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Top Tips for Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Personal Statement

Your Cambridge personal statement should show the admissions tutors at Cambridge that you are interested in and engaged with Psychology, and demonstrate why you would be a great candidate for the Psychological and Behavioural Sciences course (PBS). Read on to find out how to make a great impression with your personal statement!

1. Start preparing early!

A great Cambridge PBS personal statement will include lots of super-curricular activities (this means things you’ve done related to Psychology above and beyond what you’ve done as part of your school curriculum). You want to give yourself plenty of time to read things you’re interested in and perhaps even discover some new areas of interest, so start preparing for this early.

2. Figure out what areas of Psychology interest you

Psychology is a broad topic, and you would never be able to talk about all of it in a Cambridge PBS personal statement. Instead you need to focus on what areas interest you the most. If you’re studying Psychology already, think about which aspects of your course you enjoy the most and try and seek out some wider reading that goes beyond what you’ve been taught. If you’ve never studied it before, there must be a reason you want to study it at degree level so focus on what got you into Psychology as a starting point. Cambridge want to know why you want to study the subject at degree level – what specific aspects captured your interest?

3. Be reflective about your super-curricular activities

Your Cambridge PBS personal statement shouldn’t just read like a big list of all the things you’ve read/seen/done that relate to Psychology. Try taking a more reflective and critical approach – what did you learn from what you did? You can also try making links between different things you’ve done, and how one piece of reading might have led you to another idea and a different activity. This helps to show you are engaging with the subject.

4. Don’t worry if you don’t have relevant work experience

Cambridge does not require or expect you to have any work experience. It is not always easy to organise and is not a requirement for the course. If you have work experience, it is important to demonstrate how this has changed your perspective on Psychology and what you learned from it. This doesn’t necessarily have to be work experience that is directly subject relevant as long as it had an impact on your approach to the subject. For example – someone who had work experience volunteering with children learning to read might be inspired to read up on the psychological theories of how reading skills develop.

5. Use a variety of sources to explore Psychology

The bulk of your Cambridge PBS personal statement will be about your super-curricular activities, and this is a really broad category. Basically anything you can relate to Psychology counts, whether that’s some volunteering you did, a book or article you read, a documentary you watched, a MOOC you completed or anything else you can think of! Plenty of these resources will be free too.

6. Structure your Cambridge PBS personal statement appropriately

Admissions tutors will be reading loads of statements, so you need to make yours clear and easy to read – if it’s structured confusingly and full of unnecessarily complicated language they may not have the extra time to make sense of what you’re trying to say. Separate your ideas into paragraphs, and have a short introduction and conclusion to bring it all together. Also be aware of the Cambridge PBS personal statement word limit – you only have 4000 characters (47 lines of text). Therefore it’s important to be concise in the language you use. Use formal language, but make sure it’s natural for you to use – if you use flowery and complex language you wouldn’t normally use to try and impress the reader, it’s not going to work. All that really shows is you know how to use a thesaurus!

7. Your Cambridge PBS personal statement should be personal

Asking others for advice, whether that’s teachers, friends, parents etc. can be useful but remember it is YOUR Cambridge PBS personal statement, not theirs! Don’t change anything you don’t want to change just because someone else says you should. And don’t let anyone else write it for you – it is really obvious when students haven’t used their own words in a statement and have let someone else have too much control. Everyone will have their opinions on how a Cambridge PBS personal statement should sound – your opinion on how your Cambridge PBS personal statement should sound is the only one that matters.

8. Give yourself plenty of time to write it

The UCAS deadline for applying to Cambridge is always in mid-October, which is much earlier than for applicants to other universities. This deadline is also inflexible – you won’t be able to apply late. Therefore it’s important you start writing well in advance of the deadline to have enough time to carefully consider what to write, get feedback from others, and refine your Cambridge PBS personal statement. It’s worth thinking about starting it towards the end of the summer before you apply. You can’t write the best Cambridge PBS personal statement possible if you’re rushing it the night before the deadline!

9. Make sure you know the content of your statement well, and don’t lie about what you’ve done

Cambridge says that they may use your PBS personal statement as a basis for interview questions. Therefore, it is vital that you don’t put anything on it if you wouldn’t be comfortable having a conversation about it. Also remember that it is unlikely but entirely possible that the person who conducts your interview has actually written one of the books on your Cambridge PBS personal statement. Therefore you really don’t want to put anything on there that you haven’t read properly, and it might be a good idea to reread things before interview.

10. Try to avoid cliches

Admissions tutors will be reading loads of Cambridge PBS personal statements so you want yours to seem original. Avoid cliched phrases like ‘I have always been interested in…’ ‘For as long as I can remember…’ ‘From a young age…’ (this is by no means an exhaustive list!). Opening with a quote is also rather overdone and doesn’t add much to your statement. Don’t just say vague things about how ‘passionate’ or ‘fascinated’ you are about Psychology – you’re applying to study it at Cambridge so passion for the subject is a given! Your statement should demonstrate your fascination for Psychology without you needing to use the cliche of saying that directly.

11. Proofread

Don’t neglect the proofreading! The last thing you want is to submit a Cambridge PBS personal statement that is full of typos – it doesn’t look very professional. PBS at Cambridge is primarily an essay based subject, and while the Cambridge PBS personal statement isn’t the main way they assess your writing ability, it can’t hurt to make sure your Cambridge PBS personal statement is well-written.

12. Don’t worry too much about extra-curriculars

You might want to add some extra-curricular activities that don’t relate to Psychology to your statement, particularly if you are also applying to other universities too that might value them, but keep it brief. Cambridge do not care about what you have done outside of your subject, however impressive it might be. It’s good to put this sort of thing in as other universities you are applying to will be looking for it, but keep it to a couple of sentences as it’s not really relevant for your Cambridge application.

13. Avoid mentioning Oxford by name (or any other university you’re applying to).

Chances are Cambridge isn’t the only university you’re applying to, and all universities you apply to through UCAS will see identical versions of your Cambridge PBS personal statement. It’s not a good idea to mention any university by name or be too specific in any way, as it may put off other universities from giving you an offer. Keep your Cambridge PBS personal statement applicable to everywhere you are applying to. However, there is a way to tell Cambridge what it is about their course you especially like, bringing us nicely on to…

14. Don’t forget the Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)

The SAQ is an additional piece of the application that Cambridge will ask for after you’ve submitted your UCAS. It is mainly for extra admin information but there is also space to write an additional 1,200 character PBS personal statement that is only seen by Cambridge. This is a great opportunity to let them know what specific aspects of the course attracted you to apply to study it. You don’t have to write one, but if you do have anything you’d like to add about the Cambridge course specifically this is the place to do it. The SAQ deadline is usually around a week after the October UCAS deadline (be aware that an earlier deadline may apply for international students) so think about what you might want to say on the SAQ in plenty of time.

→What is the Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences (PBS) program?

The Cambridge PBS program is an undergraduate degree program offered by the University of Cambridge’s Department of Psychology. The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour and the factors that influence it, including social, cognitive, and biological perspectives.

→What are some tips for writing a strong Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences personal statement?

Some tips for writing a strong Cambridge PBS personal statement include demonstrating a clear understanding of the subject and why it interests the candidate, highlighting relevant academic achievements and extracurricular activities, showcasing research experience and analytical skills, and demonstrating a genuine passion for psychology and behavioural sciences.

→What should be included in a Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences personal statement?

A Cambridge PBS personal statement should include information about the candidate’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, research experience, and personal qualities that are relevant to the program. It should also include specific examples of how the candidate has demonstrated analytical skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of the subject.

→How long should a Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences personal statement be?

The Cambridge PBS personal statement should be no more than 4,000 characters or 47 lines, whichever comes first. Candidates should use this space wisely to showcase their strengths and demonstrate their suitability for the program.

→Is it important to tailor the personal statement to the Cambridge PBS program specifically?

Yes, it is important to tailor the personal statement to the Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences program specifically. This includes researching the program and understanding its unique features and requirements, as well as demonstrating a genuine interest in the subject and a strong motivation to study at the University of Cambridge.

→How important is the personal statement for the Cambridge Psychological and Behavioural Sciences program?

The personal statement is a crucial part of the Cambridge PBS application process as it allows candidates to showcase their passion for the subject and their potential to succeed in the program. The personal statement also provides the admissions team with insight into a candidate’s motivation, academic background, and personal qualities.

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Crafting a Successful Cambridge Personal Statement: Your Key to Admission

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Your dream of studying at the renowned University of Cambridge is within reach, but there’s a critical step you must conquer: crafting a compelling Cambridge personal statement.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about creating a standout personal statement that will capture the attention of admissions tutors and help you secure a place at this prestigious institution.

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  • Understanding the Cambridge Personal Statement

What is a Cambridge Personal Statement?

A Cambridge personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your passion, qualifications, and suitability for the course you’re applying to. It’s a crucial part of the UCAS application process for prospective students seeking admission to the University of Cambridge, often referred to simply as “Cambridge.”

Why is the Cambridge Personal Statement Important?

The Cambridge personal statement plays a pivotal role in your application, allowing you to demonstrate your enthusiasm for your chosen subject and highlight relevant academic and non-academic experiences. It helps admissions tutors assess your ability and potential to thrive at Cambridge.

How Do Admissions Tutors Evaluate Personal Statements?

Admissions tutors are looking for several key elements in your personal statement:

  • Passion for your chosen subject
  • Evidence of academic achievements and qualifications
  • Relevant extracurricular activities and achievements
  • A clear alignment between your background, experiences, and the course you’re applying for
  • A demonstration of broader skills and interests

In this chapter, we’ll dive deeper into each of these aspects and provide tips on how to effectively address them in your personal statement.

  • Crafting Your Cambridge Personal Statement

Starting Early

Begin working on your personal statement well in advance. Give yourself time to brainstorm, draft, and revise. Starting early ensures you have ample opportunity to perfect your statement.

Theme Each Paragraph

Structure your statement with a clear theme for each paragraph. This approach makes your statement more organized and engaging to read.

Showcasing Your Academic Interests

Highlight your passion for your chosen subject. Discuss how your academic interests have developed over time and any relevant coursework, reading, or research you’ve undertaken.

Discussing Extracurricular Activities

Cambridge values well-rounded individuals. Mention extracurricular activities that showcase your interests, leadership, and personal development.

Tailoring Your Statement

Customize your personal statement for the specific course you’re applying to at Cambridge. Address why you’re passionate about that subject and how it aligns with your future goals.

Admissions tutors appreciate authenticity. Write in your own voice and be honest about your motivations and experiences.

Seeking Feedback

Ask teachers, advisors, or peers to review your statement. Their feedback can help you refine your writing and catch any errors.

Time Management

Effective time management is crucial. Avoid procrastination and allocate sufficient time to each stage of the writing process.

In this chapter, we’ll delve into each of these steps in detail, offering valuable insights and tips to help you create a standout Cambridge personal statement.

  • The Anatomy of a Winning Cambridge Personal Statement

Word Count and Formatting

Your Cambridge personal statement should be approximately 4,000 characters, including spaces. Ensure proper formatting and structure to make your statement easy to read.

Introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide a brief overview of your interest in the subject.

Academic Achievements

Detail your academic accomplishments, including relevant qualifications, courses, and projects.

Passion for the Subject

Express your enthusiasm for the subject you’re applying for. Share how your interest developed and why you’re eager to study it at Cambridge.

Extracurricular Activities

Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations that demonstrate your leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.

Relevant Work Experience or Research

Discuss any work experience or research that is pertinent to your chosen field of study.

Alignment with Course and Future Goals

Explain why you believe the course at Cambridge is the perfect fit for your academic and career aspirations.

Summarize your key points and reiterate your passion for the subject and your eagerness to study at Cambridge.

  • Standing Out in Your Cambridge Application

Crafting a Unique Story

Find your unique narrative and experiences to make your personal statement memorable.

Researching Cambridge Colleges

Learn about the various Cambridge colleges and tailor your statement to fit the culture and ethos of your preferred college.

The Cambridge Interview

Prepare for the Cambridge interview, an essential part of the admission process.

Supplementary Application Questionnaire

Understand and complete the supplementary application questionnaire, if required for your course.

In this chapter, we’ll provide in-depth guidance on these aspects to help you make your application truly shine.

Success Stories – Real Cambridge Personal Statements

To truly understand what makes a Cambridge personal statement successful, let’s dive into real-life examples of personal statements that helped candidates secure a coveted place at the University of Cambridge. By examining these success stories, you can gain valuable insights into crafting your own compelling personal statement.

Success Story 1: Sarah’s Journey to Cambridge

Course applied for: natural sciences.

Sarah’s personal statement stood out because of her genuine passion for the subject. Here are some key aspects of her statement:

Passion for the Subject: Sarah began her statement with a captivating anecdote about her childhood fascination with the natural world. She vividly described her experiences exploring nature and how they ignited her curiosity.

Academic Achievements: She provided a concise list of her academic achievements, including top grades in science and mathematics subjects. These achievements supported her claim of being academically prepared for the rigorous Natural Sciences program.

Relevant Extracurricular Activities: Sarah didn’t just mention her love for science; she backed it up with her participation in science clubs, science Olympiads, and even science-related volunteer work. Her extracurricular activities demonstrated her commitment to the subject.

Alignment with the Course: Sarah clearly articulated why she wanted to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge. She discussed specific areas of interest, such as evolutionary biology and astronomy, and explained how her prior experiences had shaped her interests.

Conclusion: In her conclusion, Sarah reiterated her unwavering passion for the subject and her strong desire to study at Cambridge. Her closing statement left a lasting impression on the admissions tutors.

Success Story 2: James’ Unique Perspective

Course applied for: archaeology.

James took a unique approach in his personal statement by sharing his experiences as a participant in archaeological fieldwork. Here’s what made his statement stand out:

Personal Experience: Instead of focusing solely on academic achievements, James delved into his hands-on experience in archaeology. He described the excavations he had participated in and the thrill of discovering ancient artifacts.

Academic Interests: While emphasizing his practical experience, James also connected it to his academic interests. He discussed how his fieldwork experiences had influenced his desire to study archaeology at a higher level.

Reflective Writing: James used reflective writing effectively. He discussed how certain archaeological findings had led to introspection about human history and the importance of preserving our heritage.

Future Goals: James concluded his statement by outlining his future goals, expressing a desire to contribute to archaeological research and preservation efforts.

Unique Perspective: What set James apart was his unique perspective as a participant in archaeological excavations. His statement showcased his enthusiasm and commitment to the field.

Success Story 3: Maria’s Academic Excellence

Course applied for: mathematics.

Maria’s personal statement emphasized her strong academic background and her eagerness to tackle challenging mathematical problems. Here’s what made her statement compelling:

Academic Excellence: Maria began her statement by listing her exceptional achievements in mathematics, including participation in math competitions and high scores in advanced math courses.

Problem-Solving Skills: She showcased her passion for solving complex mathematical problems by describing personal projects and independent research she had undertaken.

Extracurricular Engagement: While her focus was primarily on academics, Maria also briefly mentioned her involvement in math-related clubs and tutoring, demonstrating her dedication to the subject.

Clear Goals: Maria clearly outlined her goals, expressing her desire to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics and contribute to mathematical research. Her statement conveyed a long-term commitment to the field.

Conclusion: In her conclusion, Maria tied everything together by reiterating her love for mathematics and her determination to excel in the subject. Her unwavering focus on math left a strong impression.

By analyzing these success stories, you can see that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to crafting a Cambridge personal statement. Each candidate showcased their unique strengths, experiences, and passion for their chosen subjects. The common thread among them was the ability to communicate their enthusiasm and suitability for their respective courses effectively.

Beyond Cambridge – Applying to Oxford and Other Universities

While securing admission to the University of Cambridge is a prestigious achievement, it’s essential to explore other options and consider applying to similar elite institutions, such as the University of Oxford, as well as other renowned universities. This chapter will guide you through the nuances of applying to these institutions and help you make informed decisions about your academic future.

1. The University of Oxford

Similarities with Cambridge:

  • Like Cambridge, Oxford is a world-renowned institution located in the United Kingdom, known for its academic excellence and rich history.
  • The application process at Oxford shares similarities with Cambridge, including the use of UCAS and the requirement for a personal statement.

Key Differences:

  • Course structure: Oxford’s course structure may differ from Cambridge, even in similar subjects. Research the course details and requirements for your specific field of study.
  • College system: Oxford also has a college system, and your choice of college can impact your academic experience. Research colleges to find the best fit for you.
  • Interview process: Oxford conducts interviews as part of its admission process, similar to Cambridge. Prepare thoroughly for these interviews, as they play a significant role in the selection process.

2. Top International Universities

In addition to Cambridge and Oxford, consider top international universities, particularly if you’re open to studying abroad. Institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and others offer world-class education and diverse academic opportunities. Here are some key points to consider:

Admission Requirements:

  • Research the specific admission requirements for international universities. These may include standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, language proficiency exams (such as the TOEFL or IELTS), and application essays.
  • Understand the application deadlines, as they vary by university and country.

Financial Considerations:

  • Investigate scholarships and financial aid options for international students. Many universities offer scholarships based on academic merit or specific talents.

Visa and Immigration:

  • Be aware of visa and immigration requirements for studying abroad. Ensure you have the necessary documentation to study in your chosen country.

Cultural Adaptation:

  • Prepare for cultural differences and be open to experiencing a new way of life. Embrace diversity and engage in the local community to make the most of your international educational experience.

3. Other Renowned UK Universities

The UK boasts several other prestigious universities, each with its strengths and unique programs. Some well-regarded institutions include Imperial College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the University of Edinburgh, among others. Here’s how to navigate the application process:

Course Selection:

  • Research the courses and programs offered by these universities. Ensure they align with your academic interests and career goals.

Admission Criteria:

  • Understand the admission criteria, including academic requirements and any additional assessments or interviews.

Location and Lifestyle:

  • Consider the location of the university and the lifestyle it offers. Each city has its unique charm and opportunities.

International Student Support:

  • Explore the support services available to international students, including accommodation, visa assistance, and cultural integration programs.

4. Making Your Decision

Applying to multiple universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, and other prestigious institutions, provides you with options and ensures you find the best fit for your academic journey. Here are some tips for making your decision:

Ranking and Reputation: Consider university rankings and reputation in your field of study. However, remember that the best university for you might not always be the highest-ranked one.

Course Content: Review the course content and structure to determine which university offers the curriculum that aligns with your academic interests and career aspirations.

Financial Considerations: Evaluate the cost of tuition, living expenses, and the availability of scholarships or financial aid packages.

Location and Lifestyle: Think about your preferred location, lifestyle, and cultural experiences. Some students thrive in bustling cities, while others prefer quieter towns.

Personal Preferences: Trust your instincts and personal preferences. Where do you feel most comfortable and excited to study?

Crafting a successful Cambridge personal statement is a crucial step towards securing admission to this esteemed university. Use your personal statement to showcase your passion, qualifications, and suitability for your chosen course.

With careful planning and thoughtful writing, you can stand out and make a compelling case for why you belong at Cambridge. Best of luck with your application!

Are there specific guidelines for the Cambridge personal statement?

While there are no strict guidelines, your statement should be around 4,000 characters (including spaces).

How do admissions tutors evaluate personal statements?

Admissions tutors assess your statement for passion, suitability for the course, academic achievements, and evidence of broader skills and interests.

Can I apply to both Cambridge and Oxford?

Yes, you can apply to both universities, but you’ll need to submit separate applications and personal statements.

Can a personal statement make or break my application?

While other factors are considered, a well-crafted personal statement can significantly impact your application’s success.

  • Beyond Cambridge - Applying to Oxford and Other Universities

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Table of Contents

  • • Understanding the Cambridge Personal Statement
  • • Crafting Your Cambridge Personal Statement
  • • The Anatomy of a Winning Cambridge Personal Statement
  • • Standing Out in Your Cambridge Application
  • • Beyond Cambridge - Applying to Oxford and Other Universities
  • • Conclusion

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Cambridge MBA Personal Statements That Worked

Featured Expert: Anand Singh, MBA

Cambridge MBA Personal Statement

A Cambridge MBA personal statement is one part of applying to the Cambridge MBA program, which is one of the best MBA programs in the world . Alumni include the youngest female Chinese billionaire, the CEO of Raspberry Pi, and a former President of OPEC. A Cambridge MBA personal statement is slightly different than an Oxford MBA personal statement , as Cambridge asks applicants different prompts and does not require applicants to the MBA for Executives for any written material other than MBA recommendation letters . This article will present expert-reviewed samples to the real prompts Cambridge uses and give you more tips on how to write your statement. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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Article Contents 10 min read

Cambridge mba personal statement essay prompt #1.

Please provide details of your post-MBA career plans. The statement should not exceed 500 words and must address the following:

What are your short- and long-term career objectives? How will the Cambridge MBA equip you to achieve these?

  • Looking at your short-term career goal, describe the research you have done to understand how this industry/role/location recruits MBA talent and what they are looking for in a candidate?
  • How do you meet the requirements of your short-term career goal? What preparation are you doing now?

Want to know everything you need to make your MBA resume stand out? Watch this video:

Cambridge MBA Personal Statement Sample for Prompt #1

My short-term vision is to bridge the gap between the gaming industry and healthcare, leveraging the advancements in VR, AR, and gaming technologies to develop innovative solutions that positively impact cognitive health and overall well-being. My fascination with this issue stems from a deeply personal experience. Witnessing my grandfather's battle with dementia and the profound impact it had on his cognitive health sparked my passion for exploring the potential of gaming beyond entertainment.

In the long-term, I hope to expand my role as a software engineer at Razer, which, currently, revolves around developing and optimizing gaming software and applications. But my true objective is to start my own business that merges gaming and healthcare, creating software and games with direct applications in healthcare settings.

Throughout my time at Razer, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that exposed me to the vast potential of gaming in various industries, particularly in healthcare. The experience and contacts I gained in my role as a software engineer have been invaluable in shaping my vision of starting my own business.

Aside from my role at Razer, I have sought to understand the links between gaming and cognitive health on my own by delving into the into extensive research conducted by renowned scholars and experts in the field. Studies such as the one led by Adam Gazzaley, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco, showcased the positive effects of gaming on cognitive functions. Gazzaley's work highlighted how specific gaming experiences, designed with cognitive training principles, could enhance cognitive abilities and potentially mitigate cognitive decline.

The rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies further sparked my curiosity, as they have the potential to create immersive experiences that can transform industries such as healthcare. By leveraging the popularity of VR and AR, gaming can be harnessed as a tool to enhance patient care, rehabilitation, and cognitive training.

I want to bring together interdisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals, psychologists, and game developers to create immersive experiences that not only entertain but also enhance cognitive abilities, promote mental health, and facilitate cognitive rehabilitation. Additionally, I envision the application of gaming principles in other industries such as education and workplace training.

Gamification techniques have proven to be effective in enhancing learning outcomes and engagement, making education more interactive and enjoyable. By integrating gaming elements into traditional learning environments, we can unlock new levels of knowledge acquisition and skills development.

Through the Cambridge MBA program, I aim to further explore the possibilities of applying gaming principles and technologies to address pressing societal challenges. The program's emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-industry collaboration aligns perfectly with my ambitions. The diverse cohort and strong network of professionals and experts will provide me with invaluable perspectives and opportunities to cultivate partnerships that drive meaningful change.

Describe a difficult decision that you had to make. What did you learn from this and how have you changed as a result? (up to 200 words)

I encountered a critical bug in the Oracle Database software during my time as a Quality Assurance Analyst. The bug caused unexpected crashes and data corruption in certain scenarios, leading to significant disruptions for our clients. The bug was rooted in a complex interaction between different database components, resulting in a cascade of errors and system instability.

The dilemma I faced was whether to escalate the problem immediately, which meant taking the server offline, or to attempt a quick workaround that might address the immediate symptoms but risk compromising the long-term stability and performance of the software. I made the difficult choice to prioritize the long-term integrity of the product and escalate the issue to the development team, which took the server offline.

This decision did lead to a lengthy service interruption and additional efforts to address the problem, but it ensured that we maintained the high standards of quality and reliability that our customers expect. As a result of this experience, I have become more confident in making difficult decisions and embracing accountability for their outcomes. I have developed a heightened awareness of the long-term consequences of choices and the importance of considering broader perspectives beyond immediate gains.

Cambridge MBA Personal Statement Essay Prompt #3

3. Describe a time where you worked with a team on a project. What did you learn from the experience and how might you approach it differently today? (up to 200 words)

I had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team on a complex project aimed at developing a new networking solution during my time as a frontend engineer at Cisco. I remember that I was the newest member of the team but it seemed like no one on the team had rapport with anyone else. This was one of the things that I would change now, if I was ever to be part of a team project at any level or organization, since that lack of cohesiveness caused problems.

We all came from different departments and were strangers to each other essentially. This became apparent when we faced delays in completing a critical task. Upon further investigation, we realized that two team members had different understandings of the task's scope, leading to misalignment in their efforts. This miscommunication resulted in wasted time and duplicated work, affecting the overall project timeline.

Today, I would foster a collaborative and supportive working environment by prioritizing relationship building, active listening, recognition, and creating a supportive environment. I would take the initiative to get to know my team members on a personal level, which could involve anything from team-building activities to organizing social events.

Still working on your MBA resume?

Cambridge MBA Personal Statement Essay Prompt #4

If you could give one piece of advice to your 18-year-old self, what would it be? (up to 200 words)

If I could give one piece of advice to my 18-year-old self, it would be to listen to my father's wisdom and embrace humility. Growing up in Nanjing, I always dreamed of going to Beijing to study at Tsinghua University. However, my father, being aware of our limited financial resources, expressed concerns about my ability to support myself while studying.

I dismissed his concerns and insisted that I would find a job to cover my expenses. Unfortunately, reality didn't align with my expectations. Finding suitable employment proved to be more challenging than anticipated, and the financial burden soon became overwhelming. I dropped out and returned home. It was a humbling experience that taught me the value of heeding the advice of those who care about our well-being.

I now understand that my father's concern was not out of a desire to hold me back, but rather to protect me from the hardships I eventually faced. His advice was rooted in practicality and a deep understanding of our family's financial limitations. This experience taught me the importance of carefully considering the advice and wisdom of loved ones, especially when they have more experience and knowledge in certain areas.

Fortunately, writing a Cambridge MBA personal statement is easier than writing a typical personal statement, as the school provides MBA essay prompts and bullet points of what to include in your MBA personal statement . In fact, the prompts given by the school are similar to what any good personal statement or MBA motivation letter should include, such as describing your short-and-long-term goals, what you have done to reach those goals and what you envision the school (Cambridge, in this case) can contribute.

However, even though the school provides a roadmap, you need to organize your statement in a way that makes narrative and chronological sense. There are many ways to do this, and you can play around with the chronology of your statement, but one important point to remember is that you need to focus on the recent past, and not go too far into your past, especially when it comes to personal details. Except, the prompts are not always related to your studies, so that may give you some freedom to talk about non-academic or non-professional experiences within the context provided by the question.

To give you a better sense of how you could organize your Cambridge MBA personal statement, we can examine the qualities you should include in depth so you have a step-by-step guide to how to format your Cambridge MBA personal statement.

Breaking Down the Cambridge MBA Personal Statement Prompt

This question is another common MBA interview question akin to the oft-asked “ why do you want to pursue an MBA? ” and should be approached with the aim of tying your goals to Cambridge’s program and offerings. Here you can talk about specific examples from your employment history or undergraduate that inspired your goals, or mention personal motivations, if any. If not, you can skip over personal details and go straight to what you have done to attain those goals (professional development, research, work experience, etc.)

If you have researched the Cambridge MBA, this is where you also want to talk about something specific about the program that interests you. Maybe mention someone on the faculty, or talk about a specific program, seminar or class within the degree that you find interesting and relevant to your ultimate goals. You can also mention the Cambridge community and its reputation as a magnet for the best and brightest from all over the world, as close to 50 countries are represented in the latest class.

Describe a difficult decision that you had to make. What did you learn from this and how have you changed as a result?

With only 200 words to answer, you’ll have to tell a long story briefly, as you would in a MBA letter of intent , meaning you will have to establish everything in only a few paragraphs, and then describe what the experience taught you. The best option here would be to write out a story longer than 200 words and then carve out the irrelevant parts until you have only the bare necessities. This gives you the freedom to say whatever you want and then use your analytical and editing skills to remove anything you don’t need.

As for the content, here you can perhaps talk about something personal or unrelated to your studies, as the question does not restrict you to talking only about your professional career. If your answer combines the personal with the professional, as in a good MBA diversity essay , it would be more illustrative and impactful, since it shows you as a whole person and not simply an executive.

The Cambridge MBA personal statement has clear content guidelines so the difficult part is not choosing your subject matter but organizing and writing it clearly. You need to write multiple drafts, as you would with any MBA admission essay to bring your statement down to size and write without worrying about the word count. That will free you to write as much as you want only to edit after.

The other MBA essay topics and prompts are designed to gauge your communication and writing skills, as you only have 200 words to describe something from your past that reveals a lot about you, such as your experiences and the knowledge gained from them. The fact that you only have 200 words should be the basis for your outline.

Yes, the program is highly competitive and attracts thousands of domestic and international applicants every year. The program has regular MBA requirements such as applicants needing to take either the GMAT or GRE exams, but it only requires on MBA recommendation letter , rather than two or more, as with other programs. While it is not an MBA program that does not require the GMAT or GRE tests, Cambridge Judge does not have any additional interviews or ask applicants MBA behavioral interview questions, as other programs do. 

The main personal statement has a word limit of 500-words. The other prompts have strict 200-word limits. 

The MBA acceptance rate for the University of Cambridge Judge Business School is 31% for the last admitted class, which is much higher than the ultra-competitive programs at the Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business , which can be as low as 10%. 

Yes, the Cambridge MBA personal statement is as important as the Columbia MBA essays or Chicago Booth MBA essays . It provides the admissions committee a valuable example of your communication and writing skills, your professional experiences and why you decided to pursue an MBA. 

The two-year Cambridge MBA only asks for a personal statement and three additional essays. There is no written component to applying for the Cambridge MBA for Executives. 

The application for the Cambridge MBA is done online, through the university’s online application service. 

The exact requirements are that every essay be written in 12-point font, Times New Roman and with a certain word count, depending on the program and essay. 

The Cambridge MBA personal statement has clear content instructions so you only need to follow them to write your statement. The other essays topics are also straightforward, so you only need to address the issues raised by the question to answer it correctly. Given the word limit, you also need to be concise so rewrite your answer several times until it only takes a short time to read and understand it. 

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Before applying, applicants need to check that they have, or are likely to achieve, the right grades at the right level and in the right subjects for the course they have chosen. See Entry requirements for general requirements of entry.

It's important that students also check the requirements of their course, as these can vary slightly between Colleges. For example, some Colleges might ask for an A* in a particular subject. Please encourage students to check the course page for their chosen subject carefully - all variations are listed there.

All undergraduate admissions decisions are the responsibility of the Cambridge Colleges. Queries about College-specific requirements should be directed to the relevant College admissions office .

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For some courses, applicants may be asked to submit examples of written work produced during their A level/IB (or equivalent) course. This work might be discussed during their interview so students should submit work they’re happy to discuss. They should also keep copies of anything they send so they can re-read it in preparation.

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Students will need to complete a cover sheet confirming that the written work is their own and detailing the circumstances in which it was written. They will also be asked to provide the name of a teacher who can be contacted about the work, if necessary.

Helping students with their personal statement

Personal statements allow students to tell us about their subject interest, and the process of writing a personal statement can often help a student better understand their academic interests and intellectual motivations. For guidance on what to include, we advise you to follow the UCAS advice on personal statements . See also, our article on How to write a great personal statement .

Admissions decisions at Cambridge are based solely on academic criteria (ability and potential). Personal statements may be  used as a basis for discussion at interview.  In a personal statement we are looking for applicants to:

  • explain their reasons for wanting to study the subject
  • demonstrate their enthusiasm for and commitment to their chosen course
  • express any particular interests within the field
  • outline how they have pursued their interest in the subject in their own time

How important are extra-curricular activities?

Our admissions decisions are based on academic criteria (ability and potential) and we expect to see evidence of students’ wider engagement with areas of academic interest, such as reading and other exploration relevant to the course for which they've applied. Extra-curricular activities which are of no relevance to the course will not increase a student's chances of receiving an offer. 

If, however, particular extra-curricular activities have enable a student to develop transferable skills, such as organisation or time management, then these can be included in their personal statement. Such activities might include significant caring responsibilities or paid employment, which can help us fully contextualise an application, as well as sport, physical activity, music, drama and volunteering.

Cambridge-specific comments

Applicants can make additional comments relevant to their Cambridge application in their additional questionnaire ( My Cambridge Application ), for instance to highlight particular features of the Cambridge course that attracted them.

This additional personal statement is optional, applicants will not be disadvantaged if they have nothing to add and should be advised not to repeat information they provided in their UCAS personal statement as we will have already received a copy of this.

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ELENA HANDTRACK

  • Aug 17, 2018

The Essay that Got Me into Cambridge

Many of you guys have messaged me to ask which other universities I applied to and what my application to these places looked like. I will share a full list of all the universities I applied to very soon. I decided to share the personal statement that I submitted to St. John's College at the University of Cambridge today. I was accepted to Cambridge as a law student.

The UK personal statement is much more academic than the US Essay but I also enjoyed writing it because it really makes you reflect on why you want to study a specific subject. Here is the written version of my personal statement:

Growing up in Germany, I realised the importance of law when learning about the Third Reich: The law was abused to strip Jews of their fundamental rights through the Nuremberg laws. This event has shown me how law could be used to authorise the oppression of a group in a given social context. Law affects everyones' lives - no matter whether they practice law or not.

Law's ability to decide about the living conditions of entire peoples gives it great power. I want to study law because having the knowledge of law would enable me to prevent the abuse of the power of law.

Studying History as a higher level subject has equipped me with great research and analytical skills. My work in History has made me more sensitive to the credibility of sources. My English Language and Literature course (higher level) has exposed me to different text sorts and prepared me to analyse anything from a shampoo commercial to one of Shakespeare's plays. Writing my Extended Essay on the Allies' motivations for initiating the Nuremberg trials gave

me the opportunity to analyse the relationship between national politics and the support for international law. The Nuremberg trials set an important precedent in international law and analysing their roots meant analysing the origins of specific principles in international law. My higher level Global Politics course prepared me with a foundational understanding of international power structures and decision-making. I was able to apply this knowledge in the course "Genocide and Humanitarian Intervention" at Stanford University where I analysed the impact of the Genocide Convention on international actors in numerous case studies. I deepened my understanding of the application of and compliance with international law by also studying international relations as part of Stanford's Human Rights Intensive Studies. My studies have exposed me to several case studies where law had been used to legitimise injustice which further encouraged me to learn more about the application of law in different contexts.

Working at the NGO Crossroads put me in touch with asylum seekers in Hong Kong. Working with them gave me an insight into Hong Kong's poor support for asylum seekers and its non-compliance with the Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. I explored this issue further in my Global Politics Engagement Activity on refugees' dependency on NGOs in Hong Kong. My research made me aware of the importance of local jurisdiction and national law and their potential limitations on international law. Having debated for my school from seventh to

tenth grade, I developed the ability to see different viewpoints to situations. I joined Model United Nations in eleventh grade and was chosen to lead it one year later. Leading my school's MUN team equipped me with the ability to prioritise tasks and effectively plan all steps in a work process. A demanding course such as law requires the ability to schedule all your tasks in order to succeed. MUN taught me to defend the interests of the country I am representing and to negotiate diplomatically while not losing sight of national interests. National interests often clash in MUN and this taught me how to make compromises without giving up too much of my country's national goals. Being able to convince others of your opinion and to effectively negotiate a contract are skills required for practicing law.

Studying law at the undergraduate level will equip me with foundational knowledge in legal proceedings and the skills required for systematically analysing legal cases which I could apply in my graduate studies on international law. The UK is one of the UN Security Council's veto powers which makes her an influential country in the creation and enforcement of international law. Her international significance makes her the perfect country to pursue my legal studies.

I hope this helps you guys with writing your personal statements! Please feel free to message me if you have any questions!

Lots of Love,

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Cambridge University Personal Statements

We hope our collection of cambridge university personal statements provides inspiration for writing your own. please do not plagiarise them in any way, or ucas will penalise your application. our  personal statement editing & review services  are availble if you feel you need a little extra help..

History Personal Statement Example 2 I am captivated by the diversity and depth offered by a History degree; attracted by the way it encourages us to be analytical of the values and patterns of past societies. It was in my final year of secondary school that I was awarded the History Attainment Award, although my desire to study History dates back to an earlier age when I visited the site of the allied landings in Normandy at just eleven years old...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 1 My most memorable Christmas came with a parcel of Harry Potter audio books and this was where my quest to understanding language began. The moment Stephen Fry started to narrate chapter one, I fell in love with words and all they could achieve...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 2 Psychology surrounds us. I often observe my class mates and ask myself why they are so different, struggling with attention or eating disorders. While looking for reasons, I also want to find ways to help them and I am confident that psychology will give me the means to do so...

Politics and International Relations Personal Statement Example 4 The era in which we live goes through constant turmoil and shifting powers. Not a day goes by without a change somewhere on our planet, which in turn has an effect on yet another change to come elsewhere...

Education and Drama Personal Statement Example (Oxbridge) "I shall have poetry in my life. And adventure. Unbiddable, ungovernable, like a riot in the heart, come ruin or rapture." Perhaps one should not begin with the words of another when presenting oneself, but as an actress, utilising the words of others is something that has become second nature...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 6 It was the odd behavioural traits displayed by my uncle, who has Asperger’s syndrome that first generated from a young age my questioning about why he acted so ‘differently’ to the rest of us. This was part of what led to my interest of studying psychology, as it made me question how and why humans are so disparate from one another, and what part the brain plays in running our everyday lives...

Politics & International Relations Personal Statement Example 2 It was November 1989. My parents were rattling their keys in the main square of Bratislava with other Czechoslovak youngsters asking for the democracy that was denied by the Communist regime. They raised me in an environment, where appreciation of freedom, expressing my thoughts and being an active citizen have been essential...

Mathematics and Physics Personal Statement Example 1 Mathematics is a fundamental tool for understanding our world: it can be used to define the symmetry of flowers or to manage global companies. What is so appealing about mathematics is the opportunity of applying it in the physical world...

Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 1 Fire, the wheel, boats, book printing, electricity, engines, automobiles, planes, spaceships, wireless information transfer: engineering is determining this progress. Leading engineers are the creators of our future...

Maths and Spanish Personal Statement Example For as long as I have recognised words and numbers, I have seen a connection between the two. As I progressed in the AS Mathematics course I realised how drawn I was to the subject, motivating me to spend 2 weeks at school over the summer holidays learning 2 entire AS Further Maths modules, in order to take the full A-level course in one year...

Languages Personal Statement Example 10 At the age of eight, a friend introduced me to Guy Hamilton's 1969 film 'Battle of Britain'. This instilled in me two things: my doomed childhood ambition to be a Spitfire pilot, long since grudgingly abandoned, but also, perhaps ironically, a love for the sound and feel of the German language that has stayed with me all through the intervening decade...

English Personal Statement Example (Mature Student) Having worked on a secure psychiatric unit for two years, caring for many people unable to or precluded from following their dreams due to mental illness, as well as over a decade employed in positions just to pay the bills, I am finally pursuing my dream of becoming a published novelist...

History Personal Statement Example 7 It isn't an exaggeration to say my devotion to History has moulded me into the diligent and ambitious person I am today. History continues to shape our contemporary world and my opinions have been formed from an intellectual curiosity about the resonances between the past and the present...

Chemistry Personal Statement Example 2 Science is not just a subject taken in school, or a body of knowledge; it is a state of mind as well – always inquisitive and wondering. As a child, the world around me constantly captivated me and inspired questions, and I found delight in having my questions answered, always wanting to learn more, from fundamental particles, to atoms and molecules, to organisms, planets, and the universe...

Anthropology Personal Statement Example 2 My fascination with human behaviour and the motivations behind human actions has existed for most of my adult life, to determine a cause however I would accredit this to the voluntary work I participated in with Crisis Single Persons Homeless charity...

Mathematics and Economics Personal Statement Example 2 Every day we make decisions and interact with others; the laws of economics help us make rational choices and consider the irrationality of others, as well as understand the world better. Maths and statistics are the necessary tools for me to understand the modern economics...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 2 The ability to apply what I have learnt in the classroom to the outside world is an aspect of physics and maths that I particularly enjoy. An example of this was being able to calculate the coefficient of friction between a book and a table, by knowing the weight and measuring the angle at which it started to move...

Pure Mathematics Personal Statement Example Mathematics is beautiful to me because of the deep and meaningful ideas touched upon by it, the vastness of these ideas, the clearness and elegance of their representation. Mathematics gives me the ability to apply knowledge by approaching things logically, and thinking clearly...

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example 9 Civil engineering is a discipline which is essential in the modern world: roads, bridges, airports, railways, sewage works and power stations all provide the fabric of today's society, and without them the world would be a very different place...

Mathematics and Engineering Personal Statement Example Questions regarding the reason for my liking of mathematics have only one answer: mathematical logic and concepts contribute to a practical approach in every aspect of life. It is the diversity and universal applicability of this subject that encourages me to delve further and study it in depth...

Maths and Science Personal Statement Example Maths and science, in particular physics, have always been my favourite subjects in school. I have an inquisitive mind and am always asking "how?" and "why?" to find out how things work. I chose maths, physics and biology for my A levels, yet only realised I wanted to do engineering when I started studying topics such as mechanics...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 48 Given that over ninety nine percent of the body consists of just six elements, it is hard to imagine the human body as an intricately synchronised and immensely complex machine. Yet, it has done well to puzzle even the brightest minds in history-but I am drawn to a challenge; I cannot think of anything else more fascinating to work with...

Geography Personal Statement Example (Human/Environmental) The possibility of the human race’s days being numbered by our destructive lifestyles, as planted in my mind by Al Gore’s sensationalised and controversial ‘The Inconvenient Truth’, has fuelled my interest in the global warming phenomenon, forcing me to question society’s reluctance to tackle it and realise the worldwide impact of each of our daily lives...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 51 There is a reason behind everything we do, a purpose to our actions. The cognition behind any decision that we make is one of the many aspects of psychology that I am fascinated by. The following five words, as said by the Prophet Muhammad, I believe explain such a suggestion: "Actions are but by intentions"...

Mathematics Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics is at the root of many academic subjects, such as mechanics in Physics, organic Chemistry and even Music and this is why I find it so fascinating. The process of starting from a simple set of formulae and deriving nearly all mathematical truth from these is what makes Mathematics a leading academic subject...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 20 Overcoming economic hurdles tempered by ecological limits requires innovative solutions. For centuries mathematical and analytical skills have fused to solve practical problems. The diverse nature of engineering has made advancements possible in an array of fields from the wheel to The International Space Station...

Architecture Personal Statement Example 16 I vividly remember the moment when I knew I wanted to be an architect. I had been taken to Barcelona to see ‘the wavy buildings’, at the time I didn’t know anything about Gaudí or his work so I was relatively unenthusiastic...

History Personal Statement Example 37 My interest in history lies in the simple fact that I have always been fascinated by the past. At eleven I won a full academic bursary to attend my current school. This was a way into a community in which my intellectual curiosity would be valued and where I could further my enthusiasm for history...

Medicine Personal Statement Example 61 While the idea to care for others is appealing to me, the applications of medicine for finding remedies to the complexities of the human body fascinates me even more. Studying medicine opens several career options from general practice to clinical research! Having the interest and aptitude for scientific knowledge and the awareness to promote health safety, it encourages me to choose this highly rewarding and satisfying course...

Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 17 While other children fell asleep to the sound of their parents reading them bedtime fairytales, I was busy re-reading Ladybirds Explorer’s, “Flight” for probably the fourth time that day. I’ve been enthralled by the concept of flight and aerodynamics ever since I was young...

Chemistry Personal Statement Example 17 The realisation I wanted to study Chemistry at degree level came with my growing appreciation of its contribution and significance in shaping modern society, coupled with an increasing interest in the subject as my knowledge and understanding have developed...

History Personal Statement Example 40 History has always fascinated me because of what it can tell us about humanity; the decisions taken, the actions chosen and the mistakes made can all make us reflect on what it means to be human. I firmly believe history is not simply a case of learning facts and dates but rather a chance to analyse the past, enhancing our understanding of how we interact with each other today...

Maths Personal Statement Example 12 Mathematics dictates our understanding of the universe; the sciences that the world depends on today are founded and dependant on maths. Scientists and mathematicians spend their lives making remarkable discoveries contributing to the development of humanity, the findings we have been making in fields like quantum mechanics would be completely impossible without maths...

English Personal Statement Example 30 English is not simply the study of humanity, or society, or history or the written word; it is all of those together and it is this versatility that makes it so appealing to me. The link between literary criticism and psychoanalysis is a great interest of mine...

Psychology Personal Statement Example 67 I first became interested in psychology whilst discussing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour and non-conformity with my father. The nature-nurture debate gave me a huge desire to increase my knowledge and understanding of the human condition...

Economics Personal Statement Example 31 Since my parents were busy with the financial income throughout my childhood, I have been raised up by my grandmother. She was the oldest of 8 siblings in a family who were living in impoverished conditions...

Natural Sciences Personal Statement Example 4 Why and How? I believe these are the two most important question words as they express mankind’s unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and they have lain the foundation of sciences and have helped us find answers and solutions to problems throughout history from the domestication of fire to Darwin’s theory of evolution, to landing on the moon and so on...

Archaeology Personal Statement Example 6 I have always enjoyed learning about different cultures and civilisations, reflected in my enduring love of history, and more recently, archaeology. Compared to modern history, archaeology carries a sense of enigma which makes it much more stimulating for an imaginative and inquisitive mind...

Mechanical Engineering Personal Statement Example 19 These days, we are surrounded by engineering marvels. From radios to space shuttles, everything involves a vital feat of engineering. That is what I find most attractive about this field as its application is everywhere...

Land Economy Personal Statement Example (Cambridge University) Having been born and lived all my life in Hungary, with an English father and Hungarian mother, I have always wanted to go to university in England and spend most of my summers working in England. Being bilingual gives me an ability to see both sides of the question, and examine things from different perspectives which I feel will be useful for my studies...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 23 As I triggered the release mechanism and watched two pounds of rock hurtle skywards I thought to myself, "trebuchets are awesome!". Years passed before I realised that this was my first engineering project...

Engineering Personal Statement Example 24 When I was a child, most of the sentences I spoke out finished with a question mark, asking how everyday things work. Receiving answers to these questions and learning more about Mathematics and Physics has enlarged my desire to make human life easier and become an Engineer...

Linguistics Personal Statement Example 3 Have you ever heard the Tuvan throat singing technique? Beautiful and intriguing at the same time. The question that's bound to accompany a throat singing performance is how the human voice could possibly produce such a sound...

Computer Science Personal Statement Example 56 Computer Science - the most exciting insight into humanity's mission to conquer the future. It has been my favourite and most fascinating preoccupation since childhood, though back then I did not even know it...

History Personal Statement Example (Oxbridge) 2 Whether considering the real world applications of Bentham's utilitarianism in Religious Studies, analysing the context of a changing Victorian society in English Literature, or debating the evolving ideology of the Labour Party in Politics, there is one common thread connecting what I enjoy most about my studies: history...

Sociology Personal Statement Example 14 The need for the study of Sociology in society is, arguably, universally fundamental. The study of society is of paramount importance in solving social problems of great magnitude such as poverty and family disorganisation...

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Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

Last Updated: 12th April 2022

Author: Chloe Hewitt

  • Natural Sciences

Table of Contents

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

Today, we are looking through a Natural Science applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Cambridge University. The Natural Science Course at Cambridge is a unique and demanding course focused on blurring the boundaries between the different fields of science. 

Read on to see how this candidate wrote a Personal Statement that helped secure their place on a reputable degree. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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

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

Natural Science (Physical) Personal Statement

The more I discover about physics, the less I realise that I know, and the keener I am to further explore unfamiliar topics at university. Studying areas such as special relativity and quantum mechanics have made me question concepts I took as given, such as the nature and manipulation of time and the degree of certainty to which we can truly know anything.

My particular interest in physics was sparked when I read an article on quantum physics, and was introduced to a simple description of the fundamental constituents of matter. This led me to read further about particle physics. I particularly enjoyed Brian Greene’s The Elegant Universe, which gave me a brief insight into the intricacies of string theory, and The Feynman Lectures on Physics, from which I learnt new mechanics and probability theory. I watch lectures on the MIT website, read New Scientist and am a junior member of the IoP to further my knowledge of new scientific developments. I enjoyed visiting CERN last year and learning more about the experiments conducted there. I have also competed in national challenges to develop my thinking skills further, achieving bronze in the Physics Olympiad, silver in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and gold in the Senior Maths Challenge. Additionally, this year I won the school leavers’ physics prize.

Last summer I attended a residential Headstart physics course at the University of Leicester, and spent three days at the Debate Chamber physics school. I enjoyed performing undergraduate experiments, and was particularly interested by the lectures on recent developments in nanotechnology and the ways in which nanoparticles could be used to destroy cancerous cells in the body. I also had a tantalising glimpse of some of the complex mathematics behind General Relativity, and would love to study this intricate topic in more detail. These experiences confirmed my love of physics as well as increasing my appreciation of more complicated subjects not covered by my A Level courses. Furthermore, they helped to develop my skills in processing new information and quickly adapting to unfamiliar concepts.

I recently took part in an extended-essay competition at school, producing an independently researched piece of work on the superluminal neutrinos apparently found in 2011. I focused on the impossibility of faster-than-light travel according to special relativity, and the implications for time travel the discovery would have had if the measurements had been correct. This gave me the chance to explore further a subject I was interested in but had not studied at school. I researched my essay by reading scientific journals and textbooks, and speaking to scientists I met at physics events.

I will shortly begin a paid internship at Hildebrand Technology Ltd, where I will be using mathematical modelling of real life situations for statistical analysis. This will be an opportunity to apply mathematical techniques I have learnt in school to more complex problems. This placement, along with self-studying university textbooks and extra further maths modules, will ensure that I maintain and expand my maths skills and scientific knowledge during my gap year.

In my final year I was captain of the school Boat Club. I have rowed in the top senior boat since I was 15, and in 2013 I won silver at National Schools and gold at Schools Head. This sport has involved intensive training, which demands self-discipline and commitment. I love music, and take part in many close harmony groups and choirs, as well as taking grades in musical theatre, singing and piano. My music and sport, along with lifeguarding and weekly volunteering at a local primary school, have allowed me to develop my time management skills and use the time I have for work efficiently and productively.

I am a hardworking and intellectually curious student and am excited by the prospect of developing my mathematical skills and studying physics at a more advanced level at university.

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

Successful Personal Statement For Economics At Cambridge

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Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide 

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This is a very good statement. The statement is well structured, and the student’s motivation to study physics is clear. All points are explained clearly, and experiences expanded on. The student uses examples beyond their A-level studies to explain their desire to study physics, which comes across very well to the reader.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The student forgets to use quotation marks around the names of books etc., and also ‘the’ before ‘New Scientist’. Whilst these are rudimentary errors, a simple proof-read would have found these. The main issue with this statement is its length. There are eight paragraphs in total.  By the penultimate paragraph it is clear enough that the student has done many physics-related extra-curricular activities. The quality of the statement will not be reduced if it is shortened.  The student does not explain acronyms, e.g. ‘IoP’. Some sentences can be shortened in order to save space, e.g. ‘I have also competed in national challenges to develop my thinking skills further, achieving bronze in the Physics Olympiad, silver in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge and gold in the Senior Maths Challenge’ can be shortened to ‘I have also competed in national challenges to develop my thinking skills further, achieving bronze, silver and gold medals in the Physics Olympiad, Cambridge Chemistry and Senior Maths Challenges respectively’.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

In general, this is a very good statement. It is well written, and the student’s motivation to study physics at university is clear from the very beginning. Due to the length of the statement, it is quite cumbersome to read. With some shortening, this would be a compact and powerful statement.

This Personal Statement for Natural Science is a solid example of demonstrating a wealth of knowledge, motivation and interest, vital to Admissions Tutors.

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

Check out our other successful personal statements and our expert guides on our Free Personal Statement Resources page.

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

With our  Cambridge Natural Science Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , perform strongly on the Admissions Test  and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

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