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Human, social, and political sciences personal statement example (cambridge).

Thinking, to me, occurs in patterns.

I’m a scavenger when it comes to ideas: borrowing from this, considering that, using a thought to spark off another. The process of peeling back the layers behind something - be it an institution, a symbol or a person - and trying to engage with its various levels of significance is, to put it simply, what makes me tick. Over time, it is what has drawn me to the arts and social sciences, where adopting diverse perspectives has allowed me to ‘dive back and forth’ between the concrete value of things and their more abstract meanings.

Learning about anthropology and sociology, through “Small Places, Large Issues” was one of the first steps I took towards focusing my interest. I was captivated by Eriksen’s discussion of religion and the cultivation of the ‘social person’, both of which made me question how behaviours and world-views are passed across generations. This enriched my exploration in Theory of Knowledge at school. The consideration of the formation and impact of cultural knowledge systems on people inspired me to inquire about the duality of shared and personal knowledge, as well as how modes of thought are shaped.

Later, as I read “The Invention of Tradition”, Hobsbawm’s explanation of the ‘mass production’ of traditions to form claims for nations was thought-provoking. It made me reflect on how the ritualization of symbols can be used for political causes, an idea which took on a key role in how I developed my Extended Essay on the causes of the Rwandan genocide. My critical understanding of an event where a society fragmented encouraged me to consider the wider structures which support societies and pushed me to investigate a variety of sources. Though the project was not without challenges, it taught me to refine my analytical skills and undoubtedly, reinforced my love for academic research.

The IB diploma content has, overall, been very stimulating. My analysis of “The Great Gatsby” in English encouraged me to think about how emblems of status and conspicuous consumption shape social relationships, as well as how they might arise. I was drawn by the novel’s use of symbol and form to convey a sense for the collective fantasy of the ‘American Dream’. These themes and their relevance to the context of the 1920s challenged me to bridge my interpretations of literary elements to social commentary. This has led me to wonder how art informs cultural perceptions and vice versa. A literary portrayal of material excess was complementary to our more practical study of sustainable development and the water-food-energy nexus in Geography. In this module, I uncovered links between cultural attitudes and social policy, growing to understand their dynamics in relation to political agendas. Above all, it is these interdisciplinary connections which I find most fascinating in my pursuit of knowledge.

My extracurricular activities also allow me to engage with contemporary issues. My participation in MUN for over 5 years has given me the chance to ‘experience’ facsimile scenarios of international politics, which encouraged me to throw myself wholeheartedly in debate. My involvement with Security Council committees, in particular, has made me more comfortable voicing my ideas and shifting between ‘big picture’ and specific thinking. As the editor of my school magazine, I have realised the importance of keeping an open mind when managing diverse opinions. It’s also taught me that strength lies in heterogeneity and empathy - values I hope to carry as a student and person.

These ideas have made my mind their habitat for a few years - now, they’re looking for an intellectual expansion. That’s why I want to study at an academic institution; a place where inquiry is at the epicentre of learning. It certainly feels like one of the ways I might be able to pursue the questions I wonder about... or at least begin to understand the social forces that are driving me to ask them in the first place.

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There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Author's Comments

As an IB student applying to the competitive Human, Social and Political Sciences course at Cambridge, I wanted my personal statement to really stand and highlight my engagement with knowledge at various different levels. Although this personal statement was mainly written with an Oxbridge application in mind, it also granted me offers to my 4 other UCAS choices, namely Durham (Combined Honours in SocSci), UCL (Social Sciences), KCL (Liberal Arts) and York (Soc and Pol Sci with Philosophy).

The most important advice I would give to someone writing their personal statement is to highlight what really makes their relationship and understanding of their subject unique. I would also recommend to start with a punchy opening line that immediately summarizes to the admissions officer what kind of person, and more importantly thinker, you are. Showcasing your mental model and the way you approach the world is the best way to portray yourself as an attractive applicant! Make sure you're also going in depth about the books you've mentioned and find a way to relate them back to your academic experience. Be ready to be questioned on any part of your PS! For Oxbridge arts applicants in particular, I would go as far as say it is perhaps the most important component of your application, as your interview may be largely based on it.

Best of luck to all!

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Land Economy Personal Statement (Anonymous 1)

The student is currently studying Land Economy at the University of Cambridge and will be graduating in 2022.  This personal statement was part of her successful application to the University of Cambridge, UCL, LSE, Durham and Warwick .

My attempt to comprehend the complexity of the 2008 financial crisis kindled my fascination with Economics. It led me to read Geithner’s ‘Stress Test’, which offered a firsthand look at tackling the crisis. While his focus on avoiding panic and maintaining credit flows is justified, I think creating more effective programmes to reduce rising foreclosures is equally vital. Weaknesses in the Home Affordable Modification Program, for example, severely restricted the potential number of rescued homeowners. Its inherent fault was that the incentive of mortgage servicers to help homeowners modify their loans was eclipsed by the more profitable prospect of foreclosure. The government could perhaps have restructured incentives by implementing a reward-by-output system where the government pays a servicer for every loan modified, whilst ensuring the payment is higher than what the servicer receives when foreclosure occurs. Furthermore, while I agree with Geithner’s argument that moral hazard was inevitable, I think the extent of its impact was influenced by controllable factors like how stringent lending terms were; the lenient terms in this case encouraged recklessness. I hope to explore issues like crisis prevention and financial contagion further with more rigorous theoretical frameworks in university. 

The centrality of neoliberalism today pushed me to read Ha-joon Chang’s ‘Bad Samaritans’ for a contrarian view. He observes that while protectionism formed the basis of rich countries’ advancement, these same countries advocate neoliberal policies for developing countries, which often hinder their growth. This made me question the true intention of richer nations. During my internship at an agribusiness, I felt that Chang’s point was echoed in the EU’s palm oil biofuel ban; the EU’s justification of ‘environmental reasons’ appeared to be a euphemism for a return to protectionism. If environmental protection truly was their goal, they could have opted to share expertise with producing countries to help mitigate their carbon footprint rather than imposing a ban, since a ban would reduce the incentives for sustainable production. The EU’s ignoring of the harmful impact of rival oils farmed locally in the EU further supports this view. This illustrated to me the importance of acquiring diverse ideological views in the study of the political economy. 

The mathematical aspect of economics appeals strongly to me. I was intrigued to discover the relevance of differential calculus in economics, such as deriving the Marshall-Lerner condition, or explaining changing values of price elasticity along a linear demand curve. Exploring its use in utility maximisation, I learnt several ways to derive the equimarginal principle, but was most awed by its derivation from the first-order conditions (FOCs) of a Lagrangian. To me, the magic of this tool is its power to find optimal values under multiple constraints. However, I am aware that my understanding of optimisation is limited. For instance, further reading led me to discover that with quasi-linear utility, utility-maximising values would not satisfy all FOCs; this was something I had not considered up till then, since my syllabus emphasised that the equimarginal principle had to be satisfied at the optimal. Therefore, a deeper grounding in optimisation is something I keenly anticipate. 

My role as prefect and my school’s Interact Club Finance Director has enhanced my ability to communicate, organise events, lead, and be a team player. I enjoy independent research which goes beyond class work; during my internship at RHB investment bank, I used data from Bloomberg to gauge firms’ financial positions. I am open to discussions and thrive on incorporating new ideas and opinions. 

Aside from the thrill of exploring new concepts, I believe that this degree will arm me with the tools to contribute to the sustainable development of South-East Asian economies as a policy analyst or economic consultant. 

COPA : 1,200 characters. 

To me, Land Economy’s allure is its blend of law and economics; it considers the moral effects of economic policy, and the economic impact of the law. For example, research into Malaysia’s strata title laws during a law internship made me realise that a total pursuit of economic efficiency may not be possible if individuals’ property rights are to be protected, as enshrined in the Constitution. In Malaysia, unanimous consent from strata title holders is needed for an en-bloc sale of a strata property. While this position upholds owners’ property rights, it jeopardises urban renewal as unanimous consent is difficult to acquire. A case in point was an aging condominium in the city centre which depreciated after failing to gain approval for sale to a redevelopment project. In contrast, Singaporean law only requires 80% approval for en-bloc sales of older buildings while providing safeguards for minorities; this facilitates urban renewal. Malaysia should consider emulating this regulatory model. 

Economic policy and legal frameworks must exist in symbiotic balance. A degree in land economy would equip me to realise my aspiration of addressing the problem of urban decay in Malaysia. 

COPA, 600 characters : 

I greatly value socio-economic and environmental balance in the process of development. I am lucky to have travelled extensively and experienced places in which this rings true. On a National Geographic Journeys trip to the Peruvian Amazon, I was shown travel lodges built among trees, which do not come at the expense of biodiversity. They contribute to the local economy by providing employment opportunities, yet still respect and preserve natural authenticity. I hope to one day advance and actualise sustainable accommodation because respect for nature and its inhabitants is important to me. 

DISCLAIMER:  The personal statements on this site are strictly meant as a starting point to give an idea of how successful personal statements look like. There is no surefire formula to writing good personal statements.  COLLEGELAH IS STRICTLY AGAINST PLAGIARISM OF ANY KIND .  UCAS employs a plagiarism check system  that checks applicants’ work against other published writing so please  DO NOT PLAGIARISE.

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Top Tips for your University of Cambridge Medicine Personal Statement

Medicine Oxbridge Personal Statement

Last updated: 10 October 2023

Are you considering applying to study medicine at the prestigious University of Cambridge ? If so, you're undoubtedly aware of the stiff competition and the importance of a well-crafted personal statement. Medicine at Cambridge is highly sought after, attracting some of the brightest and most ambitious students worldwide. Your personal statement is a crucial component of your application, allowing you to stand out and demonstrate your passion for medicine and suitability for the course.

In this article, we'll provide you with the best tips for creating a personal statement for medicine at Cambridge that grabs the admissions team's attention, showcases your qualities, and maximises your chances of being invited for an interview.

Contact SI-UK about your Cambridge application

preparing a medicine personal statement cambridge

Understanding the Cambridge Medicine Programme

Before diving into the specifics of crafting your personal statement , it's essential to understand what the Cambridge medicine programme entails. Cambridge's medicine course is unique, with an integrated approach combining clinical and basic sciences from the beginning. The course is designed to produce highly skilled and adaptable medical professionals capable of dealing with the challenges of modern healthcare.

Key Features of the Cambridge Medicine Degree Include:

  • Preclinical and Clinical Phases : The course is divided into preclinical and clinical phases, with students gaining early exposure to clinical practice.
  • Problem-Based Learning : Cambridge emphasises problem-based learning, where you'll work in small groups to solve clinical cases, promoting critical thinking and teamwork.
  • Research Opportunities : The university encourages research and offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved in cutting-edge medical research.
  • Supervision System : You'll benefit from the renowned Cambridge supervision system, which provides personalised teaching and support.
  • Early Patient Contact : Students have early patient contact, allowing them to develop clinical skills and gain valuable experience.

Understanding these aspects will help you tailor your personal statement to align with the Cambridge medicine programme's philosophy and expectations.

Personal Statement for Cambridge Medicine

Crafting a standout personal statement for Cambridge medicine requires careful planning and ample time. You should start well before the application deadline to allow for multiple drafts and revisions. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Self-Reflection

Begin by reflecting on your motivations for studying medicine and why you want to study it at Cambridge specifically. What experiences have shaped your interest in the field? What qualities and skills do you possess that make you a suitable candidate for the course?

Step 2: Research the Course

Thoroughly research the Cambridge medicine course's structure, teaching methods, and core values. Familiarise yourself with the university's ethos and what they look for in prospective students.

Step 3: Create an Outline

Outline the key points you want to include in your personal statement. Consider how you can demonstrate your passion for medicine, commitment to learning, and suitability for the course.

Step 4: Draft and Revise

Start drafting your personal statement, keeping it concise and focused. Aim for a compelling introduction, a clear body that addresses the key points, and a strong conclusion. Review and revise your draft multiple times to ensure clarity and coherence.

Step 5: Seek Feedback

Share your draft with teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide constructive feedback. Consider their suggestions and make necessary revisions.

Step 6: Final Touch

Before submitting your personal statement, perform a final review for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure that it adheres to Cambridge's guidelines and word limits.

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

Your personal statement's introduction is your chance to captivate the admissions team's attention. Here are some tips to create a compelling opening:

1. Start with an Anecdote

Begin with a brief, relevant anecdote or personal experience that illustrates your passion for medicine. This could be a moment that sparked your interest in the field or a meaningful encounter with a healthcare professional.

2. Use a Thought-Provoking Quote

Consider opening with a thought-provoking quote related to medicine or a broader issue in healthcare. Ensure that the quote is relevant to your narrative.

3. Showcase Your Enthusiasm

Clearly convey your enthusiasm for the subject and your eagerness to embark on the journey of becoming a medical professional. Show that you are genuinely passionate about the field.

Demonstrating Your Suitability

The body of your personal statement is where you should demonstrate your suitability for the Cambridge medicine programme. Here are essential points to cover:

1. Academic Achievements

Highlight your academic achievements and any relevant subjects or courses you've excelled in. Mention any academic awards or distinctions that showcase your commitment to learning.

2. Work Experience

Discuss any work experience or volunteering in healthcare settings. Describe what you learned from these experiences and how they influenced your decision to pursue medicine.

3. Extracurricular Activities

If you've been involved in extracurricular activities related to medicine or healthcare, such as medical societies, research projects, or first aid training, emphasise them. Show how these activities have enhanced your skills and knowledge.

4. Personal Attributes

Highlight your personal qualities that make you well-suited for a career in medicine. These may include empathy, resilience, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills. Provide specific examples that demonstrate these attributes.

5. Motivation

Explain why you are specifically interested in the Cambridge medicine programme. Discuss how the programme's unique features align with your aspirations and how you plan to make the most of these opportunities.

Reflecting on Your Experiences

In addition to listing your achievements and qualities, reflecting on your experiences and what you've learned from them is essential. Admissions officers want to see evidence of your self-awareness and your ability to learn and grow. Here's how to do it effectively:

1. Show, Don't Tell

Rather than simply stating your qualities or achievements, provide concrete examples and anecdotes that illustrate them. For instance, instead of saying, "I am empathetic," you could describe a specific patient encounter that showcased your empathy.

2. Discuss Challenges

Don't be afraid to discuss challenges or setbacks you've faced and how you've overcome them. Admissions teams appreciate resilience and the ability to learn from adversity.

3. Link Experiences to Medicine

Whenever possible, link your experiences to your motivation for studying medicine. Explain how each experience has shaped your understanding of and commitment to the field.

Addressing the Ethical Dimension

Medicine is not just a science; it's also an ethical and moral pursuit. Cambridge places significant emphasis on ethical considerations in medical practice. Therefore, it's crucial to address the ethical dimension in your personal statement, Cambridge:

1. Ethical Dilemmas

Discuss any ethical dilemmas you've encountered during your experiences in healthcare or medicine. Describe how you navigated these dilemmas and the ethical principles that guided your decisions.

2. Ethical Reflection

Demonstrate your capacity for ethical reflection. Share your thoughts on the importance of ethical considerations in medicine and how you plan to approach ethical challenges as a medical student and future practitioner.

The Importance of Genuine Passion

While it's essential to include all the necessary elements in your personal statement, being genuine is equally important. Admissions teams can spot insincerity from a mile away. Your passion for medicine should shine through every word and example you provide.

Avoid clichés and generic statements that could apply to any applicant. Instead, focus on your unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations. Be authentic in sharing your journey and why you are truly committed to pursuing a career in medicine.

Tailoring Your Personal Statement for Cambridge

Cambridge has its unique ethos and expectations, and your personal statement should reflect these. Here are some specific points to consider when tailoring your statement for Cambridge:

1. Embrace the Challenge

Highlight your willingness and enthusiasm for tackling the challenges of the Cambridge medicine programme. Discuss how you thrive in a rigorous academic environment and your capacity for self-directed learning.

2. Supervision System

Mention your excitement about the Cambridge supervision system. Emphasise your belief in the value of personalised teaching and mentorship and how you plan to make the most of this opportunity.

3. Interdisciplinary Approach

Cambridge's medicine programme is known for its integrated approach to learning. Show that you appreciate the benefits of combining clinical and basic sciences and how this aligns with your educational goals.

4. Research Focus

If you have a keen interest in medical research, highlight it. Discuss any research experiences or projects you've been involved in and your enthusiasm for contributing to medical knowledge.

Proofread and Polish

Once you've written your personal statement, it's crucial to proofread and polish it to perfection. Here are some tips for the final stages:

1. Proofread for Errors

Thoroughly check your personal statement for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Typos and mistakes can detract from your overall presentation.

2. Ensure Clarity

Make sure your writing is clear and concise. Avoid overly complex language or jargon that might confuse the reader.

3. Stay within Word Limits

Adhere to the word limits set by Cambridge. Going significantly over or under the word limit can negatively affect your application.

4. Seek Feedback

Ask teachers, mentors, or trusted friends to review your final draft. Fresh eyes can catch issues you might have missed.

5. Format Properly

Ensure your personal statement is formatted correctly. Use a legible font, appropriate spacing, and a professional layout.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a compelling personal statement for the Cambridge medicine programme requires careful planning, self-reflection, and attention to detail. Remember that your personal statement is your opportunity to showcase your passion for medicine, your suitability for the course, and your alignment with Cambridge's values.

Be genuine, provide concrete examples, and demonstrate your ethical awareness. Tailor your statement to Cambridge's unique features and emphasise your willingness to embrace the programme's challenges. With dedication and the right approach, you can create a personal statement for medicine admission that stands out and increases your chances of securing a place in the prestigious Cambridge medicine programme. Good luck with your application!

Which is better for medicine, Oxford or Cambridge?

Oxford and Cambridge are both excellent choices for studying medicine, and the quality of education at both universities is top-notch. It's essential to consider factors such as the specific program, faculty, and your personal preferences. You might want to research each university's curriculum, teaching methods, and available clinical opportunities to determine which aligns better with your goals.

Is it hard to study medicine at Cambridge?

Yes, studying medicine at Cambridge is challenging. Medicine is a rigorous and demanding field everywhere, and Cambridge is no exception. You'll have a busy schedule with lectures, practicals, and clinical placements. It requires dedication, time management, and a strong work ethic. However, the support and resources available at Cambridge can help you succeed if you're committed to your studies.

How do I get a full scholarship to Cambridge?

To secure a full scholarship to Cambridge, focus on academic excellence, early application, and a compelling personal statement medicine. Seek scholarships aligned with your field of study, gather strong letters of recommendation, and prepare well for interviews if required. Explore external scholarship options, and contact Cambridge's financial aid office for guidance. Be persistent and dedicated, as competition is high.

Can I get into Cambridge with AAA?

Getting into Cambridge with AAA can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Cambridge University is highly competitive, and they often require top grades. AAA is a good start, but it also depends on the specific course you're applying for and other factors like your personal statement, interview performance, and any additional tests or requirements. So, while AAA is a strong foundation, you should also focus on other aspects of your application to maximise your chances.

Is Oxbridge better than the Ivy League?

Comparing Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) with the Ivy League universities in the United States is tricky because they have different strengths and specialities. Both are prestigious and offer world-class education, but it depends on your field of interest and personal preferences. Oxbridge is known for its tutorial-style teaching and rich history, while the Ivy League has a broader range of universities with various strengths. Ultimately, it's a matter of which suits your academic and career goals best.

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A place for sixth formers to speak to others about work, A-levels, results, problems in education and general sixth form life, as well as university applications and UCAS.

Does anyone know the structure of Cambridge SAQ personal statement?

or maybe, if you have some examples of this personal statement, you could share them? (does not have to be PS for some specific course - I just want to see the structure and on how many aspects of the course do you recommend focusing)

but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you are this year applicant, by no chance share your personal statement here (you can give me advices tho) -- I am too afraid that someone may plagiarise it

Thank youuu

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Last minute advice on the SAQ – don’t forget the deadline on 22nd October!

The Cambridge Supplementary Application Questionnaire is required from all Cambridge applicants.  The deadline for Cambridge to receive the form is 22nd October 2021. You will know when to fill out the form as Cambridge will send an email, after you have submitted your UCAS form, asking you to fill out the SAQ online by the deadline. It is usually filled out online, although you can contact Cambridge directly for a solution if this is a problem for you.

Why does it exist?

The SAQ is designed so that Cambridge has consistent information from every applicant, beyond the details provided in the UCAS form. It also allows Cambridge to ask questions not required by UCAS, such as details of module marks in AS examinations. 

Tips from Cambridge as to what you need to have with you when you fill out the form:

– Your UCAS personal ID number – The temporary SAQ password, sent to you by email – A passport size digital photograph of you – Your BMAT registration number (if required) – Details of the units you have taken, including module marks – Details of band scores achieved. There are seven sections to the SAQ and section seven includes an additional personal statement. Whether you fill this in or not is optional. It can be a great opportunity to talk specifically about why you want to study the course you have applied for at Cambridge. Will the course allow you to develop an area of knowledge you are desperately keen to pursue? The brilliant thing about the SAQ is that only Cambridge will see it and so it can be completely tailored to the specific course for which you are applying. It really is a very straightforward process.  Just ensure you read through the instructions carefully, fill out the SAQ by the deadline, and ask Cambridge if you find anything difficult or are unsure of any aspect of the form at any stage.

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My Cambridge Application

This page is part of the Christ's College, Cambridge application support for students applying from the UK . If you are applying from outside the UK, please see the International application support in the international section .

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Within 48 hours of submitting your UCAS application , you will receive an email with log-in details for the Cambridge-specific additional for. This is called My Cambridge Application, or MyCApp and we have it because we do not write the UCAS form and we need to ask additional questions.

When you receive your log-in details and the website link, you log-in and work on your My Cambridge Application form. You can save your work and go back if you need to complete the form in multiple sessions.  

Help with MyCApp

There is help text on the form itself, and guidance on the Cambridge Admissions website to help you complete your My Cambridge Application form, as well as a helpdesk to contact with any questions. Please see your log-in email for details.


 

The helpdesk is specialised for My Cambridge Application, and so the advisers there are the best people to help if you have any queries that you have not been able to find the answer to on the My Cambridge Application Page or on the form itself (for My Cambridge Application questions please email the helpdesk rather than Christ's).  

If you don't receive a log-in email

You should receive your My Cambridge Application log-in email within 48 hours of UCAS application submission, but it is not normally immediate. If you do not receive your log-in email when you expect to, please first of all check the spam / junk / promotions folders in your email and contact the helpdesk ( [email protected] ) if you can't find it.  

Deadline: 22 October (18:00 UK time)

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We strongly advise you not to leave your My Cambridge Application form to the last minute - if you have a problem this could have serious consequences so why risk it?

If you are applying for Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering or Natural Sciences, please take into account your assessment date which is just before the My Cambridge Application deadline. TIP: We advise that if you submit your UCAS application and My Cambridge Application nice and early, this will give you space to focus on your written assessment and it will make the process much less stressful for you.

Additional personal statement

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You'll see that there's a box where you can add a brief additional personal statement if you want to. This is because your UCAS personal statement is read by all universities you are applying to and there may be things you want to say that only Cambridge reads. This is particularly relevant if there are differences in the courses you are applying to at different universities (e.g. if you are applying for Biology elsewhere but Natural Sciences at Cambridge).

If you are happy with the UCAS personal statement, don't feel that you need to complete this box - you won't be marked down if you don't write anything - it is genuinely just an opportunity to say something for students who felt limited by other universities reading the UCAS statement.

We run a called .
It runs from Spring until early August each year.

If you're reading this after August, see instead
the university-wide
It includes a Personal Statements webinar in September.

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Further information

My Cambridge Application is very similar to the SAQ that applicants previously completed - the questions are the same.

A change to be aware of: in the past one of the MyCapp questions asked you to upload a digital photograph. Please note that this no longer needed for students applying in October 2024.

Back to UK application support / Next: UK transcripts (only occasionally needed) / International application support

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SAQ deadline approaches for undergraduate applicants

Congratulations to all students who successfully submitted their application to cambridge by the 15th october deadline - but now another deadline looms. all applicants must have completed their saq (supplementary application questionnaire) by 22nd october to ensure a valid application.  .

As part of the Cambridge application process, applicants are asked to complete a SAQ to ensure the most complete and consistent information is made available. It allows us to collect information that isn’t part of the UCAS application but which is helpful when assessing applicants. This includes topics covered as part of your AS/A level (or equivalent) courses and UMS marks obtained, which helps our interviewers decide which questions to ask and, if applicable, registration numbers for admissions tests.

Once your UCAS application has been received by the University, a message regarding SAQ will be sent to the email address specified in the application. In this email you’ll be given the web address of the online Supplementary Application Questionnaire, your personal login details and a date by which you must complete it. In the majority of cases this deadline will be 22 October 2009.  

To complete your SAQ you’ll need:

- your UCAS Personal ID number 

- the temporary SAQ Password we sent you by email

- passport style digital photograph of yourself

- your BMAT registration number (if applicable)

- details of the units you have taken/are taking including the UMS results achieved so far (if you have taken/are taking modular AS/A levels)

- details of the band scores you have achieved (if you have taken Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers).   

If you have all the above information to hand and have thought about your answers to those questions requiring a comment or statement, we estimate that you could complete the SAQ in around an hour.  

You’ll find detailed guidance about completing the SAQ and a short video demonstrating the main features of the questionnaire by following the link in the side bar. If you are unable to complete the SAQ online for any reason or have any other queries regarding completion please contact Cambridge Admissions Office as soon as possible (01223 333308 /[email protected] ). 

cambridge saq personal statement example

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cambridge saq personal statement example

SAQ personal statement

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    In this video I walk through my Cambridge Application form (formerly known as the supplementary application questionnaire or SAQ) as an example, which was su...

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    a Cambridge specific personal statement. This is optional. For example, if you are applying to a course that is only offered at Cambridge, you can give information about why you want to study that course specifically; details of how your studies will be funded, if you're an international student; Completing My Cambridge Application form ...

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    Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement Example 1. Fire, the wheel, boats, book printing, electricity, engines, automobiles, planes, spaceships, wireless information transfer: engineering is determining this progress. Leading engineers are the creators of our future... Maths and Spanish Personal Statement Example.

  5. SAQ : The Supplementary Application Questionnaire

    The SAQ Personal Statement is an additional, Cambridge-specific personal statement. ... for example, so only talk about supervisions if that's going to help you tell us something new about you ...

  6. Example Cambridge SAQ || How to Write an SAQ personal statement

    Find me: ☔︎ ︎https://www.instagram.com/ro.siali/BUSINESS ENQUIRY: [email protected] me (+FAQs)Name: Rosia (李小可)Location: Cambridge, UKAge ...

  7. PDF CUSU's Guide to Personal Statements and Wider Reading

    only exists in Cambridge The Cambridge application process includes a short form called the Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ), which gives you a chance to write about the Cambridge course specifically in this, so don't worry if your personal statement feels too focussed on non-Cambridge courses; Admissions

  8. Human, Social, and Political Sciences Personal Statement Example

    Although this personal statement was mainly written with an Oxbridge application in mind, it also granted me offers to my 4 other UCAS choices, namely Durham (Combined Honours in SocSci), UCL (Social Sciences), KCL (Liberal Arts) and York (Soc and Pol Sci with Philosophy). The most important advice I would give to someone writing their personal ...

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    CollegeLAH - Contact Personal Statements. The student is currently studying Land Economy at the University of Cambridge and will be graduating in 2022. This personal statement was part of her successful application to the University of Cambridge, UCL, LSE, Durham and Warwick. My attempt to comprehend the complexity of the 2008 financial crisis ...

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    Step 4: Draft and Revise. Start drafting your personal statement, keeping it concise and focused. Aim for a compelling introduction, a clear body that addresses the key points, and a strong conclusion. Review and revise your draft multiple times to ensure clarity and coherence.

  12. Preparing and submitting your application and SAQ

    Cambridge Admissions Office Student Services Centre New Museums Site Cambridge CB2 3PT; Events: [email protected]; General admissions: [email protected]

  13. Does anyone know the structure of Cambridge SAQ personal statement?

    The Cambridge SAQ essay doesn't matter much - it's really only if you're eg applying for a course at Cambridge that isn't offered at other unis, so your PS is aimed at a different course. You don't have to write one (or much of one) if your PS has already covered the course you're applying for. 16. Award.

  14. Last minute advice on the SAQ

    The deadline for Cambridge to receive the form is 22nd October 2021. You will know when to fill out the form as Cambridge will send an email, after you have submitted your UCAS form, asking you to fill out the SAQ online by the deadline. It is usually filled out online, although you can contact Cambridge directly for a solution if this is a ...

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    There is help text on the form itself, and guidance on the Cambridge Admissions website to help you complete your My Cambridge Application form, as well as a helpdesk to contact with any questions. Please see your log-in email for details. My Cambridge Application page. My Cambridge Application helpdesk: [email protected].

  17. SAQ deadline approaches for undergraduate applicants

    Congratulations to all students who successfully submitted their application to Cambridge by the 15th October deadline - but now another deadline looms. All applicants must have completed their SAQ (Supplementary Application Questionnaire) by 22nd October to ensure a valid application. As part of the Cambridge application process, applicants ...

  18. Cambridge SAQ 'Optional additional personal statement'

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    KezM. 2. Hi, I'm apply to study geography at Clare College. My original personal statement was very specific to geography and Cambridge say on the guide to completing the SAQ that not writing anything in the additional personal stament box on the SAQ will not disadvantage your application.