Why did you apply for the programme?

I’m from a small town in Newcastle, and I’m the first in my family to be going to university! I applied for a Summer School at Cambridge University to experience studying at the university, but most importantly for advice on my application. No one in my family or at my school have much experience in applying to Oxbridge, so I felt like I had no one to advise me through the application process.

Did you have any worries before attending?

I was so worried about not fitting in, or not being the stereotypical person who applies to Cambridge. However, as soon as I arrived at the train station my worries flooded away! I found so many people exactly like me, from similar backgrounds, all with the same ambition.

What were your highlights of the programme?

The highlight, for me, was taking part in academic sessions with some of the best academics in Cambridge! Being able to experience two personal tuition sessions on a subject I’m really passionate about absolutely made my week! Being surrounded by other people who are just as passionate as I was so refreshing and inspiring to see! Attending the Summer School reassured me that Cambridge is a place where I can apply and will fit in! The support we were given to help us with personal statements, admissions tests and interviews was invaluable! Similarly, having a current Cambridge student as our mentor was brilliant since I was able to ask her so many questions to help with my application.