Hi all!

I realise it may be a little early to begin this thread since applications have not opened yet...but is anyone planning to apply to Cambridge for the LLM beginning 2015?

And to those who are already on the programme, any application tips?

I've had a look on the grad site and entry requirements, and am I correct in thinking that a personal statement is not required?

Hi all!

I realise it may be a little early to begin this thread since applications have not opened yet...but is anyone planning to apply to Cambridge for the LLM beginning 2015?

And to those who are already on the programme, any application tips?

I've had a look on the grad site and entry requirements, and am I correct in thinking that a personal statement is not required?

Hi all!

I realise it may be a little early to begin this thread since applications have not opened yet...but is anyone planning to apply to Cambridge for the LLM beginning 2015?

And to those who are already on the programme, any application tips?

I've had a look on the grad site and entry requirements, and am I correct in thinking that a personal statement is not required?

It's never to early to tell you this, my friend:

Over the past years, every thread-opener for the Cambridge LLM has been R-E-J-E-C-T-E-D.

Sad news, ain't it?

All the best for you, student24601.

He does, but he is a creature of his own. Expect nothing, fear of everything :D.

Jokes aside, personal statement as such is not a part of the application however, there are quite a few questions that will require -personal-statement-like- answers. These would include the classics: reasons for applying, career goals and future aspirations, why this llm and not some other etc. Additionally, you will have a special segment to write a personal statement if you are applying for one of the partner scholarship programs of the Cambridge Overseas Trust - so think these through once the application form is available for 2015-2016. One more word of advise, structure your CV into 2 pages (Cambridge requirement) so that all essentials are there. This took me days to do as my CV had regularly close to 5 pages :(so narrowing down took some time and effort (and some news skills in formatting the text and condensing the letters :D). PM me if you have more questions!

I am intending to apply for this program as well. From past threads it seems applications open in September.

I am intending to apply for this program as well. From past threads it seems applications open in September.

@ stellarlights

Hey since u made it to cambridge could you please give us prospective applicants any advice regarding the personal statement and the application process? Would be grateful if you could share sum useful info with us:)

@ stellarlights

Hey since u made it to cambridge could you please give us prospective applicants any advice regarding the personal statement and the application process? Would be grateful if you could share sum useful info with us:)

@ stellarlights

Hey since u made it to cambridge could you please give us prospective applicants any advice regarding the personal statement and the application process? Would be grateful if you could share sum useful info with us:)

Application process is practically online. You will need to fill in the application form that is available at the website after they open application procedures in early September. Unlike at other UK universities, you are not obliged to write a personal statement or a motivation letter as a separate document. To the contrary, the University only requires answers to some questions which in essence are to demonstrate the reasons behind your decision to apply. However, the number of characters is very limited, so it took me quite some time to figure out the message I want to convey in only 500 characters... These questions included the following:

Reason for applying to the course
Career goals and future aspirations
If you participated on a research project during your studies, give outline of the details
Additional information in support of your application

Plus, if you are applying for any of the Cambrdige Trust scholarships, you have a personal statement to write in a separate section B of the application, up to 500 words as well as a separate Gates Scholarship application letter of 500 words.

One of the things I struggled with was to make a two page CV:( that is a prerequisite for Cambridge and you have to upload it with your application - cutting my 5 page CV took quite some time so try to refine your skills in condensing the letters in word:), narrowing things down and cutting loos e of the things you do not need in your CV...

If you have any further questions, let me know ;)

Well, i got into the LLM for this year.
I must say that i have come to realise that your recommendation letters matter a lot especially for Ivy League universities. For Cambridge, the recommendation letters are particularly important because you do not write the traditional personal statement so you do not have the space to sell yourself to the school. In addition, pay attention to the questions that are asked in the application and answer them excellently as they make up for the lack of a personal statement.

Thank you for your reply :)

Also a big thank you to @stellarlights!

you are welcome:)

Would add that I agree with Optimisticgirl on the references sent by your professors - as the whole thing is also online you should pick out the professors who know you well and who will allow you to check their references prior to being sent. IT it important that they highlight all the key features of your strengths and why you and not somebody else should get a place at Cambridge...

On a different note, devise each part of your application carefully. I would say that the overall impression is also very important. I looked through my application recently and was very happy to have taken time last year to carefully fill in each section. So, start with day one and think through it all :)...

@ optimisticgirl & stellarlights

Congrats to both of u n thanks a lot for helping us out:) Is there anything that u guys would advise against while answering the personal statement like questions?

Generalizations and unrelated references like ambition, passion and focus if not related to something in particular. You want the answers to convey a picture of yourself not a typical applicant at the a good university. All other people who will be competing for the spot on the list will be good candidates, from top of their class, speaking at least two foreign languages - you need to show your added value to all of that. Why you and not someone else? What in your career sets you apart from other llm applicants?

Generalizations and unrelated references like ambition, passion and focus if not related to something in particular. You want the answers to convey a picture of yourself not a typical applicant at the a good university. All other people who will be competing for the spot on the list will be good candidates, from top of their class, speaking at least two foreign languages - you need to show your added value to all of that. Why you and not someone else? What in your career sets you apart from other llm applicants?

Hey everyone:)

Anybody planning to apply for the scholarships offered by Cam? Could any current or former student give some advice regarding the scholarships?

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows when exactly in September the application opens?

I was also wondering if anyone had decided on the colleges that they'll be including in their applications.

Hi I'm just looking for some feedback regarding my chances of being successful in an application to an Oxbridge/Top 5 school. I finished my undergraduate degree of a BCL (comparable to an LLB) with a 59% average which left me with an abysmal 2:2. However, following on from this I sat for and was successful at the New York Bar on the first attempt. I have also recently completed an LLB and finished with a 1:1 at a top rated Irish school. Alongside this I have a considerable wealth of experience from various legal internships, mini-pupillages and free legal aid volunteering.

Please respond with any help you can lend on this matter!