St Andrews Application Tips

I know that it's quite difficult to get into St Andrews, so any advice would be great! I'm worried my personal statement isn't good enough. I'm looking to apply for English potentially a joint honours with either History or Film Studies, Thank you!
(any general thoughts on the uni from current/past students would be much appreciated to!)

My advice is to apply to a much better university, like Edinburgh or KCL.

Any particular reason why?

St Andrews is very small, isolated, and overrated.

The fact that it's quite small is one of the reasons I'm interested in it, but I get that that's not for everyone. Why do you think it's overrated?

It ranks modestly in the QS and THES World rankings, and chases the lesser UK league tables to help mask those failures to prospective students.
A small university is more open to a power grab by narcissistic students, and thus their influence would be more difficult to escape from.

Oh okay, I didn't know that. I'm not too bothered by the rankings to be honest, other than student satisfaction and teaching, which St Andrews generally ranks highly in.
I'm a bit confused by that last part though. What makes you think small unis are run by narcissistic students? Do you go to St Andrews/ a small uni? I'm just curious why you have such a negative view!

It ranks modestly in the QS and THES World rankings, and chases the lesser UK league tables to help mask those failures to prospective students.
A small university is more open to a power grab by narcissistic students, and thus their influence would be more difficult to escape from.

I know that it's quite difficult to get into St Andrews, so any advice would be great! I'm worried my personal statement isn't good enough. I'm looking to apply for English potentially a joint honours with either History or Film Studies, Thank you!
(any general thoughts on the uni from current/past students would be much appreciated too!)

I applied to St Andrews last year (for English & History), and I’d say focus less on listing books and more on showing genuine engagement with your subject. Mention something specific you’ve read or studied that made you think differently — they love reflection and curiosity.
Also, don’t stress too much about “perfect wording” — clarity and passion go a long way. If you can link English and History through a theme (like storytelling, social commentary, etc.), that really strengthens your joint honours case.
It’s competitive, yes, but they look for thoughtful applicants more than just grades. Good luck — you’ve got this!