Evie has received an offer to study French at Oxford University. Here she outlines her application journey and shares advice for other Oxbridge aspirants.
What inspired you to apply to Oxford?
I have always loved a challenge, so my motto throughout the admissions process was ‘if you don’t try, you’ll never know’!
Why did you choose French?
It has always been a goal of mine to be fluent in French, thanks to my mother (who is a French teacher). I also love the idea of having a year abroad as part of my degree to immerse myself in a new country and culture.
I hate that nowadays we live in such an anglophone world that you can travel abroad and speak English almost anywhere you go. For me, speaking a foreign language demonstrates your interest in (and love of) the culture and people it represents.
How did Oakham support you in the application process?
Dr Sheppard held a series of seminars informing us about the application process as a whole, and giving general tips regarding how to write an ‘Oxbridge personal statement’, which is structured quite differently compared to that of other universities.
Oakham has a great interview exchange system with Uppingham School – meaning I had a mock interview with a French teacher from Uppingham. This proved to be immensely helpful, since I was able to experience being tested by someone who I had never met before. This took a lot of pressure off when it came to the real thing.
Don’t be put off applying because you don’t think you’ll be offered a place – you’ll learn lots and pick up new interests through the applications process, which shouldn’t be underestimated.
Were there any particular teachers or mentors who helped you along the way?
I owe an awful lot to Mr Milner, who mentored me throughout the admissions process and gave me invaluable advice about my personal statement, helped me through the dreaded MLAT (Modern Languages Admissions Test), and never stopped encouraging me.
What do you think made your application stand out?
I spent a lot of time on my personal statement, and I was quite selective regarding what I mentioned in it. I only discussed about half of the supercurriculars I did, because there simply wasn’t space to mention and expand upon everything.
What was the application and interview process like for you? Any memorable moments?
I had two interviews, which in retrospect I am grateful for since I had two opportunities to prove myself. I didn’t think my first interview had gone very well, but I nevertheless knew what to expect for the second (giving me a chance to improve on the first).
Is there anything you wish you had known before applying?
That it wouldn’t be as scary as I expected, and that I would have learned huge amounts from the admissions process even if I hadn’t been offered a place. I read lots of French literature for my personal statement, which was fascinating – an interest I would certainly have retained regardless of whether I got in not. Don’t be put off applying because you don’t think you’ll be offered a place – you’ll learn lots and pick up new interests through the applications process, which shouldn’t be underestimated.
What are you most excited about when you start at Oxford?
Meeting new people and discovering a new city. I’m a day pupil at Oakham, so my roots are very much in Rutland – I am looking forward to broadening my horizons and being more independent (though I’m sure I’ll miss my family!).
What do you hope to achieve during your time there?
• Get a degree (obviously!) – hopefully a 1st…
• I am fortunate enough to have been offered a choral scholarship in addition to my academic place, so I look forward to being part of the choir and improving my singing.
Any advice for future applicants hoping to secure a place?
Fall in love with the subject you hope to study there. If you are enthusiastic, it will come through everywhere (your personal statement, your interviews etc.) – it is impossible to fake genuine passion, and admissions tutors will be keeping a keen eye out for applicants who are truly interested in their subject.
