Personal Statement Workshop: Tell Your Story

Your personal statement is often your first chance to impress Oxbridge admissions tutors. Our workshop helps you craft a compelling narrative that showcases your potential.

Workshop Overview

What We Cover

Structure and flow

Opening strategies

Evidence selection

Academic passion

Avoiding common pitfalls

Format

2-hour interactive session

Small groups (max 15)

Individual feedback

Take-home resources

The Arc Method

1. Academic Focus (80%)

Show genuine engagement:

Super-curricular activities

Independent research

Intellectual curiosity

Subject-specific insights

2. Personal Touch (20%)

Add authentic personality:

Relevant experiences

Unique perspectives

Future ambitions

Why this subject

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Shopping List

❌ "I read Book A, Book B, and Book C..."

✅ "Reading Kahneman's work on behavioral economics changed how I view market rationality..."

The Humble Brag

❌ "Despite winning numerous awards..."

✅ "Participating in the Economics Olympiad deepened my understanding of game theory..."

The Generic Statement

❌ "I have always been passionate about science..."

✅ "Discovering the elegance of Maxwell's equations during a thunderstorm made me realize..."

Workshop Structure

Hour 1: Foundation

Personal statement purpose

Oxbridge expectations

Structure masterclass

Opening paragraph workshop

Hour 2: Refinement

Peer review exercises

Individual consultations

Editing strategies

Final polish techniques

Success Framework

Before Writing

Brainstorm genuinely interesting experiences

2. Identify your unique angle

3. Research your course thoroughly

4. Read successful examples

While Writing

Show, don't tell

2. Be specific and detailed

3. Demonstrate critical thinking

4. Link experiences to subject

After Writing

Read aloud for flow

2. Check for clichés

3. Verify evidence

4. Get expert feedback

Real Examples

Strong Opening

"The moment I realized that mathematics could model the spread of rumors through a social network, I understood its power extended far beyond abstract calculations."

Effective Evidence

"Creating a Python simulation of predator-prey dynamics for my EPQ revealed the delicate balance in ecological systems and sparked my interest in mathematical biology."

Workshop Outcomes

Participants will:

Complete a first draft

Receive personalized feedback

Understand Oxbridge expectations

Gain confidence in their narrative

Registration Information

Next Sessions:

January 20: STEM focus

January 27: Humanities focus

February 3: All subjects

Investment: £79 (Arc members: £59)

Duration: 2 hours

Format: Online via Zoom

Bonus Resources

All participants receive:

Personal statement checklist

50 example openings

Subject-specific guides

30-day email support

Testimonials

"The workshop transformed my messy draft into a coherent story. I finally understood what admissions tutors actually want to see." - Lisa, History, Cambridge

"Getting feedback from Oxbridge alumni was invaluable. They spotted issues I never would have noticed." - Tom, Engineering, Oxford

Reserve Your Spot

Limited spaces available. Join us to craft a personal statement that truly represents your potential.