u/lihamsandwhich8

Hey all,

I'm a current Oxford student who has been reviewing a ton of student personal statements recently and I've noticed a recurring pattern which I think students should avoid!

I've made also recently made a resource with 5 exemplar personal statements: https://mdftuition.bcns.link/ucas 

The single biggest tip: It's very important to show growth!

Universities want to see curiosity, passion, and development of ideas and character. Your personal statement shouldn’t be a list of books you’ve read or activities you’ve done. It should flow naturally:

Not just: “I read X. I researched Y.” But instead: “Reading X exposed me to the concept of Y, which I then linked to my A-Level studies of Z.”

Show how one experience led to another, and how you’ve grown intellectually and personally along the way.

Treat the main body of your statement like a chain of reasoning and personal discovery. Show how one experience led to another, and how you’ve grown intellectually and personally along the way.

Hey all,

I'm a current Oxford student who has been reviewing a ton of student personal statements recently and I've noticed a recurring pattern which I think students should avoid!

I've made also recently made a resource with 5 exemplar personal statements: https://mdftuition.bcns.link/ucas 

The single biggest tip: It's very important to show growth!

Universities want to see curiosity, passion, and development of ideas and character. Your personal statement shouldn’t be a list of books you’ve read or activities you’ve done. It should flow naturally:

Not just: “I read X. I researched Y.” But instead: “Reading X exposed me to the concept of Y, which I then linked to my A-Level studies of Z.”

Show how one experience led to another, and how you’ve grown intellectually and personally along the way.

Treat the main body of your statement like a chain of reasoning and personal discovery. Show how one experience led to another, and how you’ve grown intellectually and personally along the way.

Hey guys, I’m currently studying at Oxford and have been reviewing a bunch of personal statements recently. Based on the ones I’ve read, here would be my top 5 tips to anyone writing one this year:

Also, if you’re interested I’ve made a resource with 5 exemplar personal statements: https://mdftuition.bcns.link/ucas

1.DO NOT JUST LIST.** When mentioning books, lectures, EdX courses etc. explain what you gained from them. Mentioning more than just books can also show that you have taken a real interest in the subject.

2.Write coherently,** you don’t have to use fancy words or long sentences these often make it hard to read, and the person reviewing your statement wants to have an easy time.

3.Proofread** it many times, you may find after 5 or 6 times you discover new mistakes or sentences that could be refined. It’s important there are no grammar or spelling mistakes.

4.Mirror the course, not the subject.** Look at the actual module list and reading lists on the department website, then weave in a thread that maps onto how they teach it. Tutors notice when you have engaged with their specific course rather than the subject in general, and it signals you have done homework most applicants skip.

5.End super-curriculars with a tension, not a conclusion.** Instead of saying a book “deepened my interest,” show where it left you unconvinced or raised a question you couldn’t resolve. An unresolved problem reads as genuine intellectual curiosity and very often becomes the thing they pick up at interview

Hey guys, I’m currently studying at Oxford and have been reviewing a bunch of personal statements recently. Based on the ones I’ve read, here would be my top 5 tips to anyone writing one this year:

Also, if you’re interested I’ve made a resource with 5 exemplar personal statements: https://mdftuition.bcns.link/ucas

**1.	DO NOT JUST LIST.** When mentioning books, lectures, EdX courses etc. explain what you gained from them. Mentioning more than just books can also show that you have taken a real interest in the subject.

**2.	Write coherently,** you don’t have to use fancy words or long sentences these often make it hard to read, and the person reviewing your statement wants to have an easy time.

**3.	Proofread** it many times, you may find after 5 or 6 times you discover new mistakes or sentences that could be refined. It’s important there are no grammar or spelling mistakes.

**4.	Mirror the course, not the subject.** Look at the actual module list and reading lists on the department website, then weave in a thread that maps onto how they teach it. Tutors notice when you have engaged with their specific course rather than the subject in general, and it signals you have done homework most applicants skip.

**5.	End super-curriculars with a tension, not a conclusion.** Instead of saying a book “deepened my interest,” show where it left you unconvinced or raised a question you couldn’t resolve. An unresolved problem reads as genuine intellectual curiosity and very often becomes the thing they pick up at interview

Hey guys, I’m currently studying at Oxford and have been reviewing a bunch of personal statements recently. Based on the ones I’ve read, here would be my top 5 tips to anyone writing one this year:

Also, if you’re interested I’ve made a resource with 5 exemplar personal statements: https://mdftuition.bcns.link/ucas

**1.	DO NOT JUST LIST.** When mentioning books, lectures, EdX courses etc. explain what you gained from them. Mentioning more than just books can also show that you have taken a real interest in the subject.

**2.	Write coherently,** you don’t have to use fancy words or long sentences these often make it hard to read, and the person reviewing your statement wants to have an easy time.

**3.	Proofread** it many times, you may find after 5 or 6 times you discover new mistakes or sentences that could be refined. It’s important there are no grammar or spelling mistakes.

**4.	Mirror the course, not the subject.** Look at the actual module list and reading lists on the department website, then weave in a thread that maps onto how they teach it. Tutors notice when you have engaged with their specific course rather than the subject in general, and it signals you have done homework most applicants skip.

**5.	End super-curriculars with a tension, not a conclusion.** Instead of saying a book “deepened my interest,” show where it left you unconvinced or raised a question you couldn’t resolve. An unresolved problem reads as genuine intellectual curiosity and very often becomes the thing they pick up at interview.

Hey guys, I'm currently studying at Oxford and have been reviewing a bunch of personal statements recently. Based on the ones I've read, here would be my top 5 tips to anyone writing one this year:

Also, if you're interested I've made a resource with 5 exemplar personal statements: https://mdftuition.bcns.link/ucas

1. DO NOT JUST LIST. When mentioning books, lectures, EdX courses etc. explain what you gained from them. Mentioning more than just books can also show that you have taken a real interest in the subject.
2. Write coherently, you don’t have to use fancy words or long sentences these often make it hard to read, and the person reviewing your statement wants to have an easy time.
3. Proofread it many times, you may find after 5 or 6 times you discover new mistakes or sentences that could be refined. It's important there are no grammar or spelling mistakes.

Hey guys, I'm currently studying at Oxford and have been reviewing a bunch of personal statements recently. Based on the ones I've read, here would be my top 5 tips to anyone writing one this year:

Also, if you're interested I've made a resource with 5 exemplar personal statements: https://mdftuition.bcns.link/ucas

1. DO NOT JUST LIST. When mentioning books, lectures, EdX courses etc. explain what you gained from them. Mentioning more than just books can also show that you have taken a real interest in the subject.
2. Write coherently, you don’t have to use fancy words or long sentences these often make it hard to read, and the person reviewing your statement wants to have an easy time.
3. Proofread it many times, you may find after 5 or 6 times you discover new mistakes or sentences that could be refined. It's important there are no grammar or spelling mistakes.

Hey guys, I'm currently studying at Oxford and have been reviewing a bunch of personal statements recently. Based on the ones I've read, here would be my top 5 tips to anyone writing one this year:

Also, if you're interested I've made a resource with 5 exemplar personal statements: https://mdftuition.bcns.link/ucas

1. DO NOT JUST LIST. When mentioning books, lectures, EdX courses etc. explain what you gained from them. Mentioning more than just books can also show that you have taken a real interest in the subject.
2. Write coherently, you don’t have to use fancy words or long sentences these often make it hard to read, and the person reviewing your statement wants to have an easy time.
3. Proofread it many times, you may find after 5 or 6 times you discover new mistakes or sentences that could be refined. It's important there are no grammar or spelling mistakes.

You may have seen me giving advice about econ on this subreddit, but I also took history so thought I'd share some tips! I got 88% in history last year, and now study it at Oxford; here would be my top 5 tips!

Also, if you want to see some exemplar history essays, I've made a document: https://bcns.link/AtQbuc

Structure - How you structure your answer is absolutely crucial. An examiner can usually tell from your introduction whether your essay is headed for the top band. Make sure your introduction clearly states your argument and outlines the logical steps you’ll take to support it. The conclusion is just as important - it should tie your argument together in a confident, concise way, rather than feeling rushed.

1. Mindmaps - Strong essays show clear links between topics and a grasp of the period as a whole. Mindmaps are an excellent way to build this skill. Try creating them from memory first, then go back and fill in any gaps using a different colour - this will make your weaker areas stand out.
2. Essay Plans - Essay plans are by far the most effective way to get an A* in history. Go through past paper questions and plan out every single one you can find. You’ll notice how often questions follow similar themes, and by practising the planning process, you’ll train yourself to build strong arguments and structure essays quickly under exam pressure.
3. Niche facts - This is not absolutely necessary but I notice it often among top students. The majority of students use facts and figures from the textbook, meaning that the examiners will be reading the same details in every essay. This is why I think its a good idea to do some independent research into stand-out facts from outside of the specification. For example, I learnt about Russian soldiers having to eat sawdust during the battle of Leningrad to emphasise their inhumane treatment. 
4. Timelines - EExaminers value causation, and mindmaps help you see the sequence of events, link key developments, and build a clear, holistic understanding of the period.

You may have seen me giving advice about econ on this subreddit, but I also took history so thought I'd share some tips! I got 88% in history last year, and now study it at Oxford; here would be my top 5 tips!

Also, if you want to see some exemplar history essays, I've made a document: https://bcns.link/AtQbuc

Structure - How you structure your answer is absolutely crucial. An examiner can usually tell from your introduction whether your essay is headed for the top band. Make sure your introduction clearly states your argument and outlines the logical steps you’ll take to support it. The conclusion is just as important - it should tie your argument together in a confident, concise way, rather than feeling rushed.

1. Mindmaps - Strong essays show clear links between topics and a grasp of the period as a whole. Mindmaps are an excellent way to build this skill. Try creating them from memory first, then go back and fill in any gaps using a different colour - this will make your weaker areas stand out.
2. Essay Plans - Essay plans are by far the most effective way to get an A* in history. Go through past paper questions and plan out every single one you can find. You’ll notice how often questions follow similar themes, and by practising the planning process, you’ll train yourself to build strong arguments and structure essays quickly under exam pressure.
3. Niche facts - This is not absolutely necessary but I notice it often among top students. The majority of students use facts and figures from the textbook, meaning that the examiners will be reading the same details in every essay. This is why I think its a good idea to do some independent research into stand-out facts from outside of the specification. For example, I learnt about Russian soldiers having to eat sawdust during the battle of Leningrad to emphasise their inhumane treatment. 
4. Timelines - EExaminers value causation, and mindmaps help you see the sequence of events, link key developments, and build a clear, holistic understanding of the period.

Not claiming to be an expert but I got 96% last year in economics and 97% in Paper 2 which is coming up soon! I know this is a repost but i got a few requests to repost it :)

I've also attached an 25/25 essay if you wanted to know what that looks like: https://bcns.link/tKSJPk

1. ⁠Go through the specification and highlight the topics you absolutely hate or struggle with - don’t lie to yourself and avoid topics that you hate. Revise these topics, making flashcards about the key concepts and then do topic specific questions (you can find these on Tutor2U, Uplearn, or ExpertTuition). 
2. ⁠Learn to do the multiple choice section as fast as you can. I learned to do Section A in under 10 minutes, providing me with an extra 15 minutes to use for the 25 markers, which are much more important if you’re seeking an A*. 
3. ⁠Learn your diagrams well so that you can draw them very efficiently and accurately. This allows you to substantiate your argument as you can explain shifts and changes to diagrams within your analysis, giving you analysis and application marks.
4. ⁠Learn niche application. Examiners read hundreds of papers and are sick of reading the same boring application points. Read the Financial Times or the Economist just once and pick up cool information that will make you stand out. For example, I learnt about the Banana Trade War or the predatory pricing war between Tesco and Asda which resulted in 3p and 5p canned baked beans.
5. ⁠Once you’ve done the above and feel confident, ensure that you do as many past papers as you can. I am convinced that past papers were by far the most significant reason for me achieving 96%, as questions repeat themselves or change slightly, every single year. The more you practice them, the easier they get.

Not claiming to be an expert but I got 96% last year in economics and 97% in Paper 1 which is coming up soon! I know this is a repost but i got a few requests to repost it :)

I've also attached an 25/25 essay if you wanted to know what that looks like: https://bcns.link/tKSJPk

1. ⁠Go through the specification and highlight the topics you absolutely hate or struggle with - don’t lie to yourself and avoid topics that you hate. Revise these topics, making flashcards about the key concepts and then do topic specific questions (you can find these on Tutor2U, Uplearn, or ExpertTuition). 
2. ⁠Learn to do the multiple choice section as fast as you can. I learned to do Section A in under 10 minutes, providing me with an extra 15 minutes to use for the 25 markers, which are much more important if you’re seeking an A*. 
3. ⁠Learn your diagrams well so that you can draw them very efficiently and accurately. This allows you to substantiate your argument as you can explain shifts and changes to diagrams within your analysis, giving you analysis and application marks.
4. ⁠Learn niche application. Examiners read hundreds of papers and are sick of reading the same boring application points. Read the Financial Times or the Economist just once and pick up cool information that will make you stand out. For example, I learnt about the Banana Trade War or the predatory pricing war between Tesco and Asda which resulted in 3p and 5p canned baked beans.
5. ⁠Once you’ve done the above and feel confident, ensure that you do as many past papers as you can. I am convinced that past papers were by far the most significant reason for me achieving 96%, as questions repeat themselves or change slightly, every single year. The more you practice them, the easier they get.

You may have seen me giving advice about econ on this subreddit, but I also took history so thought I'd share some tips! I got 88% in history last year, and now study it at Oxford; here would be my top 5 tips!

Also, if you want to see some exemplar history essays, I've made a document: https://bcns.link/bUv0vy

1. Structure - How you structure your answer is absolutely crucial. An examiner can usually tell from your introduction whether your essay is headed for the top band. Make sure your introduction clearly states your argument and outlines the logical steps you’ll take to support it. The conclusion is just as important - it should tie your argument together in a confident, concise way, rather than feeling rushed.
2. Mindmaps - Strong essays show clear links between topics and a grasp of the period as a whole. Mindmaps are an excellent way to build this skill. Try creating them from memory first, then go back and fill in any gaps using a different colour - this will make your weaker areas stand out.
3. Essay Plans - Essay plans are by far the most effective way to get an A* in history. Go through past paper questions and plan out every single one you can find. You’ll notice how often questions follow similar themes, and by practising the planning process, you’ll train yourself to build strong arguments and structure essays quickly under exam pressure.
4. Niche facts - This is not absolutely necessary but I notice it often among top students. The majority of students use facts and figures from the textbook, meaning that the examiners will be reading the same details in every essay. This is why I think its a good idea to do some independent research into stand-out facts from outside of the specification. For example, I learnt about Russian soldiers having to eat sawdust during the battle of Leningrad to emphasise their inhumane treatment. 
5. Timelines - EExaminers value causation, and mindmaps help you see the sequence of events, link key developments, and build a clear, holistic understanding of the period.

You may have seen me giving advice about econ on this subreddit, but I also took history so thought I'd share some tips! I got 88% in history last year, and now study it at Oxford; here would be my top 5 tips!

Also, if you want to see some exemplar history essays, I've made a document: https://bcns.link/bUv0vy

1. Structure - How you structure your answer is absolutely crucial. An examiner can usually tell from your introduction whether your essay is headed for the top band. Make sure your introduction clearly states your argument and outlines the logical steps you’ll take to support it. The conclusion is just as important - it should tie your argument together in a confident, concise way, rather than feeling rushed.
2. Mindmaps - Strong essays show clear links between topics and a grasp of the period as a whole. Mindmaps are an excellent way to build this skill. Try creating them from memory first, then go back and fill in any gaps using a different colour - this will make your weaker areas stand out.
3. Essay Plans - Essay plans are by far the most effective way to get an A* in history. Go through past paper questions and plan out every single one you can find. You’ll notice how often questions follow similar themes, and by practising the planning process, you’ll train yourself to build strong arguments and structure essays quickly under exam pressure.
4. Niche facts - This is not absolutely necessary but I notice it often among top students. The majority of students use facts and figures from the textbook, meaning that the examiners will be reading the same details in every essay. This is why I think its a good idea to do some independent research into stand-out facts from outside of the specification. For example, I learnt about Russian soldiers having to eat sawdust during the battle of Leningrad to emphasise their inhumane treatment. 
5. Timelines - EExaminers value causation, and mindmaps help you see the sequence of events, link key developments, and build a clear, holistic understanding of the period.

Not claiming to be an expert but I got 96% last year in economics and 99% in Paper 1 which is coming up soon! I know this is a repost but i got a few requests to repost it :)

I've also attached an 25/25 essay if you wanted to know what that looks like: https://bcns.link/tKSJPk

1. ⁠Go through the specification and highlight the topics you absolutely hate or struggle with - don’t lie to yourself and avoid topics that you hate. Revise these topics, making flashcards about the key concepts and then do topic specific questions (you can find these on Tutor2U, Uplearn, or ExpertTuition). 
2. ⁠Learn to do the multiple choice section as fast as you can. I learned to do Section A in under 10 minutes, providing me with an extra 15 minutes to use for the 25 markers, which are much more important if you’re seeking an A*. 
3. ⁠Learn your diagrams well so that you can draw them very efficiently and accurately. This allows you to substantiate your argument as you can explain shifts and changes to diagrams within your analysis, giving you analysis and application marks.
4. ⁠Learn niche application. Examiners read hundreds of papers and are sick of reading the same boring application points. Read the Financial Times or the Economist just once and pick up cool information that will make you stand out. For example, I learnt about the Banana Trade War or the predatory pricing war between Tesco and Asda which resulted in 3p and 5p canned baked beans.
5. ⁠Once you’ve done the above and feel confident, ensure that you do as many past papers as you can. I am convinced that past papers were by far the most significant reason for me achieving 96%, as questions repeat themselves or change slightly, every single year. The more you practice them, the easier they get.

Not claiming to be an expert but I got 96% last year in economics and 99% in Paper 1 which is coming up soon! I know this is a repost but i got a few requests to repost it :)

I've also attached an 25/25 essay if you wanted to know what that looks like: https://bcns.link/tKSJPk

1. ⁠Go through the specification and highlight the topics you absolutely hate or struggle with - don’t lie to yourself and avoid topics that you hate. Revise these topics, making flashcards about the key concepts and then do topic specific questions (you can find these on Tutor2U, Uplearn, or ExpertTuition). 
2. ⁠Learn to do the multiple choice section as fast as you can. I learned to do Section A in under 10 minutes, providing me with an extra 15 minutes to use for the 25 markers, which are much more important if you’re seeking an A*. 
3. ⁠Learn your diagrams well so that you can draw them very efficiently and accurately. This allows you to substantiate your argument as you can explain shifts and changes to diagrams within your analysis, giving you analysis and application marks.
4. ⁠Learn niche application. Examiners read hundreds of papers and are sick of reading the same boring application points. Read the Financial Times or the Economist just once and pick up cool information that will make you stand out. For example, I learnt about the Banana Trade War or the predatory pricing war between Tesco and Asda which resulted in 3p and 5p canned baked beans.
5. ⁠Once you’ve done the above and feel confident, ensure that you do as many past papers as you can. I am convinced that past papers were by far the most significant reason for me achieving 96%, as questions repeat themselves or change slightly, every single year. The more you practice them, the easier they get.