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From Whitefield School To Oxford University
Posted on: 27/02/2023
From Whitefield School to Oxford University: Interviews with Awad and Maisie
Miss Cherrih interviewed Year 13 student Awad, who recently received an offer to read Ancient and Modern History at St Anne’s College, University of Oxford.
Congratulations on your offer! What will you be studying at Oxford University?
I’ll be studying Ancient and Modern History at St Anne’s College. The degree covers around 3000 years of History, all the way from Ancient Greece to the 20th century.
Why did you decide to study Ancient and Modern History at University?
I’ve always really enjoyed History, even from when I was a kid, but it was in February of Year 12 that I decided to pursue a History at university. I was initially thinking of studying Modern History, but I ultimately felt that the joint honours course of Ancient and Modern was more comprehensive. There are no blanks and it allows you to cover a broad sweep of History. I really liked learning about Herodotus in my spare time and that his work isn’t very Eurocentric compared to other histories. I eventually want to be a university lecturer and tutor, so it’s the perfect option for me.
How did you prepare for your Oxford interview and the lengthy application process? How did the school support you in the application process?
The teachers have always been really supportive, especially in ultimately choosing to apply to Oxford. First, I was fortunate to get my desired A Level courses of History, Psychology and Film Studies. This allowed me to apply to university with a good set of relevant A Level subjects. In terms of preparing for the application process itself, I ensured I had a range of experiences to talk about in my personal statement. For example, I did summer schools at both Oxford and Cambridge, as well as the Sutton Trust summer school at Bristol University, with the school supporting me with references for these programmes. In the autumn of Year 13, I did a lot of past papers for the History Aptitude Test - the History entrance exam - and practice sessions with my History teachers. My teachers guided me through the interview process, which I supplemented with watching mock interviews on YouTube and reading widely about what interviewers look for. I spent a lot of time reflecting on what traits and qualities Oxford interviews seek out, how I met this criteria, and how I could best display them in an interview context.
What advice would you give to younger Whitefield students considering applying to Oxbridge?
I think the most important thing is to be yourself - it sounds generic, but it’s honestly true! Pursue what you want to do rather than what other people tell you to do, whether that be family or teachers. My family initially wanted me to become a Lawyer but now that I’ve received my offer to study Ancient and Modern History at Oxford, they are really proud and happy with my choice. In terms of getting the grades to apply to Oxford, I would recommend really focusing on how you can always be a better version of yourself and improve your academic performance. Further reading, especially beyond textbooks, and getting into a routine when it comes to revision is key.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to with regards to studying at Oxford?
I’m really looking forward to continuing my studies in History, in particular with the tutorial system, which allows you to sit one-to-one with professors discussing and debating different topics. I’m also excited about the social aspect, such as the all-college parties, the ‘bops’!
Miss Cherrih also interviewed Year 13 student, Maisie Jones, who recently received an offer to read History at Oxford University.
Congratulations on your offer! What will you be studying at Oxford University?
Thank you! I will be studying for a BA in History, where I’ll focus on interpreting historical events and analysing the works of different historians.
Why did you decide to study History at university?
Growing up close to my grandparents, who had grown up during World War Two, I was always intrigued by their narratives and knowledge and was always keen to listen to them to learn about the History they had lived through. It was at GCSE that I was first able to explore this interest further and at a deeper level, exploring different aspects of history, both modern and medieval. Due to this, History became an easy subject to choose at A Level as I had a passion for it, which has allowed me to make my own interpretations of historical events, ultimately, making me want to study it at a higher level.
You’ve been a Whitefield student since Year 7. How has the school supported you in getting to the stage where you could apply to Oxford?
In Year 7, I would never have thought about applying to Oxford as it seemed an out of reach belief. However, constant school trips to Oxford University changed my view and actually made me realise that it was something that could be achieved. The teachers have been very supportive and have always pushed me to try my best, which made me feel passionate about learning and achieving great grades. However, it has also taught me the importance of being well-rounded, and that having a character and personality is just as important as the grades, as this was a key feature of my interview.
How did you prepare for your Oxford interview and the lengthy application process?
I took part in a mentoring programme called Insight Outreach, which was sent to me by a teacher. I was partnered with a mentor who guided me through the process by setting me reading tasks and breaking it down into different stages. I also took part in the UNIQ Summer School programme, which meant I spent three days in Oxford over the summer, exploring both the academic and social side, which really appealed to me. The next stage was to write my personal statement, allowing me to share my interests and passion for the subject. Both my mentor from OMS and my History teachers helped me consolidate my knowledge for my interview, by spending several sessions going through my Personal Statement, different sources and asking me questions. This developed my social skills, making me feel more confident in talking about History and my interpretations, whilst still being able to show my personality.
What advice would you give to younger Whitefield students considering applying to Oxbridge?
Sign up to every opportunity you’re offered as it always teaches you something, but also apply because you want to do it. Many people will have different opinions on Oxbridge, and often many people get pressured into applying due to its ‘elitist’ reputation. However, the application process is longer and more challenging than for many other universities, so it is important that you are genuinely passionate about it and really want to study there.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to with regards to studying at Oxford?
I’m really looking forward to working with historians who have published works on topics that I am interested in, but I am also looking forward to using the facilities, such as the libraries and archival materials that are only available there. I also am really excited about the opportunities it will open up for me later on in life.
