Oxbridge applicants 2018 part 3

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

Looks like we need a new thread.

We are at one big plastic box, one ikea bag and one large rucksack at present. I suspect a second ikea bag will be needed.

Woohoo! At last DS has had communication from Durham and been allocated a college. 😁

Excellent!

dd hasn't heard from hers yet, apart from a letter on the first day, but it's still ages away we've decided.

Step hope he is happy with his allocation.
Now he can join in college chats!!

Good news STEP

I still haven't resolved the toaster issue - I've just been nagging DS to find out for sure - it's not listed as equipment in the kitchenette but then again the kids might not be allowed them anyway. It's really nice to be worrying about small things rather than big things IYSWIM

I have also (for the last 10 days) been nagging DS to get the result of the one STEP paper he took. Finally he got around to it today. He got a 1 but not an (s). I think this is like an A- is it? Anyway definitely deserving of a bar of chocolate.

A 1 is a super result! Well done to your ds :)

DD has finally had some paperwork via the online portal.
She has now officially filled in her room preferences (I thought she'd already done that bit!) and will be told which accommodation she'll be in by 14th September!!
Still ages away!
She has also signed and sent back college and university contracts, doctors forms etc though, so that feels like progress at least.

It does seem her college is lagging behind most of the others according to the dc on her course group chat.

Thanks Wannabebetter. DS had just got the booklet and we could found the info you mentioned. Really appreciate.

I am not sure if he has joined the FB groups of Catz, would remind him. Thanks again!

My advice is never to look at anyone else's personal statement before your own is handed in, it's a terrible idea.

My DS in not doing English but I would echo what Goodbye has said. Has to be personal. Get your DT1 to explain to you why they want to study the subject so much and what books etc they have most enjoyed and what they have discovered through their reading etc. Personal motivation is what counts. Also don't let your DT1 overwork the statement as it will lose the essence of them!

The only absolute rule DD was told was to avoid the word 'passion'. but yes, personal.

Yes - demonstrate passion but never use the word!

My three History DC never looked at any personal statements belonging to anyone else either before or after the event - I don't think it's a History versus English thing, probably just to do with individual teachers or the fact that fewer students at your DCs' school have got places for English/ were prepared to share what they wrote.

A school friend of one of my DDs wrote her personal statement for English (Oxford admittedly), with the separate paragraphs each in the style of a particular author that she liked. She did get a scholarship after her first year exams, so perhaps that's an idea....

I'd say your DT is correct about the phrasing and crafting.

Are these 'successful' examples actual personal statements submitted by former students? The school might consider the section on the UCAS website relating to 'similarity' (a very good reason not to look at other people's PSs before yours is submitted, I would have thought - much easier not to plagiarise, even inadvertently, if you haven't seen what you might plagiarise, so to speak):

To prevent similarity in personal statements, we:
• screen all personal statements across our Copycatch database
• assess the results of our screening, and flag those above a predetermined threshold
• automatically generate a colour-coded transcript if the level of similarity is above 10%
• automatically send emails (links to the transcripts) to flagged applicants and their
choices
• liaise with a network of plagiarism correspondents across universities and colleges
• play no part in the decision-making process, which is down to individual universities and
colleges
• warn you of the risks if you fail to provide a personal statement of your own work
• inform you about what we do, and why we do it

www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/filling-your-application/fraud-and-similarity

Yes MarchingFrogs and also, don't Oxford and Cambridge value independence of mind etc too?

Coleoptera please don't be scared, just be wary. There is no one perfect Personal Statement and yes I do think your DT is probably overthinking it - easy to say when you have come through other side!!

Also coping with 2 Oxbridge applicants at same time takes some doing!

All I'm really saying is relax and tell your DT to try to relax. Definitely toss aside other personal statements for starters. Not trying to be mean at all but it's so easy to tie yourself in knots which is counter-productive.

For English, it's crucial that the PS shows really wide, elegant use of vocab and outstanding ability to express her opinions. She'll need to show that she has explored widely beyond the texts studied for A level. Discuss how interest and knowledge has increased through any relevant extra curricular (eg National Youth Theatre; Oxford Online courses in relevant subjects, literary summer schools, interning at a site of literary interest etc) Mention any national essay prizes and creative writing awards, explaining what insight creative practise has given to analysis of texts. Showing an appreciation of various fields of literary criticism and particular interest in a couple (saying why they appeal) would also help, as would any proven interest in etymology, linguistics, Old English etc.

DD is headed to Oxford later this month to read English.
Her PS showed her love of literature and showed how the books/poetry that she had read had influenced her to read more and what she was excited about - Harry Potter as a start but lots more. Don't use the word passion but show passion and intellectual curiosity and don't worry about the PS being perfect.

I'm just popping into thread to quietly mention that DD was given a booklet of successful PS examples, for a range of subjects, when she attended the UNIQ summer school in July, some of which containing the 'p' word.

Although, her draft does not.....