details on how to help your students prepare for their studies.

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Your Ultimate Guide to the Oxbridge Admissions Process

The Oxbridge admissions process can initially appear quite daunting and intimidating. However, once you understand how the process works and what is required of you, the process should be viewed not as an obstacle but as a series of opportunities to show off your talents to the best of your ability. This Ultimate Guide leads you through key timelines for entry, choosing between the universities, application components and how to tackle preparation - everything you need to know to set yourself up for a future application.

How to choose your degree course at Oxford or Cambridge

Oxbridge admissions tutors are looking for students with a genuine passion for their subject. This means that course choice is absolutely crucial; you must be clued up on the specifics of the course and be excited about it! Courses differ quite considerably between the two universities - even if the core subject is the same e.g. History, often the course will have a different structure and include different modules. Research the differences. It’s important to have a thorough read through of all of the courses available at each university ( A-Z of Oxford Courses and the Cambridge Course List ). Many of them are unique and not subjects students have come across at school. e.g. Cambridge’s Human, Social and Political Sciences course or Oxford’s Archaeology and Anthropology course. It’s worth also considering Joint Honours courses e.g. Physics and Philosophy, History and Economics or Natural Sciences (a blend of multiple sciences and maths). You don’t need to select a course too early, but it’s important to start to narrow down your options in the year preceding application to ensure you have enough time to prepare your application. Of course, other factors come into play in deciding between Oxford and Cambridge e.g. size, location, reputation etc., but course choice should be right at the top of your list of factors when choosing between the two universities to have the best chance in application.

Our article on Choosing What to Study at University gives you more insight into how to consolidate your choice of degree.

Applying to Oxbridge

The Oxbridge admissions process timeline

The admissions process runs from September to January. Once you have chosen your course at either Oxford or Cambridge, these are the steps that you will progress through:

Step 1: Test registration

Candidates should check on the relevant websites whether their course requires them to sit a written admissions test. The test registration deadline for most Oxbridge admissions tests is 30 September 2022.

Step 2: Submit UCAS form

Oxbridge candidates must submit their UCAS application form by 6pm on 15 October (this date is the same every year). This includes submitting your education history, personal statement, and academic reference.

Step 3: Submit SAQ (Cambridge only)

Candidates applying to Cambridge will need to complete the Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ) in which you will be asked to provide more detail on your academic studies and will have the opportunity to write a further statement on why you are attracted to their chosen course at Cambridge. The deadline for this is 6pm on 22 October 2022.

Step 4: Take admissions test

The length of the admissions test and the date that it is taken varies depending on the type of assessment, but these tests are usually scheduled between mid-October and early November. These tests must be taken at authorised assessment centres (usually your school).

Step 5: Submit written work

Depending on your course and college requirements, you may be asked to submit written work from your A-level/IB course which demonstrates that you have the attributes to succeed on your chosen course. Deadlines for this vary but they are generally in November.

Step 6: Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Interview offers are usually released between mid-November and early December, and most interviews happen in the first three weeks of December. For most subjects, you will have two interviews with the college that you applied to, but there is also a chance that you will be invited to additional interviews with colleges that you did not apply to (this is called pooling). When you are pooled to another college, it likely means they consider you to be the right standard, but would like you to interview at another college to see if you may be better suited there/ to give you another chance to prove yourself.

Step 7: Decision

The outcome of your Oxbridge application is typically communicated to you in the second week of January. The most common type of offer to receive is a conditional offer which will stipulate the examination results that you must achieve to secure your place at the university.

If you have applied to Cambridge, you may receive an offer from a college you did not apply to. This means your original college placed you in the ‘Winter Pool’. This is a system for redistributing applicants across the different colleges. If you receive an offer from another college, it means that this college has picked you out of the pool because they believe you are a strong candidate.

Preparation for Oxbridge success - start early

Having looked at the Oxbridge admissions process, we can now turn to how to ensure you are well-prepared for each stage of the process. It’s widely understood how competitive Oxbridge is and it’s advisable to think about preparing early. This doesn’t mean preparing for specific application components years before they take place - preparation can be exploratory, ensuring you are reading around your favourite subjects, pushing yourself beyond the curriculum and honing skills e.g. debating, problem solving etc. We have written a full article on preparing early for success .

This guide lays out key aspects of preparation for each main component: personal statement, admissions test and interview.

How should you prepare to write a strong personal statement?

What they’re looking for:

Oxbridge admissions tutors use your personal statement to judge your academic ability and whether you have a deep and genuine interest in your chosen subject. In particular, they are looking for ways in which you have engaged with your chosen subject beyond your school curriculum.

Best ways to prepare:

Tip 1: Think in-depth about what you have covered in your curriculum to date

Content from your A-level or IB curriculum can be a useful starting point for your personal statement, and you can include specific topics or modules that you found particularly interesting. You should think about what specifically intrigued you about this topic and what did you learn that was surprising or compelling? Most crucially, you should demonstrate how you then pushed your understanding of these topics further or applied what you learned to new aspects of your chosen subject. This is extra step is important as regurgitating the school curriculum won’t impress admissions tutors - they want to see how you have been motivated to explore your subject beyond the realms of school.

Tip 2: Broaden your engagement with your subject through co-curriculars

The most useful way to demonstrate your engagement with your subject outside of your course is through your co-curriculars. Co-curriculars consist of activities such as attending relevant exhibitions, finding university-level lectures or talks, or reading books on your subject from outside of your school curriculum. It is therefore necessary to research upcoming events which would be useful for you to attend or look on the Oxbridge websites at reading lists for first-year papers to find appropriate further reading. It is also worth noting that extracurriculars such as sports or music do not need to be included in your personal statement unless they help to demonstrate your motivation to study your chosen subject.

Oxbridge Admissions Tutoring

We have an entire co-curricular division to support students looking to engage beyond the curriculum

Minds Underground™ offers a treasure-trove of clubs & courses , masterclasses , summer schools , and work/ research opportunities , supporting students’ voyages of discovery into possible degree subjects.

Tip 3: Complete ‘super-curriculars’ to make your personal statement stand out

Often the most impressive parts of a personal statement come from your ‘super-curriculars’. These are activities such as entering Oxbridge college challenges and competitions or completing independent research projects. These are valuable because they clearly demonstrate your motivation for studying your subject and if you perform well, they can attest to your current academic ability. These competitions are mostly aimed at Year 12 students.

For more information on personal statement preparation, check out our article on writing a standout Oxbridge personal statement . Our Free Resource Library also includes a number of subject-specific articles on personal statements e.g. How to Write a Standout Biomedical Personal Statement .

SAQ preparation

An important thing to remember about the SAQ is that it is better not to write an additional statement than to write a poor quality one. However, the SAQ is also a good opportunity to show why you are deeply interested in the Cambridge course you have chosen. Make sure to research the course thoroughly, select an aspect of it that is unique from other university courses, explain why this is appealing to you and use something you have read or attended as evidence of this interest. 

When to start preparing: It is useful to start thinking about your personal statement over the summer to give you enough time to read relevant books or complete other extracurriculars. It is advisable to have a final draft ready by the end of September to avoid last minute stress.  

How should you prepare for admissions tests?

What they’re looking for: Admissions tests are evaluating your aptitude for the subject you have chosen rather than your knowledge.

Tip 1: Do practice papers

In a similar vein to A-level or IB exams, the best way to improve your performance on these tests is by doing the past papers provided on the Oxbridge websites. This will give you an idea of how these tests are structured and the types of questions that may be asked. You can begin by doing the first practice test untimed so that you can get a feel for the test before moving on to practicing in timed conditions.

Our Free Resource Library includes articles on preparing for the majority of admissions tests e.g. TSA, ELAT, PAT, MLAT, HAT and more. U2’s admissions test preparation service is also a useful way of gaining detailed feedback on your mock tests and developing a strong approach to tackling these tests. Book a free consultation via the Contact Us page to enquire about admissions test preparation.

Tip 2: Brush up on your course

It is difficult to revise for these admissions tests since they aim to examine your aptitude rather than your knowledge. However, for STEM subjects it is more likely that content you have covered in your curriculum will be tested, so it is useful to brush up on areas of the course that you find more challenging. Whilst it is more difficult to predict the content of the admissions test for humanities subjects, it can be useful to read books or articles that cover broad themes in your subject to expand your knowledge.  

When to prepare: This depends on the specific date of the test but by starting in late September or early October you will ensure that you have enough time to complete the majority of past papers. For some tests, it can be advisable to start prepping earlier e.g. Many students tackling STEP or MAT tests for Mathematics and related degrees, may start preparing in the years preceding application by challenging themselves with UKMT Maths Challenge and Olympiad papers.

Looking for more degree-specific tips? Check out some of our admissions test resources:

Enquire with U2 Tuition for one-to-one admissions test preparation and group admissions test courses with our Oxbridge tutors.

oxbridge personal statement deadline

Each year we release details of our group admissions test courses on our Classes & Events page.

How should you prepare for interviews?

What they’re looking for interview: Interviews are testing both your current ability and your potential. Interviewers will be examining the way you think, in particular whether you can apply logic and existing knowledge to an unfamiliar problem.

Best ways to prepare:   

Tip 1: Practice verbalising your thought process

Being able to talk out loud about how you are approaching a question is crucial. Verbalising your thoughts will allow your interviewer to understand your thought progression and guide you during the interview. A useful way of practising this is by doing homework questions from your course out loud at home, either to yourself or to a family member.

Tip 2: Know your syllabus in-depth

It is very likely that during your interview you will be asked about topics from your A-level or IB course if the course you are applying for relates to a school subject (but in a way that pushes you to think beyond the syllabus). An excellent way of recapping your course and practising verbalising your thoughts is by writing out different topics from your syllabus on pieces of paper and putting them in a mug. Every morning, pull out a piece of paper and spend five minutes talking about that topic. You can also film yourself doing this to identify how you can communicate more clearly and confidently.

Tip 3: Be able to elaborate on your personal statement

For each point that you have made in your personal statement, ask yourself the question ‘so what?’ Asking this question will prompt you to think about how this particular project/ book/ lecture deepened your knowledge of your subject and how it will influence your approach to the subject going forward. If you are applying for a humanities subject, you can also go through your statement and pull out the big themes. For each of these themes, think about how it could be different in different contexts or how it links to other topics you have studied.

Tip 4: Practice looking at unseen sources

One of the most nerve-wracking elements of the Oxbridge interview can be when you are asked to look at an unseen source. To get comfortable with this, you can find graphs/ pictures/ objects from textbooks or newspapers to examine. Out loud, practise identifying the main elements of these sources and what they might be able to tell you.

Tip 5: Practise full-length interviews

The most effective way to build your confidence in interviewing is to complete practice interviews. U2 currently offers comprehensive interview preparation with experienced tutors to ensure that you can identify your weaker areas and improve them before the big day. This involves 1-1 preparation and also Oxbridge Mock Interview Days in November.

When to prepare : It is advisable to start interview preparation from late October or early November to have a solid number of weeks to hone your skills.  

Article: The Ins and Outs of Oxbridge Interviews

Article: How to Survive the Oxbridge Interview Process

Subject-Specific Interview Prep Articles: Free Resource Library

Oxbridge Interview Preparation Guides

How Can U2 Help Prepare You For Your Oxbridge Application?

U2's Oxbridge Mentoring programmes aim to advance students to the level required for success at interview through regular tutorial sessions and specific admissions preparation (for personal statement, admissions test & interview). In sessions, students are expected to orally communicate, defend, analyse & critique ideas or solve problems, in conversation with the tutor, as in an Oxbridge tutorial. This readies students for the challenging entry process and provides them with the tools needed to stand out amongst other strong candidates.

We offer some of the most comprehensive support available at present, with an entire interactive online platform, Minds Underground , built to take care of all students' co-curricular needs in preparation for university application and future careers, including research projects, masterclasses and summer schools.

This year, we are working with over 20 schools in the UK & internationally to support their own Oxbridge applicants, including Wellington College, Cheltenham Ladies College, Wimbledon High and Putney High amongst others.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge-educated tutor as a mentor and send their full CV for review. Many of our tutors have studied at Master’s or PhD level and are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study their given subject at the University of Oxford or Cambridge.

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

3) U2’s approach for regular Oxbridge application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate. Tutors ensure each student refines their interests within their course of application, and is exposed to a range of high level ideas and new concepts, guiding students in their reading and wider subject exploration. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during interview and honing skills for the admissions test if applicable.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. You work directly with the tutor to create an individualised plan for preparation given your specific timeline to application.

Sessions from £75/h.

Your Introduction to the GMAT Exam: Advice From An Expert U2 GMAT Consultant

How to write a biology personal statement worthy of oxbridge.

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How To Write An Oxbridge Personal Statement

Writing your Oxbridge personal statement? Being two of the most prestigious universities in the world, and having many applicants who surpass their requirements, we've provided a few pointers to help your personal statement stand out in your Oxbridge application .

1. Start early

The extra level of preparation that an Oxbridge application requires, combined with the October deadline, means that pupils should try to start planning their personal statement in Year 12.

The first draft of the personal statement should be completed by the end of summer holiday between Year 12 and 13, which means any extra reading or work experience that a student may wish to include in it must be completed before this time.

2. Focus on your academic strengths

Prove your academic strength in your subject with examples of books you’ve read around your subject, an essay you’ve written, a prize you’ve won, lectures you’ve attended, documentaries you’ve watched or even podcasts you’ve listened to.

Admissions decisions at Oxford and Cambridge are solely based on academic ability and potential. Whereas a regular personal statement might be split 75/25 into academic content and content focussed on extracurricular activities, this should be more like an 90/10 split for an Oxbridge personal statement.

Students should therefore try to use the limited word count to only discuss experiences which have helped expand their understanding or passion for their subject.

Here are some questions for to reflect on:

  • How have my experiences expanded my enthusiasm for my subject?
  • What skills/knowledge have I gained from my experiences?
  • How will this make me a better student in the future?

3. Discuss the subject

  • Be passionate. A requirement not often mentioned in guidelines for Oxbridge applications but which is of just as much importance is genuine interest and love for the subject you desire to study. Try to illustrate this in your personal statement not just through your achievements but also through actually talking about the subject.
  • Tutors will expect you to have followed up on your interest in your subject through extracurricular activities and having read around the subject . Make sure to mention what you’ve read and done and explain to them in a way that shows you really know what you’re talking about. Remember the way to show genuine interest is not to tell them 'I’ve read X and I’ve done Y' but to make it implicit from what you’re saying. Talking ABOUT the content of what you’ve done or read as opposed to mentioning it in a sentence is a far better way of doing this.

Write about how your wider research has developed your thinking in your personal statement too. For example, if you’ve read a book about a period of history you’ve been studying at A-Level you can write a sentence about how that book gave you an alternative point of view that you hadn’t previously considered. Or, you can talk about the role you took in a debate at school and how that either confirmed or changed your opinion on a topic area.

  • Be honest. Don’t lie about having read books that you haven’t or being interested in things you aren’t as you may get caught out at the interview stage. Most admissions tutors are looking for potential as opposed to prior knowledge so try not to make stuff up. In the past people who’ve gotten in have quoted from the likes of Harry Potter or nursery rhymes; which if done well, comes across just as well (if not slightly cooler) than quoting from a well known academic. If you do choose to use a famous quote or talk about a well known book then try to say something different!

4. Talk about yourself

  • Make them want to meet you! Oxford and Cambridge place a great deal of importance on the interviews so to make sure you get selected for one, try to show the real you in your statement. It shouldn’t just be a list of your achievements (though I’m sure for some of you this could fill the entire word count). Whilst what you’ve done may be impressive, giving them a feel for your real interest and ideas will make them want to meet you and talk about these in an interview.  
  • Tie in your hobbies and interests to your academic abilities (where possible). This will make you a more interesting candidate and the tutors will be keen to find out more about you.

All successful Oxbridge candidates are interviewed as part of the admissions process, and interviewers often draw on things mentioned in the Personal Statement. To help put you in control of the interview as much as possible, you can leave ‘hooks’ for the interviewer which directs them towards subjects you will be able to expand upon. If an applicant writes: “I was fascinated by the similarities between Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte” they can expect to be asked what it was in particular that they found interesting, and think of some specific examples to talk about in the interview.

This is one reason why you should always be honest in your personal statement. You should never claim to have read a book that you haven’t, even if you plan to read it after submitting your UCAS form. Also, don't pretend to have an interest in a certain subject just because you think it will sound impressive.

5. Be original

  • Try not to be clichéd and just tell them you read magazines like the Economist , as they’ll already be rolling their eyes as they read it. Talk instead about an article you found particularly interesting or your opinions on that newspaper to make you stand out from the crowd and show you have something to say.  
  • A strong opening is vital. This may seem pretty obvious but far too many people start their statement with a line about how they’ve recently become interested in the subject they’ve chosen to study. Think of different ways to start, perhaps with a quote or a story or talking about an article you’ve read, again remember not to go for overused quotes or stories again.  
  • Use language that you are comfortable with, and don't rely on a thesaurus to make you sound intelligent. Stick to words and phrases you would use in everyday conversation, and you will come across as a more genuine person that the tutors will want to connect with.  
  • Don’t necessarily stick to the standard format for personal statements. Whilst it’s important to include all the necessary information about your subject and yourself if you can think of a different way to present it then don’t be afraid to go for it.

For 2021 entry, Oxford University received almost 24,000 undergraduate applications for around 3,300 undergraduate places. This means there are around 7 applications for every available place. In 2020, Cambridge University received 20,426 applications for around 4,500 places. With many of these applicants holding top grades, it can be very difficult to stand out from the crowd. This is where your original thinking comes in handy. In your personal statement, think about how the subject you are applying relates to your other studies, the world around you and your personal experiences.

It’s important for the candidate to remember that the interviewers have made a career out of their chosen subject; they will genuinely be interested to have a conversation with you if you can bring an interesting or original thought to your personal statement and interview .

Further information

For more advice on applying to Oxbridge, please see:

  • Should I apply to Oxbridge?
  • Cambridge University personal statement examples
  • Oxford University personal statement examples
  • Oxbridge Interview
  • Oxbridge Interview Tips
  • Postgraduate Study at Oxbridge .

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THE OXBRIDGE LAUNCHPAd

A pool of resources to guide you through the admissions process

WANT AN OXBRIDGE STUDENT TO WALK YOU THROUGH IT?

We match  state-educated UK applicants  with a current Oxbridge student for application help & advice, completely free!

ADMissions timeline and resources  

Exploring oxbridge.

What can I study at Oxbridge, and would I even want to go there? Before you start thinking about your application, it's worth taking some time to explore what it's like to study at these universities. Our team of current students have put together some resources to demystify what it's actually like to live and study here.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE

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STUDENTS OF OXBRIDGE

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OXFORD VS CAMBRIDGE

Your subject - dig deeper.

Once you've decided you'd like to apply to Oxbridge, it's time to dig deeper into the subject you're applying for! This will both help you decide you're set on studying that subject, and provide valuable material for your personal statement and interview - Oxbridge are very keen on people who have gone beyond the curriculum to read about their subject. The Oxbridge Launchpad's student team have built up a blog of posts that we call 'the Oxbridge Intelligence': articles about university-level specific areas of your subject you might not have studied before, aimed at applicants and with details of further reading if something really interests you. Check it out below!

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THE OXBRIDGE INTELLIGENCE

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BOOK REVIEWS

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SUBJECT REVIEWS

Essay competition.

We run an  essay competition  (deadline 15th April) that is a great way to research more about your subject and have your work read and commented on by Oxbridge students.

OPEN DAYS AND COLLEGES

June and September

Oxford and Cambridge both run Open Days in June and September that are a great way to get a better feel for the cities and talk to real students about their experiences. You won't have time to look around all 30 colleges, so we've collated some student reviews and advice of picking a college. Dates for the diary for 2023: Oxford : 28/29 June and 15 September Cambridge : 6/7 July and 15 September

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OXFORD COLLEGES

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CAMBRIDGE COLLEGES

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HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE

Personal statement.

Your personal statement is a chance to show why you want to study your subject at university, and why they should pick you. It's not always that clear what Oxbridge actually want you to talk about though, so we've collated some advice from students on how to approach it.

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HOW TO WRITE AN OXBRIDGE PERSONAL STATEMENT

Oxbridge ucas deadline - 15th october.

Get your application in by this date (earlier than the regular January UCAS deadline), or it won't be considered! This includes the references from your school, so make sure they know about this deadline too. Some courses also require  written work  to be submitted by this date - the best place for information on this specific to your course is your course page on ox.ac.uk or cam.ac.uk.

ADMISSIONS TESTS

Your school needs to register you for most of these tests by  30th September  - check your course page for exact details (some courses don't have an admissions test), but make sure they know that you need to sit this test!

Your course page will have the most details about these tests, how to prepare and how they're marked, but our best advice would be to do as many as you can so that you feel as prepared as possible on the day. We've collected some advice from current students on how to approach these tests.

October / November

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OXBRIDGE ADMISSIONS TESTS

The final hurdle - Oxford and Cambridge interviews run in early December. We run a mock interview week with current students in the week beforehand to help you get a feel for what to expect. Check back here later in the year for more details on how to sign up!

All your hard work's paid off - you're going to Oxbridge!

How to write a great Oxbridge Personal Statement

Tips for acing the oxbridge personal statement.

How to write a great Oxbridge Personal Statement

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

1. Start Drafting Early  

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

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

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

2. Focus on your academic interests and achievements  

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

You can show your interest and ability in your subject with examples of books you’ve read, an EPQ you’ve written, a prize you’ve won, lectures you’ve attended, documentaries you’ve watched, podcasts you’ve listened to, or really anything you can think of! 

Tip:  

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

3. Set yourself up for an interview  

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

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

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

4. Show that you are intellectually curious and thoughtful  

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

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

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

5. Try to be original…  

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

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

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

6. …but don’t overdo it  

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

7. Proof-read, then proof-read again  

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

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

8. Don’t name drop Oxbridge  

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

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A Guide To Oxbridge Application Process

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A Guide To Oxbridge Application Process

Cross that bridge!

Oxford and Cambridge, commonly referred to as Oxbridge, are the most prestigious universities for studying in the United Kingdom and the world. Students from all over the world apply to Oxbridge universities every year. We’ve covered you if you want to know about the Oxbridge application process! Read on to discover how to get into Oxbridge. 

What is Oxbridge?

Although the term Oxbridge is common to academics, Oxbridge is a collective term used to describe two highly established and worldly recognised universities, Oxford and Cambridge. These universities are known to seek and attract the brightest students and provide them with an excellent academic space to flourish in with teaching provided by some of the best subject experts. The Oxbridge application process differs slightly depending on whether you go to Oxford or Cambridge.

Oxbridge Colleges

Oxford and Cambridge are made up of colleges - more than 40 at Oxford and more than 30 at Cambridge - and prospective students normally apply to a specific college. Some of the top Oxbridge colleges are listed below.

  • Westminster School
  • Hills Road Sixth Form College.
  • Brampton Manor Academy.
  • Peter Symonds College.
  • The Perse School. 
  • Brighton Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College.
  • Eton College.
  • St Paul's Girls School.
  • St Paul's School, London.
  • Brighton College. 

Tips to remember while applying to Oxbridge

Many wonder how to approach an Oxbridge application’s thorough and rigorous process and how to get in! From researching your course to writing your Oxbridge personal statement , here are a few tips that can get you on your way:

Research the course

Before the Oxbridge application process, you must thoroughly examine their courses, including the modules and topics covered. This research will also help you with talking points in your statement and during your interview. 

Is Oxbridge for you?

Oxbridge courses tend to focus highly on the academic side of the university, and the teaching often includes small group tuition, and assessments are usually 100% exams. Hence, you must ask yourself if this is a journey you wish to embark on. 

Making the grades

Although this may seem self-explanatory, you must meet the grade requirements for your chosen course in the Oxbridge application process. With a high focus on academics, grades will often be one of the first things the admissions team sees. If your grades don’t reflect your commitment and dedication to your studies, there are chances that your application will not make it very far. 

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Oxbridge application deadline

Once you have had a look at which course you would like to study, it is important that you make a note of the Oxbridge application deadlines. The Oxbridge application deadline usually is earlier than the usual UCAS deadline , on 15th October each year. This is important as you must allow yourself enough time to prepare for the whole process. In some cases, you are required to share examples of written work. These will usually also have deadlines which need to be checked when applying. 

Oxbridge personal statements

Although personal statements are crucial regardless of which university you are applying to, an Oxbridge personal statement differs slightly from what you may expect. With their heightened focus on academics, your Oxbridge personal statement should thoroughly explain your passions and drive behind pursuing the course you are applying. Additionally, it would help if you aimed to discuss what you would like to research and how your studies can encourage new and innovative approaches to the topic or subject. As with any personal statement , ensure that you’re being truthful and honest, as whatever you mention is likely to be discussed during your interview. 

Attend a subject open day

Sign up for Subject Open Days at Oxford or Cambridge on the university websites! These are crucial since they give you an idea of what it would be like to study your topic at university and something to discuss in your Personal Statement or during an interview.

Prepare for your admission test 

Admissions tests vary depending on the degree and university you are applying to. Some are more content-based, such as the UKCAT or BMAT for Medicine, while others, such as the TSA for various degrees at Oxford and Cambridge, are more thinking-based. Check your preparation by reviewing past papers and consulting a subject specialist if necessary.

Practice for your interview

Preparing for the interview is critical because it is an essential aspect of the Oxbridge application process. Your interview closes the deal if you have the appropriate grades and a strong Personal Statement . The interview is conducted in a tutorial format, with tutors/fellows from the college where you are being interviewed discussing your subject with you. You must be competent and expressive, and your passion must shine through.

tips to remember while applying to Oxbridge

How to apply to Oxbridge

Before selecting which university is best for your Oxbridge application, we recommend looking into the course you wish to study at both universities.   Here is an orderly list compiled for you to prepare for each step of the Oxbridge application: 

  • Choose your course 
  • Fill out your UCAS application
  • University forms - these may vary depending on which university you choose to apply to.
  • Tests - Most Oxbridge courses require you to sit a pre-interview test.
  • Submission of example written work.
  • Interview - Interviews are an essential aspect of the admissions processes at Oxford and Cambridge.
  • Decision letter - The decision will be displayed in your UCAS Hub, and you will receive direct notification from the college to which you applied.
  • Winter pool (Cambridge only) - Some folks will not receive a clear rejection/acceptance hence will be pooled. At the end of January, you'll learn whether or not you've been accepted.

Statistics show that the average Oxbridge applicant has a 1 in 5 chance of successfully securing a place at the university. By following the correct guidance, you could maximise your chances of a successful Oxbridge application process and boost your career prospects! However, most importantly, do not be disheartened if your application is unsuccessful. The process is demanding and rigid, and it is always best to have a backup plan! Since the hunt for student housing near the University of Cambridge and Oxford University is just as competitive, we recommend beginning the booking process soon as well.

And when you get into any of these great colleges, make sure to check out Oxbridge Notes provides top-notch study materials for law students. which provides top-notch study materials for law students. It offers concise notes, helpful guides, and expertly crafted resources to support academic success. From exam preparation to essay writing, they are here to help students excel in their studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oxbridge application process, what percentage of oxbridge applications get selected, how long does oxbridge take to reply, when should i start applying for oxbridge, what is the easiest subject to get into oxbridge.

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Oxbridge Personal Statement Guide

Personal statement guide.

With the start of the new academic year upon us already, we also enter a new round of university applications. UCAS deadlines, especially those for Oxford and Cambridge, are fast approaching, and making sure everything you’re submitting in your form is in tip top condition should be the main priority for the weeks between now and the mid-October deadline. Perhaps the most important, and most notoriously difficult, part of the UCAS form is the personal statement. This can be a very difficult part of the application to finesse, especially since most students will never have written something like it before. With this in mind, we’ve brought together our senior consultants’ top pieces of advice on personal statement writing, from how to get started, to meeting Oxbridge expectations, to making yours stand out from the crowd.

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Getting Started

As difficult as a personal statement can be, getting started is often the most difficult part. You my spend hours, days, weeks, even, sitting thinking about what you could possibly say about yourself or your academic journey so far. It’s important to remember that feeling apprehensive like this is totally normal! The key to getting started is, perhaps obviously, to just start. This may sound silly to say, but it’s easy to get caught up wanting to read just one more book, or watch just one more documentary, but even if you’ve not got through all the material you wanted to, start getting ideas down on paper and the ideas will flow a lot more easily. Why not begin by making a list of all the things you want to mention in your personal statement? Getting your thoughts down in writing is a big first step, and we promise you’ll feel a lot better about the personal statement once this step is done.

Read more about getting started on your personal statement here

Matching Oxbridge Expectations

When writing your personal statement for top UK universities, it’s important to think not just about what you want to showcase about yourself, but also about what Oxbridge will want to see from you. The key thing to remember here is that Oxbridge, and other top UK universities, are not looking for someone who has a varied range of extracurricular clubs or is popular with their school friends or has won lots of different medals (even though these are all great achievements!) unless they are directly relevant to the subject you’re applying for. So our top tip on this front is to make sure that everything you say links back to a key skill or area of personal development that will help you in your future academic career. 

Oxbridge are also looking for someone who is going to enjoy a rigorous studying schedule and will show sufficient passion for their subject to put in the hours and hours of required effort to mastering it. This means that your personal statement needs to prove with hard evidence that you’ve got genuine interest in your subject. This could be through books you’ve read or talks you’ve been to; whatever it is, show that you’ve delved into the subject and are interested in it!

Oxbridge also want to see a critical side to your research and reading. This means that you’ve not just read the most revered books on the syllabus and can namecheck them, but that you’ve read them and have something interesting to bring to a discussion of their contents; do you agree with the author? How does the book make you feel? How does the contents reflect a wider issue within society or your subject area? Considering questions like these will help impress your admissions tutors and help your statement stand out. 

Read more about what Oxbridge want to see in your personal statement here

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Standing Out

This brings us to the last key theme of this blog; standing out. This can be the trickiest part of the personal statement, since it can be so easy to work through a clear personal statement formula, mentioning all the right things as you go, but to still not achieve a place at your chosen uni. This is where making sure that you have interesting feature points, ideas, or experiences mentioned in the personal statement will help you stand out and get that illusive invitation to interview. Our top tip for this is to follow a general set structure, but within this to make sure you’ve got an interesting experience or unique idea to bring to your readings.

Begin by thinking of all the ‘evidence’ you have to show passion for your subject. This could be seminars you’ve attended, books you’ve read, awards you’ve won, anything along these lines that shows you’ve demonstrated interest in learning more about your subject. Then, and this is the key, develop these ideas further through reflection and further research. It’s not going to be enough to just name a TV show you watched or work experience you did, so think about what this experience meant to you, how it made you think/feel, and how it has impacted your opinions on your subject area. This is where great personal statements are made; in the analysis

Read more about making your personal statement stand out here and here

Sharing is caring

A final bonus top tip from our experts is to show your personal statement to as many people as possible for constructive criticism and feedback! As with anything, the more time and effort you put into your statement, the better it will be – so start now, and good luck!

Personal Statement FAQs

There is often a large amount of confusion surrounding how to write personal statements, especially when it comes to Oxford and Cambridge and other top research universities. Every year, we have thousands of students ask us what qualities go into making a successful personal statement. To help, we have broken down this question into 12 of the most frequently asked questions our prospective students ask when they are trying to draft their personal statements.

Read the FAQs here

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How do I prepare for an Oxbridge interview?

The interview is the final stage of the application process, and is arguably the most important –  it’s the candidate’s final chance to impress! 

Before the pandemic, interviews took place in-person and candidates would travel to their chosen college, staying there for the duration of the interview process, which could be as long as a week. However, since 2020, interviews have taken place online, and this is still continuing post-pandemic as students find it more accessible and convenient.

Interviews vary in style between subjects. Humanities interviews usually involve a discussion about the applicant’s interests and their personal statement, with a short task to complete (e.g. the candidate might be given an unfamiliar poem to analyse in an English interview). Usually, only one interview is needed.

STEM applicants usually have multiple interviews. Students applying to study Chemistry will have two or three interviews encompassing inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. STEM interviews tend to focus on the applicant’s ability to solve problems,  giving students questions to answer in front of the interviewer.

To prepare for an Oxbridge interview, it’s useful to ask a teacher, friend or family member to conduct a mock interview with mock questions. This can help you to grow more comfortable in an interview-like setting, and can also allow you to prepare answers to common questions. 

Again, if you’re passionate about your subject and have invested time and energy into it, then try not to worry, because this is the most important thing that interviewers are hoping to see!

What makes a good Oxbridge reference?

A good Oxbridge reference should showcase a student’s passion for the subject, intelligence and hard-working nature. The best person to write this reference is often a teacher or tutor, but it also could be a leader of a club or team that you’re a part of. 

It’s important to choose a referee who knows you well and will be able to write about you honestly and in detail. If you’d like to request a reference from someone, just email them – usually teachers are more than happy to help.

It’s important to maintain a good relationship with your teachers and seek advice from them whenever you can. If they’re writing your reference, make sure that they know lots of information about you, such as the extracurricular activities you take part in, your interests and achievements outside of school, and the course you’re applying to study. 

When are the application deadlines?

The UCAS deadline is usually 15th October, except where this date falls on a weekend. It’s important to check the specific dates for entry in the year you’re looking to apply.

To manage your application preparation well, it’s a good idea to start working on your personal statement at the end of year twelve, in June or July. That way, you have time to produce multiple drafts over the summer, and participate in more extracurricular and supercurricular activities that you can add as you perfect your statement. If you start preparing early, the process will be a lot less stressful.

The Oxbridge application process is long, and it’s important to learn about all the steps so you can best prepare for them. From the interview to the entrance exam to the personal statement, help is always available online to make the process less daunting and more manageable. 

For more subject-specific advice and recommendations, sign up to our OxBright newsletter to help give your application the edge. We have lots of free university preparation resources available on our website to help you prepare to the best of your ability, such as our Ultimate Guides, which cover interviews and entrance exams for specific subjects. 

Overall, approaching your application with confidence, determination and thorough preparation will give you the best chance of success! Applying to Oxbridge is an exciting and unique process, so enjoy it!

jessica

Looking to boost your Oxbridge applications?

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How To Write An Oxbridge Personal Statement: 7 Steps To Success

oxbridge personal statement deadline

The universities of Oxford and Cambridge , collectively known as Oxbridge , are world-leading higher education institutions.

With an international focus on research and academic excellence, entry is exceptionally competitive .

That means your personal statement needs to be exceptional too.

So, how do you write an Oxbridge personal statement?

A well-written Oxbridge personal statement should clearly define your high academic suitability and potential and evidence wider reading and research of an impressive standard. Evidence of transferable skills, academic enquiry, innovation and intellectual flexibility should also be included.

This post breaks the Oxbridge personal statement down into 7 steps, and at the end, I’ll give you my top tips for Oxbridge success…

An Overview of the Oxbridge Application Process

There are lots of reasons why applicants are attracted to Oxbridge institutions. From academic opportunities to reputational benefits , gaining a place can often be of real value.

Yes, there are some significant challenges to gaining a place and completing the course, but applicants, schools and employers highly prize the value of studying at Oxbridge.

Before we get into the details of how to write an impressive Oxbridge personal statement, let’s clarify a few things about the process…

What’s It Like To Study At Oxbridge?

Studying at Oxbridge stretches your academic abilities, organisational capacity, and emotional stamina. It also introduces you to a wealth of educational and interpersonal opportunities, helping you deepen your knowledge and understanding.

Oxford is pretty renowned for the academic intensity of its schedule. Aside from multiple lectures, humanities students will have at least one, if not two, 2,000-word essays to hand in per week, each of which will be discussed in a one-on-one manner with their tutor. At the start of every term, students face Collections, a set of informal assessments testing prior material. Andrea Carlo

The teaching in the Oxbridge collegiate system is known for its exceptional quality, depth and originality . You’ll engage with tutors via lectures and through supervisions or tutorials, 1-1 or in small groups.

Teachers and lecturers are often national or global leaders in their subject, so you can expect the quality (as well as the challenge) to be high.

The facilities you’ll encounter will combine classical architecture and contemporary resources. Check out the University of Oxford’s facilities here , and research the University of Cambridge’s resources here .

There’s no doubt that you’ll be immersed in an academically intensive experience with short semesters.

What’s The Oxbridge Application Process?

The application process for Oxbridge undergraduate courses runs through UCAS. When planning your personal statement, you should bear in mind the early deadline (usually 15 October) and the need to write an application suitable for Oxford or Cambridge, as well as up to three other choices.

You shouldn’t mention Oxbridge colleges directly in your personal statement , as it won’t be relevant to the other universities you’ve applied to.

Typically, candidates applying to Oxbridge will also apply to universities like Durham , LSE and Imperial College London .

These institutions will assume you are also applying to Oxford or Cambridge, given your timing and academic profile. However, they won’t be able to see your choices .

So, don’t write in your personal statement about how excited you are to study at Hertford College Oxford and use the Bodleian Libraries . That’s not going to help you get an offer from St Andrews .

What Happens When I Send My Oxbridge Application?

Once you’ve submitted your UCAS application, the individual college(s) you’ve applied to will gain access to your details. Members of relevant departments will review all elements of your application, including your personal statement, reference and test scores, if relevant.

Colleges will then make an interview shortlist , inviting successful applicants to interview in person.

Subsequently, colleges will moderate the interview results and make offers accordingly, usually in early-mid December.

Then you just need to get the results to meet the offer!

How Does Oxbridge Assess An Application?

oxbridge personal statement deadline

UCAS has published an informative overview of the application process called ‘ Making an Application to Oxford and Cambridge ’.

This resource was created by Claire Canning, Deputy Student Recruitment Manager at Cambridge , and Catriona Woolhouse, Head of Outreach Delivery at Oxford . It clearly explains the process of applying and the kinds of qualities that both institutions look for in a candidate.

Here’s their infographic summing up the application process…

oxbridge personal statement deadline

If you’ve been inspired to begin writing, check out my helpful post here on getting started with your personal statement .

oxbridge personal statement deadline

If you’d like a concise, detailed template for exactly how to create the perfect Oxbridge personal statement , along with exclusive supporting materials, then check out my Personal Statement Templates eBook here .

oxbridge personal statement deadline

1 Outline The Inspiration Behind Your Application

You’ll find lots of contrary advice online when it comes to writing the opening paragraph of your personal statement.

Some people will suggest that you start your personal statement with a quote , whilst others advocate a chronological approach.

However, Oxbridge applications need to begin very specifically.

You need to remember that your opening paragraph (and perhaps even your opening sentence) should be engineered to have a specific impact on the reader. It should:

  • Establish your personality, originality and motivation
  • Offer the reader immediate evidence of your suitability
  • Impress in academic terms
  • Lay the foundation for the rest of the personal statement

oxbridge personal statement deadline

Create A Personal Connection To The Subject

Your opening paragraph should contextualise your application with a personal connection to the subject you plan to study.

Some of the best ways to make this connection include:

  • Mentioning an experience that has had a relevant and profound impact
  • Outlining the benefit or value to you of a particular subject
  • Mentioning the impact on your life of an individual or idea related to that subject
  • Outlining at the start a personal or professional ambition related to the subject

Be concise with this aspect of your Oxbridge personal statement, and make sure that you talk about how you have responded to this inspirational moment or concept.

Don’t just describe an event that happened to you in the past.

An admissions reader will want to understand the inspiration for your application, but they will immediately want to see how that inspiration has empowered you to take action.

Explain Your Motivation For Study

Another way to think of this opening paragraph is to imagine that you are explaining why you want to study a particular subject.

What’s your motivation?

As long as you are well-informed and realistic, write about what you hope to achieve during and after studying. Don’t make unrealistic or ill-informed claims .

Readers will want to understand how you’ve prepared this application and what you’ve accomplished academically and practically.

How have expert academic achievements in this field inspired you, and what do you hope to achieve by comparison?

If you can write in a way that shows you are informed, engaged, connected and ambitious, you’ll create a strong opening paragraph.

oxbridge personal statement deadline

2 Establish Your Academic Suitability & Potential

More than any other factor, an Oxbridge personal statement stands or falls based on the applicant’s academic quality .

Whilst co-curricular achievements and personal qualities will play a part, the foundation of an Oxbridge education is academic depth. Your personal statement must establish that you have studied to a high standard and that you’ll be able to study to an even higher standard in the future.

So, how do you achieve this without writing a list of your achievements?

The answer is to remember to consider the concepts of application and value .

Show How You’ve Applied Your Knowledge & Talent

Rather than simply listing qualifications or experiences, try to write about how you have applied your knowledge and skills.

An admissions team will be far more interested in an applicant who has actively used and explored their knowledge than an applicant who has read a book. 

The application of knowledge and innovation are core aspects of an Oxbridge ethos. Your personal statement is a time to show how you have already engaged in this approach rather than describe what you’ve done in the past.

If you look at the graphic below, you’ll see that, above all else, Oxbridge colleges are looking for students with academic ability and potential .

Subject knowledge, interest and research all centre around this core aspect, so devote as much time as possible to establishing your credentials.

oxbridge personal statement deadline

Ways To Show You’ve Applied Your Knowledge

  • Rather than listing a qualification, explain how you’ve used what you learned whilst studying and applied it to a different discipline or problem
  • Rather than describing what you did on a residential course, outline the specific knowledge you gained and how you went on to use it to achieve something meaningful
  • Rather than outlining a particular viewpoint or theory, explain how you employed this knowledge practically or in discussion

Here’s an example of how not to write about academic suitability and potential:

oxbridge personal statement deadline

Instead, show how you’ve applied your knowledge:

oxbridge personal statement deadline

You should also use subject-specific terminology to evidence your detailed and relevant subject knowledge.

Don’t fill your personal statement with so much specialist vocabulary that it doesn’t reflect your personality, but do show that you can use relevant terminology accurately.

Outline The Value Of Each Academic Strength

Whilst you should write about relevant academic achievements within the taught curriculum, you should also consider their value .

In other words, identify the value to you of that piece of knowledge. What does it enable you to achieve? How does it link with other concepts or disciplines? How does it allow you to move forwards?

Another way to establish the value of your existing subject skills and experience is to remember the ABC method. For each point you want to make in this section, try to follow this pattern:

oxbridge personal statement deadline

The last way to communicate to a reader that you’ve gained value from a piece of knowledge or experience is to be able to offer an informed opinion .

Use your personal statement to briefly outline two contrasting pieces of relevant knowledge and then form a judgment or opinion about them. Make sure that it is accurate and that your conclusion is appropriate to the kind of content you expect to encounter on the course.

If a reader can see that you are already capable of synthesising information to develop informed concepts, they’ll know you have a sound academic foundation from which to build.

For more detailed guidance on how to write about yourself in a personal statement, check out my post here .

oxbridge personal statement deadline

3 Evidence Your Wider Reading & Research

It’s essential to use part of your Oxbridge personal statement to illustrate your commitment to more extensive reading and research . These are sometimes referred to as super-curricular activities because they are linked but in addition to your taught timetable.

Typically, it is up to you to seek out and engage in super-curricular activities. Ideally, your school or college will provide you with a broad programme that gives you these opportunities.

Here’s a great example of a super-curricular scheme that gives students the chance to engage in teacher-led and independent activities . The activities develop their knowledge and potential and provide opportunities to flourish in an Oxbridge environment.

If these opportunities aren’t immediately available to you, you’ll need to seek them out for yourself .

An Oxbridge admissions tutor will expect you to have the drive and ambition to do precisely that.

What Does Oxbridge Consider Super-Curricular?

Both Oxford and Cambridge share the same view when it comes to super-curricular activities:

  • They should be activities that go above and beyond the school curriculum
  • They should require independent, academic engagement
  • They provide discussion points during the interview
  • They are freely available in the community or online and are not prohibitive in cost
  • They help students clarify their subject choices
  • They demonstrate subject engagement and research skills
  • They broaden a student’s subject knowledge

How To Undertake Wider Reading and Research

When it comes to an Oxbridge personal statement, what do wider reading and research look like?

Any relevant super-curricular activity can be classed as research if it teaches you something that you didn’t learn in school.

Here are the six elements that sum up my approach to this aspect of your Oxbridge personal statement:

Your personal statement must ensure that you demonstrate a reasonable understanding of your subject and field and show that you can offer original arguments and opinions reinforced by outstanding study methodology.

Here’s a generalised idea of how that might look…

oxbridge personal statement deadline

4 Evidence Additional Experiences & Qualifications

One of the core elements that sets an Oxbridge application apart from others is the depth and range of your additional experiences and qualifications .

Remember, admissions teams at Oxford and Cambridge are looking for exceptional students with significant academic potential.

The only way for them to know if that potential exists is to see examples of how some applicants have achieved more than others.

That means you must include evidence of academic activities that set you apart from your peers.

This could take the form of additional courses outside of the school curriculum, masterclasses and workshops or lectures you have attended. It could be trips to venues or museums, residential opportunities, EPQs , debating and competition entry or relevant work experiences…

Or anything else that shows that you can manage a higher, more demanding academic workload than most students.

oxbridge personal statement deadline

5 Ways To Prove You’re Oxbridge Material

  • Connect your skills and knowledge to the demands of the course or subject, making a positive link between your experience and the demands of higher education at Oxbridge
  • Use examples to explain how your academic career has prepared you for Oxbridge study
  • Outline the dynamic and self-motivated ways in which you have sought to deepen your subject knowledge
  • Consider the value of the additional knowledge you have gained concerning your suitability for Oxbridge entry
  • Clarify the value of awards, prizes and accolades to your application, and outline the relevant academic skills you used to achieve these

5 Show The Relevance Of Your Transferable Skills

Oxford and Cambridge are largely uninterested in learning about the range of your extra-curricular activities.

You may be a great swimmer or passionate about joining the chess club, but those aren’t the aspects of your life that resonate with an admissions team.

That’s why they distinguish between super-curricular activities (academic pursuits beyond the taught curriculum) and extra-curricular activities (cycling or playing in a band).

However, your Oxbridge personal statement will be significantly strengthened if you show the relevance of your transferable skills. You should demonstrate the value of the skills you’ve developed in relation to successfully completing the course.

Here’s an example…

oxbridge personal statement deadline

That extract isn’t really about hockey. It evidences the applicant’s relevant transferable skills and reinforces their suitability for the course.

Transferable Skills For Oxbridge Applications

  • High-level study skills and research techniques
  • Current affairs and informed opinion
  • Teamwork and cooperation
  • Ambition and motivation
  • Timekeeping and responsibility
  • Stamina and resilience
  • Organisation and meeting deadlines
  • Pressure management and wellbeing

Try to demonstrate how you have developed or used a range of these skills whilst outlining your academic strengths.

To find out more, check out my post on how to include skills in your personal statement here .

oxbridge personal statement deadline

6 Highlight Your Value to the Institution

As you approach the end of your personal statement, you should outline how you’ll be of value to the institutions you’re applying to.

Remember, you can’t identify a university by name in your personal statement, as up to five different institutions see it. However, you can identify your value and clarify the benefits you’ll bring.

This shouldn’t be a list. It might just be a sentence that outlines a new achievement and suggests ways in which you’ll build on it in the future.

What Kind Of Value Is Oxbridge Looking For?

You might not fit into all these categories, but you should be able to identify one or two that connect with your academic achievements.

Make sure that you use your previous experiences to illustrate the value of your future accomplishments.

Don’t just list the things you’ve already done!

oxbridge personal statement deadline

7 Connect the Course with Your Goals & Ambitions

The last critical element of your Oxbridge personal statement is to link your immediate and long-term goals with the opportunities provided by the institutions you’re applying to .

This is so vital because it illustrates to the reader that you understand the content and demands of the course. It also connects your ambitions with what the university offers, demonstrating that you’re an ideal fit.

Outlining your goals also reassures the reader that you understand the field you intend to enter and can see how your skills and potential relate to it. That’s another excellent way of demonstrating your knowledge level.

You’ll need to be ready to defend these ambitions at the interview!

5 Quick Tips for Writing About Your Academic Goals

  • Link your goals with the published ethos or mission statement of the college you most want to study at
  • Connect your research or publication ambitions with those of faculty staff or alumni
  • Link the stated course outcomes or modules with your ambitions upon completion, creating a logical through-line
  • Identify the next round(s) of innovation in your field and explain why you want to lead these
  • Within reason, make use of the vocabulary and terminology used by the college to reflect the level of your connection

If you’ve left things a little late and are up against a deadline, check out my super-helpful post on writing a last-minute personal statement here .

oxbridge personal statement deadline

Top Tips for Oxbridge Success

What makes a successful oxbridge student.

A successful Oxbridge student shows a high level of subject knowledge and interest and can fluently identify and argue core concepts within their specialism. They are enthusiastic about engaging with new ideas and can readily apply existing knowledge to new situations.

A successful applicant can also assimilate and apply new concepts, show flexibility of thought, and respond to new information. They can demonstrate clarity of thought and reasoning and the ability to think analytically and critically.

When Should I Start Writing A Personal Statement?

Oxbridge applications typically need to be submitted by mid-October of the year before entry. However, you should begin planning your personal statement far in advance.

Remember that there are several unique elements that you need to include in an Oxbridge personal statement. In some cases, these require you to act at least two years before your submission.

You’ll need time to set up work placements and undertake additional research, reading and courses.

You can check out my step-by-step guide to when to write a personal statement here .

oxbridge personal statement deadline

How Do I Know When My Statement is Finished?

It’s always sensible to get some guidance before submitting your personal statement. That might be from peers, parents, teachers, counsellors or professionals, but having help to get your personal statement right is vital .

Once you’ve edited your Oxbridge personal statement down to under 4000 characters, you should double-check each paragraph to ensure that you have covered each of the headings above.

Make sure that you’ve got the balance between the sections right. My Personal Statement Template eBook has guides for getting each section to precisely the right length.

Make sure you have written your application in an accurate, concise and compelling way.

One of the best tools for this is Grammarly . It’s a powerful browser add-on that checks your spelling, punction, and grammar and offers you options for rephrasing and developing your content. I recommend it to the applicants I work with, and you can check out the free version of Grammarly here or hit the banner below.

oxbridge personal statement deadline

One last thing you can do is work through my free guide on how to check a personal statement . It’s packed full of helpful strategies to ensure your application is perfect.

oxbridge personal statement deadline

What Should I Expect At An Oxbridge Interview?

An Oxbridge interview is academically and intellectually demanding. It assesses knowledge, understanding and flexibility of thought by posing challenging questions related to current areas of study. The ability to apply knowledge in new contexts and develop existing ideas is also tested.

Interviewers look for depth of knowledge, flexibility of thought and a motivated attitude.

oxbridge personal statement deadline

Oxbridge interviews aren’t designed to trip you up or catch you out, but they are designed to stretch your intellectual ability and to better understand your level of self-knowledge. They’ll also test your awareness of current affairs.

You can check out my 15 powerful tips for how to prepare for a university interview here , or click here to read my guide on the 10 questions universities always ask .

oxbridge personal statement deadline

Good luck with your Oxbridge personal statement, and don’t forget to contact me if you’d like some 1-1 support.

You’ve got this! D

Research and content verified by Personal Statement Planet .

David Hallen

I've worked in the Further Education and University Admissions sector for nearly 20 years as a teacher, department head, Head of Sixth Form, UCAS Admissions Advisor, UK Centre Lead and freelance personal statement advisor, editor and writer. And now I'm here for you...

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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements

Your Personal Statement is the first demonstration of your character that the admissions teams at Oxford and Cambridge will see. Your perfect Personal Statement can only be written by yourself as it has to convey exactly who you are, why you want to study at Oxbridge and why you deserve to be there. But that doesn't mean help isn't available. There are many things to learn that can improve the effectiveness of your statement when implemented correctly. One of the best ways to get a deeper understanding of what makes a good Personal Statement is to read successful statements that have transferable qualities. This page features over 25 Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements from a whole variety of subjects. Read through them and learn what makes them so good (as well as the mistakes that some make), so that you can create a strong base for your own writing.

Why are Personal Statements Important?

Your personal statement is essentially you introducing yourself to the Oxbridge admissions teams and explaining why you should be given an offer on their courses. It’s a piece of writing that will have a lasting impact throughout the application process, so you need to make the best first impression.

The admissions teams aren’t just interested in the achievements that you have made or the grades you have earned; they are looking for applicants with the right attitude for the course. They need applicants who can go the extra mile, have a true understanding of the subject and have the qualities needed to become successful in their chosen field. All of these things can be expressed in a well-written personal statement.

How To Prepare for your Personal Statement

Your personal statement may not be prepared for in the same way as an entrance exam, but there are still things you can do both before and during the writing process.

Firstly, it’s a good idea to view examples of successful personal statements, such as the 25 + available below. It helps to view those related to your chosen subject, but there are still benefits to looking through as many as possible. 

Beyond this, learning specific techniques and advice from experts will also help. Our Premium Oxbridge Programmes provide a wide variety of support, including books and courses, all of which are designed to help you write the perfect personal statement. View our courses page to find out everything that we can do to help your application. 

Download our FREE 80-Page 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. 

To access all this for free, just enter your name and email address and you’ll be sent the guide directly to your inbox. 

Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

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  • Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

Check out our successful Oxbridge personal statement examples below.

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

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

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

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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

Oxbridge personal statement example for economics course.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oxbridge Personal Statement Example For Law Course

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oxbridge Personal Statement Example For Natural Sciences Course

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oxbridge Personal Statement Tips 

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

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

Personal Statement Examples

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  3. HOW TO WRITE AN OXBRIDGE PERSONAL STATEMENT (CHEMISTRY)

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  4. Example Oxbridge Personal Statement

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  5. How To Write An Oxbridge Personal Statement

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  6. How To Write An Oxbridge Personal Statement: 7 Steps To Success

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VIDEO

  1. OXBRIDGE talks is live

  2. Guide to Creating a Standout Personal Statement for Oxbridge Applications Open Day

  3. Reading My Personal Statement

  4. Beyond Borders Talk Show: Ep 3 ft. Meher Tabaan Oxbridge Expert

  5. St Anne's College

COMMENTS

  1. A Guide to the Oxbridge Application Process

    The deadline for Oxbridge applications is the 15th October 2023. Your whole Oxbridge application, including your personal statement, registration for admissions test(s) and references, must be submitted by this date. ... Some elements we recommend you include in your Oxbridge personal statement are:

  2. Applying to Oxbridge: writing a personal statement

    The deadline for the personal statement - along with the rest of the Ucas application - is usually 16 October for Oxbridge applicants, which is more than three months earlier than the applications for the rest of the universities in the UK. ... It is strongly recommended that you build a collection of successful Oxbridge personal statements ...

  3. 2025 entry admissions timeline

    Start working on your application from June 2024. Choose your course. Choose a college or decide on an open application. Write your personal statement. Organise your academic reference. Check if you need to take a test and what this involves. Submit from early September. Final deadline 6pm on 15 October.

  4. UCAS Deadlines

    14 May 2024 - you can start your undergraduate application for 2025 entry courses, but you cannot submit it to UCAS until 3 September 2024. 15 October 2024 at 18:00 (UK time) - deadline for any course at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, or for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry.

  5. 12 Personal Statement FAQs and answers!

    If you would like to speak to one of our Oxbridge-graduate advisors about your own personal statement, contact our Oxbridge advising team on +44 (0)207499 2394, email at [email protected], or request a callback to discuss your situation.

  6. Applying to Oxbridge: a guide for international students

    The application deadline for all Oxbridge and medicine applicants is 16 October (previously 15 October), so all university/college choices, personal statements and references must be completed and submitted by this date. 2. English language tests .

  7. Your Ultimate Guide to the Oxbridge Admissions Process

    The test registration deadline for most Oxbridge admissions tests is 30 September 2022. Step 2: Submit UCAS form. Oxbridge candidates must submit their UCAS application form by 6pm on 15 October (this date is the same every year). This includes submitting your education history, personal statement, and academic reference.

  8. How To Write An Oxbridge Personal Statement

    The first draft of the personal statement should be completed by the end of summer holiday between Year 12 and 13, which means any extra reading or work experience that a student may wish to include in it must be completed before this time. 2. Focus on your academic strengths. Prove your academic strength in your subject with examples of books ...

  9. Information Hub

    HOW TO WRITE AN OXBRIDGE PERSONAL STATEMENT. OXBRIDGE UCAS DEADLINE - 15th OCTOBER. Get your application in by this date (earlier than the regular January UCAS deadline), or it won't be considered! This includes the references from your school, so make sure they know about this deadline too.

  10. UCAS Deadline Friday

    12th January 2021. Speak right now to our live team of English staff. So, it's nearly here. The 2021 UCAS application deadline. With all the confusion and interruptions that have plagued the recent school year, it may have been tempting to push writing your personal statement to the bottom of your to-do list. With Christmas, January ...

  11. How to write a great Oxbridge Personal Statement

    Tip: Instead of: "I am interested in molecular biology". Try: "My interest in molecular biology led me to read X". 3. Set yourself up for an interview. All successful Oxbridge candidates are interviewed as part of the admissions process, and interviewers often draw on things mentioned in the Personal Statement.

  12. A guide to the Oxbridge application process

    Here's what to do after you've decided. 1. Fill out your Ucas application. As you're applying to Oxford or Cambridge, there's an early deadline of 15 October 2024 for 2025 entry. That's more than three months before the main university application deadline of 29 January 2025.

  13. How to Write an Oxbridge Personal Statement (With Examples)

    So, the template below will enable you to create the perfect personal template: Paragraph 1 - Discuss why you want to study the course by including a story or reasons why. Paragraph 2 - Talk about your work experience and qualifications as well as any certifications you might have that relate to the course.

  14. Oxbridge Application Process: Applying To Oxbridge

    Keep in mind, the deadline for Oxbridge applications is strict, and it closes at 6 PM (UK time) ... Write Oxbridge Personal Statement. Your personal statement is an essential part of your Oxbridge application. It's your opportunity to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and passion for your chosen subject. ...

  15. A Guide To Oxbridge Application Process

    Oxbridge application deadline. Once you have had a look at which course you would like to study, it is important that you make a note of the Oxbridge application deadlines. ... Although personal statements are crucial regardless of which university you are applying to, an Oxbridge personal statement differs slightly from what you may expect ...

  16. Oxford and Cambridge Application Timetable

    To simplify the process, we have put together all the key Oxbridge application dates and deadlines for 2023-2024 applicants in this calendar. Map Oxbridge Applications, 14 - 16 Waterloo Place, London, ... Our Personal Statement Package helps you to prepare for your university application. Get in touch with one of our consultants for more ...

  17. Oxbridge Personal Statement Guide

    Personal Statement Guide . With the start of the new academic year upon us already, we also enter a new round of university applications. UCAS deadlines, especially those for Oxford and Cambridge, are fast approaching, and making sure everything you're submitting in your form is in tip top condition should be the main priority for the weeks between now and the mid-October deadline.

  18. Personal Statement Cheat Sheet

    Our easy-to-use Personal Statement cheat sheet will tell you everything you need to know to start crafting the perfect Personal Statement. Skip to content. Oxbridge Programmes. Humanities Programmes. Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry; Non-Oxbridge Law 24/25 Entry; ... What is the Personal Statement deadline? The final deadline is the 31st of January for ...

  19. The Ultimate Guide to Applying to Oxbridge

    For an undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge, students will usually need to reach grades A*AA or A*A*A at A-level - again this varies between subjects. For students studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Oxbridge usually require grades from 38-42, with all 6s or 7s in Higher Level subjects.

  20. How To Write An Oxbridge Personal Statement: 7 Steps To Success

    What's The Oxbridge Application Process? The application process for Oxbridge undergraduate courses runs through UCAS. When planning your personal statement, you should bear in mind the early deadline (usually 15 October) and the need to write an application suitable for Oxford or Cambridge, as well as up to three other choices.

  21. Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements

    Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements. Your Personal Statement is the first demonstration of your character that the admissions teams at Oxford and Cambridge will see. Your perfect Personal Statement can only be written by yourself as it has to convey exactly who you are, why you want to study at Oxbridge and why you deserve to be there.

  22. Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

    Oxbridge Personal Statement Example For Economics Course. I volunteer at a local soup kitchen in Singapore, where I help distribute food and check on the well-being of lower-income families living in public housing. One day, we encountered a family of five who were all seriously or terminally ill but were not receiving any government social ...

  23. Oxbridge applications: five things you might not know

    2. Oxbridge assessments go beyond your grades and Ucas form Universities will usually use your predicted grades and information from your Ucas form (including your personal statement) to decide whether to offer you a place. However, Oxford and Cambridge assess you on additional information as most apply with top grades.

  24. Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (OXBR) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

    Wrendon Timothy. Thank you, Jay. I would like to remind you that our typical contract period is from June 1 to May 31 of the following year. With respect to net premiums earned, net premiums ...