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How to write strong academic/application essays and how coming to Oxbridge Summer Scholars can help you develop this skill!
- Matthew Gausden
- Jan 31
- 17 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Why do high school students find essay writing difficult?
Most international students who apply to UK universities study either international A levels or the International Baccalaureate. Both programmes offer the opportunity (or in the case of the IB, the requirement) to write one extended essay. The IB Extended Essay and the Extended Project Qualification (worth half an A level) are both excellent preparation for the sort of research project that you will be asked to write once you start university.
However, for many students, these long-term research projects may be the only substantial essay that they will have to write in their last two years of high school. This is particularly the case for students who study mathematics and the sciences. These subjects often do not require essays at all. Even if you are a student of humanities subjects, you are often only required to write short practice examination essays rather than more extended pieces of writing. It is therefore a culture shock for students starting university (and especially those accepted at Oxford or Cambridge) when they find that the lecturers expect them to know how to read a lot of material quickly, digest it and write a well-structured essay showing critical thinking ability. For A level students studying sciences who do not attempt an EPQ the shock is all the greater!
It is therefore understandable that the idea of writing an essay can be challenging for even the brightest high school student. The IB EE and the EPQ do provide excellent opportunities to develop research skills, improve time management, learn how to structure a substantial essay, and tackle, perhaps for the first time, systems of referencing, or footnoting, your work. However, both the EE and the EPQ share features that makes them different from writing essays at university. They are prepared and written over an extended period of time, with a lot of guidance. So, excellent as they are, they do not prepare you well for your first term at university when suddenly you are thrown into extensive book lists and challenging essay titles, with very little guidance or support from the lecturers.
The other important essay that you need to write in your last year of high school is the application essay. For college entrance in the US you will need to write the Common Application essay. For the UK, the personal statement essay that has been written by students for many years, has recently been replaced in the UCAS application by a piece of writing in three paragraphs.. Although it is no longer strictly speaking an essay, it is in effect a very similar exercise which requires you to write a short essay showcasing your engagement in ‘supercurriculars’ - that is in activities relating to your chosen degree subject. This exercise differs in one significant way from a standard academic essay. It is expected to contain personal reflection, a feature not usual in academic work.
How can attending Oxbridge Summer Scholars help you with your essay writing?
At Oxbridge Summer Scholars we have developed a unique project which will help you develop both your academic writing skills and your personal reflection skills, thereby preparing you both for your UK university application and for the essay writing that will be required of you once you start university. Our project is also very useful for student applying to US universities which require the writing of essays with a more personal and original approach. In the following pages you will find information on how to write a good personal statement essay, and how coming to Oxbridge Summer Scholars can provide you with both evidence of your supercurricular interests and guidance on how to write an effective personal statement essay. We will also touch on why writing the Oxbridge Summer Scholars project is great preparation for the intensive essay-writing demands of top UK universities.
The OSS guide to the personal statement essay
What is the point of the personal statement essay?
Top UK universities receive far more applications than available places, which means competition can be tough. Your academic record and grade predictions are key, but your personal statement is where you have the opportunity to set yourself apart from other students.
A strong essay allows you to:
Showcase your personality – Numbers and grades can only say so much about you. Your essay gives you a voice and helps admissions officers understand who you are beyond your transcripts.
Demonstrate your engagement through supercurriculars– Whether it’s science, literature, engineering, or research, your essay should make it clear why you’re excited about the subject and how you have pursued learning about your subject outside the classroom.
Highlight your critical thinking skills – Writing a thoughtful and well-structured essay demonstrates your ability to express ideas clearly, which is an essential skill for any academic setting.
Make a lasting impression – A well-written, engaging essay can stick in the minds of the admissions team and make them more likely to remember your application.
What admissions tutors look for
Now that you know why the essay is important, the next step is understanding what admissions officers and tutors actually want to see. While different programmes may have specific requirements, most admissions officers look for a combination of the following elements:
Clear motivation – Why do you want to study this particular subject? Your essay should showcase your deep interest in the subject you had decided to apply for.
Genuine enthusiasm – A strong essay is personal, authentic, and provides evidence of what you have already done above and beyond classroom study to make you a suitable candidate for the degree programme you have chosen to apply for.
A connection to your future goals – How does this programme fit into your academic or career ambitions? It can be useful to mention this, but you should avoid sounding as though you have a career path all mapped out.
Strong writing and clarity – Your essay does not need to sound like a university thesis, but it should be well-structured, easy to read, and free of basic grammar mistakes.
Personal insights and experiences – The best essays aren’t generic; they share personal experiences, reflections, or moments that shaped your interest in the subject.
Admissions officers aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for students who are curious, motivated, and ready to make the most of the opportunity. If your essay reflects these qualities, you’re already on the right track.
What should you write about?
Once you understand why the essay is important, the next challenge is figuring out what to write about. This is where you can share personal experiences that shaped your interest.
Think about:
● Was there a defining moment that sparked your passion?
● Have you done projects, competitions, or extracurricular activities related to this field?
● How do you see yourself applying this knowledge in the future?
💡 Example response approach:"I still remember the first time I visited a historical archive on a school trip. Seeing centuries-old documents and realising how much history is preserved in small details made me want to study history beyond what we learn in school. This programme’s focus on primary source research is exactly what I need to develop my analytical skills and understand history in a new way."
How to show your motivation and genuine interest
The best essays are authentic, specific, and personal.
✔ Use real examples – Don’t just say you love physics; explain how you built your own model rocket or solved a tricky physics problem that fascinated you.
✔ Avoid generic statements – Saying “I love science” is too broad. Instead, write about what aspect of science excites you and why.
✔ Be honest – If you’re exploring a new subject, don’t pretend to know all about it. Admissions tutors do not expect you to be an expert in a subject you have not studied yet. They appreciate honesty, humility and curiosity to learn more.
💡 Example response approach:"Although I’ve always enjoyed writing, I never considered pursuing creative writing seriously until I took part in a short story competition last year. The challenge of crafting a compelling narrative made me realise how much I love storytelling, and I now wish to pursue a degree programme that enables me to both study literature and develop my own writing skills.
Key takeaway:
A great essay isn’t just about listing achievements — it’s about telling your story. Whether you’re passionate about science, literature, or research, your application should reflect your curiosity, enthusiasm, and readiness to learn.
How to structure your personal statement essay? (step-by-step guide)
Once you know what to write about, the next challenge is organizing your ideas into a well-structured, engaging essay. A strong essay isn’t just about good content — it’s also about clear structure and logical flow.
Most application essays follow a three-part structure:
Introduction – Capture the reader’s attention and introduce your main idea.
Body paragraphs – Explain your motivation, experiences, and how they connect to the programme.
Conclusion – Leave a lasting impression and reinforce why you’re a great fit.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Introduction: how to grab attention from the start
Your introduction is the first thing admissions officers will read, so it needs to be engaging, clear, and to the point. Avoid starting with generic statements like:
❌ “I am excited to apply for this degree because I love science.”
Instead, try something that immediately draws the reader in, such as:
✔ A personal anecdote – A short, relevant story from your life.
✔ A thought-provoking question – Something that makes the reader curious.
✔ A powerful statement – A bold or surprising fact that connects to your topic.
💡 Example opening paragraph:"The first time I dissected a frog in biology class, I was both fascinated and slightly horrified. But as I examined its tiny heart, I realised that understanding how living organisms function is what excites me the most. That is why I have chosen to study biology at university.
This introduction grabs attention by starting with a personal moment, followed by a natural transition into the student’s motivation.
Body paragraphs: explaining your motivation and experience
After the introduction, the body paragraphs should build on your main idea by explaining:
Why you’re interested in the subject
How this interest has developed over time
Why this particular degree programme is the right fit for you
Each paragraph should focus on one key point and include specific examples to support it.
💡 Example body paragraph structure:
Topic sentence – A clear sentence that introduces your point.
✔ "My interest in artificial intelligence began when I took part in a coding competition at my school."
Supporting details – A real-life experience or achievement that backs up your point.
✔ "I worked with a team to design an AI chatbot, and although our project wasn’t perfect, the experience made me eager to learn more about machine learning."
Connection to the degree programme – Explain why this degree is the ideal next step for you.
✔ "This degree programme’s focus on AI development will allow me to deepen my knowledge and gain hands-on experience in a field I’m passionate about."
This approach keeps your essay focused and engaging, rather than just listing achievements without context.
Conclusion: leaving a lasting impression
Your conclusion is your final opportunity to reinforce your enthusiasm and leave the admissions team with a strong impression. However, it should be very brief and not repeat the body of your statement.
Key takeaway:
A well-structured essay makes your application more engaging, easier to read, and more persuasive. If you follow this simple framework — a strong introduction, focused body paragraphs, and a compelling conclusion — you’ll have a much better chance of making a lasting impact on the admissions team.
What to include to make your personal statement essay convincing?
A well-structured essay is important, but what you put into it matters even more. Admissions tutors are not just looking for students who meet the academic requirements — they want to see applicants who are curious, motivated, and eager to make the most of the programme.
To make your essay truly convincing and memorable, focus on the following key elements:
Personal stories and unique experiences
One of the best ways to stand out is by sharing personal stories that reflect your passion and personality. Admissions officers read hundreds of applications, and many of them sound alike. Instead of writing a generic essay, bring your story to life by describing a specific moment that shaped your interest in the subject.
Ask yourself:
✔ When did I first become interested in this subject?
✔ Was there a specific moment or experience that deepened my curiosity?✔ Have I faced any challenges or obstacles related to my academic journey?
💡 Example:
❌ “I have always been interested in space science.” (Too generic)
✔ “I remember the exact moment I decided I wanted to study space science. I was eleven years old, watching a live broadcast of a Mars rover landing with my father. As the first images of the planet’s surface appeared, I was fascinated by the idea that one day, I could contribute to such discoveries.”
By sharing a real story, you make your essay more engaging and personal, helping the reader connect with you.
Concrete examples of achievements and interests
Many students make the mistake of listing their achievements without explaining why they matter. Instead of just stating what you’ve done, show how your experiences have shaped you.
When discussing achievements or interests, use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and dedication.
Ask yourself:
✔ Have I taken part in competitions, projects, or extracurricular activities related to this subject?
✔ Have I contributed to any group projects, clubs, or initiatives?
✔ Have I worked on independent projects or research?
💡 Example:
❌ “I enjoy programming and have taken coding classes.” (Too vague)
✔ “Last year, I built my first mobile app — a time management tool for students. I coded it from scratch using Python and Java, and after weeks of testing, I successfully launched it in my school community. Seeing my classmates use it to organize their homework was incredibly rewarding.”
By showing what you have done rather than just stating it, your essay becomes more authentic and persuasive.
How to show that you’re ready to learn and grow
Admissions officers aren’t just looking for students who are already experts in their fields — they want applicants who are excited to learn, challenge themselves, and grow.
Even if you don’t have a long list of achievements, you can still write a strong essay by demonstrating your willingness to develop your skills and knowledge.
✔ Show curiosity – What questions do you want to explore in this programme?✔ Show open-mindedness – Are you excited to learn from others and experience new ways of thinking?
✔ Show growth mindset – Have you faced setbacks or challenges and learned from them?
💡 Example:"Although I’ve always been interested in engineering, I only recently started exploring robotics. I built my first small robot last month, and while it didn’t work perfectly, I learned more from my mistakes than I expected. I am eager to take my interest in robotics to the next level."
This approach highlights potential, curiosity, and determination, which are all qualities admissions officers love to see.
Key takeaway:
To write a convincing personal statement essay, don’t just list achievements — tell a story, give concrete examples, and show your eagerness to learn. If you can do this effectively, your essay will stand out and leave a lasting impression on the admissions officer.
Common mistakes in personal statement essays and how to avoid them
Even the most motivated students can make mistakes when writing their summer school application essays. Some errors make your essay sound generic and forgettable, while others can make it unclear or unconvincing. The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to spot and fix.
Below are the most common errors — and how to avoid them.
Overused phrases that fail to impress
Admissions officers read hundreds of essays, and many of them contain the same predictable phrases. While it’s tempting to use common expressions, they don’t make your application stand out.
🚫 Overused phrases to avoid:
❌ "Ever since I was a child, I have loved science."
❌ "I am passionate about learning."
❌ "This programme will help me achieve my dreams."
✅ Better approach:Instead of using clichés, show your enthusiasm through specific examples and personal experiences.
💡 Example:
❌ "I have always been interested in coding." (Too generic)
✔ "I became fascinated by coding when I built my first website at age 14. At first, I struggled with JavaScript, but after weeks of trial and error, I finally created an interactive homepage. That experience taught me the value of problem-solving, and I want to continue developing my coding skills in this programme."
This version is more personal, engaging, and memorable — exactly what admissions officers are looking for.
Grammar and writing style errors
Even if your ideas are strong, poor grammar and unclear writing can weaken your essay. Admissions officers expect clear, well-written responses that are easy to read and free of errors.
🚫 Common writing mistakes to avoid:
❌ Long, complicated sentences – Keep your sentences clear and to the point.
❌ Repetitive words and phrases – Don’t repeat the same ideas multiple times.
❌ Too formal or too casual tone – Write in a natural, academic style without sounding robotic or overly informal.
❌ Spelling and grammar mistakes – Always proofread before submitting.
✅ How to fix it:
✔ Read your essay out loud – This helps catch awkward phrasing.
✔ Ask a teacher, mentor, or friend to review it – A fresh set of eyes can spot mistakes you might have missed.
✔ Use grammar tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor – These can help identify basic errors and improve clarity.
💡 Example:
❌ "I have always been interested in physics because physics is a subject that I enjoy and physics helps explain the world around us." (Too repetitive and awkward)
✔ "Physics fascinates me because it helps explain the world in ways that are both logical and surprising. From the laws of motion to quantum mechanics, I love discovering how scientific principles shape our everyday lives."
Key Takeaway:
A great essay is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Avoid overused phrases, vague answers, and writing mistakes, and focus on clear, engaging storytelling with specific examples.
Using quotes or literary references
Using quotes or literary references can sometimes strengthen an essay, but only if they are relevant and meaningful. Avoid adding quotes just to sound impressive.
🚫 When NOT to use quotes:
If they are overused clichés ("The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today." – F. D. Roosevelt")
If they replace your own thoughts instead of supporting them
If they don’t add depth to your argument
✅ When to use quotes or literary references effectively:
When they connect directly to your story or academic interest
When they support your personal insights rather than replace them
When they come from a source that truly inspires you
💡 Example:
✔ “In 1984, George Orwell describes a world where information is controlled, and history is rewritten. Reading it made me realise how powerful narratives are in shaping reality — something I hope to explore further in my study of philosophy.”
If you do use a quote or literary reference, always explain why it matters to you rather than just inserting it into your essay.
How Oxbridge Summer Scholars prepares you to write your personal statement essay
Attending OSS provides you with evidence of your supercurriculars
The most important aspect of your personal statement essay is the evidence you provide that you have taken your learning a step further than simply learning what you have been taught in class. You can do this by showcasing academic work you have read, reflecting on lectures you have attended, or describing research essays and projects you have written. Attending an Oxbridge Summer Scholars course will provide you with all the material you could possibly need to show how you have taken your learning to the next step.
The pre-reading set by your specialist tutors will enable you to access and discuss scholarly material that you can cite in your personal statement essay
The seminars, lectures and tutorials you attend will provide you with examples of up-to-date research that you can cite in your personal statement essay
The project we require you to write will encourage you to dive more deeply into your favourite topics providing you examples of research you have undertaken that you can discuss in your personal statement essay.
The OSS project provides you with a truly unique opportunity to develop your academic and reflective writing style
Writing your OSS project offers you a unique opportunity to practise the skills you need for your personal statement essay.
We require you not just to explore topics of interest to you, but to think critically about the material you have read, and the class discussions you have participated in and to reflect on what you have gained from the experience - ideal preparation for the personal statement.
Your essay will be reviewed by a specialist tutor who will provide you with constructive critical feedback, which you can apply when writing your personal statement essay.
How Oxbridge Summer Scholars prepares you for writing essays at university.
As discussed above, the IB Extended Essay and the EPQ are invaluable exercises in developing research skills over an extended period. However, when you reach university, especially if you are accepted to Oxford or Cambridge, you have to develop a very different approach to essay writing. You need to be able to read a lot of material, digest it, and use it to write an essay in a matter of weeks (or even days at Oxbridge). The Oxbridge Summer Scholars Programme is designed to offer students as close as possible an experience to that of being an undergraduate at Oxford or Cambridge.
You will be taught in lectures, seminars and tutorials/supervisions ie in very small group settings
You will be required to write a 3000 word essay in little more than a week.
You will be expected to do your own research on the subjects you choose to write about, taking you beyond what you have read for the seminars.
You will be expected to use an officially accepted referencing style such as Harvard or MLA. The former uses the style of author and date of publication in brackets in the text. The latter uses a traditional footnoting system.
You will be expected to write using formal academic writing style,
You will need to structure your essay clearly and to show evidence of reflection and critical thinking.
Your essay will be read and commented upon by a specialist in your subject area. This will provide invaluable constructive criticism, enabling you to improve your academic witing skills in the future.
Admission by interview. Why the interview is so important for admission to Oxford and Cambridge and – why Oxbridge Summer Scholars uses interviews to select students for its programmes.
For entrance to most top UK universities for most subjects, decisions made by Admissions officers are based solely on grades in exams and the personal statement essay and school reference. However, Oxford and Cambridge still both use the centuries-old tradition of personal interview.
Why is this the case?
It is only by personal interview that one gains direct access to the way in which an applicant thinks. listens and responds.
Any written essay system can be open to cheating. To some extent this has always been the case. Parents and teachers can help students write essays,.
In the modern world, the possibilities of cheating are multiplied. Students can cheat by downloading essays from the internet, or by using AI.
When a student faces a tutor one to one, either in person or on a zoom call, it is possible to identify immediately a student who can think for themselves, solve problems creatively and answer questions honestly.
The interview also reveals how well a student listens, how open they are to the views of others, and how teachable they will be.
This is why in our opinion the individual personal interview will always have a place in the Oxbridge selection process.
That is why at Oxbridge Summer Scholars we guarantee to interview every applicant online.
How Oxbridge Summer Scholars selects students without an essay
At Oxbridge Summer Scholars, we believe that a strong candidate is more than just words on a page. Instead of an essay, we conduct a one-on-one interview with each applicant — a unique approach that sets us apart from most other summer schools.
During this interview, we evaluate applicants based on:
✔ Academic achievements and coursework – A strong academic record demonstrates dedication and ability.
✔ Extracurricular involvement – We value students who actively seek out learning opportunities, whether in clubs, competitions, or personal projects.
✔ Personal motivation and intellectual curiosity – We want students who are genuinely excited about learning and ready to engage in challenging discussions.
✔ Communication and critical thinking skills – The ability to express ideas clearly and confidently is an essential skill for future Oxbridge students.
Why we use interviews instead of essays
We believe that a personal conversation provides far more insight than a written statement. An interview allows us to truly understand each student’s personality, ambitions, and readiness for the programme. Unlike an essay — where students can edit and refine their responses — an interview gives us a real-time impression of their enthusiasm, thinking process, and ability to engage in academic discussions.
How the interview benefits you
Beyond being part of our admissions process, our interview is also a valuable experience for you as a future student. At Oxbridge and other top universities, interviews are a key part of admissions. By going through our selection process, you get the chance to:
✔ Practice your interview skills – Gain confidence in speaking about your interests, achievements, and ambitions.
✔ Learn to articulate your thoughts clearly – Develop an essential skill for university applications, internships, and future careers.
✔ Experience what it’s like to engage in an academic discussion – Many of our interview questions encourage critical thinking, just like Oxbridge-style tutorials.
Why this matters for you
Oxbridge Summer Scholars seeks highly motivated students who are eager to challenge themselves academically. If you’re ready to engage in thought-provoking discussions, tackle advanced coursework, and learn from world-class instructors, this programme could be the perfect fit for you.
Want to learn more?
Explore the application process and available programmes here:
