Oxbridge Summer Scholars Brochure by Elena Iakunicheva

When I was seventeen, my dream was to apply to Oxford to study French and History but my school wouldnotsupportme Iwasabitofarebelanddid not fit their picture of a typical Oxford applicant. I never forgot this lack of support for my ambitions, but I went to the University of Leeds and was very happytherestudyingHistoryandRussian,inwhichI achieved a joint first, going on to complete a PhD afterwards

I was delighted when I was appointed some years later to a Darby Fellowship in History at Lincoln College, Oxford, which entitled me to an Oxford MA andallthebenefitsandresponsibilitiesofbeingpart of the amazing academic community of Oxford. I made up for not attending as a student by playing fieldhockeywiththecollegestudenthockeyteam!I loved hurrying down Turl Street in my gown to dine atthehightableincollegeinatraditionunchanged for centuries I relished the architecture, the history and Oxford’s atmosphere of learning I followed this with a post at Russell Group University, Exeter In addition to lecturing and publishing books and articlesinhistory,Iwasinchargeofadmissionsfora largedepartmentthere

Eventually,thelureofOxfordwastoomuchtoresist, andIreturned,thistimeasastudentofexperimental psychology Takingupsciencewasachallenge,butI relished the opportunity to extend my knowledge, attend lectures and take part in exciting lab practicals AftercompletingtheBAImovedwithmy family to Cambridge where I taught psychology IB and A level, publishing A-level textbooks in psychology

olars

"”I

want to make sure today’s students get the very best preparation we at OSS can offer to help them fulfil their goal of applying to and gaining acceptanceatatopUKuniversity”

Ienjoyed Cambridgewithitscolourfulmarketsquare, elegant colleges, and green spaces threaded by the RiverCam,butOxforddrewmebackandIreturnedto leadtheUCASteaminalocalschool.

RecentlyIsoughtanewchallengeandamdelighted to hold the position of Acting Head of Oxbridge SummerScholars Itismygoaltoensurethattoday’s studentshavetheopportunitytoenjoythecherished academic experience that initially eluded me but then catalysed my journey As you apply to global universities, your experience at Oxbridge Summer Scholars can demonstrate your intellectual vitality and commitment to challenge yourself In short, it enables you to stand out on the world stage. I can’t waitforyoutoexperiencethemagicofOxbridgeand withtherestoftheOSSteamhopetowelcomeyouto OxfordorCambridgeintheverynearfuture!

Yoursfaithfully,

DRMOIRADONALD HeadofOxbridgeSummerScholars

DrMoiraDonald

The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge

The University of Oxford, founded in the 11th Century, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world It is located in the city of Oxford and is comprised of 44 colleges and halls It is renowned for its strong programmess in a range of disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences, as well as its world-class research centres and libraries Oxford has a long tradition of producing successful alumni, including Nobel laureates, 30 UK Prime Ministers, and other notable figures in politics, literature andthearts.

The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom and amongst the top in the world. Referred to collectively as they have a long history of academic andinnovation.

THEUNIVERSITYOFCAMBRIDGE

The University of Cambridge, founded in the 13th Century, is located in the city of Cambridge and is comprised of 31 colleges Itisparticularlyknownforitsstrengthsinthe natural sciences, but also boasts exceptional programmes in the humanities, social sciences, and engineering. With its outstanding faculty, cutting-edge research opportunities, and centuries of academic tradition,Cambridgeisahighlysought-after destination for high-achieving students. Like Oxford, Cambridge has a long history of producing influential alumni, from scientists towritersandpoliticians.

Unique Features of Oxbridge Summer Scholars

INTERDISCIPLINARYAPPROACH

1 2 3

At Oxbridge Summer Scholars, we believe in the power of interdisciplinary learning. Our programmes are designed to expose you to a wide range of subjects and perspectives, fostering a deep understanding of complex issues, while still enabling you to focus on your primaryareaofinterest

OXBRIDGETUTORIALSYSTEM

In addition to daily lectures and interactive seminars, OSS programmes offer students tutorials(intensivesmallgroupclasses)intheirfavouritesubjects.Thetutorialsystemisa cornerstoneoftheworld-classeducationofferedbyOxfordandCambridgeUniversities This distinctiveapproachtoteachingisdesignedtofosterindependentthinking,criticalanalysis, andadeepunderstandingofcomplexsubjects.

SELECTIVEPROGRAMME

Oxbridge Summer Scholars is a uniquely selective summer school. We interview all applicants to ensure that they have the required level of fluency in English and also the academicmindsetandmotivationthatwillenablethemtobenefitfromtheuniversity-level teachingweprovideontheprogramme.Thismeansthatyouwillbenefitfrommeetingtruly like-mindedstudentswhoshareyouracademicgoalsandambitions.

30+TUTORSPERPROGRAMME

4 5

We offer an unparalleled level of academic specialism and personalized guidance. Our team of highly qualified experts, many of whom are current or former Oxford and Cambridge faculty members, teach to their research interests and are dedicated to introducingyoutothelatestapproachesanddiscoveries, providing a key stepping stone toundergraduatestudy.

INDIVIDUALPROJECT

One of the highlights of the Oxbridge Summer Scholars programme is the requirement to undertakeanindividualresearchproject. Thisassignmentallowsyoutodelvedeeperinto atopicthatinterestsyou,showcasingyourresearch,criticalthinking,andwritingskills,andis assessedbytutorswhoaresubjectspecialists.