English degree personal statement example (1r) Cambridge offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

The world and its inhabitants are a constant source of fascination for me. Every aspect of humanity intrigues me, and I have a particular interest in exploring the paradoxes and contradictions inherent in the human condition. Nowhere are these presented more powerfully or forcefully in my view than in the world of Literature.

It was a book full of these apparent contradictions that piqued my interest in literature. I first discovered ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ almost four years ago, and although many of the subtler concepts such as the question of art’s supervenience to morality were lost on my thirteen year old self, I appreciated enough of the adroit interweaving of exquisite sensual imagery and elements of the traditional gothic tale for it to inspire in me a hunger for words that has yet to be satiated.

My A-level English Literature course has given me the opportunity to further diversify the range of books I enjoy and has allowed me to develop my burgeoning interest in American Literature that was first ignited by Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’. William’s richly descriptive plays and their critiques of the modern man are a testament to how Literature has the power to paint a damning portrait of the society we live in both elegantly and insightfully. My particular interest in literature of social criticism has lead me to read well beyond the demands of my A-level course and in recent years I have developed eclectic tastes devouring almost everything I can lay my hands on, from Kesey’s ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ to Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’. I am currently reading ‘On the Road’, and due to Kerouac’s experimental, spontaneous writing style it is already proving a challenging and thoroughly compelling read. I delight in immersing myself in a variety of different genres, and the elegant simplicity of the ‘Lucy’ poems and their pastoral setting holds as much appeal to me as the unreliable narrative in ‘Lolita’.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

My A-level English Literature course has given me the opportunity to further diversify the range of books I enjoy and has allowed me to develop my burgeoning interest in American Literature that was first ignited by Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’. William’s richly descriptive plays and their critiques of the modern man are a testament to how Literature has the power to paint a damning portrait of the society we live in both elegantly and insightfully. My particular interest in literature of social criticism has lead me to read well beyond the demands of my A-level course and in recent years I have developed eclectic tastes devouring almost everything I can lay my hands on, from Kesey’s ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest’ to Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’. I am currently reading ‘On the Road’, and due to Kerouac’s experimental, spontaneous writing style it is already proving a challenging and thoroughly compelling read. I delight in immersing myself in a variety of different genres, and the elegant simplicity of the ‘Lucy’ poems and their pastoral setting holds as much appeal to me as the unreliable narrative in ‘Lolita’.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I truly enjoy performing onstage, and played a leading role in our college production, and Northern Ireland premiere of ‘Parade’. Beyond the classroom, I am an active participant in the First Call Drama group, which has resulted in the completion of a Performing Arts unit of a Diploma of Progression, which demonstrate that I am able to remain focussed on my academic studies regardless of other activities. I play clarinet, and have taken part in the Ulster Youth Training Choir as a result of which have been away on two residential weeklong courses, both of which I enjoyed immensely. These musical activities, as well as my duties as a prefect, have instilled a degree of discipline in me that should surely aid in my studies.

I strive to be as good as I possibly can in everything that I do. My focus and drive and the commitment I invest in every one of my activities are qualities that I know will prove invaluable to me at undergraduate level and I look forward to the challenges of life at university, especially given my love for every facet of my chosen subject.

Universities applied to:

• Cambridge
• Leicester

Grades achieved:

• English (A2) - A
• Biology (A2) - A
• Mathematics (A2) - A
• Physics (A2) - B

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

Need help with your personal statement? You can ask a question or get feedback from The Student Room community (and our trained personal statement experts) on the personal statement advice forum.