Did I mess up my personal statement?

I am trying to apply for Linguistics & Spanish courses. In my personal statement I mentioned multiple different types of Spanish media I enjoyed: podcasts, books, short stories, movies, and poetry. I explained each specific media with what its contents were about. Was that a bad approach? I already turned in my UCAS app :frown:

Reply 1

username3731912

21

I'm no expert on personal statements, let alone those based on languages, but I don't think it seems to be a bad approach. You discussed areas you're interested in, why would that be bad?

Reply 2

jmrami

OP

8

Original post by anonymous1231231

I'm no expert on personal statements, let alone those based on languages, but I don't think it seems to be a bad approach. You discussed areas you're interested in, why would that be bad?

I thought the commentary on the media you presented had to be more about your perspectives and arguments on them, but I did more of a summary on each item.

Reply 3

username3731912

21

Original post by jmrami

I thought the commentary on the media you presented had to be more about your perspectives and arguments on them, but I did more of a summary on each item.

...So you literally just described everything? Did you not say things like this interested me because...?

Reply 4

xEmilyxx

17

The personal statement is used to give a summary and a taster of some of your current ideas on things, and in your case, this should be the ideas and personal views on the things you've read or watched or listened to. As you've just summed up what you've looked at it certainly will make your personal statement weaker than what it could be, but by no means is it the end of the world.

Reply 5

jmrami

OP

8

Original post by xEmilyxx

The personal statement is used to give a summary and a taster of some of your current ideas on things, and in your case, this should be the ideas and personal views on the things you've read or watched or listened to. As you've just summed up what you've looked at it certainly will make your personal statement weaker than what it could be, but by no means is it the end of the world.

I'm sorry if I'm freaking out so much, I'm just an American that applied to Oxford so I don't know if I can afford a weaker personal statement :frown:

Reply 6

xEmilyxx

17

Original post by jmrami

I'm sorry if I'm freaking out so much, I'm just an American that applied to Oxford so I don't know if I can afford a weaker personal statement :frown:

It may be an issue then but there's no reason to worry when its out of your hand. Wait until offers get sent back. You can always reapply next year.

Reply 7

Sinnoh

22

Original post by jmrami

I'm sorry if I'm freaking out so much, I'm just an American that applied to Oxford so I don't know if I can afford a weaker personal statement :frown:

Personal statement is a relatively low priority for Oxford, I hear. Besides, if one aspect of your application is weak it's usually not a problem. Actual academic performance will be a much bigger factor.

Reply 8

jmrami

OP

8

Original post by anonymous1231231

...So you literally just described everything? Did you not say things like this interested me because...?

I did but not in depth

Reply 9

jmrami

OP

8

Original post by Sinnoh

Personal statement is a relatively low priority for Oxford, I hear. Besides, if one aspect of your application is weak it's usually not a problem. Actual academic performance will be a much bigger factor.