Three KGV alumni returned to college on Friday 5th January, to deliver an inspiring presentation to current students considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge Universities. The three students, all now current second year students at Oxford University, spoke to current year 12 KGV students about the application and interview process, what attracted them to Oxbridge and provided useful insight into the student experience.



Providing a wealth of information on the college system operated at Oxford, Rebecca, now studying French at Hertford College Oxford, Cameron a second year Law student at Magdalen College Oxford and Maddie, reading Biological Sciences at Keble College Oxford, spoke individually about their experiences before answering a range of questions from the audience.

Speaking after the event, current KGV first year student Grace said “Hearing first-hand accounts during the session was extremely useful; the former students clarified some of the myths about the intensity of Oxbridge life, whilst also detailing the application process ‘do’s and ‘don’ts. It was especially encouraging to hear that not every Oxbridge student gets consistent top grades from day one at college! The universities are assessing our potential and enthusiasm, they said, which was definitely reassuring.

Advice was given about broadening your subject interest and improving your personal statement – such as further reading, or work experience for vocational subjects. Overall, the process didn’t seem as daunting as we initially thought. The students encouraged us to consider applying through their descriptions of the inspiring atmosphere at Oxbridge.”

Explaining why she had decided to return to KGV, Rebecca Stephens, on behalf of the group said, “At Oxford I really see the difference in how private school students have been encouraged to aim high and have a large network of alumni at different universities to rely on for support. We came back to KGV because we would like to offer this kind of support and encourage those students with potential from our old sixth form to give Oxbridge a shot, by providing any advice we can from our own experiences. It was really good to see that the students we met had so many questions and seemed so enthusiastic, hopefully we'll see them around university in a couple of years.”