The Student Room Group

Academic Reference and Personal statement

Hello,

I am a prospective Oxford student and I haven't put in my application for UCAS yet. I would really appreciate if a current Oxford student on this platform would help me answer the following questions.

I am an international student with only 9s and 8s in my IGCSEs and I did foundation year and got nothing less than 90. I know that Oxford mostly accepts A-levels but in my country that was not an option. Only Foundation was an option, and I know that I can at least apply with my Foundation Year results as stated in their International students website.

Question:
What would you advice my teacher to put in my academic reference to consolidate it. And what do you think are specific features of a strong recommendation letter?

Also if you have tips on a perfect personal statement, please let me know.

I know that I have the drive and determination for Oxford and there are so many helps online for home students but little to none for International students because it is expect that out own government provides all the help we need. But people from underdeveloped countries like me aren't opportuned to have such help. Oxford is a dream that I wouldn't even dare to face until recently. I know that there is a chance if I give it all that I got. I know that they will accept me if I put in my all and I will not stop at anything to achieve this goal.

SO please answer my questionss...
Thank youuuuuu
Original post by ChristineRegin
Hello,
I am a prospective Oxford student and I haven't put in my application for UCAS yet. I would really appreciate if a current Oxford student on this platform would help me answer the following questions.
I am an international student with only 9s and 8s in my IGCSEs and I did foundation year and got nothing less than 90. I know that Oxford mostly accepts A-levels but in my country that was not an option. Only Foundation was an option, and I know that I can at least apply with my Foundation Year results as stated in their International students website.
Question:
What would you advice my teacher to put in my academic reference to consolidate it. And what do you think are specific features of a strong recommendation letter?
Also if you have tips on a perfect personal statement, please let me know.
I know that I have the drive and determination for Oxford and there are so many helps online for home students but little to none for International students because it is expect that out own government provides all the help we need. But people from underdeveloped countries like me aren't opportuned to have such help. Oxford is a dream that I wouldn't even dare to face until recently. I know that there is a chance if I give it all that I got. I know that they will accept me if I put in my all and I will not stop at anything to achieve this goal.
SO please answer my questionss...
Thank youuuuuu

What subject are you looking at applying for? Each one has its own set of criteria and so this will affect what would make a strong personal statement and a strong reference.

As general rules of thumb, Oxford cares little for extracurricular activities (i.e things you do outside of study that are not academic in nature) and so dedicating a lot of your PS to extracurriculars isn’t a good idea. However, supercurriculars (i.e things you do outside of study that are academic in nature) that are related to the subject you are applying for are VERY important, but simply listing supercurriculars you have done will do you no good. You must explain how these have benefited you academically and shown you have the skills required by the admissions criteria.

I also wouldn’t worry about not having the option to take A level courses and would imagine it’s probably not something that needs to go into your reference. Oxford understands that not all applicants are based in places where A levels are accessible and so does have separate sets of entry requirements for equivalent courses.

Another thing to consider is how ready you are for admissions tests (if there are any for your course) and interviews, since these are the make-or-break of your application. Granted, having a strong UCAS application is essential to not getting a pre-interview rejection, but you won’t get far if you underperform in the interviews and admissions tests (if any).
Wow!!! Thank you so much. I truly appreciate thiss. And I'm sorry for not stating my course earlier.

I want to study Law and am currently doing a Business with Law foundation. And I'm already preparing for the LNATs.

As for the academic reference, you said so I know now that there doesnt really have to be an explanation of the fact that I'm in a foundation because it isn't really a disadvantage. Please what would you recommend now knowing my course and position to make a very ideal recommendation letter?

Knowing my course now, can you also please provide specific tips for a strong personal statement? I hope it's not too much to ask and I deeply appreciate you responding the first time. :smile:
As I’m not a law student, I’m perhaps not the best source of advice, but I’ll see what I can do.

Admissions criteria: https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/undergraduate-selection-criteria

I would think your reference should explain how in lessons you have demonstrated the skills the admissions criteria says they are looking for. For example, you might want a paragraph to the effect of (but not worded exactly as shown - it will get flagged for plagiarism now that it’s publicly visible on TSR):

“{insert name} has demonstrated a strong understanding of, and a keen interest in the content covered in the Business and Law foundation. They have frequently demonstrated their ability to reach reasoned conclusions in class debates, clearly explaining their rationale and eagerly presenting their ideas fluently. They have also demonstrated flexibility in their approach, as they have been quick to take on board constructive feedback and in my opinion, this shows that they have an excellent academic mindset and will make them a brilliant fit for a demanding undergraduate degree in law.”

The above paragraph is effective because it uses a relevant and specific example of things the admissions criteria are looking for - a good reasoning ability, excellent communication and application. Your teachers / academic referees will already have some ideas of what to write and will likely be able to write something better and more relevant than the above example, but if in doubt, do give them the above example paragraph to model it off of (just make sure they don’t copy any of it word-for-word).

As for the personal statement, you will need to discuss supercurriculars you have done and how they’ve benefited you. For example, if you’ve joined a debating club, explain that it has made you think critically about arguments and has demonstrated you know how to deconstruct an argument. Oh, and even better yet, if there have been times where your argument has been shot down or refuted in some way, consider times when you may have gone home afterwards and maybe been prompted to do further research to better your argument or better understand the opposing argument and as a result, you’ve come across new legislation etc that has very much interested you.

I would check out this page specifically, as it is far better advice than I could have otherwise offered: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/personal-statement-advice-law
Thank you so much. This was super helpful. More helpful than you can even imagine. I wish you all the best in your studies at Oxford!!!!!😊
Original post by ChristineRegin
Thank you so much. This was super helpful. More helpful than you can even imagine. I wish you all the best in your studies at Oxford!!!!!😊

No problem. All the best for your application and fingers crossed that some more advice (this time from law students) is sent your way
Original post by UtterlyUseless69
No problem. All the best for your application and fingers crossed that some more advice (this time from law students) is sent your way

❤️❤️❤️

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