10 Top Tips For Cambridge MML Personal Statements Writing
Your Cambridge personal statement supports your application to study at a university or college. It’s a chance for you to articulate why you’d like to study Modern and Medieval Languages. It should also show what skills and experience you possess that show your passion for Modern and Medieval Languages (MML).
By summing up specific skills and experience that makes you perfect to study at Cambridge University, you’ll be able to prove your suitability and convince the Cambridge MML admissions tutors to read on. In fact, a well written Modern and Medieval Languages personal statement can mean the difference between standing out from the crowd and your application being rejected. To help guide you through the process, our Cambridge MML application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips. This also includes everything you should do and not do for your Modern and Medieval Languages Personal Statement for the Cambridge 2024/25 application cycle.
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The MML Cambridge course is hugely flexible and offers a broad and multifaceted approach to the study of language and culture. Students can pursue their interests in many areas. This includes Italian Renaissance art to contemporary Brazilian cinema as well as medieval German folk tales or socialist realism in Stalin’s Russia. Cambridge MML also includes options in linguistics, such as the historical and cognitive dimensions of the languages you’re studying.
All MML Cambridge students study two languages. One of which can be learnt from scratch (the exceptions being French and Latin, for which A Level/IB Higher Level standard is required). Most of the language classes are run by native speakers.
Cambridge University has a large and diverse Faculty which consists of six sections. Its members are also internationally renowned experts in their fields. In the Guardian University Guide 2022 , Cambridge came second for modern languages and linguistics.
All applicants for Cambridge MML are required to take a written assessment if shortlisted for an interview. You will not need to register in advance for this assessment. Furthermore, the Cambridge college you have applied to will provide details directly to you. For more information click here .
Top 5 Tips for a Cambridge Modern and Medieval Languages Personal Statement
1. tell your story..
Outlining the reasons as to why you want to study Modern Languages, at Cambridge along with relevant experience and skills for the subject, will be how you get the MML Cambridge admissions team to notice your university application. Some ways to do this include thinking about your plans for the future, any extra-curricular work you have done, as well as why what got you interested in a niche course like Modern and Medieval Languages.
2. What makes you suitable .
In your Cambridge personal statement, you must demonstrate what sets you apart from all other students applying for a Modern and Medieval Languages degree. What skills and relevant experience do you have that will make you a suitable student not only for your degree, but also to be an MML Camrbidge student? Do you know any other languages? Have you been visiting different countries and immersing yourself in their country or learning about their history? Make sure to reflect upon relevant experiences here.
3. Read around the subject you’re applying for .
Students who demonstrate that they have extra-curricular experience are more impressive than those who do not. The course is varied and interest in art, film, history, or travel and importantly, languages are all good ways to display your passion for the course. Apps like ‘ Rosetta Stone ’, or experience studying or working abroad are useful and practical ways to demonstrate your interest to Cambridge MML admissions tutors. Click here for reading suggestions.
4. Proof read & read aloud your work .
Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it, check it and check it again! Useful people to ask to proofread your work include a teacher in the field, a current Cambridge student, and a student who is studying Modern and Medieval Languages. By allowing people to take a look at your statement, they would be able to pick up mistakes or name improvements that you may have missed.
5. Why Modern and Medieval Languages .
Why have YOU decided to study Modern Languages? Since it is a niche subject, use this chance to demonstrate what piqued your interest to begin with- whether it was a trip abroad, music or art, or anything else. Consider the careers this degree will present to you. Most students end up working abroad in varied careers, such as investment banking, fashion and international relations, according to the Cambridge website.
Top 5 things to AVOID for your Cambridge Modern and Medieval Languages Personal Statement
1. writing a list of achievements ..
Make sure each point you list is relevant and backed up by evidence. It will be better to pick some key points or experiences and expand on what you learnt from them. This will show the Cambridge MMLadmissions tutors that you have reflected on your experiences, and that you have some insight into what a career in Modern and Medieval Languages would entail.
2. Don’t write anything that isn’t true .
Don’t exaggerate. You may be asked to provide evidence of your stated achievements, or if you are interviewed you may be asked detailed questions about things you’ve mentioned. It will reflect poorly on you if they ask you questions on a scenario you have exaggerated or made up and are unable to answer.
3. Copying someone else’s personal statements .
Don’t plagiarise. Do not copy someone else’s UCAS personal statement or use something you have found on the internet. UCAS uses software to check every personal statement for plagiarism. Not only will you be caught, but it will make your personal statement seem less authentic if it has been copied.
4. Not reflecting on or justifying your point .
Write succinctly and explain points without repeating yourself. Expand on how you’ve acquired certain skills and why they’re important. Examples for Modern and Medieval Languages include academia and people skills. Remember, quality is always better than quantity- it’s better to expand on a few points than to list every point you can without going into detail.
5. Don’t sound unprofessional .
Steer clear of slang, clichés and quotes. It will sound repetitive to MML Cambridge admissions tutors to hear about how students are “passionate” about their subject or that they have a “thirst for knowledge”. Write about your personal experience with your Modern and Medieval Languages journey, and allow the Cambridge admissions tutors to do the rest.
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When you apply for a postgraduate course, you may be asked to write a personal statement, a statement of interest, or answer questions on topics like your:
- reasons for applying
- experience and achievements
- career aspirations
What you need to provide
Check the application information on your course page to find out what you will need to provide in your application.
Make sure you read any guidance on the course page or department website about what to include in your statement or answers.
Tips for writing a statement
Once you know what you need to provide, you should start to prepare your responses.
Always make sure you:
- start writing in plenty of time and do not leave it too late
- check the character or word limit in the Applicant Portal
- do your research. Find out what your course covers and think about how that can shape your statement or response to a question
- think about why you want to do your course and how it can help you to achieve your goals
- put a plan together for longer answers or statements
When it’s time to write:
- include relevant examples of your experience, do not just cram everything in
- do not repeat information
- be honest about your achievements and experience
Depending on the course you’re applying to, you may also be asked to write a research proposal.
Read our tips on preparing your research proposal .
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Is there anything that I should be reading / watching / doing in preparation for my application?
It’s always a good idea to explore your subject before you apply to study it at degree level, after all you want to be sure that it’s a subject that you are intellectually curious about and will enjoy! There are many different ways to explore your subject; reading, watching foreign language films or documentaries, visiting exhibitions, listening to podcasts are just some examples. Pre-university students interested in the field of linguistics can find many useful written and video resources at All Things Linguistic: Resources for high school teachers and Proto-linguistics: 6 ways to do linguistics in high school . Harvard psycholinguist Steven Pinker also has a number of excellent introductory videos online, such as this presentation on linguistics as a window to understanding the brain.
What are the entry requirements for your courses?
For MML, HML and Linguistics the typical offer is A*AA for A-levels. The typical offer for International Baccalaureate is 41 points total, with 7,7,6 in the Higher Level subjects. Remember that for MML you need to offer at least one language at A-level or equivalent. For HML some Cambridge Colleges require History A-level or equivalent. There are no required subjects for Linguistics.
How many people apply each year?
MML - approximately 400 HML - approximately 90 Linguistics – approximately 95
How many students start the course each year?
MML - approximately 160 HML - approximately 25 Linguistics - approximately 30-35
How do I apply for a place?
When you apply to Cambridge , you don’t apply to the university, but to one of the 29 Colleges that admit undergraduate students; note that three Colleges are for mature students only (aged 21+ when starting the course) and two are only for those who identify as women. Currently, all Colleges admit students for MML and HML. All Colleges except one (St Catharine’s) admit students for Linguistics.
Colleges are much more alike than different – they all offer three years of accommodation for their students, have libraries, cafeterias, social spaces and sports facilities and support their students’ academic progress and welfare needs. There are many reasons to choose a College and they are based on personal preferences: do you want to be in a larger or smaller College; do you want be to in the hustle and bustle of the city centre or a quieter, more peripheral College; what facilities for sports/music/cooking does the College have; what are the accommodation arrangements? You don’t have to choose a College, but can make an ‘open’ application, where you are assigned to an undersubscribed College, which from that point on handles your application as if you had chosen it.
I am an international student. Where can I find out about the application process for me?
For more information on applying from overseas, please see here: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-students
Will my choice of College affect my chances of being offered a place?
No. All Colleges participate in the Pool system, which acts as a moderation system and allows strong applicants at oversubscribed colleges to be offered places at undersubscribed Colleges.
Does it matter that there is no Fellow (lecturer) in my language at the College that I’m applying to?
No, not all Colleges have Fellows in all the languages offered in MML or HML, especially the ‘smaller’ subjects such as Italian, Russian or Portuguese. Similarly, not all Colleges have a Linguistics Fellow. It doesn’t matter if there is no Fellow since all colleges will provide the teaching and support required and often have longstanding connections with colleagues at other Colleges to ensure that continuity is provided. As you develop specialist interests, you’ll be taught by the relevant member of staff, meaning that students travel to different supervisors in different Colleges as appropriate.
Will I be at a disadvantage if I decide to take a gap year?
No, there is no disadvantage to taking a gap year. You may be asked at interview about your plans for your gap year and hope that you will be able to use some of your time to keep in contact with academic work and preparation for your chosen degree course. If it’s possible to spend some time abroad immersed in a language that you will be studying for MML or HML, this can be really helpful, but we know that it isn’t always possible.
If I apply for HML, could I be given an offer to study either History or MML, instead of for HML?
Yes, this is possible. If, after your assessment and interviews, no College is able to make you an offer for HML via the Pool system, you may be made an offer for either History or MML instead.
What should I put in my personal statement?
Your Personal Statement is an important way for you to tell us what interests you in the degree course that you want to study. Roughly 80% of it should be academic related, exploring several different activities that you’ve explored. Don’t just tell us what you’ve read, or seen, or explored, but reflect on what you’ve learnt from it and how it relates to what you hope to explore on the degree course. A good starting point is to think back to the “spark” that led you to realise that this is what you want to study - remember that this is a Personal Statement, it’s all about you!
The other 20% of your statement should tell us about other aspects of your life, such as responsibilities you might have (leadership roles or work); achievements in non-academic areas, or how you enjoy your spare time. At Cambridge, we want to know that you’re not only doing really well at school, but can manage well your working week and balance commitments, as this is a good sign that you’ll cope well with university life. We are not looking for any specific skills or achievements, other than those that are relevant to your chosen degree subject.
What happens in the interview process?
The interviews are an important part of the application process at Cambridge and take place in the colleges. It’s important to remember that they are part of a holistic assessment that also includes any written assessments, your UCAS application and, at some colleges, submitted schoolwork too. The interviews are not designed to ‘trick’ you, but are an opportunity to show us why you’re right for the degree.
Most candidates have two interviews, usually for about 20-25 minutes each, with experts in the subject that you’ve applied for. The interviews may involve preparing some material - usually reading - immediately beforehand, which is then discussed as part of the interview. You may also be asked about some of the academic explorations that you’ve told us about in your Personal Statement.
If applying to study a language that you are currently studying for A-level (or equivalent), you should expect to spend part of the interview talking in the language. For the most part, the interview isn’t a ‘right-or-wrong’ test, but a chance for us to see how you work as an intellectual - how you think and how you use information provided to you as part of an intellectual conversation, much like how we teach you in the Cambridge supervision system.
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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements
Your Personal Statement is the first demonstration of your character that the admissions teams at Oxford and Cambridge will see. Your perfect Personal Statement can only be written by yourself as it has to convey exactly who you are, why you want to study at Oxbridge and why you deserve to be there. But that doesn't mean help isn't available. There are many things to learn that can improve the effectiveness of your statement when implemented correctly. One of the best ways to get a deeper understanding of what makes a good Personal Statement is to read successful statements that have transferable qualities. This page features over 25 Successful Oxbridge Personal Statements from a whole variety of subjects. Read through them and learn what makes them so good (as well as the mistakes that some make), so that you can create a strong base for your own writing.
Why are Personal Statements Important?
Your personal statement is essentially you introducing yourself to the Oxbridge admissions teams and explaining why you should be given an offer on their courses. It’s a piece of writing that will have a lasting impact throughout the application process, so you need to make the best first impression.
The admissions teams aren’t just interested in the achievements that you have made or the grades you have earned; they are looking for applicants with the right attitude for the course. They need applicants who can go the extra mile, have a true understanding of the subject and have the qualities needed to become successful in their chosen field. All of these things can be expressed in a well-written personal statement.
How To Prepare for your Personal Statement
Your personal statement may not be prepared for in the same way as an entrance exam, but there are still things you can do both before and during the writing process.
Firstly, it’s a good idea to view examples of successful personal statements, such as the 25 + available below. It helps to view those related to your chosen subject, but there are still benefits to looking through as many as possible.
Beyond this, learning specific techniques and advice from experts will also help. Our Premium Oxbridge Programmes provide a wide variety of support, including books and courses, all of which are designed to help you write the perfect personal statement. View our courses page to find out everything that we can do to help your application.
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Successful Oxbridge Personal Statement Examples
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- The Ultimate UCAS Personal Statement Guide
- Personal Statement Cheat Sheet
- How to Write an Oxbridge Personal Statement
- Common Personal Statement Mistakes
- How to Plan your Personal Statement
- How to Make Your Personal Statement Stand out
Successful Personal Statement For Physics At Oxford
Read through a successful Physics Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive an Oxford offer.
Successful Personal Statement For Chemistry At Oxford
Read through a successful Chemistry Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive an Oxford offer.
Successful Personal Statement For Cambridge Mathematics And Physics
Read through a successful Mathematics and Physics Personal Statement for Cambridge with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive a Cambridge offer.
Successful Personal Statement For Oxford Mathematics
Read through a successful Mathematics Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by an Oxbridge Tutor. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive their offer.
Successful Personal Statement For Medicine At Oxford University
Writing a Medicine Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through a REAL Personal Statement submitted to UCAS for a candidate wishing to study Medicine at Oxford.
Successful Personal Statement For Law At Cambridge
Writing a Law Personal Statement for Cambridge? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through a REAL Personal Statement submitted to UCAS for a candidate wishing to study Law at Cambridge.
Successful Personal Statement Example For Computer Science At Oxford
Read through a successful Computer Science Personal Statement for Oxford with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive an Oxford offer.
Successful Personal Statement For Economics At Cambridge
Read through a successful Economics Personal Statement for Cambridge with a full analysis by Oxbridge Tutors. Find out why the Personal Statement helped the candidate to receive a Cambridge offer.
Successful Personal Statement For Economics & Management At Oxford
Writing an Economics and Management Personal Statement for Oxford? If so, you’re in the right place! In this post, we go through a REAL Personal Statement submitted to UCAS for a candidate wishing to study E&M at Oxford.
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We work with a limited number of students each year to ensure we can provide the best support suited for their particular needs.
Our Programmes have a structured syllabus, however, we tweak elements of the syllabus so the student is able to gain the most out of our support.
As we work with a limited number of students, we have a limited number of places available for enrolment on each Programme.
The best way to find out whether there are still places available is by booking a free consultation here or contacting us via Livechat, where our expert Admissions Consultants will be able to advise you further.
We do have ideal start times at points throughout the year, however, the syllabus can be adapted to suit your particular start time if you are accepted onto the Programme. Our Admissions Consultants can help you understand the Programme timeline in your specific case – all you need to do is ask.
First and foremost, we assess whether the potential student has the right academic capabilities and profile to be realistically accepted to study at Oxford or Cambridge.
Secondly, we assess whether the student is capable and willing to put in the time required to create a strong application for Oxbridge.
Finally, we assess the student’s attitude and reasoning behind applying to Oxford or Cambridge. This is one of our most important considerations.
If a student has below-average (but still realistic) grades for Oxford and Cambridge, but the correct attitude, we would consider accepting them onto our Programme. Unfortunately, if the inverse is the case, it’s unlikely the student would be accepted onto the Programme.
UniAdmissions is committed to giving the very best service to every student. Our talented tutors are the key to the excellent service we pride ourselves on, passing on not only their expertise, but also their enthusiasm to inspire the next generation to succeed.
All tutors are either current senior students, recent graduates or from a professional background. Our selection process ensures only the best tutors work for us, in roles most suited to their skill-sets.
You’ll get access to all of our online resources, including various UniAdmissions published books, our masterclasses, admissions test question banks and much more. All of our resources are filled with powerful strategies and techniques to help you prepare, improve and boost your score.
Of course, our Oxbridge Premium Programmes also grant you 1 – 1 Tuition hours and invitations to both of our preparation courses.
Tuition sessions are held online via video chat. Times for these sessions are arranged between you and your tutor to best meet your needs.
In exceptional cases, in-person tuition may be offered.
As much as you like! Although we do offer rough guidelines for how to use your tuition hours, you are more than welcome to dedicate more or less than the recommended amount to your personal statement if you wish to do so.
The UniAdmissions Portal is where you will find all of the support and resources for your Programme.
You can think of the Portal as the hub of all the materials included within your Programme. If you are ever looking for a relevant book, an online course, course dates or anything along those lines, the Portal is very likely to be your answer.
However, the Portal also houses your programme curriculum, which guides you through each stage of the admissions process through the use of your resources. The Portal automatically tracks what you’ve completed and provides support if you’re falling behind in certain areas.
You can also use the Portal to get in touch with our team at any point.
How would you like to speak to an Admissions Consultant?