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.
Background
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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