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Optional Cambridge-specific Personal Statement

Hey guys! I recently attended a University of Cambridge webinar where they stated that there is an optional Cambridge-specific person statement that could be attached to the MyCambridge application. What exactly is this "optional" personal statement, what difference does it make compared to the common personal statement? Do I have any advantage if I submit one.

Note: I am applying for Natural Sciences.
Original post by harikrishsomu
Hey guys! I recently attended a University of Cambridge webinar where they stated that there is an optional Cambridge-specific person statement that could be attached to the MyCambridge application. What exactly is this "optional" personal statement, what difference does it make compared to the common personal statement? Do I have any advantage if I submit one.
Note: I am applying for Natural Sciences.

The MyCambridge personal statement is a shorter version of the UCAS personal statement and can be used to demonstrate a specific interest in your chosen Cambridge course. You will not be penalised for leaving it blank (most do), as it is optional. Those applying to more niche courses offered at Cambridge, such as HSPS and land economy, tend to benefit most from completing this section. This is because their UCAS personal statement will usually be focused on a related subject that they are applying to at other universities (e.g. anthropology for HSPS). If you do submit an additional personal statement you should not include anything that is already included on your UCAS personal statement. If you feel like your UCAS personal statement covers everything then feel free to leave it blank.
Original post by bibachu
The MyCambridge personal statement is a shorter version of the UCAS personal statement and can be used to demonstrate a specific interest in your chosen Cambridge course. You will not be penalised for leaving it blank (most do), as it is optional. Those applying to more niche courses offered at Cambridge, such as HSPS and land economy, tend to benefit most from completing this section. This is because their UCAS personal statement will usually be focused on a related subject that they are applying to at other universities (e.g. anthropology for HSPS). If you do submit an additional personal statement you should not include anything that is already included on your UCAS personal statement. If you feel like your UCAS personal statement covers everything then feel free to leave it blank.


Thanks!
Original post by bibachu
The MyCambridge personal statement is a shorter version of the UCAS personal statement and can be used to demonstrate a specific interest in your chosen Cambridge course. You will not be penalised for leaving it blank (most do), as it is optional. Those applying to more niche courses offered at Cambridge, such as HSPS and land economy, tend to benefit most from completing this section. This is because their UCAS personal statement will usually be focused on a related subject that they are applying to at other universities (e.g. anthropology for HSPS). If you do submit an additional personal statement you should not include anything that is already included on your UCAS personal statement. If you feel like your UCAS personal statement covers everything then feel free to leave it blank.

Can I add information that didn't make the cut for my common personal statement? For example, I had a paragraph dedicated to talking about my involvement in sports and arts. But this isn't directly related to course, of course.
Original post by harikrishsomu
Can I add information that didn't make the cut for my common personal statement? For example, I had a paragraph dedicated to talking about my involvement in sports and arts. But this isn't directly related to course, of course.

You could, but it would likely be a waste of characters, as Cambridge have stated that they aren’t interested in extra curricular activities. It might be a better idea to have your referee include these things in your reference.
Original post by bibachu
You could, but it would likely be a waste of characters, as Cambridge have stated that they aren’t interested in extra curricular activities. It might be a better idea to have your referee include these things in your reference.

Hmm, alright.
This is one of those "if you feel the need to ask then the answer is no" situations.

Writing about sport and art in there could actually hurt your chances rather than help them.
Original post by harikrishsomu
Hey guys! I recently attended a University of Cambridge webinar where they stated that there is an optional Cambridge-specific person statement that could be attached to the MyCambridge application. What exactly is this "optional" personal statement, what difference does it make compared to the common personal statement? Do I have any advantage if I submit one.
Note: I am applying for Natural Sciences.

I personally didn't and still got an interview, I think its more used if you fell something in your statement needs more explaining but again you could just save that for interview

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