You've summarised what multiple seminars, presentations and entire courses have failed to do with hours of time. And more impressively, you did it in a mere 40 minutes. Thank you.
Seeing faculty from Oxbridge speak about the importance of demonstrating genuine evaluation and critical thinking, almost dismissing extracurriculars entirely, has just turned my world upside down. I've been surrounded by a lot of people with little to no actual academic passion, pursuing supercurriculars just to say they have, dogmatically making a beeline for Oxbridge, driven merely by ego and pressure. It's really encouraging to see that that's not what Oxbridge is all about. I might consider actually trying for Oxbridge if I choose to pursue a postgraduate education. Thank you.
I’ve watched several of your videos now and I honestly have to say that you’ve been extraordinarily helpful with regards to personal statements, and generally how to think like an academic. Thank you.
OMG! Thank you very much for this video! It was an absolute KILLER! I am currently trying to write a personal statement for the GKS-G scholarship in South Korea and I have literally spent hours on this video, pausing, again and again, reflecting on what I learned from the video, brainstorming ideas for my own personal statement, taking notes, writing down new ideas all the time! These 2 hours were like the most productive hours ever for me
THIS PRESENTATION WAS BEAUTIFUL.. the first personal statement advise video i watched through till the end! The animations were great and the advice was very so much needed. Thank you so much for this video and the link to the slides.
Thank you for the guidance, Dr Williams. As a mature student applying for postgraduate study, further to watching this session it was apparent that I had approached my draft PS from the wrong perspective and had failed to answer the three questions you outlined. I had adopted a similar format to that of a CV covering my 25 years' career experience, and had failed to add sufficient reflection on acquired learning and vocational development over that time. I should have watched this first! I now feel confident in my application, albeit not to a Russell Group university.
Hi! I've watched your videos to prepare my personal statement and yesterday I've received an offer to pursue a MPhil at Oxford! Your tips were very helpful!
I would just like to say that I have found all your videos, especially the videos on how to write a personal statement and the examples of what to do/not to do, have all been so helpful. At first my personal statement was quite impersonal, but following your advice it is much more personal!
Good to know! Just be sure not to burn yourself out. Make sure you find ways of enjoying the process -- because then you'll sustain your motivation and go further. John Stuart Mill was in such a hurry to become the best philosopher in the world that he had a nervous breakdown! In the end, he achieved more by relaxing a bit than by constantly working.
Notes to self: 18:28 is a very helpful section. Come back to this as I keep redrafting. Another way to critically analyse is to identify the parallels and similarities etc
*Before the video* I am short on air, as you have taken my breath away with this helpful video. *After the video* I am short on air, as you have taken my breath away with this helpful video. After reading Vee’s personal statement, I have noticed how Vee told about different historic happenings and used them to show and not just tell. Thanks for these tips! Show and don’t tell is literally the best tip to use for everything, not only a personal statement.
Thank you very much for this video! I plan on applying for multiple summer internships, one of them being in Cambridge, and this was very helpful. As a bachelor student who doesn't have any academic mentors, this was a great opportunity to get a better understanding of what exactly people, who read personal statements, want to see. Hope to write a good one, thank you!
1. Express academic interest, not vocational interest 2. Background is okay, but not the main focus 3. Show, don't tell 4. Introductory texts are not as impressive as more academic ones. 5. Let the admissions office see you reflected in your essay 6. Only quote if you use that as a springboard for your own opinion. You don't have characters to waste. 7. Reflect on the things you mention. 8. Super curriculars are quality over quantity. 9. A nice structure always helps - think story arc. 10. Be clear 11. Remember - motivations, evidence, justification 12. Circular structures lend coherence to your essay. 13. Exploration - Substance - Methods - Findings - Other Interests 14. ECs should be relevant to your final goal - showcasing academic interest 15. Grammar, punctuation, and a clear syntax are all incredibly important. 16. Don't use adverbs and adjectives excessively 17. Get some feedback, but don't drown in it. Thank you for the video!
I am in year 11 right now hoping to gain some knowledge on how to be a better future candidate to universities such as oxford, thank you so much for this lecture which gives so much insight on how to write a strong PS!
I am aiming for a very different degree, which is professionally steered, so there are a few things that I should do differently than what is suggested. But even that has been made very clear in the video and that's why I think everyone, irrespective of the degree that they are applying to can get very helpful advice here.
hello mr. Williams! thank you so much for all the resources you provide. I plan to apply for the law course this coming admissions cycle and if i get in ( fingers crossed) it will be greatly due to your guidance and in-depth discussions. Hopefully i’ll get to thank you in person next year! cheers, Anisha
I almost spit out my drink as I read the don’t thing in the standing out section 😭😭 however your way of explaining things made it clearer for me on how to write this PS so thank you sm !!
Incredible video! My first degree is from the US and my personal statement was quite different- it was more vocational and focused on creative writing. I am going to apply for the DPhil in Social Data Science at the University of Oxford and this video really helps streamline my thoughts! Thank you so much :)
Man I REALLY hope I get admitted so I can shake your hand one day and just at very least thank you for all the help you've offered through this content on UA-cam.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I look forward to it! I'm working on my second draft of my personal statement now (shaving it down now because I misread the character/page limits). I'm applying for law school but I'm a political science and history enthusiast as well.
😂Ok I died on emotional blackmail. Brilliant Insights there! Hope to get ideas on PSs concerning internships I.e into world class organisations or competitive multinational companies.
Thanks for your comment! When applying to companies, they similarly want evidence of activity over platitudes such as "I am highly motivated". So if you can give evidence of what you have done that proves you are highly motivated, that is ideal. Show, don't just tell!
Thank you so much! I'm applying to both US and UK universities, and have no idea how to write essays for UK universities after brainstorming for US universities for so long. Your video is very helpful!
being french when you want to study in the UK becomes hard when you have to write your personal statement. No one is able to help me so I thank you!!! My PS is way better now
I found this fascinating,, As I am taking an access course in social science and humanity.. to go onto philosophy then to take the pg cert in chaplaincy..
Thank you so much Sir!Just want to tell you that although 9 out of 10 of my teachers strongly suggested me to change my ps to a less emotional, and more “normal” ps, not quoting quotes from a marmite type celebrity, I decided to stick with your advices and wrote my own PERSONAL statement, which I found satisfying! I’m applying to Cambridge for Mathematics, sorry not Oxford 😅 but please wish me luck 😬😬😬
This may be a silly question, but if referencing certain texts in a personal statement, should I include a works cited list? The more I research my program of interest at Oxford, the more I'm getting my heart set on attending. I really want to nail this personal statement! Thank you so much for the information in this video -- it is incredibly helpful!
I don't really have many achievements to write about because I'm studying at a night school. I do read a lot of research articles in my own time. Hopefully that can make up for my lack of in-class activities!
Yes, that's the sort of detail we want. We know that "achievements" are relative to what is possible. Some people have loads of opportunities to achieve, and others have to struggle more. Reading articles in your own time whilst attending night school is very impressive and not to be dismissed lightly.
On the Bristol slide, the sentence about the adjective 'vulnerable' in legislation. I just wanted to say that I used this paper to talk about the DID model in my personal statement. So thank you Dr. Williams for that one. Hopefully it is both personal and evidence of my interest. Although I seemed to struggle to talk about what I've read without being descriptive.
Wow, this is immensely resourceful! Do you think highlighting significant work experience would be advantageous especially for an applicant in a Masters in Business Administration programme?
Many thanks Tony! I think work experiences can be very impactful for MBA applications. When applying to academic institutions, however, be sure to draw the connections between any practical experience and a wider academic debate. For example, if you've had some work experiences with a business, what did it tell you about a topic of academic interest, such as management structuring, behavioural economics... you name it?
That's a tricky one! Think about the common denominator between those subjects. Reality, we could argue, is "engineered" by language. Even use of a metaphor such as "engineering" shows how technology has infused our culture as well.
Thanks a lot! I wrote my personal statement starting my fascination and curiosity about light and electromagnetism, went on to tell that my interest in EM motivated me to attend a bsc level online course hosted by iitk, and then what books I've read (on vector calculus for electromagnetism, and one on multivariable calculus). Then talking about what I'm looking forward to in university and my aspirations. Does that work?
From the bottom of my heart, this was a fantastic video! Thank you! I was wondering, do you have any that specifically focuses on what a personal statement for a master's degree should be like? And I also wanted to ask: When the description says that you need a "statement of purpose / personal statement", what exactly do they wish to get? This question bothers me because I have read that statement of purpose and personal statement have a slightly different focus.
Hi there. Thank you for your comment! I'm releasing a video soon with more of a focus on statements of purpose. In the meantime, the key thing is to address everything that is stated on the website for your course under "Statement of Purpose". Note in particular the need to answer "Why Oxford?". This would not be required in a personal statement, but is helpful for postgrad applications. Here is an example of the instructions for a masters in English: Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document. Your statement will be assessed for: evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study and the nature of the course applied to commitment to the subject evidence of a defined set of research interests. Your statement should indicate your academic interests rather than personal interests, achievements and aspirations.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571Thanks for the reply, Dr Williams! I actually rewatched your video again and was wondering: for the undergraduate Personal Statement, you said that the Admission Team feels like sometimes they're can be too academic, that it's best to let them see a person behind the academics as well, does it apply for graduate courses? In other words, is it okay to weave a personal story into your academic journey?
Essay rewrite easy, do the right thing, not like thing and do the thing right, not thing like.Do the good half of him, the rest do the best of your sure you pass, if not do next.Tips seeing is believing, touching is awaring.Good luck.
Hi! Oxford is my dream university, and I am applying this year. In my personal statement, I am planning to talk about a book written by an Oxford professor and a debate by the Oxford Union. Although these two examples really motivate me for my subject, could it backfire against me because the examples show too much interest in Oxford and may not seem genuine? Also, I am aware that the particular book is used in numerous personal statements, so could it weaken my personal statement as it is too common? Thank you for your time to read my comment.
It's fine describing a book by an Oxford prof, even if it is popular. Perhaps just give your original take on the book. That can help the statement stand out. Referring to a debate is also fine, but may not be necessary to say the debate took place in the Oxford Union.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you for your reply! I’m curious about why it might not be necessary to mention that the debate took place at the Oxford Union. Could you please explain how it would affect the overall impression or relevance of my personal statement?
@@Penguin-r5b The debate venue is not particularly relevant information to the discussion of ideas. And, universities other than Oxford may detect that you are keen to study only with us. It wouldn't harm an Oxford application, but may be misinterpreted by other unis.
Thank you so much for this video, it is amazing and so helpful! I'm an American student currently in the process of writing my statement, and I was wondering if you have any special advice for international students? Would it be helpful at all to mention why I'm interested in studying abroad?
Thank you for your comment. It's not really necessary to mention in a personal statement that you're interested in studying abroad. That will be clear from the fact that you're applying to study in the UK. You also do not need to explain or justify your reasons for wanting to study in the UK. We welcome international applications at universities like Oxford.
Thanks! It won't make any difference for Oxford if you fail to mention extracurricular activities. But, other universities are looking for these, so it can hurt you in those applications. The general rule of thumb is 80:20 - with 80% super curricular and 20% extra curricular.
Thank you for this guide. Just wondering when applying for a Masters, do you have to also mention the area that you are going to research and if so, could we change it some time in the future?
It's worth describing your research interests, yes. But you don't need to have a fully formed research design, and you're not forced to follow through on the proposal if your research plans change. This would only really apply to a research masters, rather than a taught masters.
Thanks! It's helpful for any personal statement to have some structure - in the sense of linking the various paragraphs together so that there is a beginning, middle and end to what you're saying. There's no particular reason why a maths personal statement would need to be different to any other subjects from that perspective.
Thank you so much for this very informative piece. It was absolutely helpful. Please is there a way I can get my personal statement through to you to review. It'll be greatly appreciated
Yes, that can work well. Just be sure to explain your academic interests in the topic and some relevant academic literature you have read to further your interest.
This has been incredibly helpful, thank you! I'm very close to submitting my personal statement and this has given me some great insight on what to add next. I'm applying for Politics and would love some feedback from a professional in the field, is there any chance I could email you a few questions? I understand how busy you must be but any input would be very appreciated! thanks :)
You've summarised what multiple seminars, presentations and entire courses have failed to do with hours of time. And more impressively, you did it in a mere 40 minutes.
Thank you.
Thank you Ben, that's very kind!
You might want to check this out ua-cam.com/video/5ZUgT5cgTg0/v-deo.html
Seeing faculty from Oxbridge speak about the importance of demonstrating genuine evaluation and critical thinking, almost dismissing extracurriculars entirely, has just turned my world upside down. I've been surrounded by a lot of people with little to no actual academic passion, pursuing supercurriculars just to say they have, dogmatically making a beeline for Oxbridge, driven merely by ego and pressure. It's really encouraging to see that that's not what Oxbridge is all about. I might consider actually trying for Oxbridge if I choose to pursue a postgraduate education. Thank you.
Thank you!
I’ve watched several of your videos now and I honestly have to say that you’ve been extraordinarily helpful with regards to personal statements, and generally how to think like an academic. Thank you.
Well, that's very kind of you! Thank you! Best wishes MW
literally just saved me with the difference between program and programme
Got my acceptance letter today. Thanks Dr. Matt
Fantastic! Congratulations!
J C you will!
THAT IS AMAZING!!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Great job!
Congratulations. Is it to Oxford?
OMG! Thank you very much for this video! It was an absolute KILLER! I am currently trying to write a personal statement for the GKS-G scholarship in South Korea and I have literally spent hours on this video, pausing, again and again, reflecting on what I learned from the video, brainstorming ideas for my own personal statement, taking notes, writing down new ideas all the time! These 2 hours were like the most productive hours ever for me
Fantastic -- thank you Jeyran! Best of luck in your applications.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you very much!
Hi, how did it go for you? i am thinking of applying this year.
Yes how did it go?
The most useful video on personal statements I've watched so far!
Wow, thank you!
THIS PRESENTATION WAS BEAUTIFUL.. the first personal statement advise video i watched through till the end! The animations were great and the advice was very so much needed. Thank you so much for this video and the link to the slides.
Wow, thank you! That's very kind!
Thank you for the guidance, Dr Williams. As a mature student applying for postgraduate study, further to watching this session it was apparent that I had approached my draft PS from the wrong perspective and had failed to answer the three questions you outlined. I had adopted a similar format to that of a CV covering my 25 years' career experience, and had failed to add sufficient reflection on acquired learning and vocational development over that time. I should have watched this first! I now feel confident in my application, albeit not to a Russell Group university.
We wish you the very best Allie!
This was super useful! I watched it the whole way through. Thank you!!!
Hi! I've watched your videos to prepare my personal statement and yesterday I've received an offer to pursue a MPhil at Oxford! Your tips were very helpful!
Excellent news! Congratulations!
I would just like to say that I have found all your videos, especially the videos on how to write a personal statement and the examples of what to do/not to do, have all been so helpful. At first my personal statement was quite impersonal, but following your advice it is much more personal!
Excellent! Best of luck to you!
You don’t understand how many of these videos I’ve been watching. I’m in Year 11 and looking to do Law at Oxford so I’m working my butt off already
Good to know! Just be sure not to burn yourself out. Make sure you find ways of enjoying the process -- because then you'll sustain your motivation and go further.
John Stuart Mill was in such a hurry to become the best philosopher in the world that he had a nervous breakdown! In the end, he achieved more by relaxing a bit than by constantly working.
same !!
Notes to self:
18:28 is a very helpful section. Come back to this as I keep redrafting.
Another way to critically analyse is to identify the parallels and similarities etc
Best of luck with it!
Thank you very much! 🙂
*Before the video*
I am short on air, as you have taken my breath away with this helpful video.
*After the video*
I am short on air, as you have taken my breath away with this helpful video. After reading Vee’s personal statement, I have noticed how Vee told about different historic happenings and used them to show and not just tell.
Thanks for these tips! Show and don’t tell is literally the best tip to use for everything, not only a personal statement.
That's very kind of you! Best of luck!
Thank you very much for this video! I plan on applying for multiple summer internships, one of them being in Cambridge, and this was very helpful. As a bachelor student who doesn't have any academic mentors, this was a great opportunity to get a better understanding of what exactly people, who read personal statements, want to see. Hope to write a good one, thank you!
Best of luck!
Probably the best video ive watched on preparing a personal statement
Thanks a bunch
Wow, thanks!
1. Express academic interest, not vocational interest
2. Background is okay, but not the main focus
3. Show, don't tell
4. Introductory texts are not as impressive as more academic ones.
5. Let the admissions office see you reflected in your essay
6. Only quote if you use that as a springboard for your own opinion. You don't have characters to waste.
7. Reflect on the things you mention.
8. Super curriculars are quality over quantity.
9. A nice structure always helps - think story arc.
10. Be clear
11. Remember - motivations, evidence, justification
12. Circular structures lend coherence to your essay.
13. Exploration - Substance - Methods - Findings - Other Interests
14. ECs should be relevant to your final goal - showcasing academic interest
15. Grammar, punctuation, and a clear syntax are all incredibly important.
16. Don't use adverbs and adjectives excessively
17. Get some feedback, but don't drown in it.
Thank you for the video!
Great summary! Thank you!
I am in year 11 right now hoping to gain some knowledge on how to be a better future candidate to universities such as oxford, thank you so much for this lecture which gives so much insight on how to write a strong PS!
Best of luck!
i know this is a long time past when you posted this but I’m in year 11 doing the same, did you end up getting in?
Brilliant video! Just in my time of need! Thank you Dr Williams!!!🤩
I am aiming for a very different degree, which is professionally steered, so there are a few things that I should do differently than what is suggested. But even that has been made very clear in the video and that's why I think everyone, irrespective of the degree that they are applying to can get very helpful advice here.
That's kind of you to say! Thank you. Best of luck in your applications.
hello mr. Williams! thank you so much for all the resources you provide. I plan to apply for the law course this coming admissions cycle and if i get in ( fingers crossed) it will be greatly due to your guidance and in-depth discussions. Hopefully i’ll get to thank you in person next year!
cheers,
Anisha
Did you get In?
This is by far the best video I've seen on this topic. Informative and well detailed. Thank you!
That's really kind, thank you!
This is helping me massively as I look to write a my PS for a Mst, this September.
I almost spit out my drink as I read the don’t thing in the standing out section 😭😭 however your way of explaining things made it clearer for me on how to write this PS so thank you sm !!
33:02 to relive the moment
wow this is the most practical and helpful video ever.
Thanks very much!
36:33 As a French applicant, this part was very useful to clarify haha, thank you !
Glad it was helpful!
Incredible video! My first degree is from the US and my personal statement was quite different- it was more vocational and focused on creative writing. I am going to apply for the DPhil in Social Data Science at the University of Oxford and this video really helps streamline my thoughts! Thank you so much :)
Fantastic! Thanks for your comment!
I am the 500th like for this video :)
Let's get 500 likes for your comment!
I'm the first dislike for this comment 😂
Extremely helpful presentation. Very reassuring too. Thank you very much.
Good to know. Thank you!
43 minutes well spent. Thanks
You're very kind! Good luck!
Man I REALLY hope I get admitted so I can shake your hand one day and just at very least thank you for all the help you've offered through this content on UA-cam.
Thanks! It would be a pleasure meeting you.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571
I look forward to it! I'm working on my second draft of my personal statement now (shaving it down now because I misread the character/page limits). I'm applying for law school but I'm a political science and history enthusiast as well.
Thank you so much !
Today was my first brainstorming session
Thanks for your comment! Good luck with it
Wow, I've watched the video until it's donee....so helpful. Thank you so much sir
😂Ok
I died on emotional blackmail. Brilliant Insights there! Hope to get ideas on PSs concerning internships I.e into world class organisations or competitive multinational companies.
Thanks for your comment! When applying to companies, they similarly want evidence of activity over platitudes such as "I am highly motivated". So if you can give evidence of what you have done that proves you are highly motivated, that is ideal. Show, don't just tell!
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you!
Thanks for this video Dr Williams ! Your videos are very very helpful
Thank you!
It was a much detailed and on point video I have came across on such a critical thing.
Great! Thank you!
Very helpful video. Concise, well presented, relevant and to the point, this video is great!
Thank you so much! I'm applying to both US and UK universities, and have no idea how to write essays for UK universities after brainstorming for US universities for so long. Your video is very helpful!
Great to hear! Thank you! Best of luck
being french when you want to study in the UK becomes hard when you have to write your personal statement. No one is able to help me so I thank you!!! My PS is way better now
Great! Thank you for your comment. Best of luck to you
Thank you, I can finally start writing with an idea on my mind.
Wonderful!
Thank you, Bless you for the very detailed suggestion,✊🙏 It would certainly make feel less stressed as I prepare to apply
You are so welcome!
I'm so thankful for this material being published online.
Excellent. Thank you for your kind remark!
Thank you for being so constructive despite being from the greatest Oxford Uni college
I found this fascinating,, As I am taking an access course in social science and humanity.. to go onto philosophy then to take the pg cert in chaplaincy..
Thank you! Best wishes to you
Awesome video. I'm writing my personal statement right now, and this video is so handy!
Glad it was helpful! Best of luck with it
Thank you so much Sir!Just want to tell you that although 9 out of 10 of my teachers strongly suggested me to change my ps to a less emotional, and more “normal” ps, not quoting quotes from a marmite type celebrity, I decided to stick with your advices and wrote my own PERSONAL statement, which I found satisfying!
I’m applying to Cambridge for Mathematics, sorry not Oxford 😅 but please wish me luck 😬😬😬
Good luck!
Thank you so much for being so helpful!
All of your videos have helped me a lot!
This may be a silly question, but if referencing certain texts in a personal statement, should I include a works cited list?
The more I research my program of interest at Oxford, the more I'm getting my heart set on attending. I really want to nail this personal statement! Thank you so much for the information in this video -- it is incredibly helpful!
No, that’s not necessary and you probably won’t have space for it. Best of luck!
I love this proffesor.
Thanks!
Thank you so much. This is a good video for my students in Indonesia
Excellent! Best wishes to you and your students
Absolutely loved this! So helpful.
Great to know, thank you!
9:10 But B also explicitly says "I am fascinated".
29:34 But that extra information won't tell you that their GP-shadowing placement was cancelled.
16:38 18:28 24:20 30:38 35:37 36:47 37:14 38:05 39:20 41:02
I don't really have many achievements to write about because I'm studying at a night school. I do read a lot of research articles in my own time. Hopefully that can make up for my lack of in-class activities!
Yes, that's the sort of detail we want. We know that "achievements" are relative to what is possible. Some people have loads of opportunities to achieve, and others have to struggle more. Reading articles in your own time whilst attending night school is very impressive and not to be dismissed lightly.
This is very useful indeed. Thank you very much.
Thank you for your insights 🙏. I hope I can act upon them, but definitely a resource I will share in the future
On the Bristol slide, the sentence about the adjective 'vulnerable' in legislation. I just wanted to say that I used this paper to talk about the DID model in my personal statement. So thank you Dr. Williams for that one. Hopefully it is both personal and evidence of my interest. Although I seemed to struggle to talk about what I've read without being descriptive.
I'm really glad to hear the DID model was interesting and helpful! All best wishes to you
Thank you very much! It was the information which I was really looking for! super-puper useful!
Great to hear! Thank you
I applied to St Johns but the videos from this channel are still really helpful :3
That's great to know! We're all on the same team (St John's, Jesus etc). Just glad we can help.
This will help me construct my Personal Statement.Thanks
Good to know! Best of luck to you
Thank you, it’s clear, helpful and supportive, great video!
Great! Thank you
I wish I came across this video before I submitted my personal statement 😔
ahahahaha love letter from an affectless husband lol Love it!
This has been incredibly helpful, thank you :) I’m on my 9th draft and I’m losing hope aha, especially as my college haven’t been too helpful😅
Aww..This is so helpful..Thank you Mathews
You're welcome! Thanks for your kind comment!
the 8 dislikes are from Cambridge executives
Thank you for posting this video, it has been really helpful :)
You’re very welcome!
Your video was so much helpful !
Thank you so much for this amazing guidance.
It's a pleasure! Thank you!
I found my people 😂 hope to get in.
thanks a lot for all your explanations, very useful.
You are welcome! Thank you
Wow, this is immensely resourceful! Do you think highlighting significant work experience would be advantageous especially for an applicant in a Masters in Business Administration programme?
Many thanks Tony! I think work experiences can be very impactful for MBA applications. When applying to academic institutions, however, be sure to draw the connections between any practical experience and a wider academic debate. For example, if you've had some work experiences with a business, what did it tell you about a topic of academic interest, such as management structuring, behavioural economics... you name it?
Incredible, God bless you.
Thank you! You too!
super helpful!!
Thank you so much! This is really helpful 👍 Amazing 😊😊☺️
Note to self: 35:30
Thank u!!! This was so helpful !!
No problem! Thanks for watching. Please share and subscribe!
important
This is really useful, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Applying for both english & engineering !
I'm finding it hard to express my passion for two different subjects in one personal statement.
That's a tricky one! Think about the common denominator between those subjects. Reality, we could argue, is "engineered" by language. Even use of a metaphor such as "engineering" shows how technology has infused our culture as well.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much .
Your reply was so helpful!
Very very helpful
Glad to hear that!
Thanks a lot! I wrote my personal statement starting my fascination and curiosity about light and electromagnetism, went on to tell that my interest in EM motivated me to attend a bsc level online course hosted by iitk, and then what books I've read (on vector calculus for electromagnetism, and one on multivariable calculus). Then talking about what I'm looking forward to in university and my aspirations.
Does that work?
Sounds good! Given these are your interests, that's ideal.
From the bottom of my heart, this was a fantastic video! Thank you!
I was wondering, do you have any that specifically focuses on what a personal statement for a master's degree should be like? And I also wanted to ask: When the description says that you need a "statement of purpose / personal statement", what exactly do they wish to get? This question bothers me because I have read that statement of purpose and personal statement have a slightly different focus.
Hi there. Thank you for your comment! I'm releasing a video soon with more of a focus on statements of purpose. In the meantime, the key thing is to address everything that is stated on the website for your course under "Statement of Purpose". Note in particular the need to answer "Why Oxford?". This would not be required in a personal statement, but is helpful for postgrad applications.
Here is an example of the instructions for a masters in English:
Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at Oxford, your relevant experience and education, and the specific areas that interest you and/or you intend to specialise in.
If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
Your statement will be assessed for:
evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study and the nature of the course applied to
commitment to the subject
evidence of a defined set of research interests.
Your statement should indicate your academic interests rather than personal interests, achievements and aspirations.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571Thanks for the reply, Dr Williams!
I actually rewatched your video again and was wondering: for the undergraduate Personal Statement, you said that the Admission Team feels like sometimes they're can be too academic, that it's best to let them see a person behind the academics as well, does it apply for graduate courses? In other words, is it okay to weave a personal story into your academic journey?
Essay rewrite easy, do the right thing, not like thing and do the thing right, not thing like.Do the good half of him, the rest do the best of your sure you pass, if not do next.Tips seeing is believing, touching is awaring.Good luck.
Hi! Oxford is my dream university, and I am applying this year. In my personal statement, I am planning to talk about a book written by an Oxford professor and a debate by the Oxford Union. Although these two examples really motivate me for my subject, could it backfire against me because the examples show too much interest in Oxford and may not seem genuine? Also, I am aware that the particular book is used in numerous personal statements, so could it weaken my personal statement as it is too common? Thank you for your time to read my comment.
It's fine describing a book by an Oxford prof, even if it is popular. Perhaps just give your original take on the book. That can help the statement stand out. Referring to a debate is also fine, but may not be necessary to say the debate took place in the Oxford Union.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571
Thank you for your reply! I’m curious about why it might not be necessary to mention that the debate took place at the Oxford Union. Could you please explain how it would affect the overall impression or relevance of my personal statement?
@@Penguin-r5b The debate venue is not particularly relevant information to the discussion of ideas. And, universities other than Oxford may detect that you are keen to study only with us. It wouldn't harm an Oxford application, but may be misinterpreted by other unis.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571Thank you for your response!
This was really helpful. Thanks a lot
Thank you so much for this video, it is amazing and so helpful! I'm an American student currently in the process of writing my statement, and I was wondering if you have any special advice for international students? Would it be helpful at all to mention why I'm interested in studying abroad?
Thank you for your comment. It's not really necessary to mention in a personal statement that you're interested in studying abroad. That will be clear from the fact that you're applying to study in the UK. You also do not need to explain or justify your reasons for wanting to study in the UK. We welcome international applications at universities like Oxford.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you so much, you and your content have been so helpful and encouraging!
Thank you! Very helpful
You're welcome!
Does an absence of mentioning extra-curriculars lessen someone's personal statement? Great video by the way!
Thanks! It won't make any difference for Oxford if you fail to mention extracurricular activities. But, other universities are looking for these, so it can hurt you in those applications. The general rule of thumb is 80:20 - with 80% super curricular and 20% extra curricular.
Brilliant, thank you sir.
You're very welcome!
Thank you for this guide. Just wondering when applying for a Masters, do you have to also mention the area that you are going to research and if so, could we change it some time in the future?
It's worth describing your research interests, yes. But you don't need to have a fully formed research design, and you're not forced to follow through on the proposal if your research plans change. This would only really apply to a research masters, rather than a taught masters.
thanks.
this was such a good video thank you so much!!
Glad you liked it!!
watching this vid after i sent of my personal statement
Absolutely phenominal video. BTW I am just wondering if you are looking to study a maths related degree, should your structure change at all?
Thanks! It's helpful for any personal statement to have some structure - in the sense of linking the various paragraphs together so that there is a beginning, middle and end to what you're saying. There's no particular reason why a maths personal statement would need to be different to any other subjects from that perspective.
Thank you so much for this very informative piece. It was absolutely helpful. Please is there a way I can get my personal statement through to you to review. It'll be greatly appreciated
Yes, that can work well. Just be sure to explain your academic interests in the topic and some relevant academic literature you have read to further your interest.
this is so helpful, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Amazing video! Very helpful - now I finally know how to write a personal statement to a fine degree. Thanks1!
Excellent! Thank you
This has been incredibly helpful, thank you! I'm very close to submitting my personal statement and this has given me some great insight on what to add next. I'm applying for Politics and would love some feedback from a professional in the field, is there any chance I could email you a few questions? I understand how busy you must be but any input would be very appreciated! thanks :)
I can't right now, I'm afraid. But, if you follow the advice in the video you wouldn't need me to review your statement anyway. Best of luck to you!
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