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Getting a place as an Oxbridge university is massively competitive. Over 20,000 people apply to Oxford University for undergraduate study in a typical year, and similar numbers apply to Cambridge University. Oxford admits around 3,500 per year and Cambridge admits roughly 4,500 per year.

It's so important for your application to stand out for you to have a chance of getting into one of these unis. It's worth noting that having your application arrive by the deadline is the first thing you'll want to make sure of to get it noticed, and the deadline is different than for most other unis – it's October 15 2024 for 2025 entry.

The other way to improve your chances is by writing a stellar personal statement. Here are a few tips for writing an Oxbridge personal statement to help you along the way.

1. Tell your story

Your story will be what makes your UCAS personal statement unique. Outlining why you want to study your chosen subject, along with anecdotes indicative of your personality and hunger for the subject, will be how you get the admissions team to notice your university application.

Don’t fall into using clichés like "I’ve wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember". Instead, think of an example of a time where your ambition became crystal clear to you. Write about that moment, including the thoughts, feelings and insight that arose from it.

2. Share your thoughts and opinions

Thinking about and engaging in the current debates of your subject will be a fundamental part of your life at an Oxbridge university. Showing that you’re already doing this will help you to stand out from the crowd. If you’re called to an interview, it will give your interviewer a solid starting point for discussion.

In order to write the best personal statement, it’s wise to read widely, visit places of interest, attend conferences/lectures and get work experience. This will deepen and expand both your knowledge and understanding of your subject and make your personal statement sound more authentic. 

3. Keep your finger on the pulse

Knowing what’s currently going on in your subject area will reflect your deep and committed interest in it and impress admission tutors at Oxbridge universities. Forming your own opinions, and devoting a sentence or two when writing your personal statement on the implications of current news stories for your subject, will place you in a strong position. 

Even better, read some academic journal articles or recently published academic books. Citing current research and the critical discussions that are occurring within the relevant field are a great way to stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your interest and understanding of the subject area.

4. Show your individuality

Do you have an unusual hobby? Have you gone above and beyond in your studies? Have you done something very few people have done? Highlight this in your personal statement to help your university application for either Oxbridge university stand out.

Many students have very similar sets of experiences. Everyone goes to school and completes their homework. Many will play on sports teams or play musical instruments. Large numbers of people do the Duke of Edinburgh award. Pin-pointing that interest that makes you stand out can be key to writing the best personal statement.

5. Use your own words

Finally, remember to tell your story and explain your thoughts and opinions in your own words. This is your personal statement after all. Use words that you’re comfortable using with your teachers and would be comfortable using when talking to lecturers. This way you’ll be sure not to look foolish by using fancy words in the wrong context.

You’ll also come across as a genuine person that the teaching staff will look forward to working with. Oxbridge may be revered, but it helps to remember that there are real people behind these universities. 

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Applying to Oxbridge: A complete guide

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Lucy Parsons empowers 15-18 year olds to achieve their academic dreams, inspiring a life-long love of learning and opening the doors to opportunity. She blogs about getting into university and exam success at lifemoreextraordinary.com. Lucy studied Geography at Cambridge University then became a Secondary School Teacher.