How to write A Oxbridge / UCAS Personal Statement (for Singaporean students)

1. Personal Touch
​Who are you? What is your favorite motivational quote? How would your friends and family describe you? Would you be able to survive stranded on an island? Use these questions to think about what makes you unique and your life story.

As a Singaporean student applying to the UK to study, you should maximize your unique background,  show them your personality and your drive, and why you will help make their incoming cohort a more diverse and interesting group where everyone benefits. Use this as the central theme in your personal statement. Show the admission officer who you are and why you would be an amazing addition to the incoming intake. 

2. What makes you outstanding? Wins and Fails
​The word limit for UCAS personal statements is about 4,000 characters (around 500 words). Make it count!

Before you start, it is helpful to create a mind-map of all your achievements. Brainstorm for every little thing, big or small, and then see how you can weave them into your personal statement. The goal of listing your achievements is to show that you have transferable and valuable skills. That you would be a great student in the course and excel later in life. Be sure to explain things, don't just assume a UK university admission officer will understand "JC", "N.S." or "CCAs", a brief 1-liner description will help the reader understand what you are talking about, and what exactly you did which makes you a remarkable candidate. 

Besides achievements, you can also talk about failures and how you have overcome them. This shows that you are a tenacious individual that can overcome challenges.

3. Long-term Goals
It also shows maturity if you are able to talk about your long-term career goals and how this university degree will help you achieve them. Think about your ideal career in 5 and 10 years. How will studying this course help you get to where you want to be? And why is this your ideal career? Show that you are willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to reach your goals. Be passionate, committed and hungry for more.

As a foreign student, it also helps to bring context to your goals. The world is an inter-connected place and explaining "Why UK" will also help the university understand your goals and that you have seriously thought about where you are going in life. 

4. Powerful Start & End
Given your unique life story, what makes you an excellent candidate for this university course? The answer to this question is your central theme. Make sure you have a powerful introduction and conclusion to emphasize this.  Share a personal story or anecdote, and be memorable!
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