classics personal statement oxbridge

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• Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

Check out our successful Oxbridge personal statement examples below.

You will find a collection of standout personal statements that have helped students gain admission to the prestigious universities of Oxford and Cambridge .

These Oxbridge personal statement examples can serve as inspiration and guidance as you begin to write your own.

Whether you are applying to study law , natural science , economics , or any other course , these examples can help you showcase your unique strengths and experiences compellingly.

Recommended reading:

• How to Apply to Cambridge University
• How to Apply to Oxford University
• The Best Cambridge Colleges
• The Best Oxford Colleges

Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples

Oxbridge personal statement example for economics course.

I volunteer at a local soup kitchen in Singapore, where I help distribute food and check on the well-being of lower-income families living in public housing.

One day, we encountered a family of five who were all seriously or terminally ill but were not receiving any government social support and had been relying mostly on NGOs for assistance.

This experience highlighted a social issue that concerns me – the lack of adequate social security support in Singapore despite its economic strength.

I believe more attention should be paid to addressing poverty and inequality.

I volunteered at the soup kitchen not only to help those in need but also to understand their struggles, as their interests are often overlooked.

As an economics student, I have learned how well-informed economic policy can improve lives by guiding social analysis.

This subject excites me and has motivated me to learn more through books, volunteering, and participating in economics-related competitions.

For example, I received a distinction award in the National Economics and Financial Management Quiz, which tests quick thinking, logical, and mathematical skills.

I also submitted an essay for the GlaxoSmithKline-Economic Development Board Book Prize on how Singapore can capitalize on Asian talent as a source of growth.

In addition, I participated in the local Math Olympiad received a bronze award, and completed a month-long internship at Centennial Asia Advisors, where my work contributed to the analysis of the Great Recession and the process of purchasing bonds to address the crisis.

This experience gave me a greater understanding of the importance of economic policy and its application.

I am also actively working to make a difference. Along with a group of friends and an NGO, I am committed to helping the village of Tom in Cambodia escape poverty by building schools and providing water filtration devices for villagers.

We also plan to support children with scholarships through fund-raisers. Personally helping Tom overcome poverty is one of my goals, and I believe that a strong understanding of economics will be essential in achieving this.

In addition to my academic and volunteer pursuits, I have also participated in various activities that have helped me grow as a person.

For example, I participated in The Odyssey of The Mind, a competition that challenges teams to think creatively through dramatic performances.

Our team won the World Championship after competing against teams from 60 other countries.

I am also an avid sailor, having represented my school as captain and Singapore in international competitions.

What I value most from these experiences are the relationships I formed with my teammates and the importance of dedication and perseverance in achieving success.

At school, I helped start the Young Diplomats’ Society, an interest group focused on Model United Nations Conferences (MUNC).

At Princeton University MUNC, I received an honourable mention, and at the Nanyang Technological University MUNC, I received the Dorothy Cheung Award for Best Delegate.

I also organized the annual iMUN@AC, serving as Chief of Staff in one year and Secretary General in another.

These MUNCs sparked my interest in global politics and led me to research the causes of the Rwandan Genocide for my IB Extended Essay, a 4000-word research paper that I thoroughly enjoyed and received an “A” grade for.

As John Maynard Keynes said, an economist is part philosopher, part statesman, and part mathematician.

I hope to study economics so that I can learn how to make changes on local, regional, and global levels.

Oxbridge Personal Statement Example For Law Course

I have always been drawn to the fields of law and justice. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the concepts of right and wrong and how they were applied in society.

My interest in history has also allowed me to learn about the evolution of the legal system over time.

During my school years, I took on leadership roles, including being a Senior Prefect and a member of the Student Council.

These experiences gave me a unique perspective on how a school operates and the importance of rules for both students and staff.

In my GCSE years, I had the opportunity to study Critical Thinking, which allowed me to hone my analytical and debate skills.

As part of this course, we visited Winchester Crown Court, giving us the chance to observe a court case in person and see the legal system in action.

This experience had a profound impact on me and further solidified my desire to pursue a career in law.

I also gained valuable insights into the legal profession through a two-week work placement at a local solicitor’s firm during the summer between school and college.

During this time, I was able to observe court proceedings and learn about the daily operations of a solicitor’s office.

In my free time, I enjoy reading classic fiction such as “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens and “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell.

I also enjoy cooking, travelling, and leading a healthy and active lifestyle.

I am confident that my personal skills, knowledge, attributes, and work ethic make me an excellent candidate for a law degree at your university.

I hope to use my time at university to develop the skills and qualifications necessary to have a successful career in law and to gain further experience in the courtroom.

Oxbridge Personal Statement Example For Natural Sciences Course

I was always fascinated by the natural world and spent hours exploring the forests and streams near my home.

This curiosity eventually led me to pursue a degree in biology at Oxford University, where I excelled academically and gained valuable experiences that have prepared me to take the next step in my education.

Throughout my undergraduate studies, I have taken a range of ecology courses and consistently earned high marks. In addition to my coursework, I have also been actively involved in several extracurricular activities that have allowed me to further explore my interests in biology and ecology.

For example, I have participated in research projects on the Forest Eco Programme and have worked as an intern at EcoBio Ltd where I gained valuable hands-on experience.

One of the things that set me apart from other applicants is my passion for biology and my dedication to making a positive impact in the world.

This drive was sparked by my achievements in school, which taught me the importance of the environment and motivated me to pursue a career in which I can make a difference.

I am excited to apply to the biology course at Oxford University because of its reputation for excellence and its commitment to providing students with a world-class education.

I believe that the University of Oxford will provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to achieve my goals and make a meaningful contribution to my field.

I am confident that my strong academic and extracurricular background, along with my passion and dedication, make me a strong fit for the course.

I am eager to join the vibrant intellectual community at Oxford and to continue pursuing my goals in biology.

Oxbridge Personal Statement Tips 

Focus on the following suggestions to write a successful personal statement for Oxbridge :

• Start by thinking about your goals and why you want to pursue them at Oxbridge. What sparked your interest in your field of study, and how have your experiences prepared you to pursue it at a top university?
• Reflect on your achievements and experiences. What have you accomplished that demonstrates your potential to succeed at Oxbridge? This could include academic achievements, extracurricular activities, internships, or other experiences.
• Consider what makes you unique. What sets you apart from other applicants and makes you a strong fit for the program you’re applying to?
• Write in a clear and concise manner, using concrete examples to illustrate your points. Avoid using overly complex language or jargon, and be sure to proofread for spelling and grammar errors.
• Edit and proofread your personal statement carefully. It’s important to take the time to polish your statement and make sure it’s the best it can be.

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Preparing for Classics at University: Reading, Personal Statement, Oxbridge Interview Questions

If you’re thinking about studying Classics at university, you might be a little daunted or unsure as to what a Classics degree entails. Classics is an exciting and broad-ranging subject that encompasses a huge variety of areas. At university, studying Classics allows you to explore ancient languages, literature, archaeology, art, philosophy, history, and far more, spanning several millennia and crossing continents. Although ancient Greece and Rome form the main focus of Western Classical study in the UK, you are by no means limited to studying these civilisations if you chose to do a Classics degree. Read an Oxbridge Classicist’s view on why to apply for Classics here .

You don’t need to have studied Classics at school to apply for the subject at university , so anyone with an interest in the ancient world can apply! The skills you have gained at school studying other languages, literature, or history, will put you in a great position to apply for Classics. Universities are looking for your potential, not what you already know , so your application and personal statement should show an inquisitive, open mind and a willingness to engage with challenging questions and discussions .

What Degree Should I Apply For?

Classics degrees in the UK come in many shapes and sizes, and can be combined with other subjects such as English and Modern Languages in joint honours courses. Lots of universities offer a variety of courses, so you could choose to apply for a bachelor of arts in: Classics; Ancient History; Archaeology; or joint honours such as Classics and English; or Classics and Modern Languages. Before starting your application, you should make sure you are happy with the degree you have chosen to pursue. The Classics faculty at Oxford offers six different undergraduate courses, whilst at Cambridge you can study either Classics, or Archaeology (or Ancient Near Eastern studies). Do your research on the course you want to study so you know what the degree will entail- for example, know the dates covered by the Oxford Classics or Classical Archaeology and Ancient History courses, so you don’t spend your personal statement discussing periods the degree wouldn’t cover!

Preparing to Apply for Classics: Reading and Research

Because Classics covers such a broad field of topics, you should pick a few areas of interest to focus on for your application- it’s impossible to learn everything about the ancient world even over the course of a three or four year degree! The best things to focus on reading are translations of the ancient texts , as these are the primary sources you will have to engage with at university. You can find copies of translations in most libraries, and often the introductions to translations in Penguin editions or Oxford World Classics can give great summaries of the key themes and debates surrounding the texts. The most important thing to remember is that there is no right answer to what you should have read, and no correct amount- two or three well thought-out ideas are better than lots of scrappy knowledge.

Ancient Texts & Possible Topics to Consider When Reading Them:*

●        Homer, Iliad , Odyssey : Heroism, epic poetry

●        Sophocles, Antigone : Greek Tragedy, gender, politics

●        Plato, Crito : justice, laws (n.b. This is quite a short Platonic text so a good place to start with philosophy. Plato’s work can be very confusing so don’t be daunted if you don’t grasp everything!)

●        Thucydides, book 6: Greek identity and history

●        Cicero, In Catalinam : Politics in the Roman Republic, rhetoric

●        Livy, Ab Urbe Condita , books 1-5: Morality, Roman religion

●        Virgil, Aeneid : Augustan politics

●        Ovid, Metamorphoses : myth, genre of his poetry

*This list contains just a few suggestions, and you should feel free to look at any areas that interest you!

If you study Classics or Latin at school, a great way to start with reading for your application is by exploring further into the texts or subjects you are already familiar with. Reading the rest of your A-Level text in translation is great, and it can be very useful to have a look at some passages of the original language alongside a translation to show your willingness to engage with the ancient text directly. If you are completely new to Classics, or not sure where to start, you can try reading some of the introductory books listed below for a good overview and to highlight topics you might find interesting.

Introductory Books for Classics :

●        Classics : A Very Short Introduction (2000), Mary Beard & John Henderson : looks at the way we interact with Classics in the modern world. This series includes lots of other titles, including Classical Literature (2014), William Allan; Ancient Greece (2009), Paul Cartledge; Ancient Philosophy (2000), Julia Annas; The Roman Republic (2012), David M. Gwynn - and many more!

●        Classical Literature A Pelican Introduction (2015), Richard Jenkyns: Examines key Classical authors and genres in short chapters  which can help identify what interests you most

●        SPQR : A History of Ancient Rome (2015), Mary Beard : a good overview of Roman history spanning 1000 years, a great and accessible introduction if you haven’t studied Roman history before

●        The Profile History of the Ancient World Series , various authors : take you through the history of ancient Rome (and Greece less so) right up to Late Antiquity, including material evidence (n.b. Check the time-span of the degree you’re interested in)

●        The Birth of Classical Europe: A History from Troy to Augstine (2011), Simon Price & Peter Thonemann : considers how our understanding of and relationship with the ancient past is reflected and shaped by the ancients own interaction with their past

Exhibitions, Podcasts, and More:

A brilliant way to immerse yourself in the Classical world is to visit exhibitions in museums and galleries, as this can allow you a first-hand look at parts of the ancient world that still survive today. The British Museum in London is a great place to start, as it has a huge collection of artefacts available to view at no cost. The Roman Palace at Fishbourne in East Sussex is home to the largest collection of mosaics in their original home in the UK. Mike Duncan’s podcast ‘The History of Rome’ begins with Aeneas’ journey to Italy and takes you right up to the exile of the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Episodes of the BBC radio show ‘In Our Time’ on Classical individuals, theories, and texts feature leading academics- you might even end up being taught by some of them! The Youtube Channel ‘Historia Civilis” has episodes of around 20-25 minutes long that cover key eras and events in Classical history that can help with your broader knowledge.

The Application Process: Classics Personal Statement, Tests, and Oxbridge Classics Interviews

Your Classics Personal Statement:

If you’re applying to Oxbridge, your personal statement might form a starting point for some of your interviews. Even if you’re applying for universities that don’t interview, it’s vital that you read and understand everything you discuss in your statement! This is about what interests you, so focus your statement on the texts you feel most confident and engaged with. Try to challenge yourself with concepts or debates you discuss, and don’t be afraid to state your opinion with well-thought out support. Once again, the ancient texts and sources should be the main focus here. If you’ve seen an exhibition or piece of art that really intrigued you, show the tutors how this initial interest translated into further research and understanding.

Oxbridge Language Tests:

Language aptitude tests form part of the application process for all students applying for Classics at Oxford, and those who are interviewed at Cambridge. If you’re studying Latin and/or Greek at A-Level, it is important in either case to keep on top of the vocabulary and grammar you’ve been encountering at school. Keeping a regularly updated vocabulary list for whenever you encounter new words, and doing sample passages you can find in books at school is the best way to prepare. If you haven’t studied either Latin or Greek , or have a qualification below GCSE level, you’ll have to take a test that assesses your language aptitude. Advice and sample papers can be found on the Oxford and Cambridge websites. Practice is key, and asking your teachers or tutors for support can make a big difference.

Preparing for the Classics Admissions Test (CAT): An Oxford Classics Graduate’s Tips

How to Approach Oxford’s Language Tests: The MLAT, LAT & OLAT

Oxford and Cambridge Classics Interviews:

The main thing to remember is that the tutors are not trying to catch you out, but want to help you to have an intellectually stimulating and challenging discussion. Classics interviews can vary considerably in content and structure due to the scope of the subject, but often you’d be given a passage or image to look at which the tutors will then discuss with you. Often the most obvious and simple things are easiest to miss, and don’t be afraid to say the wrong thing, as this will become part and parcel of your time at university if you gain a place. Try to relax and enjoy the interview as an opportunity to talk about what you find interesting with some of the world’s experts in the field!

Try these Oxbridge Classics Interview Questions:

What is missing from Classics?

Should we still study Classics given how it promotes slavery / rape / death?

What is the use of dead languages?

For more information on preparation for Oxbridge Classics interviews, check out our Classics Interview Preparation guide . Gain insights into the Oxbridge Classics interview process from previously successful candidates, discover the different formats of interview and top tips on how to approach and structure your responses from U2’s Oxbridge Classics tutors.

By Lorelei (U2 Classics Tutor - St Anne’s College, Oxford Graduate)

Looking for a Personal Statement Tutor or Support For Your Wider Oxbridge Classics Application, Including Interviews?

Personal Statement

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in a Classics personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidates own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Oxbridge Classics Mentoring

U2 offers CAT admissions test preparation, as well as wider Oxbridge Mentoring programmes ( book a free consultation  to discuss options). We have a large team of Oxbridge-educated Classics mentors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge Classics graduate as a tutor and send their full CV for review. Our tutors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Classics and related degrees at the University of Oxford and Cambridge, and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation, the entrance exam and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour informal assessment/ taster session , where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application, including test and interview. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Classics application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate. Tutors ensure each student refines their interests within Classics and is exposed to a range of approaches and new concepts, guiding students in their reading and wider subject exploration. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during interview and honing skills for the admissions test if applicable.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects , and Oxbridge mock interview days. Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced. We also provide GCSE , A-Level or IB Greek and Latin support if needed.

Sessions from £75/h + VAT.

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Guide to Oxbridge Classics Interviews

Everything you should know before interviewing at Oxford or Cambridge for Classics and how to be successful.

• Receiving Your Invitation to Interview
• Turning Up to Your Interview (Online)
• Turning Up to Your Interview (In Person)
• How Many Interviews Will I Have?
• Answering Questions Based on Your Personal Statement
• Pre-Interview Admissions Assessments (For Cambridge Classics Applicants)
• Analysing Unseen Materials as Part of the Interview
• What Do I Do If I Don't Know the Answer to a Question?
• Example Questions
• How to Prepare for an Oxbridge-Style Interview

The admissions process for prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge for their Classics undergraduate courses can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Getting the coveted invitation to interview is a significant milestone in your academic journey, and it's essential to prepare thoroughly. This guide, tailored to applicants for top UK universities, aims to demystify the Oxbridge interview process, from receiving your invitation to handling the interviews themselves. We'll cover various aspects, including online and in-person interviews, personal statement questions, pre-interview admissions tests, analysing unseen materials, and dealing with challenging questions.

Register to access our complimentary e-book "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…"

Receiving an invitation to interview at Oxford or Cambridge is a significant achievement. Typically, invitations are sent out in late November or early December, so it can be a little wait between applying and receiving your invitation. This means that it can be a good idea to start preparing for potential interviews before you’ve been invited, since there’s likely to be less than a month between receiving a formal invitation and attending the interview itself. Notification of your invitation (or not) will come in a letter or email from an Oxford or Cambridge college. This could be the college you applied to, or another college (either different from the one you applied to or any college if you submitted an open application). If you applied to a specific college and are invited to interview elsewhere, do not take this as any kind of sign reflecting your chances at acceptance - it is all part of the normal reallocation process that Oxford and Cambridge use to ensure that the best applicants across the university are accepted.

The date and time of your interview(s) (or at least those which the college has organised at present - but more on that later) will be specified in the correspondence you receive from the college along with your invitation, so no need to worry about organising that. Oxford have already published their rough interview timetable (i.e. windows in which various subjects can expect their interviews to take place), but this can always change so it’s good to remain a little flexible. Most interviews in the 2023-2024 cycle will be held online again this year, with the exception of specific Cambridge applicants (UK-based applicants to Gonville & Caius, King’s, Pembroke, Peterhouse, Selwyn, and Trinity Colleges). If you are asked to interview in person, the details of this will be made clear in your invitation from the College.

1. Technical Preparation

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online interviews are still being used at both Oxford and Cambridge (with the exception of the Cambridge applicants listed above). This makes the interview easier in certain manners (you won’t have to travel, you are able to remain in the comfort of your own home, etc.), but it also presents additional potential issues in that you are responsible for ensuring you have a reliable technical set up. In the lead up to the interview, ensure that you have access to a stable internet connection, a functioning camera (either built into a laptop or computer, or a separate webcam), and a quiet, well-lit environment. Be sure to check this all with plenty of time to spare (e.g. the week or some days before) so that, should an issue arise, you’ve got plenty of time to address it.

If you are worried about not having access to the appropriate equipment or the right atmosphere in which to conduct a successful interview, we suggest asking your school if they have a classroom or quiet space and some equipment you could use.

2. Dress Appropriately Even for online interviews, it is a good idea to dress smartly. Present yourself professionally, just as you would in person, but ensure that you are also comfortable (remember that if you’re interviewing over a webcam you can always keep on your favourite slippers!). We’re not saying that you need to wear a full suit and tie, but maybe don’t keep on your pyjamas or a stained hoodie; interviews are all about showing your intent, and dressing respectfully is the first step to showing that you mean business.

3. Practice Video Interviews If you're not used to video interviews, practice with friends or mentors to get comfortable with the format. It can be easy to think of talking over video meetings to be just the same as in person, but the process can actually feel very different. Chances are most of us have learned to interact over online video chat over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s always good to get a little practice in order to refresh your memory. We also recommend practising video calls from your chosen location (either with someone else or just to yourself) to make sure that nothing inappropriate can be seen in the background!

1. Arrive Early If your interview is in person, make sure you arrive early. This will give you time to settle your nerves and familiarise yourself with the surroundings. Punctuality shows that you are serious about performing well in your interviews, as well as ensuring that you’re not rushing and flustered when you arrive (something which can easily carry on into the interview itself and affect your performance).

2. Dress Smartly Wear appropriate attire for the occasion. You don't need to be overly formal, but looking well-presented (whilst trying your best to maintain comfort) is essential. Remember that these are your potential future professors and/or tutors, so think about what is appropriate to where to class or in a professional setting when dressing for your interview; first impressions (in all regards) are important!

3. Bring Necessary Documents Make sure that if the college or department specify any documents, you have brought them with you. It may not be necessary, but you might also like to consider bringing a copy of your personal statement with you when you travel to Oxford or Cambridge for the interview process. It is highly likely that interviewers will ask questions building from the content of the statement, so making sure that you’re on top of the content therein is crucial to a good performance.

The number of interviews you will be asked to attend varies by course and college. Some applicants may have two or more interviews, while others might have only one. It's crucial to check the specific requirements for your chosen course and college. It is also common to have two interviews scheduled from the beginning: one with your college and one with the Classics department.

In addition to the interviews you have scheduled from the start, it is also possible that, during the interview window, you will have further interviews scheduled. This is usually because other colleges have decided to cast their net wider, and are considering you for a position at their college instead of the one who invited you to interview. These interviews will be conducted by new interviewers, so there is no separate preparation you will need to undertake. It’s also important to remember that being invited to other interviews in no way indicates that you have a higher or lower chance of being accepted: It’s just part of the university’s way of making sure they get the most talented Classics applicants from across the applicant pool.

Be prepared to discuss your personal statement in detail during the interview. Examiners may ask questions related to what you've written, so make sure you understand every aspect of your statement. We recommend reading through your personal statement regularly in the lead up to interviews to ensure that you know its contents inside and out! It can also be useful, if you have time, to read, watch, or listen back on the key sources you reference in your statement, especially since it can be some time between initially consulting them and attending the interview itself. Remember that interviewers will be well-versed in key literature relating to your subject, and so may well be familiar with any resources you reference, meaning that you need to know them in detail (or at least the key arguments within that you find interesting) to be able to discuss them in an academic setting.

A useful exercise can be to think about the key ideas or resources in your personal statement critically just to yourself. Maybe write them down and produce a spider diagram of thoughts, opinions, or interesting linking ideas you have relating to them? Thinking in a creative and open-minded way about the content of your Personal Statement can be a good way to prepare yourself for the questions interviewers might ask. We also recommend sitting down with a parent, friend, or mentor to explain and discuss the big issues identified in your Personal Statement. Don’t worry if nobody close to you is familiar with the topic; sometimes explaining an idea to someone new can be the best way of solidifying it in your own mind!

If you’re applying to Classics course at Cambridge (or a joint course involving Classics) at certain colleges, you will be required to sit an admissions assessment as part of the interviewing process. There is no admin or registration attached to this assessment, and all the relevant details relating to it will be communicated to you by the college when you are invited to interview.

The Classics Admissions Assessment format may depend on which college you're sitting it with, since it is run by each college individually. We recommend heading to the Classics Department website as well as the site of the college you'll be interviewing with for further details.

Even though these tests are based on skills rather than particular subject knowledge, they can absolutely still be prepared for! We recommend going through past papers to practise applying your skills to unseen materials and responding in timed conditions as per the real test. Our Cambridge College Admissions Assessment guide is a great place to start for tips and tricks on how to prepare.

Often in Oxbridge-style interviews, applicants are given a piece of unseen material and asked to discuss it as part of the interview. This could be a text extract, a piece of data, an image, or a problem to solve. In the case of Classics interviews, interviewers may provide you with a short source text or extract to read, or an image to look at and analyse. They will most likely provide you with this just before the interview and ask you to discuss your analysis of it in the interview itself.

The key to such a task is to approach it as systematically as possible. Reading the material carefully, making notes, and thinking about possible discussion points as you go through it can all be crucial to your performance in the interview. Remember that subjects are broad and there is a good chance you will be unfamiliar with the content or specific context of the material in question; this is not a problem! The exercise is not intended to assess how much you know about the historical period or civilisation in question, but rather to assess your skills of analysis and history/literature-related thinking.

It's okay not to have all the answers. If you encounter a question that stumps you, the key is not to panic. Take a deep breath, ask for clarification if needed, and attempt to work through the problem logically. Interviewers often want to see how you handle challenging situations and think on your feet. For more guidance on how to handle unknown questions in an interview situation, read our t ips for answering an unexpected Oxford and Cambridge interview question .

Below are some past interview questions asked to applicants for Classics (and its joint courses) during their Oxford and Cambridge interviews. Use them to get a feel for what is asked during an interview and to prepare your strategy for responding.

Classics (Oxford and Cambridge):

• How civilised was the Roman world?
• Are history and myth compatible?
• Is the ending of the Iliad useful?
• What were Plato’s and Aristotle’s views of women?
• Did the Romans or the Greeks leave a more notable impression on the culture of today?
• What are the gods’ main roles in the Iliad?

Classics and English (Oxford):

• What role did the chorus have in Greek plays and how well do they translate into a modern context?
• Is it fair that Ted Hughes won a literary prize for a translation of an Ovid poem?
• What is tragedy?

Classics and Modern Languages (Oxford):

• How does the literature you have read affect your opinion of that society?
• What is the difference between historical books and books written in the past?
• Can you think of examples in poetry or in literature where tone or meaning has been lost in translation?

Classics and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) (Oxford):

• What links can be drawn between ancient Egyptian and other ancient languages?
• What underlying cultural differences separate Japan from the West?
• If Bach is conducted by an Arab person, is it Western or Eastern music?

How to Prepare for an Oxbridge-Style Interview 

Given that the interview is designed to test, in large part, your creativity and thinking skills, it is unsurprisingly quite difficult to think of how to prepare. as we talked about before, the first step we recommend is to go through your personal statement and review any key sources so that you’re happy to discuss questions relating to them (since they are the questions you can most rely on cropping up). when it comes to preparing for unexpected or unknown questions, there are a whole host of ways that you can exercise your ability to deal with them. to delve into these recommendations in closer detail, read our dedicated interview preparation top tips blog , where our expert mentors have collated their 14 most useful tips for interview preparation., recent articles, 10 things i wish i knew before i applied to oxbridge, how can i use chatgpt for my personal statement, overused topics and resources to avoid in your personal statement, jump to section, classics mock interview package.

If you have any more questions about your application or interview that you would like to discuss with a member of our team, please do get in touch. Call us on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394, or email [email protected] .

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Top Tips for a Cambridge Classics Personal Statement

Table of Contents

Top 10 Tips : Dos and Don’ts

The Cambridge Classics Personal Statement is a crucial component of your university application. It presents a unique opportunity for you to differentiate yourself from other applicants. You would be able to articulate your story and explain your interests beyond that of numbers on an admissions test. Furthermore, it gives the interviewer a chance to understand who you are. It also provides a platform to bounce off questions during your interview. 

They can tailor questions to your personality, interests, and commitment to who you are as a person and your amalgamation of experiences before you. Our Oxbridge application experts have compiled a list of top 10 Cambridge Classics Personal Statement tips to guide you through the arduous university application process. This includes dos and don’ts for your Cambridge Classics Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle.

General Advice for your Classics Personal Statement at Cambridge

Classics at the University of Cambridge is an extremely dynamic course. It encompasses an extremely wide range of topics, such as the history, archaeology, philosophy, culture, linguistics and art of classical antiquity. It also includes the study of original texts and artefacts. The classics course gives you the fundamentals in the first one or two years. It then gives you a point of entry into an enormous array of choices, in the final year.

Whether it’s through a poem, a philosophical text, or an ancient artefact, in order to understand the classical world. Students learn to critically analyse, research, formulate arguments, and present them effectively.

Your Cambridge Classics personal statement must clearly demonstrate your interest in academic rigour and thought, as well as the fields outlined above. Furthermore, when planning out your Cambridge Classics personal statement, make sure you research Cambridge’s achievements in Classics and include it in your writing to illustrate your interest in Classics. 

Additionally, when creating your Cambridge personal statement, understandably you’ll be applying to four other University courses which may result in your statement being vaguer. The University of Cambridge is aware of such and will require you to fill out an ‘Online Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ)’. This is shortly after submitting the UCAS application, so make sure you’ve created another condensed version of your Classics personal statement that you can directly submit to Cambridge.

Top 5 Tips for your Cambridge Classics Personal Statement

Demonstrate why you are a good match for classics.

The traits that would make up a good classics student would be vastly different from the desirable traits of students from other courses. For example, some unique traits that they would be looking out for are students who are capable of critical thinking. It also includes those who enjoy rigorous analysis. Being open-minded is also crucial. Cambridge is looking out for students who are able to consider new perspectives. Try and demonstrate how you display these traits in your Cambridge personal statement. You can do so by explaining a specific experience that you had in the past. Reflect on how they have caused you to be equipped with these desirable qualities.

Be well-read in classics or related fields

Classics is a subject that involves the study of archaeology, history, philosophy, art, and linguistics. Hence, an ideal classics student would be well-read. This is because they have a natural thirst for knowledge. It is also because being well-informed or deeply versed would equip you with unique perspectives when pursuing your degree. Furthermore, being well-read would provide an advantage in giving you an impression of such an integrated study. Cambridge is definitely looking out for students who are well-read, and this is evident even on their page outlining the course. You definitely don’t need to be an expert (after all, you are going to university to study classics). But you should definitely do some preliminary reading. You can access their recommended reading list put together by one of the University of Cambridge colleges, King’s College. The link is available here: King’s College   Beyond that of reading, podcasts, documentaries, or even short news articles are a great way to kickstart your journey in being more deeply versed in literature and a wide range of perspectives. You can incorporate these various forms of mediums into your everyday lifestyle. This includes watching a documentary instead of your usual TV series or listening to a podcast instead of your usual playlist on your way home from school.

Write concisely and simply

It can be tempting, predominantly for a course such as Classics, to fill and embellish your Cambridge Classics personal statement with difficult vocabulary or unconventional words. However, if you are not used to such language, do not feel pressured to decorate your Cambridge Classics personal statement with a fancy vocabulary. This is because it could make it difficult for Cambridge tutors to get through your Cambridge personal statement or understand what you are trying to say. Imagine this– tutors would get through hundreds of applicants per day. It would be tough for tutors to focus on what you are trying to communicate if you use too difficult vocabulary. Similar to reading articles or academic journals full of jargon you are unfamiliar with, The first and foremost aim of your Cambridge Classics personal statement is for the reader to understand what you are trying to convey. Sometimes fancy vocabulary would get in the way of that. Prioritise conciseness and readability, and sometimes simple language, especially when you are trying to describe complex topics, is best for that!

Structure your Cambridge Classics personal statement well to enhance readability

It can be difficult to communicate it in the way you intended. Especially when you are trying to convey a huge range of ideas in your Cambridge Classics personal statement, or to explain your story and why you are a good fit for classics at Cambridge. Hence, sticking to a good structure would help you convey your thoughts better. For example, you can start off by explaining your interest in classics. Do you have a topic that deeply intrigues you and is the beginning of your exposure to this field? You can then spend later paragraphs explaining how you explored this interest. This can be through concrete experiences and actions, such as that of reading or participating in conferences and competitions. You can then conclude by summarising your points and ending them with an impactful statement.

Starting early and getting people around you or seniors to proofread your Cambridge Classics personal statement

We might not be the best judge of our own work as we might not be objective about it. Especially when we are explaining our personal story or beliefs. Hence, it would be good to get seniors you know who are currently pursuing classics at Cambridge to proofread your work and provide feedback. Getting friends or family to proofread your work can also provide valuable feedback on readability! That being said, don’t share your Cambridge personal statement in case it gets plagiarised by someone else. Furthermore, starting early would be extremely helpful and you would be thankful when completing your applications. If you are finding yourself to be in a slump or having writer’s block, start by listing out all your experiences and interests. Next, create a separate list of good qualities of classics students. Finally, write a list of what the classics course at Cambridge is about. You can match your experiences and interests to the qualities and details of the course, and slowly flesh out paragraphs to start. Once you are done with your draft, it would also be good to leave and come back to it a week later with a fresh mind. 

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Classics Personal Statement

Using too much complicated vocabulary.

A lot of students have the impression that they would be rewarded for bad writing. Specifically that of embellishing their essays with an unnecessary and excessive amount of complicated vocabulary. This could result in the essay sounding pretentious and hard to read. Although this might be counterintuitive for some, a straightforward, concise, and simple style is favoured for your Cambridge Classics personal statements. This is because it results in the essay being readable. Less is more when it comes to rhetorical flourishes! Furthermore, writing simply does not mean that your essay would sound boring and common. You can still adopt a lively and excited tone, even with simple and common everyday words.

Explain in your Cambridge Classics personal statement why you are interested in classics, instead of just saying that you are

The main aim of your Cambridge Classics personal statement should definitely be to convince your admissions tutor that you are interested in studying classics. However, straight up saying “I am passionate about classics” is not enough to display your interest. Neither is listing classics-related experiences such as telling them that you watched a specific play or read a common book. Anyone, even those not interested in classics, can simply say that they are interested in classics. Instead, elaborate on the interesting thoughts that you have regarding classics or your classics-related experiences. This is because an applicant who involves themselves in the classical experience (e.g. books, extra-curricular, plays) and has genuine and interesting thoughts about them, shows that they are involved and fascinated by classics. This is to a much larger extent than just a student who has a superficial “I’m passionate about classics”.

Mentioning books for the sole purpose to show that you are well-read

Don’t name drop books or list a range of books that you have read and follow it with what you think about each book. This is because admission tutors would get the impression that you are just name-dropping books, that you might not have even read them. Or that you only read them for the sole purpose of writing about them in your Cambridge Classics personal statement. It would be a lot more valuable if you use ideas in the books and link them to your personal experience or life. This shows that you truly understand what the books are trying to convey. It also shows you are also able to draw the link to it to seemingly unrelated experiences. This would signal critical thinking to your admissions tutors.

Writing an essay on a school of thought instead of a Cambridge Classics personal statement

When explaining a particular school of thought, you could end up writing a Cambridge Classics personal statement that looks like an argumentative essay instead. Remember to keep the focus of the Cambridge Classics personal statement. Explain why YOU are a good fit for the classics course at Cambridge. Cambridge tutors would be familiar with any classic theory you are trying to explain. They are not reading a textbook or to learn a new perspective on it, they are looking to learn about you.

Only expect to have one draft of your Cambridge Classics personal statement

Your first draft will never be your best draft. Always factor in time to allow multiple drafts to be completed. It is also important to not leave it to the last minute. This is because it would show in the quality of your work. Tutors would be able to tell if it is rushed. Furthermore, you might miss out on relevant experiences because you were not able to remember them in time.

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AI Writing & UCAS Personal Statements: Everything you Need to Know

11th September 2024

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AI tools, such as ChatGPT, offer a quick solution for producing a personal statement. They require only several simple commands to generate a statement that can be submitted as a part of your university application. Given such potential for misuse, AI tools are becoming a great concern to the Universities and Colleges Admission Service, which processes all UK university applications.  If you are applying to a UK university, you’ll need to consider UCAS regulations for using AI personal statements . In this blog, we explain all you need to know about AI writing and UCAS personal statements. 

Are You Allowed to Use AI When Writing your UCAS Personal Statement?

The shortest and simplest answer to this question is “no”. If you read UCAS’ guide to using AI and ChatGPT with your personal statement, you’ll learn that UCAS explicitly discourages reliance on AI. Even though the guide acknowledges that AI can be used as tool, it states that “The personal statement is exactly that: personal. It is a chance to sell yourself and why you want to study a course”. This view makes sense as AI often produces too generic content and does have intricate insight of your skills and abilities, which must be woven into a personal statement to boost its effectiveness. 

Is AI use for UCAS Personal Statements Considered Cheating and Can UCAS detect ChatGPT?

In its guide, UCAS answers this question with a clear “yes”. When you submit your UCAS personal statement, you are required to state that you have not copied the statement from another source, including an AI tool. This is another point that makes sense as UCAS expects you to provide an authentic reflection of your own experiences, skills, and aspirations in your statement. Using AI to generate or significantly alter your personal statement can misrepresent your personal voice and undermine your application’s integrity. 

Tools such as a UCAS plagiarism detector may soon be used to determine if ChatGPT personal statements were involved in the writing process. If such implementation is detected, your chances of being offered a place at a university can be jeopardised.

Is AI Use for UCAS Personal Statements Penalised?

As was the case with the previous question, this one is answered with a “yes”. To uphold its duty to applicants and educational institutions, UCAS implements a Verification Team to identify fraudulent applications and detect similarities in personal statements. Even though UCAS’s guide does not explicitly mention the use of AI detection tools, these could be easily implemented to evaluate whether your statement was written by AI. If such implementation is detected, your chances of being offered a place to a university can be jeopardised.  

How to Use AI Safely When Writing your UCAS Personal Statement?

UCAS’s guide offers several tips for using AI as a tool when crafting your personal statement. Specifically, whereas you are not allowed to copy directly from AI, you are allowed to use AI , such as ChatGPT, to get ideas on what to include in the statement, how to structure it, and how to ensure its readability. Indeed, AI tools can be safely used for these purposes as long as the final content remains original and reflects your personal voice and experiences.

Takeaway Message

In summary, UCAS discourages AI use for personal statements, considers its cheating, and mentions academic penalties. However, UCAS acknowledges that AI tools can be used to assist your statement writing process . If you are applying to a UK university, be sure to read UCAS’ guide and avoid overreliance on AI.  

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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:

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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 .

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