How to write a KILLER personal statement!!

#Oxford #University academic explains how to write a KILLER personal statement when applying for unis!

[@MattT002]

I’ve watched several of your videos now and I honestly have to say that you’ve been extraordinarily helpful with regards to personal statements, and generally how to think like an academic. Thank you.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Well, that's very kind of you! Thank you! Best wishes MW

[@benwarren8724]

You've summarised what multiple seminars, presentations and entire courses have failed to do with hours of time. And more impressively, you did it in a mere 40 minutes. Thank you.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you Ben, that's very kind!

[@emilycarter8922]

You might want to check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4u4mIdrmMyHnZI

[@justinfung4351]

Seeing faculty from Oxbridge speak about the importance of demonstrating genuine evaluation and critical thinking, almost dismissing extracurriculars entirely, has just turned my world upside down. I've been surrounded by a lot of people with little to no actual academic passion, pursuing supercurriculars just to say they have, dogmatically making a beeline for Oxbridge, driven merely by ego and pressure. It's really encouraging to see that that's not what Oxbridge is all about. I might consider actually trying for Oxbridge if I choose to pursue a postgraduate education. Thank you.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you!

[@shadanmariam]

Got my acceptance letter today. Thanks Dr. Matt

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Fantastic! Congratulations!

[@benedictcucumberbitch9352]

J C you will!

[@oliviamanoucorvinus3236]

THAT IS AMAZING!!! CONGRATULATIONS!

[@benextinction__144]

Great job!

[@miaffosvoice1625]

Congratulations. Is it to Oxford?

[@youngg5099]

literally just saved me with the difference between program and programme

[@ioanaturcan356]

Thank you so much for being so helpful! All of your videos have helped me a lot!

[@debbiebells8561]

This was super useful! I watched it the whole way through. Thank you!!!

[@jonasfied01]

This is helping me massively as I look to write a my PS for a Mst, this September.

[@o.knight-catalinete6934]

Brilliant video! Just in my time of need! Thank you Dr Williams!!!🤩

[@ramneekgill5580]

Thank you for your insights 🙏. I hope I can act upon them, but definitely a resource I will share in the future

[@anthonyf3960]

Very helpful video. Concise, well presented, relevant and to the point, this video is great!

[@jaytam2009]

This is very useful indeed. Thank you very much.

[@maulanarzf2391]

Wow, I've watched the video until it's donee....so helpful. Thank you so much sir

[@saracucaro]

The most useful video on personal statements I've watched so far!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Wow, thank you!

[@jeyranabdullah]

OMG! Thank you very much for this video! It was an absolute KILLER! I am currently trying to write a personal statement for the GKS-G scholarship in South Korea and I have literally spent hours on this video, pausing, again and again, reflecting on what I learned from the video, brainstorming ideas for my own personal statement, taking notes, writing down new ideas all the time! These 2 hours were like the most productive hours ever for me

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Fantastic -- thank you Jeyran! Best of luck in your applications.

[@jeyranabdullah]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you very much!

[@MOGE_]

Hi, how did it go for you? i am thinking of applying this year.

[@Iugeer]

Yes how did it go?

[@rsetvibes3800]

Your video was so much helpful !

[@celine1877]

Thank you, I can finally start writing with an idea on my mind.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Wonderful!

[@AT-gs4cv]

Thank you for the guidance, Dr Williams. As a mature student applying for postgraduate study, further to watching this session it was apparent that I had approached my draft PS from the wrong perspective and had failed to answer the three questions you outlined. I had adopted a similar format to that of a CV covering my 25 years' career experience, and had failed to add sufficient reflection on acquired learning and vocational development over that time. I should have watched this first! I now feel confident in my application, albeit not to a Russell Group university.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

We wish you the very best Allie!

[@teddybeast4992]

THIS PRESENTATION WAS BEAUTIFUL.. the first personal statement advise video i watched through till the end! The animations were great and the advice was very so much needed. Thank you so much for this video and the link to the slides.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Wow, thank you! That's very kind!

[@EnglishDonutSchool]

This is by far the best video I've seen on this topic. Informative and well detailed. Thank you!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That's really kind, thank you!

[@nicolemusic2242]

I would just like to say that I have found all your videos, especially the videos on how to write a personal statement and the examples of what to do/not to do, have all been so helpful. At first my personal statement was quite impersonal, but following your advice it is much more personal!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Excellent! Best of luck to you!

[@mypetct]

Thank you, Bless you for the very detailed suggestion,✊🙏 It would certainly make feel less stressed as I prepare to apply

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You are so welcome!

[@hadijaffri9856]

Probably the best video ive watched on preparing a personal statement Thanks a bunch

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Wow, thanks!

[@Moustachexx3]

Absolutely loved this! So helpful.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great to know, thank you!

[@AbuOsama23]

Thank you, it’s clear, helpful and supportive, great video!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great! Thank you

[@trainingmycook]

Thanks for this video Dr Williams ! Your videos are very very helpful

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you!

[@aurvnxia3644]

Thank you very much for this video! I plan on applying for multiple summer internships, one of them being in Cambridge, and this was very helpful. As a bachelor student who doesn't have any academic mentors, this was a great opportunity to get a better understanding of what exactly people, who read personal statements, want to see. Hope to write a good one, thank you!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Best of luck!

[@Legendaryfizz]

Incredible video! My first degree is from the US and my personal statement was quite different- it was more vocational and focused on creative writing. I am going to apply for the DPhil in Social Data Science at the University of Oxford and this video really helps streamline my thoughts! Thank you so much :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Fantastic! Thanks for your comment!

[@tahir26]

This was really helpful. Thanks a lot

[@shashiperera5059]

Thank you so much for this amazing guidance.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It's a pleasure! Thank you!

[@ruhiamber219]

It was a much detailed and on point video I have came across on such a critical thing.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great! Thank you!

[@tomnickson6952]

Thank you very much! It was the information which I was really looking for! super-puper useful!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great to hear! Thank you

[@ritad.5553]

Thank you so much! This is really helpful 👍 Amazing 😊😊☺️

[@firemanrobert7531]

Thank you so much! I'm applying to both US and UK universities, and have no idea how to write essays for UK universities after brainstorming for US universities for so long. Your video is very helpful!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great to hear! Thank you! Best of luck

[@anisharaturi4101]

Hello Dr. Williams! thank you so much for all the resources you provide. I plan to apply for the law course this coming admissions cycle and if i get in ( fingers crossed) it will be greatly due to your guidance and in-depth discussions. Hopefully i’ll get to thank you in person next year! cheers, Anisha

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks Anisha! Best of luck to you

[@jas_313]

This has been incredibly helpful, thank you :) I’m on my 9th draft and I’m losing hope aha, especially as my college haven’t been too helpful😅

[@deepaadvani1499]

Extremely helpful presentation. Very reassuring too. Thank you very much.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good to know. Thank you!

[@voltaireisamadlad7007]

Awesome video. I'm writing my personal statement right now, and this video is so handy!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful! Best of luck with it

[@agatheloublie4895]

thanks a lot for all your explanations, very useful.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You are welcome! Thank you

[@keshavkasat9465]

I am aiming for a very different degree, which is professionally steered, so there are a few things that I should do differently than what is suggested. But even that has been made very clear in the video and that's why I think everyone, irrespective of the degree that they are applying to can get very helpful advice here.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That's kind of you to say! Thank you. Best of luck in your applications.

[@vic.hydeenvironmental5890]

Thank you for posting this video, it has been really helpful :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You’re very welcome!

[@brandon5058]

*Before the video* I am short on air, as you have taken my breath away with this helpful video. *After the video* I am short on air, as you have taken my breath away with this helpful video. After reading Vee’s personal statement, I have noticed how Vee told about different historic happenings and used them to show and not just tell. Thanks for these tips! Show and don’t tell is literally the best tip to use for everything, not only a personal statement.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That's very kind of you! Best of luck!

[@yormanzamoralozano6839]

Incredible, God bless you.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you! You too!

[@andrehuaca5495]

LOVETHIS!

[@Melissamahlalove]

wow this is the most practical and helpful video ever.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks very much!

[@lyndouun]

I almost spit out my drink as I read the don’t thing in the standing out section 😭😭 however your way of explaining things made it clearer for me on how to write this PS so thank you sm !!

[@ishish8816]

33:02 to relive the moment

[@juureimberg]

Hi! I've watched your videos to prepare my personal statement and yesterday I've received an offer to pursue a MPhil at Oxford! Your tips were very helpful!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Excellent news! Congratulations!

[@jask9779]

Thank u!!! This was so helpful !!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

No problem! Thanks for watching. Please share and subscribe!

[@karenlei1301]

This is really useful, thank you!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful!

[@magtazeum4071]

Aww..This is so helpful..Thank you Mathews

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You're welcome! Thanks for your kind comment!

[@michelameloni4533]

super helpful!!

[@RajveerSingh-gf5rd]

I am the 500th like for this video :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Let's get 500 likes for your comment!

[@ramneekgill5580]

I'm the first dislike for this comment 😂

[@nishitraj7982]

I love this proffesor.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks!

[@ThatWeirdGuyFromWork]

Man I REALLY hope I get admitted so I can shake your hand one day and just at very least thank you for all the help you've offered through this content on KZbin.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks! It would be a pleasure meeting you.

[@ThatWeirdGuyFromWork]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I look forward to it! I'm working on my second draft of my personal statement now (shaving it down now because I misread the character/page limits). I'm applying for law school but I'm a political science and history enthusiast as well.

[@ceilingfloor6797]

Thank you so much ! Today was my first brainstorming session

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks for your comment! Good luck with it

[@CEvandigitalmedia]

This will help me construct my Personal Statement.Thanks

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good to know! Best of luck to you

[@Adi0_]

You don’t understand how many of these videos I’ve been watching. I’m in Year 11 and looking to do Law at Oxford so I’m working my butt off already

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good to know! Just be sure not to burn yourself out. Make sure you find ways of enjoying the process -- because then you'll sustain your motivation and go further. John Stuart Mill was in such a hurry to become the best philosopher in the world that he had a nervous breakdown! In the end, he achieved more by relaxing a bit than by constantly working.

[@sophiaengel4114]

same !!

[@elalaelasariuinjakarta7548]

Thank you so much. This is a good video for my students in Indonesia

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Excellent! Best wishes to you and your students

[@sivabalankaniapan6275]

Brilliant, thank you sir.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You're very welcome!

[@nicolabevan8125]

I found this fascinating,, As I am taking an access course in social science and humanity.. to go onto philosophy then to take the pg cert in chaplaincy..

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you! Best wishes to you

[@samanthach]

this was such a good video thank you so much!!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad you liked it!!

[@dhimassurya6571]

this is so helpful, thanks!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful!

[@taehyunglvr8708]

I am in year 11 right now hoping to gain some knowledge on how to be a better future candidate to universities such as oxford, thank you so much for this lecture which gives so much insight on how to write a strong PS!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Best of luck!

[@Taya-wr1ib]

i know this is a long time past when you posted this but I’m in year 11 doing the same, did you end up getting in?

[@sachina5563]

Thank you! Very helpful

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You're welcome!

[@simontanios429]

thanks.

[@daphne5720]

36:33 As a French applicant, this part was very useful to clarify haha, thank you !

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nicolemusic2242]

Notes to self: 18:28 is a very helpful section. Come back to this as I keep redrafting. Another way to critically analyse is to identify the parallels and similarities etc

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Best of luck with it!

[@nicolemusic2242]

Thank you very much! 🙂

[@chewieqtpie]

I applied to St Johns but the videos from this channel are still really helpful :3

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That's great to know! We're all on the same team (St John's, Jesus etc). Just glad we can help.

[@maxwellturner8793]

On the Bristol slide, the sentence about the adjective 'vulnerable' in legislation. I just wanted to say that I used this paper to talk about the DID model in my personal statement. So thank you Dr. Williams for that one. Hopefully it is both personal and evidence of my interest. Although I seemed to struggle to talk about what I've read without being descriptive.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I'm really glad to hear the DID model was interesting and helpful! All best wishes to you

[@alananaughton9122]

Very very helpful

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad to hear that!

[@tanmeiting7694]

Thank you so much Sir!Just want to tell you that although 9 out of 10 of my teachers strongly suggested me to change my ps to a less emotional, and more “normal” ps, not quoting quotes from a marmite type celebrity, I decided to stick with your advices and wrote my own PERSONAL statement, which I found satisfying! I’m applying to Cambridge for Mathematics, sorry not Oxford 😅 but please wish me luck 😬😬😬

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good luck!

[@Nic01a]

I'm so thankful for this material being published online.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Excellent. Thank you for your kind remark!

[@mrmvpvip]

I don't really have many achievements to write about because I'm studying at a night school. I do read a lot of research articles in my own time. Hopefully that can make up for my lack of in-class activities!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, that's the sort of detail we want. We know that "achievements" are relative to what is possible. Some people have loads of opportunities to achieve, and others have to struggle more. Reading articles in your own time whilst attending night school is very impressive and not to be dismissed lightly.

[@tashtancykenyaanyango1917]

😂Ok I died on emotional blackmail. Brilliant Insights there! Hope to get ideas on PSs concerning internships I.e into world class organisations or competitive multinational companies.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thanks for your comment! When applying to companies, they similarly want evidence of activity over platitudes such as "I am highly motivated". So if you can give evidence of what you have done that proves you are highly motivated, that is ideal. Show, don't just tell!

[@tashtancykenyaanyango1917]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you!

[@jesuslovesyou1]

Thank you very much :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You're welcome!

[@ritiksinha5651]

43 minutes well spent. Thanks

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

You're very kind! Good luck!

[@gia5824]

I wish I came across this video before I submitted my personal statement 😔

[@Tony-pf8fi]

Wow, this is immensely resourceful! Do you think highlighting significant work experience would be advantageous especially for an applicant in a Masters in Business Administration programme?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Many thanks Tony! I think work experiences can be very impactful for MBA applications. When applying to academic institutions, however, be sure to draw the connections between any practical experience and a wider academic debate. For example, if you've had some work experiences with a business, what did it tell you about a topic of academic interest, such as management structuring, behavioural economics... you name it?

[@iashsch_]

Super useful🙌👍

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wgchnews23]

This may be a silly question, but if referencing certain texts in a personal statement, should I include a works cited list? The more I research my program of interest at Oxford, the more I'm getting my heart set on attending. I really want to nail this personal statement! Thank you so much for the information in this video -- it is incredibly helpful!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

No, that’s not necessary and you probably won’t have space for it. Best of luck!

[@JurineszShadrach]

Thank you for this guide. Just wondering when applying for a Masters, do you have to also mention the area that you are going to research and if so, could we change it some time in the future?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

It's worth describing your research interests, yes. But you don't need to have a fully formed research design, and you're not forced to follow through on the proposal if your research plans change. This would only really apply to a research masters, rather than a taught masters.

[@maxwellsequation4887]

Thanks a lot! I wrote my personal statement starting my fascination and curiosity about light and electromagnetism, went on to tell that my interest in EM motivated me to attend a bsc level online course hosted by iitk, and then what books I've read (on vector calculus for electromagnetism, and one on multivariable calculus). Then talking about what I'm looking forward to in university and my aspirations. Does that work?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Sounds good! Given these are your interests, that's ideal.

[@miautznala]

Thank you very much! This has helped me to try to figure out a structure. Would you recommend your presentation also for post-grad admission?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, for the most part. You just need to ensure a grad application places greater emphasis on specific research questions you wish to pursue (assuming you're applying for a research degree) with some discussion of the academic literature you may wish to contribute to. Thank you for your comment!

[@miautznala]

To be frank, I am applying for taught degrees because I do not know if I will be doing a PhD afterwards. I imagine connecting my personal research interest with the in the programme offered modules would not be wrong, too.

[@saharshjindal6448]

Does this advice work for Postgraduate Study? Specifically, does it apply for MPhil courses at Oxford?

[@amandine8954]

being french when you want to study in the UK becomes hard when you have to write your personal statement. No one is able to help me so I thank you!!! My PS is way better now

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great! Thank you for your comment. Best of luck to you

[@faradaycool4058]

Thank you for being so constructive despite being from the greatest Oxford Uni college

[@shreyagupta4493]

Thank you so much for this video! It really was helpful. I had a question , i am applying for masters in healthcare management and finding it difficult to begin my personal statement , any tips on how to begin and what points to include in the first paragraph?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I would usually open a personal statement at the beginning of your story. When did you realise that you wanted to pursue this Masters? Why did you realise that you wanted to pursue this Masters? You can use this as a way in to discussing your specific academic interests and your potential to be an outstanding student on the programme.

[@sirisaksirisak6981]

Essay rewrite easy, do the right thing, not like thing and do the thing right, not thing like.Do the good half of him, the rest do the best of your sure you pass, if not do next.Tips seeing is believing, touching is awaring.Good luck.

[@jemimasani5766]

Thank you so much for this very informative piece. It was absolutely helpful. Please is there a way I can get my personal statement through to you to review. It'll be greatly appreciated

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Yes, that can work well. Just be sure to explain your academic interests in the topic and some relevant academic literature you have read to further your interest.

[@coreyjohn2806]

This has been incredibly helpful, thank you! I'm very close to submitting my personal statement and this has given me some great insight on what to add next. I'm applying for Politics and would love some feedback from a professional in the field, is there any chance I could email you a few questions? I understand how busy you must be but any input would be very appreciated! thanks :)

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

I can't right now, I'm afraid. But, if you follow the advice in the video you wouldn't need me to review your statement anyway. Best of luck to you!

[@avadevlin9316]

Thank you so much for this video, it is amazing and so helpful! I'm an American student currently in the process of writing my statement, and I was wondering if you have any special advice for international students? Would it be helpful at all to mention why I'm interested in studying abroad?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Thank you for your comment. It's not really necessary to mention in a personal statement that you're interested in studying abroad. That will be clear from the fact that you're applying to study in the UK. You also do not need to explain or justify your reasons for wanting to study in the UK. We welcome international applications at universities like Oxford.

[@avadevlin9316]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you so much, you and your content have been so helpful and encouraging!

[@tiwao2911]

1. Express academic interest, not vocational interest 2. Background is okay, but not the main focus 3. Show, don't tell 4. Introductory texts are not as impressive as more academic ones. 5. Let the admissions office see you reflected in your essay 6. Only quote if you use that as a springboard for your own opinion. You don't have characters to waste. 7. Reflect on the things you mention. 8. Super curriculars are quality over quantity. 9. A nice structure always helps - think story arc. 10. Be clear 11. Remember - motivations, evidence, justification 12. Circular structures lend coherence to your essay. 13. Exploration - Substance - Methods - Findings - Other Interests 14. ECs should be relevant to your final goal - showcasing academic interest 15. Grammar, punctuation, and a clear syntax are all incredibly important. 16. Don't use adverbs and adjectives excessively 17. Get some feedback, but don't drown in it. Thank you for the video!

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Great summary! Thank you!

[@xaviertoapanta9869]

Thank you, so much! However, I was wondering what special advice could you give for writing postgraduate personal statements?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Not sure if you've seen this video, but it may help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2jdgn-baKd3pZI

[@jiahaoliu990]

ahahahaha love letter from an affectless husband lol Love it!

[@beyonddoodles4236]

I’m having a hard time incorporating extracurricular activities (like being the class representative, volunteering and organising university technical fests, a business case study program etc.) in my SOP/ Personal statement. Fyi I am applying for MS programs in chemical engineering and have done my bachelors in chemical engineering as well. I just don’t know how to relate these leadership related extracurriculars with my program

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

Good question. You don't necessarily have to link these achievements to your curricular interests, but it can help the admissions tutors understand their relevance if you do. For instance, knowledge exchange (educating the public and possible private sector investors) is increasingly important in academia. Your extra-curricular would, it seems to me, make you very well prepared for disseminating the findings of your research to wider audiences (because you've organised university technical fests, set a business plan, represented classmates etc).

[@beyonddoodles4236]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you sir, it is relieving to know that not everything needs to be necessarily related and that these extracurriculars do possess some value in my application :D

[@mmadumelupeterchuks1798]

Just discovered your channel

[@GeeseAreJustBastardizedSwans]

I have so many little interests that I move on from quickly I wouldnt know what to say about myself. I dont have any permanent hobbies other than volunteering and my work, I feel that sounds too try hard to put in a personal statement. I feel like I should just create a new hobby around my wanted degree. I feel the best thing to do is create a hobby around creating a portfolio of work in the area I want to apply to or something related to it. For interactive media ---> animation/art as well as video games?

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

There's no harm in having lots of interests. It would be more of a problem to have so few interests that you don't know what to write about. You can create a hobby, or you could isolate which of your hobbies best confirms your hypotheses that a) you want to study your chosen degree, and b) you will perform exceptionally well on course. Best of luck.

[@user-qz8eo4gj8m]

7:58 best line

[@rsetvibes3800]

Applying for both english & engineering ! I'm finding it hard to express my passion for two different subjects in one personal statement.

[@JesusCollegeOxford1571]

That's a tricky one! Think about the common denominator between those subjects. Reality, we could argue, is "engineered" by language. Even use of a metaphor such as "engineering" shows how technology has infused our culture as well.

[@rsetvibes3800]

@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much . Your reply was so helpful!

[@hamza-chaudhry]

9:10 But B also explicitly says "I am fascinated". 29:34 But that extra information won't tell you that their GP-shadowing placement was cancelled.

[@hamza-chaudhry]

16:38 18:28 24:20 30:38 35:37 36:47 37:14 38:05 39:20 41:02