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Successful Personal Statement For Modern Languages At Oxford

Last Updated: 27th March 2024

Author: Adi Sen

• Modern Languages

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 Modern Languages applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Modern Languages Course at Oxford aims to teach spoken fluency in colloquial and more formal situations, as well as the ability to write essays in the foreign language, and the ability to translate into and out of the foreign language with accuracy and sensitivity to a range of vocabulary, styles and registers.

Read on to see how the candidate approached this Personal Statement. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

Enrolling on our Oxbridge Modern Languages 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.  

Modern Languages Personal Statement

France has developed a literature of unequalled richness and variety. Europeans in any age have had few thoughts, desires, or fantasies that a French writer somewhere has not expressed-it has given the Western mind an image of itself. In this sense, French literature serves as a pool in which many cultures meet. Therefore, in particular, it is French literature’s universality which interests me.

Nevertheless, I enjoy how literature provides a window into an author’s contemporary society. For example, ‘Madame Bovary’ draws us into Flaubert’s disgust for the bourgeois existence of the 19thcentury; Zola’s ‘Thérèse Raquin’ invites us into the leprous lower-depths of Paris. I am interested in how both these writers, unparalleled in their psychological clarity and narrative muscle, provide such a brutal and relentless account of their chosen subject matter: for Flaubert, the indulgent decadence of the bourgeoisie, exemplified by Emma Bovary; for Zola, the moral dankness of the murderous lovers. In addition, I have watched Kassovitz’s ‘La Haine’ and Truffaut’s ‘Les quatre cents coups’, both similar to Zola and Flaubert in their rigorous exploration of character. Focusing on social outcasts, these films act as an exposition of societal problems. ‘La Haine’ sheds light on the all-encompassing violence and cultural exclusion of the suburbs of Paris, while ‘Les quatre cent coups’ reveals the shocking injustices in the treatment of juvenile offenders. Thus, such French cinema serves to illuminate the neglected–I relish this narrative potential in the discovery of truth.

Besides these more realistic works, both my English and French A Levels have introduced me toAbsurdism.I have appreciated the works of Beckett (‘Fin de partie’, ‘En attendant Godot’) and Ionesco (‘La Cantatrice Chauve’, ‘Rhinocéros’). These tragicomedies simultaneously entertain and provoke–the reason why I found them so enjoyable and yet so powerful. To pursue this interest in Absurdism, I read Voltaire’s absurd ‘contes philosophiques’, ‘Candide’ and ‘Micromegas’. Fiction, I found, proved to be the perfect medium of expression for Voltaire’s empiricism and scepticism. Therefore, like the tragicomedies of the 20th century, I thought Voltaire’s work succeeded both as entertainment and as an accessible manifesto of his philosophical beliefs. Furthermore, I decided to follow up this interest in such ‘contes philosophiques’ by undertaking an Edexcel Extended Project, entitled ‘Ancient Influence on French Existentialist Literature’, for which I was awarded an A*. Here, I focused on why Camus, in ‘Le Mythe de Sisyphe’, Sartre, in ‘Les Mouches’, and Anouilh, in ‘Antigone’, chose to use classical themes and motifs to communicate their own particular perception of Existentialism. Despite its challenges, the more I worked at this project, the more certain I was that this is what and how I would like to study.

Moreover, I have taken an interest in symbolist French poetry. Having studied some poetry by Baudelaire (‘Les Fleurs du Mal’) and Verlaine (‘Romances sans paroles’), I have become fascinated by the crippling and contrasting emotions communicated in these poems. I now admire how the very sound of the French language can control the register of a poem and, thus, highlight its true meaning even amongst the most abstract, intangible imagery, employed by Baudelaire and Verlaine. I am intrigued by the French language in part due to this precision.

Finally, I contributed regularly to my school’s Modern Languages magazine, ‘Babel’, and have competed in ‘Les Joutes Oratoires’, a national French debating competition in which I reached the final. Through these experiences, I have begun to thoroughly enjoy communicating in French. I believe an extra language extends one’s range. It releases you from the inertia of one cultural gear–achange of perspective that I find truly enlightening and enjoyable. I will be working in Paris from January to March.

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

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Good Points Of The Personal Statement

Throughout this statement, the applicant engages consistently with a range of French texts at a very advanced level.

The applicant is able to demonstrate not only an awareness of a huge tranche of French literature but also how specific works intersect. This comparative criticism is carried out by the applicant across several different forms in a manner that is lucid and impressive.

The applicant has mentioned their personal research and is able to indicate why it is interesting and relevant. They are also able to indicate how their personal pursuits are reciprocally and beneficially related to their academic studies.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

At particular moments, this applicant veers from an academic register into an overtly formal one; a stylistic turn which, while remaining clear in meaning, is a little jarring.

More personal information would have been a welcome addition to this statement, especially since its academic calibre is so relentlessly clear throughout; the statement has the potential to be slightly breathless in its rapid consideration of big swathes of literature.

The statement could, therefore, have happily absorbed more personal information without diluting its clear academic potential.

In addition, the candidate could have taken slightly more care over their phrasing, which occasionally takes a tone bordering on reductive or patronising; a risk which is perhaps not worth taking in this context.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

The candidate effectively and efficiently communicates a level of cultural awareness which goes far above and beyond the demands of their curriculum.

They are able to demonstrate how they practically carry forward their interests in extra-curricular and academic activities. Throughout the statement, the applicant engages a muscular, academically-considered tone which is clear and authoritative.

There was room in the statement for greater personal depth and warmth, and for greater justification for some of the strong academic arguments being posed.

And there we have it – an Oxford Modern Languages Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors. 

Remember, at Oxford, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Check out our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Modern Languages application.

With our  Oxbridge Oxford Modern Languages Premium Programme we help you craft the perfect  Personal   Statement , achieve a highly competitive MLAT score and teach you how to  Interview effectively.

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Modern languages personal statement example 4.

Quite simply, I want to study languages because I love them. My motivation comes from a deep desire to experience the world in every way possible and I believe that you can only truly experience a culture in the native tongue. I think that through speaking foreign languages one can become a global citizen, thereby entering the mindset of other countries when solving global problems, such as the refugee crisis or climate change. Having a cross-cultural awareness is an invaluable tool and one which I am excited to develop further.

While in Bordeaux this year my language skills improved immensely, but I also learnt a great deal about French culture and customs. I found it interesting learning to be polite in another language as a native English speaker where we only use 'you' to address another person regardless of their relation to you. I also had the chance to go to Catalonia and I particularly liked exploring the art in the city, visiting the 'Casa Milà' and also the 'Dalí Theatre-Museum', gaining insights into the innovative design and art culture of Barcelona during the 20th century.

As well as my interest in culture, I am also really interested in linguistics. I attended a masterclass at the University of Cambridge in April, where I enjoyed a taster-lecture in Semantics, leaving with many questions about what 'meaning' actually is and how language relates to meaning. I read McWhorter's 'What Language Is'. This not only gave me a greater understanding of the topic, but also why and how languages develop, which has always been an interest of mine. I take great pleasure in seeing the differences and similarities between French and Spanish.

In order to appreciate their roots I took the initiative to teach myself Latin Language last year achieving an A* grade at GCSE. When presented with an item of new vocabulary in my studies, I enjoy the challenge of tracing it back to the derivative in Latin and I am keen to extend my learning to Portuguese or Italian. Through this experience of independent learning, I developed research and time management skills, which will enable me to be an effective university student.

Whilst my A-Level syllabus focuses mainly on discussing topical issues I very much enjoy literature and especially reading contemporary texts in the two languages, having just finished both 'L'Étranger' and 'La Familia de Pascual Duarte'. From reading these I acquired the ability to tackle and understand larger texts. I valued the insight into the history of both books, particularly of Pascual Duarte where I gained an understanding of the struggles of being a peasant in rural Spain up to the beginning of the Franco regime.

I have also begun to explore Spanish and French poetry, recently reading Machado's 'Campos de Soria' one of the generation of '98. Of Machado's work I particularly appreciate his subtle references to the mood of Spain in that particular period and his detailed visual imagery of the landscape. Of the French poets I have read my favourite has been Rimbaud, whose style of using 'impolite' words in a poetical context has made a great impression on me. There are many reasons why I love poetry, but mostly I am fascinated by the way language can be used for subtle expression of emotion and not just the functionality of conversing. Reading literature has broadened my vocabulary and allowed me to interpret the writer's message through imagery and narrative style.

Taking Mathematics alongside my languages has helped me to develop critical analysis skills and the ability to think systematically and logically, which aids deconstruction and translation of larger texts. It has also taught me resilience and to try other methods if a solution isn't immediately obvious, which will provide me with a solid foundation for my university studies. I have been helping to teach French in the junior school, where I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm and I hope to inspire younger pupils to develop the same love of languages that I have.

Profile info

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

Author's Comments

I received the following offers:

University of Exeter: ABC (firmed and got in) University of Warwick: ABB University of Bath: AAB University of Leicester: ABB University of Reading: ABB

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Modern Languages (French and Spanish) Personal Statement

Modern languages (french and spanish) personal statement.

I have been fortunate enough to spend over 1,000 days of my life in France; the country has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. The ability to communicate is a key skill in today’s world and studying an additional language is a perfect opportunity to enhance my knowledge of France and explore the new culture of Spain. I find having long conversations with friends in French particularly satisfying and fulfilling and for later business ventures I see fluency as the most vital ingredient. Having spent many holidays in both France and Spain I have found it intriguing to see how two countries that are so close have such different cultures, and I am very much looking forward to extending my knowledge of the two countries’ way of life.

My deeper understanding of the French language was honed during my term spent at Sauveterrre boarding school in South West France. There was a low tolerance for speaking English, so I discovered my passion for language while learning French history, science, maths, literature and culture. I also performed in a production of Jules Verne’s ‘Le Tour du monde en quatre-vingts jours’. As well as learning the value of independence, my French speaking and cultural knowledge improved dramatically and it was the best ten weeks of my life. I am excited to continue learning about these aspects at university. The year abroad is what I am particularly looking forward to, as I have found that immersing myself in the language has been the most productive learning tool for me. To support this I enjoy the French Literature club. Having studied Camus’ ‘L’étranger’, I was intrigued to read some of his other work. His idea of punishment being a part of the human condition in ‘Le Mythe de Sisyphe’ is a concept exemplified in Mersault’s being condemned to death. The link I drew between the two is that Mersault is like Sisyphus, the absurd hero, in the way that he looks at life in permanent indifference, wanting no more or less from his surroundings. The theme of existentialism reminded me of Bertrand Russell, whom I have studied in Philosophy, who said “I should say that the universe is just there and that is all”.

I take part in French debating club, in which one of our debates discussed the national motto, ‘Liberté, égalité, fraternité’, and whether instances such as Charlie Hebdo, where freedom of speech was disrespected, beg to question if these ideologies really underly in French society. Moreover, French laws on Islamic headdress undermines the principle of equality. Watching ‘La Haine’ proved to me further that there is segregation between the French people, undermining the aspect of fraternity. Our team take part in a debating contest next year. I have also had opportunities in a playwriting course, in which I titled my first play ‘Chateau Terrible’, inspired by my french neighbour.

I have always placed a very strong emphasis on sport, both competitively and as a way to unwind. I have taken part in the school’s 1st hockey team, I like to ski and play tennis, squash and real tennis (Jeu de Paume), but my overall love is wakeboarding. I also volunteer at a local nursery school which has taught me patience that is necessary when taking on new challenges like languages. I organised a quiz night which raised 250 pounds for a Ugandan children’s charity and additionally took part in a sponsored bike ride. I hope to visit Uganda at a later date to meet the people I have been in contact with at an orphanage there, enhancing my connection with different cultures around the world. South America has many interesting places to see like the Galápagos Islands and Machu Picchu, which have always hoped to visit.

Life is a series of interactions with people and by studying languages I hope to use these facilities in my future career, so that the business and personal opportunities I encounter can be exchanged on an equal footing and the fact that I am English does not impede my progress.

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Modern Languages Personal Statement Guide

Your personal statement is an opportunity to demonstrate to universities your motivation for studying Modern Languages (Modern and Medieval Languages, or MML, at Cambridge) and how ready and capable you are to do so. While other factors like grades and interview performance matter too, the personal statement acts as a point of reference, and universities will revert to it throughout the admissions process, so it’s important to get it right.

Often, the hardest part is getting started, since most students understandably find it difficult to distil their passion for languages into so few words, not to mention finding the time to write it! To help you know where to begin, this guide sets out the steps to take along the way, including what to include and exclude, how to begin and end, and answers to some of the more common questions students have.

• Why are Personal Statements Important?
• What Should I Include in a Modern Languages Personal Statement?  
• What Should I Avoid in a Modern Languages Personal Statement?  

Advice on How to Start a Modern Languages Personal Statement  

Advice on how to finish a modern languages personal statement  .

What Should I Avoid in a Modern Languages Personal Statement ?  

What you don’t include in a personal statement is as important as what you do. The first consideration is that you’re likely applying to more than one university, so remember not to make the personal statement about any specific institution .

The statement should be as focused on you and Modern Language study as possible, so avoid such clichés as quotations from others and don’t waste precious words trying to ‘scene-set’ at the start: be as direct and to the point as you can . Admissions tutors have a limited amount of time to read sometimes hundreds of statements, so you want to make it as easy as possible for them to understand you and your desire to study languages.

Another point to consider is how you weave your achievements into the statement : tutors don’t want to see a list of awards but will want to see them as evidence of a broader interest in Modern Languages or suitability to the degree course, so make sure you’re selective and that what you mention is relevant .

Finally, don’t lie! You must be able to back up anything you claim as true in the statement; this is especially important if you’re going to be interviewed as tutors will question you about your statement’s content in depth.

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

When you have to condense your motivation for studying languages into 4000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines of 95 characters, whichever is shorter, you have to make every word count. For this reason, you should plan what you’re going to say before you begin.

Make notes around why you’d be a good candidate, what has led you to that course, and your wider interest in the subject. When you feel you’re ready to start, it’s sometimes a good idea to begin with some of the more substantive middle content as the opening line is often the hardest to write.

When you do come to write the introduction, avoid clichés like ‘For my whole life’ or ‘Ever since I was a child’ as these are hackneyed and have been seen countless times. Instead, be succinct and go straight into what interests you most about studying Modern Languages or where your passion for languages or a country/culture stemmed from; ensure you grab the reader’s attention with something pithy but not overly dramatic .

When it comes to concluding your statement, remember to leave the reader wanting to meet you and find out more . Tutors will have several considerations when reading the statement, such as whether to invite you for an interview, make you an offer, or want to teach you for three or four years. For that reason, you should leave them in no doubt of your suitability for the course .

A good way to achieve this is to link back to your introduction which (hopefully) established your passion and motivation for Modern Languages. In doing this, you can summarise and reinforce the depth of your interest in the subject.

It’s also helpful for tutors to see what you hope to accomplish on the degree course. Naturally, they won't be expecting a detailed plan for the three years; some general hopes and aims will be enough.

• What are some Tips for Writing a Strong Modern Languages Personal Statement?
• How Long Should my Modern Languages Personal Statement Be?
• What Kind of Extracurricular Activities Should I Include in my Modern Languages Personal Statement?
• How Can I Tailor my Modern Languages Personal Statement to the Oxford/Cambridge Course?

Understandably, there’s no one-size-fits-all statement, so each is unique. An advantage of applying for MML, however, is that the degree is interdisciplinary and so the opportunity to drawn on diverse experiences is greater than for other subjects. A good approach is to write down your interests in, experiences of, and exposure to not only the language but also the culture of the country through travel, music, film, art, architecture, politics, and food. With this list to hand, writing the statement will become much easier.

It goes without saying that reading as wide a range of texts as possible, both literary and journalistic, will be very helpful for developing your knowledge and interests, but try to keep up with current affairs of your country of study through podcasts and watching the news; it helps to know what’s going on there now, not just what happened in the past. It will be impressive if you can draw parallels between historical and modern events or works of interest in the statement.

You sadly don’t have an unlimited word-count, so you have to fit everything into 4000 characters (including spaces) or 47 lines on the UCAS form, whichever is reached first.

It’s recommended you use as much of that word limit as possible in order to do justice to yourself and maximise the chances of a successful application. That said, don’t try filling space for the sake of it – make sure what you write is worthwhile.

Only include what you deem relevant to an application to study Modern Languages. The most obvious extracurricular activities constitute an engagement with the language(s) you propose to study, so travel, watching films, reading the literature, etc. Although you may be proud of your musical achievements, for example, only mention them if you can relate them to your degree course. Not everything has to be directly related to languages, however, so you could mention sport or music if these activities demonstrate your self-reliance, dedication to achieving a goal, and intellectual independence.

Whilst you cannot make your statement too specific to any one university, there are certain things you can do to ensure Oxbridge tutors know you are thinking of them.

Oxford and Cambridge languages courses have a high workload, so your statement should show how you’ve successfully juggled several intensive commitments, for example you might have won an essay prize while also getting a distinction for a school French project, or carried out prefect duties and found the time to help other students with their German.

Modern Languages at Oxford and Cambridge also put a strong emphasis on literature, so it’s a good idea to read poetry and prose in your language(s) with as wide a chronology as possible; you will be able to include this in your statement and draw on it at interview.

Moreover, as Oxford and Cambridge have very strong historical linguistics departments looking at how languages have changed over time, so this may be an area to delve into further, if that’s your thing.

Book your Modern Languages Personal Statement Package

You can contact our Oxbridge-graduate Consultants on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394 or email [email protected] to discuss our personal statement packages.  

If you’d like to know more about Modern Languages, we have admissions test guidance and interview preparation readily available.  

Our Oxbridge-graduate consultants are available between 9.00 am – 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday, with additional evening availability when requested.

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Modern Languages Personal Statement

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Personal statements for every course

Our Oxbridge tutors have firsthand knowledge of writing personal statements for a wide range of Oxbridge programmes, particularly Oxbridge Modern Languages. Tutors will assist you in writing a powerful and successful Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement, ensuring that key components are included and that you write in the appropriate tone.

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Many applicants are denied admission to the Oxbridge Modern Languages course. Why? The primary reason is that their personal statement is lacking. It can be difficult to know what to include in your Oxford Modern Languages personal statement and how to impress the admissions tutors. Watch this video to find out how we can assist you.

How Oxbridge Mind’s Personal Statement Check works

Many applicants are denied admission to the Oxbridge Modern Languages course. Why? This is because their personal statement is weak.

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Do you have no idea what to write? Send us your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement at any stage of development—first, fifth, or final. You can also tell us if you want us to focus on a certain aspect of your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement, such as word count or relevant work experience.

Our Oxford Modern Languages tutors will carefully analyse your personal statement for Modern Languages at Cambridge or Oxford and provide their evaluation of what you did well and where you could improve.

After reading our comments, you will feel energised and driven to improve your personal statement for Oxbridge Modern Languages. We invite you to contribute another draught at this step if you choose.

After making the necessary changes, you can now upload your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement to UCAS. What a sigh of relief!

Our Oxbridge Modern Languages tutors will carefully analyse your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement to ensure that it meets our high requirements.

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We will provide you with a line-by-line examination of your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement, as well as feedback on how you performed in each of the critical areas on which the Oxbridge Modern Languages admissions staff will be focusing.

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Consider the changes we suggested for your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement after reading our feedback. You are welcome to contact us at any time for additional assistance or to request another Oxbridge Modern language personal statement assessment!

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To make the most of the time you have together, your Oxbridge Modern Languages tutor will examine your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement and provide some initial comments before your one-on-one appointment.

You can discuss your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement in real-time with your teacher and receive constant feedback.

After the session, you can edit your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement at your pace and contact your tutor with any further questions.

Let’s work through an example

Reducing word count.

Your tutor can assist you in decreasing the number of words you use and refining the content to the most important elements.

Work Experience

Your Oxbridge tutor will be able to assist you in connecting your experience to your interest and love for Modern Languages.

Spelling and Grammar

We will thoroughly examine your Modern Languages PS's spelling, punctuation, tone, and paragraph structure.

Extra Reading

We will assist you in connecting books and speeches you have attended to specific modules in the Oxbridge Modern Languages Course.

Motivation for Modern Languages

In the Oxbridge learning environment, you will discover how to best communicate your reasons for studying Modern Languages.

Language Style

Your Modern Languages tutor will modify your sentence structure, tone of voice, and balance of different subtopics.

How can we improve your Personal Statement?

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Instead of merely providing basic advice, we'll go over your writing and provide personalised analysis.

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Your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement will be proofread by a team of tutors who are familiar with what Cambridge and Oxford are looking for.

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Our packages

An expert Oxbridge tutor will examine your personal statement, and all of our packages offer content, structure, and grammar analysis. Whatever option you select, you can be confident that you will have your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement within 48 hours, or your money will be refunded.

• 1 Personal Statement Check
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Send us your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement at any stage of development—first, fifth, or final. You can also tell us if you want us to focus on a certain aspect of your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement, such as word count or relevant work experience.

Step 2

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Our experts will thoroughly analyse your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement and provide their own analysis of what you did well and where you could improve.

Step 3

Write, Revise & Repeat

After reading our feedback, you will feel encouraged and driven to improve your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement. We invite you to contribute another draft at this stage if you choose.

Step 4

Submit and Relax

You can now upload your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement to UCAS after adding in the appropriate changes. What a relief, right?

Still got questions? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Frequently asked questions, i need my oxbridge modern languages personal statement check back by 24 hours can you help.

Of course! We provide an express service upon request, so when you e-mail us your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement, let us know you'd like it faster and why, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

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Unfortunately, no. As current and future professionals, doing so violates our ethical standards, thus if we are asked to do so for your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement, we will politely reject it.

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Yes, we can. Simply let us know that you'd want to reduce the word count for your Oxbridge Modern Languages personal statement, and we'll gladly accommodate you.

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Personal Statement:Modern Languages 1

I have found great enjoyment in language learning for a number of years and my passion for both French and German goes much further than the A-Level syllabus. I hope that the study of Modern Languages at university can help satisfy my appetite for the particular aspects of French and German that I find the most interesting. I have been fortunate enough to be able to learn about the German Occupation of France and the literature relating to this period; a topic that has interested me all the more through the study of books such as "Le Silence de la Mer" and "Un Sac de Billes". In German, reading the novel "Am kuerzeren Ende der Sonnenallee", set in East Germany, has motivated me to research the change in dialects during the period of German Separation. I perceive my study of two science subjects at A-Level to be a differentiating feature between many others applicants to a Languages degree. Studying these subjects promotes a different approach to the same task; the kind of logic that it encourages is certainly useful when undertaking translation exercises. The more advanced knowledge that studying them has provided me with means that becoming a translator or interpreter in the scientific field is an achievable goal.

I am very fortunate to have family who live in Germany, as I am able to spend a great deal of my holidays there. During the summer I worked in a hotel for a fortnight, which was an unforgettable experience. It gave me the opportunity to be submerged into another culture and forced me, as it were, to speak German for the entirety of my stay. It was certainly a difficult experience, albeit a rewarding one, an experience that exposed me to a different dialect of German to the one I was used. I am, at present, looking forward to the visit of a family friend from France, who is coming to stay for three months whilst she completes her work experience at a local riding school. This will provide me with the opportunity to speak a less formal and more conversational French, which is certainly a chance that I appreciate.

Being chosen as a Prefect has given me many opportunities to come into contact and help younger students in the Academy. I have been part of the Paired Reading Scheme, with which I committed a small amount of time during the week in order to help a Year 7 student become more confident with reading. This year, I will be helping students to learn how to read using the Bowring Code; a system created by a teacher at the Academy which uses colours to show letter sounds. I have found using the Code a fascinating experience and seeing its effects has convinced me of its usefulness in helping people to learn to read. The Code is also a useful implement in teaching Foreign Languages and I would hope that it is adopted on a larger scale. I was also privileged enough to be able to help a group of Year 10 Leadership and Management students improve their public speaking and debate skills. I have also worked hard to raise money the Uhuru Ministries, a charity that cares for orphaned children in Kenya. This not only has meant taking part in sponsored events, but helping with the organisation of such events and wider schools events such as the Summer Fete. Progressing to become Editor of the Academy Times has, too, been a fantastic experience. It has meant that I have become well organised and has also involved me organising a team, which I find extremely rewarding, especially when one can see the finished product.

In summary, I believe that my passion and enthusiasm for foreign languages give me the potential to succeed. I also believe that I have a great deal to give back to the institution that helps me to realise my linguistic potential.

Universities Applied To

• Cambridge - Offer received

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How to apply to an international university in the uk.

Studying at a UK university offers great academic and personal growth opportunities, but the application process can be complex. Undergraduate students apply through UCAS, submitting personal details, educational qualifications, and a personal statement. Postgraduate applicants can apply directly to universities or via UKPASS. English proficiency proof is essential, and various documents are required. Key deadlines vary, and post-acceptance steps include visa applications and health insurance.

• Register and create your application on the UCAS website
• Apply for up to five programmes, at the same or different universities in the UK
• Complete personal information
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• Write a personal statement
• Some universities may require additional tests such as the UCAT or BMAT for Medicine, or the LNAT for Law degrees
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What do English tutors look for in a personal statement?

If you're about to start drafting your personal statement, thinking about this question is a good place to kick off your thought process. Here's what a couple of admissions tutors we spoke to said...

‘A succinct and focused statement that:

• specifies the kind of books you enjoy
• details the specific aspects of literary study that appeal to you and, crucially, why
• is written in good English (naturally), using correct punctuation and uncomplicated syntax.

‘You should be specific about the texts, contexts, and critical tendencies that really excite you. We read hundreds of statements each year, but genuine passion and detail will always catch our eye.

Which texts and authors should you cover?

Do use your statement as an opportunity to discuss one or two specific writers you're interested in – and preferably one who isn’t on the GCSE or A-Level English syllabus. It's a great way of demonstrating your interests and what inspires you about the study of literature.

Be genuine. Tutors want to hear an account in your own words of those books and features of literature that you found most enjoyable. But, while you might want to try and think outside the box by picking a more unusual novelist or poem, don't be obscure just for the sake of it. An insightful, imaginative, and critical response to literature is what will impress, not what's on your bookshelf.

As Keele University says, it’s fine to talk about your wider cultural insights too, such as plays you’ve seen or pieces of journalism you’ve liked.

What else should you include?

• A strong opening – like the literary greats, you need to engage the reader from the very first line. Avoid gimmicks by keeping it specific. 'I don’t want a philosophical essay on the joys of reading, I want to know what turns you on about literature – start with that', one admissions tutor told us.
• Evidence that demonstrates you're an analytical reader – not just someone who enjoys reading. For example, University of Bristol admissions tutors want to see some evidence of your analytical approach to the books you've read, and for you to express this in a way that shows clear thinking and understanding.
• Your long-term career goals – if you have a profession in mind, do expand on this (warning: just saying you 'want to be a journalist' will make you sound like thousands of others). If you don't know what you want to do yet though, don't worry.
• Your ambitions – according to Dr Emma Bainbridge, an English Admissions Officer at the University of Kent, expanding on what you hope to achieve while studying literature, not just what you already know, will impress.

English personal statement pitfalls to avoid

• A boring opening – avoid 'I have always loved literature/reading' or 'I have always had a passion for literature…'.
• Irrelevant context – talking about the Beatrix Potter book you were given when you were six probably won’t impress.
• Overblown language – English applicants need a strong writing style, but don't go overboard. Cut lines like 'I was totally encapsulated by To Kill a Mockingbird' or 'my achievements at school were vast', and limit reaching for that 'synonyms' button.
• Cut the cheese – the University of Southampton very sensibly suggests avoiding rhetorical phrases like 'So why English and philosophy, then?' You are applying to an English department, not The Apprentice.
• Poor spelling and grammar – it is an English degree, after all!

Extracurricular interests

Most universities like to see some detail of this, but keep it interesting and brief – probably 20% maximum – and ask yourself why it’s relevant. For example, your experience listening to or coaching readers in your local primary school will probably make more impact than playing badminton.

How much you dedicate in your statement to outside interests will also depend on the kind of English degree you're applying for, or whether you're combining it with another subject.

Dr Antonella Castelvedere at University Campus Suffolk, whose degree course focuses on English language as well as literature, is looking for students to reflect on both elements, and mentions book group membership, theatre attendance, cultural projects or voluntary work in schools as examples of the kind of activities that would impress – along with anything that demonstrates inquisitiveness or critical thinking.

Put your personality into it

The English department at Royal Holloway reinforces Dr Thurston's point above about being turned off by ‘deep and meaningful philosophical statements’. The bottom line is, they would much rather read about you, your tastes in reading, your cultural activities, your aspirations, and some of your relevant personal experiences.

In summary, do try to give them a sense of your analytical approach and the breadth of your literary or cultural interests. But engage them with your passion and enthusiasm too.

Read more advice about writing your personal statement , and our English subject guide , covering courses, entry requirements, and careers.   

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