How to write the PERFECT Oxford & Cambridge Geography Personal Statement with example personal statement from successful applicant
How to write the PERFECT Oxford & Cambridge Geography Personal Statement
An example personal statement with annotations from a successful applicant
It is the immense size and complexity of the world which fascinates me most and I have developed a deep appreciation of the rich interactions between the human and physical realms when studying Geography. The subject’s ubiquitous relevance and pertinence to everyday lives is important to me, as I have a desire to help others worldwide. In order to achieve this, I realise that I need to educate myself about the world at large.
[1] The personal statement begins with the applicant's fascination with the immense size and complexity of the world, showcasing their deep appreciation for the rich interactions between the human and physical realms in Geography. Their recognition of the subject's relevance and importance in everyday life highlights their desire to make a positive impact on a global scale.
A book by Hans Rosling about “Factfulness” was a serendipitous gift given to me by my college. Although this book does not necessarily shout geography as other books about volcanoes or globalisation may do, I was initially excited to read it based on the thought of bettering myself through expanding my knowledge surrounding world issues, changing the way I view global societies. Almost instantaneously, I realised how easily it is to misconceive facts given by the media but also how our innate view of the world often portrays it as worse than it is, giving me a resulting optimism. Rosling says the best way to naturally expose yourself to different perspectives and alleviate this narrowminded way of seeing the world is to travel.
[2] The mention of reading Hans Rosling's "Factfulness" reveals the applicant's proactive approach to expanding their knowledge and gaining a broader understanding of world issues. Their realization of the misconceptions perpetuated by the media and the transformative effect of traveling to different places showcase their open-mindedness and willingness to challenge preconceived notions.
In February 2018, I was fortunate to visit Iceland, a week I spent in total awe. I stood between the Eurasian and North American plates, walked amongst waterfalls Selfoss and Gullfoss and was given the opportunity to go on a glacier walk, in which the local tour guide explained not only the physical composition of the ice and the gas bubbles within it, but also demonstrated how far the glacier had melted in all the years he had studied them. It was an opportunity to see the effects of climate change firsthand, not just from TED talks and Attenborough documentaries. Since then I have been absorbed by climate change. “The Uninhabitable Earth” by David Wallace-Wells depicts a brutal idea of what the future holds for us if we continue our emissions. He highlights how we have become complacent with the figures, bringing the reader back to the reality that is the climate crisis. For me it is stimulation to want to be amongst the experts who help divert the crisis because evidently there is not enough being done. A National Geographic article depicted how rapidly the Arctic ice is melting and focused on the necessity of its resources and how this is leading to nations defending their claims over the territory, potentially leading to conflicts in one of the world’s most vulnerable places, resulting in a “new cold war”.
[3] The personal experience of visiting Iceland and witnessing the effects of climate change firsthand demonstrates the applicant's engagement with environmental issues. Their absorption in David Wallace-Wells' "The Uninhabitable Earth" and their recognition of the urgency to address the climate crisis further highlight their motivation to become an expert in the field and actively contribute to finding solutions.
[4] The reference to a National Geographic article on the melting Arctic ice underscores the applicant's awareness of the global impact of climate change and the potential conflicts it may trigger. This awareness showcases their ability to connect geographical knowledge with broader geopolitical implications.
There are undeniable uncertainties in what the future holds, but one certainty should surely be that we need to act now. I took part in the HE+ program, which is affiliated with Cambridge University, in which I had lectures and discussions not only surrounding geographical issues but also about psychology and economics, allowing me to have a holistic view of how geography connects to wider subject areas. Learning more about the growing global population and the battle between economic growth and progress in quality of life fascinated me. Kate Raworth’s “doughnut economies”, and the implication that societies need to ensure everyone has access to all aspects of the social foundation (food, housing, a political voice), whilst maintaining the environmental ceiling, nine planetary boundaries beyond which lie unacceptable environmental degradation (climate change, biodiversity loss etc.) were new concepts for me.
[5] The participation in the HE+ program, including lectures and discussions on geography, psychology, and economics, reveals the applicant's interdisciplinary perspective. Their fascination with the battle between economic growth and quality of life, as well as their exploration of Kate Raworth's concept of "doughnut economies" and planetary boundaries, demonstrates their critical thinking and holistic understanding of global challenges.
I am simultaneously overwhelmed but excited by the prospects that a Geography degree will provide and the knowledge and skills it will endow me with for a lifetime. It will allow me to explore beyond the confines of textbooks and gain a practical experience in understanding physical processes and developing deeper appreciations of the dynamic and ever evolving contemporary issues we must overcome to create a sustainable future for us to live in. I am willing to work diligently to become a highly successful geographer and am eager to be at the forefront of global change.
[6] The concluding paragraph emphasizes the applicant's overwhelming excitement for the prospects offered by a Geography degree. Their eagerness to explore beyond textbooks and gain practical experience in understanding physical processes and contemporary issues showcases their enthusiasm for active learning and their commitment to creating a sustainable future.
Received offers from:
- Cambridge (accepted)
- Durham
- Bristol
- Birmingham
Why is this a good Oxbridge Geography personal statement?
Overall, this personal statement effectively portrays the applicant's curiosity, global perspective, commitment to environmental sustainability, interdisciplinary thinking, and determination to be at the forefront of global change.
Their passion for geography, deep engagement with critical issues, and dedication to making a positive impact make them a strong candidate for pursuing a Geography degree at a prestigious institution like Oxford or Cambridge.
