The Best Personal Statements Begin with These 2 Sentences (Oxbridge Examples)

Summary

In this educational video, Shane, a qualified doctor and neuroscience supervisor at Cambridge and Oxford, reveals a simple yet effective strategy for crafting personal statements that have helped students gain admission to top medical schools. He emphasizes the importance of a strong introduction, focusing on motivation and engagement, and provides examples of successful personal statement openings. Shane is developing a personal statement masterclass on Skillshare, offering a free trial and a complimentary personal statement guide. The video aims to guide viewers on setting the scene about the subject and the applicant's personal story, ultimately enhancing their application's impact.

Takeaways

• 👋 Shane introduces himself as a recently qualified doctor and neuroscience supervisor at Cambridge and Oxford.
• 💡 Shane emphasizes the importance of simple yet powerful sentences in personal statements.
• 📘 Shane is developing a personal statement masterclass on Skillshare, which will be available for free using a two-month trial.
• 🎯 The introduction of a personal statement is crucial for grabbing attention and should focus on motivation and engagement.
• 🏆 Motivational sentences should explain why the subject is worth studying and demonstrate passion for it.
• 📝 Engagement sentences should highlight personal experiences and activities related to the subject.
• 🌍 Examples provided show how students successfully used these strategies to get into top-ranking medical schools.
• 📚 Shane breaks down the structure of effective introductions into two steps: setting the scene about the subject and setting the scene about oneself.
• ⚙️ The examples show various ways to demonstrate motivation, such as discussing academic interest and personal opportunities.
• 💼 Engagement examples include volunteering experiences and work placements that inspired the students to pursue medicine.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to demonstrate the effectiveness of two simple but powerful sentences in crafting a compelling personal statement for medical school applications.

Who is the speaker in the video?

The speaker is Shane, a recently qualified doctor and neuroscience supervisor at Cambridge and Oxford University.

What is the significance of the introduction in a personal statement?

The introduction is the most important part of a personal statement as it is the front-facing, attention-grabbing segment that sets the tone for the rest of the application.

What are the two main pillars of a strong personal statement introduction according to Shane?

The two main pillars are motivation and engagement, which are used to set the scene about the subject and about the applicant.

What does 'setting the scene about the subject' mean in the context of the introduction?

It means explaining the main reason for wanting to study the subject and defining why it is an important and worthwhile field of study.

Can you provide an example of a sentence that sets the scene about the subject?

An example is: 'In medicine, I see a purposeful and versatile vocation, yet what I love most is its fusion of a scientific call with a philanthropic heart.'

What does 'setting the scene about you' entail in the introduction?

It involves discussing personal experiences or activities that demonstrate engagement with the subject, such as volunteering or work experience.

How does the speaker suggest linking motivation and engagement in the introduction?

The speaker suggests a two-step process where the first step sets the scene about the subject and the second step dives into personal engagement with the field.

What is the role of the 'creation story' in a personal statement introduction?

The 'creation story' is a specific event or experience that inspired the applicant to pursue medicine, adding authenticity and a personal touch to the introduction.

How does the speaker recommend using the word 'love' in the introduction?

The speaker recommends using the word 'love' to express passion for the subject, as seen in the example sentence provided.

What is the importance of showing projection in the introduction?

Showing projection indicates that the applicant has deeply considered whether medicine is the right path for them, demonstrating a thoughtful and resolute decision.

How can the introduction be structured to flow well into the main body of the personal statement?

The introduction should clearly outline motivation and engagement, setting up a coherent narrative that naturally leads into the work experience section or other relevant parts of the personal statement.

What is the significance of using passionate words throughout the introduction?

Using passionate words helps to convey the applicant's enthusiasm and commitment to the subject, making the introduction more compelling and memorable.

What additional resources does the speaker offer to help with personal statement writing?

The speaker offers a free personal statement guide and mentions a personal statement masterclass on Skillshare, available for free with a two-month trial.