oxford history personal statement example

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Successful Personal Statement For History At Oxford

Last Updated: 6th April 2022

Author: Rob Needleman

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 History applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The History Course at Oxford combines the examination of large regions over extended periods of time with more focused work on smaller social groups, shorter periods and particular themes.

Read on to see how this candidate demonstrates that they can understand and analyse history.  

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement (the applicant uses most of the 4,000 characters available):

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge History 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.  

History Personal Statement

My passion for history can best be explained by discussing the period of German Unification, which displays the most engrossing virtues of studying the subject. Firstly there is great scope for debate and exploration of the interlocking causations, examining the relative importance of Bismarck’s own role against the military strengthening of Prussia or the shifting international relations. But most interestingly it is a defining period in the shaping of modern Europe and the way in which it links the past to the present is most fascinating. Studying this period reveals how international relations progressed after the Napoleonic era leading to the way in which Germany was unified through war and thus became a country built around war. It is therefore arguable that this era created the state which would then trigger the two wars which have shaped the modern world. This period shows how history can give us a more rounded understanding of the world we live in, linking our mysterious and intriguing past to our all too familiar present surroundings. It is partly this, which motivates me to study history as in doing so I gain immense satisfaction from learning how our world has evolved.

An understanding of history also provides a fundamental backdrop for any other areas of study. I have found this through my other A-Level subjects, for example historical knowledge of politics in Britain was essential to AS politics, particularly when studying the political situation in Ireland. An understanding of past conflicts is indispensable when it comes to managing contemporary politics. Furthermore, whilst taking French the study of Un Sac De Billes by Joseph Joffo unearthed experiences of living under Vichy France. To learn a language fully it is important to immerse oneself in the culture and history of the country in order to develop a more rounded understanding of the people who live there. Thus it seems that history is inescapable; it not only provides vital background knowledge but also helps bring to life every other academic subject, which is why in my opinion, it is the most important.     

During my A Level history course, the Napoleonic era particularly fascinated me and I pursued my interest through further reading, looking specifically at Napoleon’s downfall, an area I found most compelling as it offers the greatest exposition of the psychology of this exceptional man. I read Digby Smith’s ‘The Decline and Fall of Napoleon’s Empire’ as well as Zamoyski’s ‘1812’. I picked up on several themes throughout Zamoyski’s book and developed my own opinions such as sympathetic stances towards General Barclay and the Tsar, but was particularly intrigued by how Napoleon let his ego drive his pre-war diplomacy and how Napoleon’s own role in the breakdown of the Treaty of Tilsit perhaps triggered his eventual downfall. The fact that I was so gripped by so many different themes within an historical study of one war also reveals another aspect of history that is so appealing to me. It offers vast numbers of different avenues to pursue in one’s research, whether it is Napoleon’s diplomacy or the fallibility of the Russian command.

Outside of my academic studies, I am a dedicated sportsman but have particularly flourished musically as a cellist, obtaining a grade 8 standard in year 11 and am a committed member of various ensembles. Music has coloured my historical studies, for example, I played various Shostakovich symphonies coinciding with my study of Stalinist Russia at GCSE, each with a very different feel depending upon his relationship with Stalin, but perhaps most moving was playing his 10 th symphony, a purely self-indulgent expression of relief after the death of the dictator. It is impossible to appreciate this great work without its historical context, which transforms the piece into something personal, attaching the listener emotionally. History is not only fascinating in itself, but it enriches our appreciation of all other interests.

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

Successful Personal Statement For Natural Science (Physical) At Cambridge

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The student speaks intelligently and successfully links their interests – both within history and outside of history – to the study of history on a wider scale. The statement is well organised and reads well. Paragraph three, in particular, has many strong points with a greater focus on what really interests the student and why. The student does well to focus on the different areas of exploration within history showing a strong awareness of the nuances within historical study.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

The statement focuses too much on what the student knows, rather than what interests the student – the first paragraph, in particular, reads too much like an essay, and less like an exploration of why this student actually wants to study history. The student risks falling into a trap of trying to teach and impress the admissions tutor with their knowledge instead of offering a more personal approach. The student also needs to try to avoid repetition, for example ‘most interestingly’ and ‘most fascinating’ within the same sentence in order to ensure the whole statement flows better.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is a very strong, well-written Personal Statement. The student has clearly proved they can both understand and analyse history. The student perhaps needs to focus more on their own motivations behind studying history, but overall, the statement suggests a student with great potential and zeal for the subject. What would make the student stand out even more is a stronger closing statement – something to bring the whole personal statement together.

This Personal Statement for History is a great example of a strong, well-written Statement. The candidate’s interest and achievements are clearly shown which is vital to Admissions Tutors.

Remember, at Oxford, 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.

There are plenty more successful personal statements and 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 Oxford History application.

With our  Oxbridge History Premium Programme, we help you craft the perfect Personal   Statement , score highly on the HAT and teach you how to  Interview effectively .

Discover our  Oxbridge History Premium Programme  by clicking the button below to  enrol and triple your chances of success.

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Feeling connected to History – tips on writing your personal statement

Personal statements therefore should be written not just in praise of oneself, but also as a mechanism in which one can make oneself understand why you work so hard, why you really want to be at Oxford

Darian Murray-Griffiths is a first year studying History and Politics at Christ Church . He is from Worcestershire where he attended the local state schools.

There is always a wonderful feeling one gets as a History undergraduate at a place like Oxford because every step and every stone is something likely related to famous figures from history books, making one feel as part of living history. Whether it is eating fast food on the steps of the Martyrs’ Memorial which commemorates Reformation martyrs, or whether it is passing by Christ Church (a former monastery and Civil War palace of Charles I), or simply walking around colleges which have stood for the balance of more than 700 years, one always feels a sense of time and place in Oxford. It is that sense of history and of perspective which I think was key to me writing my personal statement at sixth form, about understanding that personally history is not just a dry subject related to archaeology or some distant past, but that history is responsible for so much of the who’s, what’s, and why’s of today. I think that coming to Oxford open days or even visiting the city for a day helps to put you mentally into a space where not only you can envisage yourself here but give you a physical and visual reminder of the ends to which you are working so incredibly hard for. I know of many friends and colleagues here who thrive off the energy and ambience of Oxford while working here, finding a historic and picturesque library to be conducive to thrashing out their best essays. Or a walk around a park or a meadow to give them much-needed peace in between bouts of stress, anxiety, or essay crisis.

I think that for those who are romanticists or sentimentalists, a History degree is a degree that allows you to let your imagination run wild, while contemplating facts which are also gruesome and shameful. As a Joint Honours student, I am lucky enough to witness both the romance and gore of History balanced with the cynicism and worldliness of Politics, meshing the two together in essays, to give me a sense of harmonious perspective in my outlook on life. It is the desire to find balance and to see both sides of the argument, while understanding context and human nature, that I think is important to historians today as we deepen our understanding of the past and its resonance with the present, even its putative impact on the future. Personal statements therefore should be written not just in praise of oneself, but also as a mechanism in which one can make oneself understand why you work so hard, why you really want to be at Oxford, and why your degree matters so much to you. I wrote my personal statement a few months after visiting Oxford for the University Open Day, and I think that the personal experience of Oxford for just 1 day and more helped me to form my Personal Statement because I now knew, fresh in memory, why it all mattered so much. Why I kept on going during days when one was down or moments when one had doubt or despair. If you can combine your personal experience with the motivations and personal qualities which you outline in your Personal Statement, it will not only impress the admissions tutors who read it, but perhaps impress yourself about the deeper meaning of what it means to apply to be a student at Oxford.

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• History Personal Statement Examples

Learn how to write a good History personal statement with guidance from the best student examples. Here, we present two history personal statement examples focusing on the medieval and ancient periods to provide you with inspiration and valuable insights into preparing your university application.

You can use it for Oxford , Cambridge , or any other university. 

History Personal Statement Example

History, which has fascinated and engaged me from early on in my education journey, has become my deep passion and formed my intellectual journey. Teaching History at AS-Level proved transformative despite initial scepticism from others: through my independent study of the Crusades and Norman Conquest of England, I achieved outstanding results while honing valuable self-directed learning, exam preparation skills, time management practices and time commitment skills that I now hope to pursue at one of Britain’s premier universities as an undergraduate degree candidate in History.

My interest in history was ignited through reading Ladybird ‘Adventures from History’ books handed down to me, featuring stories about Cleopatra to Charles II and more. As I progressed, my literary journey expanded, including readings from respected historians such as Asbridge and Stubbs. Reading has not only expanded my knowledge but has also inspired a desire to delve deep into historical interpretation and historiography. 

Tosh’s works, in particular, have opened my eyes to historical truth and its ever-evolving narrative of history. Additionally, I find comfort in reading both factual and fictional literature like Bernard Cornwell and Sharon Kay Penman who bring history alive through storytelling.

Beyond academic study, I took the initiative of starting an Ancient History Club at my school. Not only has this engaging venture brought me immense satisfaction but has also sharpened my teamwork and leadership abilities. From organizing collective research projects, delivering presentations, and creating lesson plans, to managing my schedule – these responsibilities were met easily due to my inherent love of history, evident through reading National Geographic articles or R. L. Fox’s ‘The Search for Alexander’ book series.

My A-level subjects (History, Biology and German) have not only enabled me to explore historical inquiry more thoroughly but have also given me an appreciation of science. Supplementary AS-level studies in Mathematics and Chemistry have given me an invaluable foundation in the scientific principles that underpin humanities fields, illuminating how scientific insights can shed new light on ancient civilizations. Though I did not travel much during my studies of history, I gained knowledge about many cultures through studying History. Learning German further deepened my fascination with languages; learning ancient dialects has further deepened this appreciation of history’s complexity. While languages are indispensable tools for travel communication purposes, my true passion lies within history – something I plan on continuing my career path.

As part of my commitment to personal growth, I have spent the past year volunteering. This experience has broadened my abilities to collaborate effectively and communicate with individuals from varying backgrounds and age groups; taught valuable time management lessons; helped maintain an appropriate balance between academic responsibilities and social commitments; been immensely fulfilling; particularly realizing its profound effect on lives that may otherwise feel isolated;

My school community is vibrant in tradition; as an active participant, I have taken on multiple positions of responsibility that contribute to its dynamic fabric. From serving as a musical school student and perfect to leading my sixth-form charity team and fulfilling emotional/academic mentoring responsibilities for younger students – each experience has built my leadership and interpersonal skills further. I am immensely proud of these contributions and look forward to expanding them through active involvement in various clubs and activities beyond school, such as rowing which not only keeps me physically fit but also brings with it camaraderie/discipline associated with team sports!

My desire to pursue a History degree at one of the Russell Group universities stems from a strong desire to engage in rigorous academic inquiry, deepen my understanding of history, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing discourse within this field. With my commitment to self-improvement, voracious hunger for knowledge, and steady commitment to community engagement I hope to make an invaluable contribution both at the university level and wider historical scholarship sphere. I look forward to beginning this intellectual journey alongside esteemed academics while forging a future that combines my love of history with my persistent ambition to make lasting changes in society.

Ancient History Personal Statement

Through the centuries and millennia, cultures across history have been profoundly shaped by the relationship between ancient world and present-day cultures. Michael Crawford brilliantly observed this link when discussing how Roman authorities neglected legitimate grievances that led to its downfall, echoing today’s socialist frameworks and political systems. This profound connection between past and present has ignited my intellectual curiosity as I investigate where today’s global landscape originated from; I view classical civilizations study as essential in understanding their character and growth today.

As someone raised in an area rich with Roman archaeology, my interest in Ancient History began early on. Over time, it has transformed from passing intrigue to an eager desire to expand my knowledge base. Engaging with numerous historical texts spanning numerous periods and ancient literature such as The Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid has broadened my perspective. Of the many engaging fields of study available to me, the late Roman Republic holds special interest – its multifaceted factors contributing to political and social unrest at that epoch eventually leading up to Empire are particularly captivating and I am eager to uncover their intricacies more thoroughly.

My passion for ancient history led me to launch a web portal dedicated to the art, archaeology, history, culture and literature of Greek and Roman civilizations. Alongside my interest in classical period culture, art and literature is my desire to learn languages: Ancient Greek and Latin are of particular interest as I hope to master them to read, write and converse in them one day; studying this field at university would provide the perfect platform to realize these ambitions.

As part of my college experience, I developed my debate and discussion skills by actively taking part in the college debating society. Participating in lively exchanges of ideas has enhanced my intellectual development; therefore, I am committed to continuing this rewarding pursuit at the university level. Given my firm belief in political engagement, I’m delighted to join forces with the Liberal Democrats. My love for debate and discourse comes through in my written essays, as evidenced by winning an essay competition hosted by my college, where I examined political ideologies in modern British politics. Last year, I had the incredible privilege of participating in a college study trip to Greece that provided firsthand experiences of significant sites of ancient Greek civilisation – such as Delphi’s sacred centre and Epidaurus theatre – which I will always treasure.

As a sports enthusiast, I enjoy participating in and watching football, cricket and golf – I am an active member of Surrey Cricket Club – in my free time. Additionally, walking provides great peace; this summer provided me with an opportunity to traverse a section of North America’s Appalachian Trail! Additionally, as an advocate of architecture preservation, conservation and restoration in Britain – being an active member of the National Trust gives me access to their wide portfolio of properties under their protection and care.

As my plans develop, my ultimate career goal involves heritage management and conservation work within museum work environments. To gain first-hand exposure, I am currently seeking relevant work experience. Furthermore, as part of my post-university trajectory, I would love to take up further study; particularly Ancient History due to its captivating figures of antiquity that offer opportunity through primary sources, remnants from ancient built environments, discussion, debate literature history politics architecture of antiquity courses will propel me toward success!

My passion for Ancient History, nurtured through both personal and academic pursuits, compelled me to embark upon an intensive undergraduate program in this field. The ancient world’s myriad lessons and timeless allure draw me in; by exploring its mysteries I hope to gain greater insight into present and future situations. With an insatiable desire for knowledge and a dedication to intellectual growth, I eagerly anticipate contributing and flourishing within the vibrant academic community at the university.

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Personal statement examples history personal statements.

Discover personal statement examples written by students accepted onto history and related courses. Read through the examples to help shape your own personal statement.

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History Personal Statements

Submitted by anonymous

History Personal Statement

Due to my upbringing, I have always been encouraged to question every...

My passion for History stems from a young age through world travel ha...

My interest in history started with stories of my grandparents’ strug...

I am captivated by the ways in which History has moulded the world’s ...

Submitted by Naima

History BA Personal Statement

Studying History has offered me an insight into the structure of soci...

Submitted by Rachel

Ancient History Personal Statement

Studying history throughout my academic years has shown me how we can...

Submitted by Gemma

BA History (V100) Personal Statement

History is such a diverse subject. I find it fascinating because ther...

Submitted by Katie

History and International Relations Personal Statement

I am fascinated by the way the international political system often f...

Submitted by Sarah

History gives us warnings and encouragement. It allows us to celebrat...

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History Personal Statement Advice

Writing a personal statement for university is a major part of the application process. When applying through UCAS, you write and submit a history personal statement; Oxbridge, Bristol, Edinburgh course leaders - or whoever you’ve applied to - sit and read them. It’s your moment to show them who you are and why you would thrive on their degree. The same goes for post-grad studies, for your history masters personal statement. Start by reading a personal history statement example to get a feel for structure and content. We’ve got lots here. Bullet-point your main strengths, goals and achievements before turning these ideas into sentences and paragraphs. For your history personal statement opening, get straight to your interest in the course: why do you want to study a history degree? It’s always wise to trade a personal history statement sample essay with a friend or teacher for some feedback. Sometimes errors or omissions are more obvious to fresh eyes. What are your specific passions? If you recently attended a Georgia O’Keefe exhibition or read a book on Rembrandt, include it in your history of art personal statement. Oxford, Cardiff or UEA will all have different departmental specialists, so if your interests align, do mention it. Address both subjects for joint honours applications. E.g. a history and politics personal statement should also include reference to the debate club or some other political activity. Humanities subjects can be very weighty on the writing, so use your history and English literature personal statement to demonstrate your ability to cope. You can draw upon academic achievements (subject results, competitions etc.) and also wider life skills: managing a part-time job alongside college might show the commitment required for a writing-heavy degree in your English and history personal statement. Some courses require direct experience. Be sure to mention any classroom volunteering/mentorship you’ve undertaken for a PGCE history personal statement.

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• College Application

Oxford Personal Statement Examples: Top 4

If you’re looking to craft the perfect personal statement, reading over some Oxford personal statement examples will be the best way to start. It’s one thing to read college essay tips or instructions on how to write the perfect personal statement, but another entirely to see an example of how it’s done.

How to start a college essay can be tricky, but we have you covered! In this article, we have Oxford personal statement examples for your edification so that you can write your own best work.

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

Article Contents 12 min read

Oxford personal statement examples, example no.1.

We are made of stories. History itself is the story we tell ourselves about who we are, and our oldest stories are still with us. Gilgamesh would never have found his immortality but through his story being told over and over again. Scrooge is visited by three ghosts every year for some people, and no matter how many times we hear about his conversion from miser to “…as good a man as the good old city knew…” we have our hearts warmed, reminding ourselves of the importance of human comfort and generosity. I have come to my interest in the classics through my interest in the stories we tell that make us who we are.

My personal reading list always exceeds my school’s reading list. When I was a boy, I was gripped by the stories of heroes like Perseus and Hercules. As I grew, I sought further stories and came across the epic poems. Over the years, I have found many people who share my enjoyment of these tales, but often they do not truly know them. One of my perpetual fascinations with classics is how these stories change, or are perceived, in the public consciousness.

Want to learn easy ways to make your college essay stand out? Watch this video:

For example, many people know of the Labours of Hercules – or Herakles, as the Greeks said – but they rarely know why he was tasked with these Labours: he killed his children. We often make dark aspects of old stories into children’s stories. We see this with modern cartoon versions of far grimmer fairy tales. I believe that this has done our world a disservice. Instead of confronting unpleasant truths, we hide them. History is often whitewashed along with the stories to make it palatable.

My studies of the classics have led me to begin a work on Hercules – investigating how his story has been told and retold. I am also examining how the story has changed over the years, why it has changed and how retelling this story in gentler ways has paralleled pop culture dumbing down stories and ignoring unpleasant truths.

“It’s just a frog,” I thought, but no matter how I tried to convince myself of that fact, I didn’t find it any easier to dissect. I was disappointed in myself because I thought that a scientist should be dispassionate, logical, and capable of dealing with any sentimental subject in an objective fashion. Yet there was the frog, my scalpel poised dramatically above its little, amphibian torso. I was almost paralysed with sympathy, and I began to fear that I would never be a scientist.

When I was young, I would wander the woods, sketching plants and animals before looking them up at home. I am happiest when I am learning something new – even if it means unlearning a truth I “knew” the day before. I had loved labs and experiments, but I had hit the wall of dissection. Could I take these creatures apart? I love learning about them, but how could I slice them open?

I told my friend Jeremiah that I wasn’t going to dissect the bullfrog. I would drop the course and do something else with my life. “I’ll help,” he said, “Come on.” With his support and encouragement, I made the first cut and couldn’t believe what I saw; I was entranced by the intricacy of the frog. Being able to see and understand nature from an insider’s perspective, so to speak, was no longer “gross,” and my curiosity finally kicked in.

As I continued in biology, through lab experiments, dissections and investigations, I found myself reversing my position on the mentality of the scientist. It is not that we must be dispassionate, but that we must intimately feel a connection with the natural world. We are a part of this world – as perfectly slotted into our evolutionary position as any other creature. More excited than ever, I joined a biology club in our city where I was surrounded by biologists of all ages – amateur and professional – and I grew immensely. I was even awarded 1 st place in a biology Olympiad.

I believe that a truly successful scientist is one who finds harmony in the natural world, not one who exploits it, and I have had several conversations with my laboratory instructor on these points. He agreed with me, and we have been working on a rubric to create a more nature-friendly approach to the science curriculum at our school. He was already quite nature-conscious, but we both agree that we could be doing more to minimise our ecological footprints.

My dream job is one that helps to balance human interaction with nature on a global scale, to fight climate change and ensure the survival of all natural species. I hope to study the natural sciences at Oxford to bring this about. I believe that my journey is one of lifelong learning, a concept stressed at your school. I am also interested in your research in sustainable urban development. I think that co-existing with nature is one of the all-important issues for humanity and for an aspiring biologist. I want to contribute to a world where, even if we dissect frogs, we do so with a sense of responsibility, not callous indifference.

Want to learn some tips for your college essays? Check out this infographic:

Example No.3

I was ten minutes into a well-structured argument as to why I was not argumentative before I realised the irony of my words. I shut my mouth, red-faced and laughing with the rest of my family. I come from a family of debaters. Not that being a debater is the only thing that makes me want to study history and politics at your institution. Politicians are more than just arguers, but my temperament is well-suited to challenging ideas and wrestling with those ideas in the public sphere.

I want to make a difference on a national level in the political arena, serving the public as a politician. I joined the debate club to learn how to perform well in front of an audience, how to test my ideas and most importantly, how to lose. I am proud of my track record, wins and losses. Losses can be a strength. My first debate was, “Be it therefore resolved that there is an obesity problem in this country.” I was assigned the “pro” angle, and I was so sure that I could win by appealing to statistical realities. However, I lost. My opponent had sharper arguments and convinced the audience that “problem” implied an inherent morality issue with obesity. I had no counterargument.

From that loss, I learned how to use language better, to anticipate counterarguments and to know my opponent’s position better than my own. Every loss is an opportunity to grow, and I love that I have been pitted against fierce opponents who make me earn every point. I would rather achieve fewer victories against a skilled debater than gain many victories against those who are ill-prepared. I also rarely lose on the same subject twice.

This is relevant to my political philosophy, which is that I believe politicians should be willing to change their opinions, even on important issues. If nobody changed their minds, we would all be pig-headed fools. I want the best information, and if that changes my mind, so be it. We need more changed minds and evidence-based policies coming from politicians who value truth and accuracy, as well as the ethics to provide morally defensible positions.

Thanks to my debate club experience, I was able to campaign successfully for student body president, a position I held for two years. I took this responsibility seriously, even if not every peer or authority figure felt the same way. During my time in student government, my proudest accomplishment was helping create a new scholarship programme to fund the university studies and housing of one student. I believe that politicians should fight for changes that will benefit people, not just institutions, so this scholarship was a particularly exciting project for me to work on.

Outside of political ambitions, my favourite thing to do is to go to museums and art galleries. I take tremendous pleasure in discovering who we were and are and being able to compare the two. I hope to bring my historical knowledge and understanding to my career in politics.

Whether I am debating at family dinner or quietly, reverently studying in a museum, my greatest joy would be to help people build the society that they want to see.

Example No.4

When the first atomic bombs were detonated, Oppenheimer famously stated, “I am become death, destroyer of worlds,” characterising the transcendent regret he felt. Of course, Oppenheimer was himself quoting from the Bhagavad Gita. When I think of Oppenheimer’s sorrow, I think of the importance philosophy has for a person navigating hard sciences, like mathematics.

For many people, philosophy and mathematics – what I hope to study at Oxford – are divorced from one another, if not opposites. One, resulting from the musings of a curious mind, is seen as almost useless in practical terms. The other is seen as cold, scientific truth in written form. But I believe they are linked. I loved reading Oxford’s published paper, “Influencing HIV/AIDS Policy in India Through Mathematical Modelling.” Our math knowledge, and the application thereof, can directly affect the world around us, improving it for all.

In my final year of high school, I wanted to write about the impact that mathematics has on the world. I wrote a paper on black holes. I interviewed a mathematician named Peter Richards who was working at a physics lab studying the phenomenon. Mr. Richards told me how the gravity of black holes creates event horizons, shaping space around them, but that scientists are investigating whether gravity is influenced by light. This cosmological-level chicken-or-egg question became the basis of my paper, which was about how we think about the universe and our place in it. Mathematics might one day answer who we are and why we are here. This paper won 1 st place in an essay competition and secured me a small scholarship.

Math is the language of the universe. I see it everywhere: in nature’s patterns and in the music I play. I have been learning to play flutes – everything from woodwinds to concert flutes to world music instruments like ocarinas. As my study of math deepens, I become more immersed in exploring the range of the instrument, which, in turn, transforms my music. Math reshapes the world around us.

This study of the interplay between mathematics and philosophy led me to study the mathematics of global populations, which I believe will soon become imperative research on how we can maintain a sustainable eco-system. I attended a recent event for mathematicians studying global trends, where I interviewed several prominent mathematicians in the field for the school paper. I got to ask these important persons about their thoughts on the responsibility mathematicians have regarding humanity and the care needed to help our species. A surprising number – two out of the five I spoke with – had given little or no thought to the idea of blending philosophy and mathematics. I was shocked at this mathematical proof that even people in the field did not give much thought to this.

I hope to combat this in my own life and studies, encouraging mathematicians to increase their conscientious use of their skills to better humanity in a direct way, as well as to be more conscious of their responsibilities in the world today.

Oxford recommends that you follow the UCAS advice on personal statements when writing your own. It is well worth taking your time drafting your personal statement because the admissions committee at Oxford reads each one several times. They are really interested in learning about anything academic because they are curious about your potential in your field of study. This implies that they are interested in both what you have done and are doing in school as well as anything you have done outside of the classroom that is related to the subject you have chosen to study. More than being the best extracurriculars for college , Oxford refers to these activities as super-curriculars . Super-curriculars can be anything “you’ve read, listened to, watched or visited” that relates to your academic interests, unlike extracurriculars.

About 80% of your personal statement should discuss your academic interests and super-curriculars. The recommended structure is as follows:

• Opening paragraph explaining why you want to pursue the programme
• 3 or 4 paragraphs analysing your academic and super-curricular activities
• Brief closing paragraph about your extracurricular interests, with a focus on transferable skills and career plans/future aspirations

To ensure that your personal statement applies specifically to the University of Oxford, first look at the school’s mission, vision statement and core values. Aligning your essay with these values will help prove that Oxford is the perfect fit for you, which is your main goal. This is the first step in how to write a college essay for this school.

You may also want to reference other important aspects of Oxford. Do they have research in the area you want to work in? Do they have a professor you cannot wait to study with? Do they have the curriculum set up in a way that best suits you as a student and your future goals? You need to show not only how you fit with Oxford, but also how the school will propel you forward in a way that no other school could.

Oxford’s Mission Statement

“We inspire people locally, nationally and globally by extending access to Oxford’s world-class teaching and resources through flexible and inclusive opportunities for study and research.”

Oxford’s Vision Statement

“To be a global centre of excellence for lifelong learning. Courses will be underpinned by the best teaching, research and support for learning to meet the needs of diverse, ambitious and intellectually curious students. Staff and students will work together within and beyond Oxford to foster a vibrant learning community attentive to the importance of promoting sustainability and social justice.”

Oxford’s Values

Finally, note that all Oxford personal statements have a character cap of 4,000, including spaces, and must be no longer than 47 lines.

Essay Writing Tips

Here are some general pieces of advice to keep in mind while working through your college essay review process. These tips will apply to your Oxford essays, but they will also be beneficial for any essays. Essays follow a basic structure and have a fundamental goal that is shared among them, even when specifics differ. So, you could be writing supplemental college essays , college diversity essays , or Harvard medical school secondary essays , but regardless of the type of essay or school, these tips will still apply.

The Main Objective

All essays are, directly or indirectly, “ why this college” essays . The admissions committee is looking for students who fit their institution and are excited about attending. Whatever your college essay topics are, you’re always answering that fundamental question.

Start Strong

College essay introductions are hard in and of themselves. Conquering the introduction means beating the blank page. Start with the best “"hook” sentence you can find. That means you need an attention-grabbing opener that compels the reader to continue.

Once you’re through the introduction, you must follow through with two or three paragraphs about your accomplishments or criteria the school expect to hear about – in Oxford’s case, those are your academics and super-curriculars.

Each story should answer the fundamental question: “Why is this person perfect for this school?"

Wrap it up with a conclusion that summarises your main points and, if possible, connects to the introduction like a loop.

Up to 4,000 characters, which includes spaces.

You don’t want to go so short you can’t say anything of substance. Brevity is the soul of wit, however, so don’t worry about having a personal statement that is “only” 300–400 words long. Don’t pad out your statement; say what you need to and no more.

Your personal statement shows your unique abilities and personality and why you are ideally suited for the institution and programme to which you are applying. Showcase qualities like perseverance, leadership, teamwork, curiosity, creativity, logic and personal growth.

Your main focus will be on academics and super-curricular activities.

Negative people don’t come off well, so dwelling on problems, whining, or badmouthing people is never a good idea.

Formal, standard essay format is perfect: hook sentence, introduction, main body – which expresses one or two main ideas – and a conclusion that comes full-circle, ideally connecting to the introduction. You can use the first person, since this is a personal essay.

Always follow the rule of “show, don’t tell” to demonstrate your qualities and abilities.

Free-associate for a while. Give yourself one or two minutes to write on the programme you want to take at Oxford and just free-associate. By the end, your passion for the subject will have won out and given you a good list of ideas to explore.

Your essay gets cut off. Never exceed the limit. So, in practical terms, if you exceed the character limit, or 47 lines, part of your personal statement will be missing.

Not formally, no, but it is being evaluated, so make sure you edit properly and go over spelling and grammar with a fine-tooth comb.

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• Aug 12, 2018

How to write an Oxford personal statement

Make sure your personal statement conveys your interest in the subject – write down talks you’ve been to (and what they made you think), open days you’ve attended (and what you took away from them), and maybe even books you’ve read (and whether or not you agree with the author and why). Are you seeing a common thread? It’s less about what you’ve done and more about what you make of it! It’s best to only mention one book or one talk, but really go in to some critical analysis, rather than to just write a list of seven without any additional commentary.

Any extra-curricular activities should be ‘super-curricular’, i.e. related to your degree: for Maths, maybe the Maths Olympiad, for Science, maybe a Science EPQ or that time you entered a Lego competition (totally relevant to Engineering!). For Law, I talked about teaching and debating, and the self-discipline involved in teaching myself a language as an A Level. You can honestly make anything work – try to make yourself stand out a little by having something people don’t normally have! But don’t worry about not having twenty different hobbies – you don’t have space to mention more than one or two, and you won’t really be asked about your personal life at interview.

What I would reiterate, above all, is to not stress over the personal statement. If you’ve spelt everything correctly and you’ve got all your proof that you’re genuinely and voluntarily interested in your subject outside of school then you’re doing it right! And, to the year 12s going in to year 13 – for the love of all that’s holy, take a few weeks off this summer. Breathe. Let yourself detach from the intimidating university admissions process and the pressure of A Levels for a bit, because that will let you be so much more engaged when you jump back in.

#Oxford #OxfordUniversity #PersonalStatement #UCAS #College #Oxbridgeapplication #OxfordPersonalstatement

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Oxford History: Tips & Questions for Interview

In this article we will guide you on how to best prepare for your Oxford History interview . This includes guides on past Oxford History questions, interview tips, mock examples and real experiences from students who have sat the Oxford History Interview.

Here is a link about what to expect about the History course at Oxford.

What is the Oxford History interview structure?

The Oxford History Interview is split into two interviews that candidates will take. Tutors are looking to see what your intellectual potential is. The essay that you submit will generally be a starting point for discussion in one of your Oxford History Interviews. It will include discussing the terms you have used, comparing your work to some other historical examples or the inclusion of new pieces of information. 

Some colleges may ask you to read a short passage of historical writing just before your Oxford History Interview which will then be brought up as a part of a discussion. 

Still not sure what to expect for your interview?

Here’s an Insider History Mock Interview :

What are the Oxford History interview dates?

The Oxford History interview dates are expected to begin from the first week of December, with second interviews continuing in the second week. 

Example Past Questions from Oxford History interview

• Questions on personal statement and submitted written work 
• Read a JSTOR article 30 minutes prior to the evening and make notes on the same The interview included questions about the text to test your understanding of arguments made by the historian.
• How would you compare Henry VIII and Stalin?
• Would History be worth studying if it did not repeat itself?
• How can one define a revolution?
• Which person in the past would you most like to interview and why?
• Can history stop the next war?
• When was the English monarchy at its strongest?
• Why did Henry VII call his son Arthur?
• Do you think governments should spend money to preserve historical sites?
• What is the difference between modern history and modern politics?
• Do you believe historical artefacts belong in the country of their origin?
• How would you organise a successful revolution?
• Is there such a thing as ‘race’?
• Did the 1920 invention of the Henry Ford car lead to a national sub-culture of was it just an aspect of one?
• Should historians be allowed to read sci-fi novels?
• Why are you sitting in this chair?
• Do you think the Bavarian peasants of 1848 had an ideology?
• Why is it alright for one country to intervene in another?

Further Examples:

• Who writes history?
• How do you research illiterate medieval craftsmen?
• What are the origins of your Christian name?
• How do historians obtain evidence?
• What is the most useful source for a historian?
• Can we still learn lessons from 18th century warfare?
• Are verbal sources more useful than written sources?
• Assess the role of dance in history?
• Can losers ever play a role in writing history?
• Compare and contrast the French and Russian revolutions?
• Compare and contrast WWI and WWII
• Compare the French Revolution with a modern event
• Did the 9/11 attacks change the way we write history?
• Do you consider history a science?
• Do you think history can have any practical purpose?
• Do you think that Ancient History should be seen as a different subject from Modern History?
• Do you think the government should spend money to preserve historical sites?
• How can we justify public funding of the study of history?
• How is the Arab Spring similar to the Russian Revolution?
• How would you have stopped Hitler?
• If you could have dinner with anybody that has ever lived, who would it be and why?
• Is Marxist history still worth studying?
• How would you have stopped Hitlet?
• What do you need to consider when evaluating the reliability of a source?
• What do shoes tell us about the past?
• Where does history end?

Insider Guides: Oxford History Interview

What happened on the day of your oxford history interview  .

I did not have much advance notice of when my Oxford History Interview was going to take place so I had to be prepared for it to happen at any time. I would have to check a noticeboard every morning to see if I was going to have an interview. A few hours before my Oxford History Interview, I was informed of what time it was taking place and where. Following that, an interview helper took me to my interview room.

What do you have to bring to your Oxford History interview?

Dress code does not matter at all – the tutors are interested in what you say, not what you look like! For my Oxford History Interviews, I took a few pens and highlighters to help me analyse the source I was presented with. You are not allowed to take in any copies of your personal statement or written work that you have submitted. 

What is the Oxford History interview setting and how long is it?

Both my Oxford History Interviews took place in the respective tutor’s office. The setting was quite relaxed – we were sitting on their armchairs and sofas. For both my interviews, there were two tutors present with one asking the questions and the other making notes. 

Each Oxford History Interview lasts approximately 30 minutes in total. 

What are the Oxford History interviewers like?

The Oxford History interviewers were friendly but at the same time, they did not give much away. It is really hard to tell what they are thinking, so don’t try and guess. I thought one of my interviews went badly because the interviewer did not smile much or react as I would have expected, but in the end that was not the case at all. 

The interviewers had a clear idea of the questions they wanted to ask, especially at the beginning. As the interview progressed, their questioning was led by the things that I said. I.e things they either disagreed with, found interesting or wanted me to expand on. The questions asked were far from generic and not easily predictable.

Are there any academic or challenging History questions at the Oxford interview?

For my Oxford History Interview, when I had to read an article prior to my interview, I was asked to go into a bit more depth about the finer details and specific evidence used by historians in their arguments. I was also asked about the content of the JSTOR article to allow the interviewers to assess that I had understood both the historian’s argument and the historical period they were discussing. 

Are there any personality, work experience or extracurricular based History questions at the Oxford interview?

There were no such questions in my interviews. 

Top Tips for the Oxford History interview 

• Read your personal statement: Knowing your personal statement in and out will allow you to be prepared to answer any questions your interviewers might ask in relation to the topics you have touched upon in your essay. These could be certain periods in history, works of literature that talk about historical periods, historians and their writings or a certain war/revolution. Particularly for history, be sure that you are ready to defend any arguments that you have made about any work that you have read or analysed. 
• Do not try and predict questions: While preparing for potential questions that you can get asked in your interview is certainly useful, the majority of questions you get asked on the actual day will be based on the responses you give to the initial questions. Focus on keeping yourself adept with current relevant news in the field of history as well as knowing your material well. 
• Practice talking to other people: Get friends, family members and teachers to ask you a wide range of questions related to history. Do not be afraid to practise questions that require you to think critically on the spot. More practice will equip you with the skills needed to openly discuss your ideas with other people, so that you are easily able to put your thoughts into words whilst simultaneously building up your confidence.  
• Read work written by other historians: Go beyond works you have previously read to immerse yourself in the works written by other historians that are out of your comfort zone. This will give you a better understanding of the life and works and discussions created by these historians, giving you the opportunity to summarise their arguments. 

Top Tips for the “Why Oxford” interview question

• Research Oxford and think about why you really want to go there – this cannot be simply because it is one of the world’s top universities. You should find something unique or rare about Oxford that makes you want to study there.
• You must also think about your specific subject. For History, you should research the various courses on offer , making sure to have a few in mind which you would love to come to Oxford to study. For example, the Oxbridge Mind 1:1 Oxford History interview tutors give you unique time with leading experts in their field. 

Remember that this is a unique opportunity ! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you to interact with some of the best academics in certain areas of history so enjoy the interview, the challenges and the intellectual conversation! 

My Favourite Things about Studying History at Oxford University 

I love the tutoring system, incredible libraries, the collaborative atmosphere and the amazing city of Oxford with everything it has to offer. The lectures are great and the tutors are always lovely and read to help. You get a lot of 1:1 advice and supervision which is useful guidance throughout your course. The workload can be quite heavy but it is perfectly manageable if you are passionate about your subject and willing to put the time in to get things done.

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Personal Statements for Further Study

A personal statement is your chance to explain your motivation for applying and why you are a great candidate for the course..

Guidelines given vary from the simple “Provide evidence in support of your application” to the more common “Tell us why you are interested in the course to which you have applied. Describe your academic interests and reasons for applying to XXX”. For some courses there may be a much more prescriptive and structured approach, requiring you to write a series of shorter responses to specific questions relating to your motivation, experience and suitability for the course. You may also come across some institutions that ask you to reflect on how you might add to the diversity of a cohort should your application be successful.  

If you are applying to more than one university, each statement will need a different emphasis – do not use the same statement for all applications.  

In your statement, you should demonstrate:

• Motivation, enthusiasm, and a clear understanding of why you are making the application to this particular course, and to this particular institution.
• How your academic background and other experiences have shaped your decision to apply and how the course contributes to your plans for the future.
• Evidence that you have the ability, experience, skills and motivation to successfully contribute to the course, and to complete it.

Structure and Content

The opening paragraph sets the framework for the rest of the statement, think of it as your ‘trailer’. This is where you can grab the reader’s attention or lose it… You might start with a powerful anecdote, a brief narrative of your initial inspiration, or a thought-provoking statement linked to your academic interests.

Within the main body of the essay you should aim to cover:

Why you want to study this topic or field

Is it a natural extension of your current interests? How did you become interested in this area? Why does it continue to fascinate you? What have you done within your degree or outside of your study to fuel this interest? Would the course provide a step towards a longer-term goal?

Why you have chosen this specific course and institution

Are there particular options or modules that interest you? Is there particular expertise in that department? Has access to specific resources such as museum collections, libraries or laboratory equipment been a factor? Has the reputation (through recommendations or other means) of the course inspired you? Are you attracted by opportunities for collaboration or work placements? Have you attended any Open Days or other visits?

How your experience equips you for the course

Consider the subjects you studied at undergraduate level; your relevant skills (technical, language, computing, research methods); independent study or research; prior (relevant) experience; academic awards and other achievements. The focus here is likely to be on your academic suitability for the course, but if you have relevant work experience or extra-curricular activities that provide further evidence of your interest or ability then include them too. Your non-academic achievements might also provide evidence of project management, resilience, effective communication and so on.

Where the course might lead you

You don’t need to have a detailed career plan, but you do need to show how this course fits in with your general aspirations. Are you intending to continue on to a PhD? Do you have a broad interest in contributing to a particular issue or field, e.g. social enterprise, public policy, human rights, sustainability? Or do you have a more specific goal in mind? How will your chosen course help you to achieve your goals?

Closing paragraph

Use your closing paragraph to summarise your application, return to any themes you introduced at the beginning, and to restate your enthusiasm for the course.

Practical Advice

• Writing effective personal statements takes time. Expect to go through several drafts and ask tutors, peers, careers advisers and others to review your statement before you submit it.
• Good English, grammar and spelling are essential. Avoid jargon and make sure it can be understood by non-experts. 
• Keep the tone positive, fresh and lively in order to convey enthusiasm and make yourself stand out, but remember that this is a document introducing you in a professional capacity.
• It’s a good idea to mention relevant individuals whose work has truly inspired you, but avoid name-dropping for the sake of it, and excessive and evidence-free flattery of the institution or the course.
• If you refer to any papers or books then reference these correctly in a bibliography at the end of the statement.
• Pay attention to any word limits. If none are stated then aim for no more than two sides of A4 or 1000-1500 words.
• It is usually possible to apply for multiple courses at a single institution. Many (including Oxford) will require you to complete a separate application form for each course that you wish to apply for.

Research Proposals

For many PhD and some research Masters applications the personal statement is often accompanied by a research proposal – a document that sets out your research interests and proposed area of study. The detail required in this section varies hugely for different disciplines. For some science subjects it may simply be a list, in order of preference, of the named PhD projects you wish to be considered for. However, for most areas – and especially in the arts, humanities and social sciences – you will need to devote a considerable amount of time to developing your ideas, discussing them with potential supervisors and writing a proposal. Your academic tutors should be able to give you some guidance on writing research proposals, and there is some useful advice from  Vitae  and from  Find a PhD .

Admission Essays for US Graduate Schools

The information in this handout applies also to applications to American universities. However, there are subtle differences in the style and approach to essays aimed at the US context. A statement written for the US is likely to feel more personal; think of it as your academic biography – setting out your inspiration for the academic path you have followed in the past, the present and into the future. The Careers Service runs a workshop on US applications early each Michaelmas Term. The Fulbright Educational Advisory Service  also publishes guidelines on completing US applications. US university career services often provide useful advice on writing graduate school admissions essays. See for example: MIT graduate school essay advice , UC Berkeley advice on writing graduate admissions statements , UNC application essay advice and Yale advice on writing personal statements for graduate school.

Teacher Training Applications

The personal statement for postgraduate teacher training is the key part of your application. The question is quite prescriptive, and your focus should be on your motivation for becoming a teacher: particularly how your teaching and other experiences have contributed. Ideally you should also set out how these have helped you to understand the role, and the sort of teacher you aspire to be. The Careers Service runs a workshop on careers in teaching each Michaelmas Term, which includes advice about the application process. For more information, see the Careers Service information on Teaching in Schools .

Graduate Entry Medicine

Applications to graduate entry medicine courses are submitted via UCAS and include a personal statement. Much of the advice in this document also applies to medicine applications, but you are likely to need to place considerable emphasis on the relevant work experience you have gained prior to your application.

See Careers Service's information on Medicine as a Second Degree  for further information.

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History and politics personal statement example (oxbridge).

I have always found myself interested in the social sciences. The complex relation between individual, family, society and state enthralls me. The dynamic between civil liberties and state security, the role of the state in society, the question of war and revolution, are all topics that fascinate me.

Although committed to my studies in school, I have always sought to challenge myself beyond the narrow confines of the curriculum. In Government and Politics, I have learnt about various political systems in the world, political ideologies and international relations, and I have expanded on this in my wider reading.

I have thoroughly enjoyed influential political works such as Mill's 'On Liberty', Hobbes' 'Leviathan', Marx's 'The Communist Manifesto' and Aristotle's 'Polis'.

I have been particularly interested in comparing and contrasting different thinkers' models of the state; both Marx and Hobbes, for example, propose strong states (although Marx's long term model posits that the state will eventually 'wither away'), but in very different forms. Mill proposes a libertarian society based on the 'harm principle', whereas Aristotle's Polis is a much stronger state, where all do not have equal rights.

As a member of Cambridge Liberal Democrats, I have been able to take part in various talks, seminars and workshops which have supplemented my academic work. To keep abreast of current affairs, I subscribe to Total Politics and The Spectator. I am also a keen listener to BBC's Weekly Political Review.

My interest in politics is informed by a keen sense of history and the comparative lessons of the past. I have developed and nurtured my passion for History through considerable wider reading.

Richard J Evans's 'In Defence of History', Marc Bloch's 'The Historian's Craft' and John Tosh's 'The pursuit of History' first gave me a proper insight into this wonderful discipline, and have complemented the topics I have studied in school. A Level History has allowed me to learn about Russian Revolution, Vietnam War, Stuart Age and Civil Rights Movement.

I have sought immense pleasure from reading 'A People's Tragedy' by Orlando Figes, 'In Retrospect' by Robert McNamara, 'The Stuarts' by John Miller and 'Sweet Land of Liberty?' by Robert Cook. I have also developed a profound interest in political history. Books such as 'History and Illusion in Politics' and 'Fatal Purity:

Robespierre and the French Revolution' have revealed to me how political leaders can transmogrify into tyrants, how the malfunctioning of social hierarchies can cause societies to run amok. I believe the contemporary socio-political context can only be properly understood by situating it in a broader historical narrative; for this reason, history forms an essential part of my academic outlook.

I have always believed in maintaining a healthy balance between academic pursuits and wider, extracurricular activities. I was elected to represent my school in the Global Young Leader Conference in USA, as a result of my leadership skills. I have been a regular member of my school's Debating Society and Global Issues Forum.

I am currently completing my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, during which I have served in my local Citizens' Advice Bureau as a form filler. It has afforded me an invaluable opprtunity to meet people from all walks of life.

Keen to take every opportunity to further my knowledge of Politics and History in a practical context, I have sought to gain firsthand experience of the House of Commons and Imperial War Museum by arranging to shadow my local MP and a short work experience respectively.

Finally, I would like to reiterate that my academic achievements, experience and above all enthusiasm and interest in History and Politics make me an ideal candidate for the degree.

I am a highly motivated individual who is able to work both independently and as a part of a team, and I am confident these skills will stand me in good stead during my time at university.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Oxonian for application in 2010.

Oxonian's Comments

I got into Magdalene College, Oxford. That explains it all.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

So, you got into 'Magdalene'?

Tue, 23/08/2011 - 00:04

Doesn't that, like, require you to spell the college name correctly? Here's a heads up: it's spelt 'Magdalen'.

Does it enthrall you?

Sun, 02/10/2011 - 13:16

Littering your personal statements with words you've clearly got out of a thesaurus because they sound so out-of-place and forced is not impressive.

You got into "MagdalenE".

Sun, 25/11/2012 - 16:09

You got into "MagdalenE". THAT explains it all.

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