University of Cambridge Personal Statement Mentor

[GCH.project]

Hello! My name is Florence and I am a Postgraduate student studying Theology, Religion and Philosophy at The University of Cambridge.

Having completed my Undergraduate degree in Social Anthropology and Sociology with first-class honours at The University of Manchester, I know that the first step of actually getting to Uni can often be the most gruelling and complex. This year that is likely only to be intensified, as Covid-19 disrupts learning and complicates student-teacher interactions.

But I also know how just a small amount of guidance can make a huge difference. Sometimes we just need a little nudge- an outsider's perspective- to help us funnel our thoughts and present our ideas: succinctly, concisely and persuasively.

For the last six or so months, I have been working for a charity called Causeway Education as a paid personal statement e-tutor. The Sutton Trust, on behalf of Causeway, conducted national research with admissions tutors at the top Universities in the U.K. to understand what makes the best personal statements. From this, they produced a detailed structure and training programme to equip experienced students like me with the essential skills and knowledge to help Sixth Formers create the best UCAS application they can, to get the University place they want.

Taken from their website-

"Research from the Sutton Trust found that teachers? views about what makes a good personal statement were not consistent with admissions tutors? views (HE Access Network and Jones, 2016). This suggests that the advice and guidance that some young people receive at school may not reflect what admissions tutors want to see. These findings are supported by a growing evidence base demonstrating both the positive and negative effects that teachers and schools can have on the university application process (Oliver and Kettley, 2010; Donnelly 2015; Dunne, King and Ahrens, 2013)."

You can read more about Causeway here- https://causeway.education/

Since this programme, I have been helping both students funded by Causeway / The Sutton Trust and other, "private" students with their applications to a wide range of Universities in humanities-based courses, ranging from History to Anthropology; Sociology to Psychology; Sociology to Theology and Religion.

In my own experience, I was lucky enough to be sent by my own (state) school to Oxbridge applicant preparation classes where I was introduced to a whole new way of learning which went beyond the A-Level syllabus. We engaged with theorists and their primary sources, developing key analytical skills and ultimately learning to come to our own academic judgements based on the material.

These skills are emblematic of the academic learning environment and, through my mentor training and personal experience, I have learnt it is these skills and attitude towards learning that academic tutors want to see shine through in personal statements, when applied to the humanities.

I am aware the Oxbridge deadline is rapidly approaching (15th October) and may be able to offer assistance to prospective Oxbridge students at such a short notice if they desire. Alternatively, I have space to help students with their personal statements over the coming months, irrespective of University choice but within the Humanities.

Investment begins at ?20/25 to look over a personal statement and return with feedback, but I also offer more comprehensive packages if you desire to work with the feedback and submit multiple drafts as they develop, prices negotiable. I can also work more closely with students as a mentor to develop and discuss ideas, as well as assist with the personal statement writing process.

CV and references / testimonials available on request.

Please drop me an email [email protected] or [email protected] to discuss further.

Thank you and best wishes,

Florence

[GCH.project]

Anyone interested let me know !