1. Pick a course and focus on it. Investigate it, read around the subject, be curious. 2. Show don’t tell - show your passion for your subject through extra reading, work experience, watching talks/documentaries/lectures. 3. Cut down personal statement to focus on quality academic experiences. 4. Debate your subject with an experienced individual - interview prep. Talk through your thought process. 5. Do past papers in timed conditions, analyse where you went wrong and how to improve!
I was really impressed by the love letter’s metaphor，but then I realised that PS is still different from love letter. If you can wave in a sentence or two on how that other subject helped you with the subject you are applying，that would be nice. Whereas saying another person teached you how to love this person in a love letter doesn't help ：D
Hi, I'm hoping to apply for English Language and Literature at Oxford. Do you have any advice specifically on how to write the opening sentence or paragraph of a personal statement in a way that isn't cliched?
I think the problem with general 'formulas' for writing or preparing for your personal statement is that is sometimes doesn't apply to arts subjects (i.e. in this video you mentioned to discuss your topic with an expert, read articles, or answer questions surrounding the subject), and therefore it usually ends up with English and other language and Arts students left reflecting their opinions a lot more than their knowledge. Just a thought, since I know your expertise is in the sciences. Thanks for making this video so well structured, still very helpful!
hey I applied for Uni & started foundation yr & got support by Student Finance ,2019 : I only had one repeat unit from foundation yr paid by me, 2020: I change my course from b.mangmt to HR , now Student finance not paying for the course, what should i do? @thestudentroom
Honestly speaking, how do oxbridge view students with 3 A levels? I know on the websites it shows how the requirements are 3 A levels, but s that realistic if you want to study medicine?
Hi Jamie, I am current high school junior from Connecticut, USA. I have been thinking about applying to Oxford for the past year or so, but I am wondering if I have any chance of getting in as an international student. If I did apply, I would pursue the PPE course, as I am very passionate about political philosophy, government, and international relations. I do not have my results for my AP exams and SATs yet, but if all goes according to plan I will fit the requirements for those scores. My question for you is whether or not I stand a chance in the application process, and if I do, how can I make my application more compelling to the program? This is specifically because I am not very interested in economics, although I understand the importance of studying it for the field I am looking to go into.
Hey Eleanor, sorry you didn't get a response for this. I can offer you my 2 cents if you'd like. There are many international students studying in the UK, many of whom are studying at Oxford or Cambridge, so you being an international student shouldn't pose too much of an issue as far as admissions chances are concerned. To make your application compelling to the program I recommend you write in depth about supercurriculars, which is wider exploration of the subject you're applying for. For example, read some books about philosophy, politics and economics if possible and write about them in your personal statement. A piece of advice I will give to you given that you're an American student is that the UK admissions systems place FAR less weight on extracurriculars than the US. UK universities want to know about your interest in your subject, and are less interested in the sports you play or (even worse) some sob story, which is apparently quite common to place in US admissions essays (if you think something has adversely affected your education, this should go in an extenuating circumstances form, not your personal statement). If you want to write about extracurriculars (so the sports or instruments you're playing) feel free to write it, you won't be penalised, but understand it won't put you at any advantage. With that in mind, I would recommend not talking about extracurriculars for more than 25% of your personal statement. If you have any more questions about applying for UK universities don't hesitate to ask :)
How important are extracurricular activities? I'm not doing many because I'm from a small village where there aren't opportunities for my passions and I don't have the money for sports and other interesting hobbies. My German GCSE equivalent is great and I hope that my A-levels will be too.
HI Jamie, I'm applying for PPE Oxford this Autumn and I have several questions that need your help: 1. Which subject should I drop? Chemistry or History? My AS Chemistry result is higher than His but I absolutely dislike Chem. If I drop History, will EPQ on PPE pay off the lost of 'essay-based subject'? 2. Which TSA revising book did you buy? I saw hundreds of them on Amazon and getting really confused what to buy? Thank you so much for your help,
What other subjects are you taking? And I used 'Thinking Skills' by John Butterworth, which you can pick up for £0.48 second-hand. Double check that it is still relevant, however.
I would ask myself which one has the best teacher? which one do I enjoy the most? which one am I likely to get the highest grade in? And then make your decision off that. EPQ does sound like a nice balance, as History is considered more 'serious' than Politics A level. You would also have the TSA to demonstrate your essay writing skills.
Im thinking of applying to PPE do I have a good chance academically A Levels: Maths(A*) History(A*) politics(A) Economics(A) And an EPQ on the impacts of political philosophy on the socio-economics of state?
Princess Chi he’s just trying to find a way to boast his grades and one of those grades are at as level but he didn’t say that so really hes just chatting shit
Hi Jamie, I'm currently in the process of applying to study English lit and language at Oxford. I attend a public school in South London, where no one has ever even applied to Oxbridge, therefore, there is a very small amount of support available to me. I was just wondering if you could reccomend any resources or anything really, that would help my application process in any way? Thanks!
Would I stand a chance for PPE at Oxford with 7As and 3A*s at GCSE? My alevels are predicted to be higher (AA*A*) but I don’t know if I’ve already considerably reduced my chances with my GCSEs
Mr Mills, how are you? I'm an Albanian student who's is applying to Oxford this Autumn for ComSci. My situation is similar to what yours was as in if I get in I might be the only one of my country to do so. Now I have no doubts about my subject. I have ben taking part in my National Olympiad in Informatics for two years now and this year I won Gold medal (second absolute place ) and have represented Albania in the Balkan Olympiad in Informatics 2016. I have taken the SAT Subject tests and I'll take the SAT this October. Now given that I can write a good personal statement and do well in the interview, do you think I can get in and win a scholarship (I'll apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship). No Albanians in the past 5 years have gotten in. Also if you have any advice, please don't spare them; it's not like I have too many.Thank you for your time.
Rrofsh plako. Edhy ty pac fat. Problemi im me i madh eshte sigurimi i fondeve pasi edhe nese fitoj ndonje burse jo te plote nuk mund ta perballoj. Nese ke ndonje informacion qe mund te me vlej, do te isha shume mirenjohes.
Prudator they look at them. but its not the be all and end all if yours arent that good but you would need fantastic as ums and a really strong overall application to compensate. it also varies per subject. but you would still have a chance. at oxford you would have no chance.
I would think it is worth applying because you may just be a late bloomer. Should you get a wry strong score in your application exam for PPE (so like 45 or above out of 50 in the multiple choice and a very strong essay) then they will definitely not mind about the GCSE results and will probably give you an interview provided everything else is strong. Although, be aware that PPE at Oxford is the hardest course to get into, and all courses to get into are exceptionally hard to do so.
They may prefer if you did more than just 3 A levels however if your essays in the application are strong, along with a very strong overall application, I am sure they will consider you and potentially offer you a place dependant on interview. GCSE results also matter.
Hi I want to do masters in English and literature. I live in Pakistan. And I would need a fully funded scholarship to do that. I need your help in this regard. thanks.
Sara Aibar you'll have to look for scholarships but they dont have any grants anymore and they dont have fully funded scholarships they only pay for half of your tuition fees i wouldnt recommend going to england as it is extremely expensive especially for a pakistani student i would recommend other universities in europe like netherlands maastricht and groningen its cheap and 95% people over there speak english and im guessing the course would be easiet
They HAVE scholarships that are full-cost cover. Just check websites carefully and you will find out that Cambridge and Oxford are very generous with scholarships.
Do you think I could apply for medicine at oxford if I achieved 6A*'s, 6A's 2B's and a distinction in additional maths at GCSE, I've only recently started my A levels and I'm taking physics, maths, biology and chemistry...?
![Asking Students "How To Get Into OXFORD UNIVERSITY?" | [Street Interview]](/img/n.gif)
1. Pick a course and focus on it. Investigate it, read around the subject, be curious.
2. Show don’t tell - show your passion for your subject through extra reading, work experience, watching talks/documentaries/lectures.
3. Cut down personal statement to focus on quality academic experiences.
4. Debate your subject with an experienced individual - interview prep. Talk through your thought process.
5. Do past papers in timed conditions, analyse where you went wrong and how to improve!
Great advice from a vlogger who really knows what he is talking about.
Am I the only one intrigued by his range of perfect metaphors 😂
Haha normally I get the feedback that they are too much :)
His metaphors are used widely by a lot of advisors but I am not sure if they are originated from him
Wow! What a great video. This is applicable not only to Oxbridge apps, but to applications to most things!
He is explaining as if he is my brother!Thank you so much. These are golden tips!
Not only are your videos informative, but also entertaining and cute. A pleasure to watch, really.
Ur advices are completely no-nonsense and on point and direct....GOD KNoWS for HOW LONG havr I been waiting for it!!!
He used more metaphors in 11 minutes than I have my entire life.
I was really impressed by the love letter’s metaphor，but then I realised that PS is still different from love letter. If you can wave in a sentence or two on how that other subject helped you with the subject you are applying，that would be nice. Whereas saying another person teached you how to love this person in a love letter doesn't help ：D
Thank u m8, nice boost of motivation 4 me
Good luck to everyone with their interviews
you look like my favorite singer.. Aluna George#
I havent even done my GCSEs but I want too do ppe too
Your background music is a bit intimidating mate, great video nevertheless
Who references should be given?
Please can you advise on how to approach questions on Wittgenstein for an interview? Best wishes, Naeem
Hi,
I'm hoping to apply for English Language and Literature at Oxford. Do you have any advice specifically on how to write the opening sentence or paragraph of a personal statement in a way that isn't cliched?
awesome.
I think the problem with general 'formulas' for writing or preparing for your personal statement is that is sometimes doesn't apply to arts subjects (i.e. in this video you mentioned to discuss your topic with an expert, read articles, or answer questions surrounding the subject), and therefore it usually ends up with English and other language and Arts students left reflecting their opinions a lot more than their knowledge.
Just a thought, since I know your expertise is in the sciences. Thanks for making this video so well structured, still very helpful!
he studied PPE… that’s not science
But I love sapphires...
How to start a personal statement. Like whats going to be the first lines of the very first paragraph ?
read some samples online!
leave it till the end, do the bulk first
hey I applied for Uni & started foundation yr & got support by Student Finance ,2019 : I only had one repeat unit from foundation yr paid by me, 2020: I change my course from b.mangmt to HR , now Student finance not paying for the course, what should i do? @thestudentroom
Honestly speaking, how do oxbridge view students with 3 A levels? I know on the websites it shows how the requirements are 3 A levels, but s that realistic if you want to study medicine?
Hi Jamie :) Thanks for great tips! Would it be possible to send you a draft of my personal statement for you to have a quick look at? Best, Jemima
Iam from Kenya and ilove Soo much and it is my dream to making gaudes in different types but I don't afford that much money to pay for my course
Hi Jamie,
I am current high school junior from Connecticut, USA. I have been thinking about applying to Oxford for the past year or so, but I am wondering if I have any chance of getting in as an international student. If I did apply, I would pursue the PPE course, as I am very passionate about political philosophy, government, and international relations. I do not have my results for my AP exams and SATs yet, but if all goes according to plan I will fit the requirements for those scores. My question for you is whether or not I stand a chance in the application process, and if I do, how can I make my application more compelling to the program? This is specifically because I am not very interested in economics, although I understand the importance of studying it for the field I am looking to go into.
Hey Eleanor, sorry you didn't get a response for this. I can offer you my 2 cents if you'd like. There are many international students studying in the UK, many of whom are studying at Oxford or Cambridge, so you being an international student shouldn't pose too much of an issue as far as admissions chances are concerned. To make your application compelling to the program I recommend you write in depth about supercurriculars, which is wider exploration of the subject you're applying for. For example, read some books about philosophy, politics and economics if possible and write about them in your personal statement.
A piece of advice I will give to you given that you're an American student is that the UK admissions systems place FAR less weight on extracurriculars than the US. UK universities want to know about your interest in your subject, and are less interested in the sports you play or (even worse) some sob story, which is apparently quite common to place in US admissions essays (if you think something has adversely affected your education, this should go in an extenuating circumstances form, not your personal statement). If you want to write about extracurriculars (so the sports or instruments you're playing) feel free to write it, you won't be penalised, but understand it won't put you at any advantage. With that in mind, I would recommend not talking about extracurriculars for more than 25% of your personal statement. If you have any more questions about applying for UK universities don't hesitate to ask :)
How important are extracurricular activities? I'm not doing many because I'm from a small village where there aren't opportunities for my passions and I don't have the money for sports and other interesting hobbies. My German GCSE equivalent is great and I hope that my A-levels will be too.
You live in Germany
supra-curricular activities are more important, eg. reading books around your subject. extracurricular activities like sport are less important
HI Jamie,
I'm applying for PPE Oxford this Autumn and I have several questions that need your help:
1. Which subject should I drop? Chemistry or History? My AS Chemistry result is higher than His but I absolutely dislike Chem. If I drop History, will EPQ on PPE pay off the lost of 'essay-based subject'?
2. Which TSA revising book did you buy? I saw hundreds of them on Amazon and getting really confused what to buy?
Thank you so much for your help,
What other subjects are you taking? And I used 'Thinking Skills' by John Butterworth, which you can pick up for £0.48 second-hand. Double check that it is still relevant, however.
I take Maths and Politics beside that. I'm currently using 'Thinking Skills' anw.
I would ask myself which one has the best teacher? which one do I enjoy the most? which one am I likely to get the highest grade in? And then make your decision off that.
EPQ does sound like a nice balance, as History is considered more 'serious' than Politics A level. You would also have the TSA to demonstrate your essay writing skills.
Chu Giang Anh Nguyen did you get in?
Im thinking of applying to PPE do I have a good chance academically
A Levels: Maths(A*) History(A*) politics(A) Economics(A)
And an EPQ on the impacts of political philosophy on the socio-economics of state?
You have a chance
Princess Chi he’s just trying to find a way to boast his grades and one of those grades are at as level but he didn’t say that so really hes just chatting shit
I can only see one academic subject. You need at least three
Hi Jamie,
I'm currently in the process of applying to study English lit and language at Oxford. I attend a public school in South London, where no one has ever even applied to Oxbridge, therefore, there is a very small amount of support available to me. I was just wondering if you could reccomend any resources or anything really, that would help my application process in any way?
Thanks!
jamoemills.com/oxbridge
Would I stand a chance for PPE at Oxford with 7As and 3A*s at GCSE? My alevels are predicted to be higher (AA*A*) but I don’t know if I’ve already considerably reduced my chances with my GCSEs
Of course! They are fantastic grades, you just have to focus on your Alevel study and ace the admissions test
Mr Mills, how are you?
I'm an Albanian student who's is applying to Oxford this Autumn for ComSci. My situation is similar to what yours was as in if I get in I might be the only one of my country to do so. Now I have no doubts about my subject. I have ben taking part in my National Olympiad in Informatics for two years now and this year I won Gold medal (second absolute place ) and have represented Albania in the Balkan Olympiad in Informatics 2016. I have taken the SAT Subject tests and I'll take the SAT this October. Now given that I can write a good personal statement and do well in the interview, do you think I can get in and win a scholarship (I'll apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship). No Albanians in the past 5 years have gotten in. Also if you have any advice, please don't spare them; it's not like I have too many.Thank you for your time.
Yes, sounds like you're quite exceptional at your subject :)
Good luck, dhe un per te njejten deg po aplikoj vetem qe jetoj ne angli :p. Pac fat ;)
Rrofsh plako. Edhy ty pac fat.
Problemi im me i madh eshte sigurimi i fondeve pasi edhe nese fitoj ndonje burse jo te plote nuk mund ta perballoj.
Nese ke ndonje informacion qe mund te me vlej, do te isha shume mirenjohes.
Rigers Ura, Me sa di un, mund te aplikosh ne tiran per burs jasht shetit, kam 10 vjet ketu keshtuqe skam shum advice :p
What u r doing after studying PPE? Plz guide me....
Is it worth applying to oxford for a PPE course if your Alevels are excellent but gcses are poor for example 2As 6Bs 2Cs?
No. Oxford put a big emphasis on your GCSE's. Cambridge may be a better suit purely from a statistical perspective, provided your UMS is high at AS.
Prudator they look at them. but its not the be all and end all if yours arent that good but you would need fantastic as ums and a really strong overall application to compensate. it also varies per subject. but you would still have a chance. at oxford you would have no chance.
I would think it is worth applying because you may just be a late bloomer. Should you get a wry strong score in your application exam for PPE (so like 45 or above out of 50 in the multiple choice and a very strong essay) then they will definitely not mind about the GCSE results and will probably give you an interview provided everything else is strong. Although, be aware that PPE at Oxford is the hardest course to get into, and all courses to get into are exceptionally hard to do so.
Hello,is it for me to enter Cambridge Law with 3 Alevels and those subjects being Lit,Econs and Law?
They may prefer if you did more than just 3 A levels however if your essays in the application are strong, along with a very strong overall application, I am sure they will consider you and potentially offer you a place dependant on interview. GCSE results also matter.
Hi I want to do masters in English and literature. I live in Pakistan. And I would need a fully funded scholarship to do that. I need your help in this regard.
thanks.
Sara Aibar you'll have to look for scholarships but they dont have any grants anymore and they dont have fully funded scholarships they only pay for half of your tuition fees i wouldnt recommend going to england as it is extremely expensive especially for a pakistani student i would recommend other universities in europe like netherlands maastricht and groningen its cheap and 95% people over there speak english and im guessing the course would be easiet
beastkay byt
Thank you :)
They HAVE scholarships that are full-cost cover. Just check websites carefully and you will find out that Cambridge and Oxford are very generous with scholarships.
Do you think I could apply for medicine at oxford if I achieved 6A*'s, 6A's 2B's and a distinction in additional maths at GCSE, I've only recently started my A levels and I'm taking physics, maths, biology and chemistry...?
lol yes you can apply donut.
Medicine is so competitive, usually it’s required straight A*’s
sanjana babu What are your A level scores now? Did you get accepted?
14 GCSEs...?
Thanks tsr it's coolkitkat23 here
bojack!!!!!
Is Jamie Indian?
Sadie Oagile yadaanno!?&#
Sadie Oagile He is half of a quarter Indian. his great grandfather was Indian.
ankush datta So 1/8th Indian?