University entrance advisory for schools and individuals
University application involves a great deal of research and thinking. I've been on the other side, as a former Director of Studies at Cambridge University, and now work with schools and individuals, supporting them through the UCAS process, whether through research and advice, feedback to schools about their Oxbridge strategy, or one to one coaching.
Personal Statements
I help develop excellent Personal Statements, which cover all the bases, but also act as a showcase for essay-writing talent, and which will interest interviewers. Hammering out a personal statement also involves hammering out intellectual and possible career choices. School careers services often cannot offer enough dedicated one to one support at a crucial decision-making time. I act as a sounding board, challenging students to work out what they really want to do, and helping them navigate the pros and cons of their decisions.
Subject tests
Oxford and Cambridge have been re-introducing Subject Tests (HAT, ELAT, TSA and others) as part of the application process. These are designed to see how students think on their feet, under conditions that most closely resemble the Oxbridge supervision or tutorial. The tests aim to create a level playing field experience, to counteract differences between the comprehensive and selective educational pathways available in the UK. No one can 'teach to the test', but I can help students to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, logic and essay-writing skills, to enable them to stay calm, focus under pressure, and do themselves justice.
Mock interviews
Finally I offer challenging mock interviews to help students prepare for university entrance. This is particularly important for students applying to Oxford and Cambridge, where a high value is placed on the interview. These are intensive sessions, and can be followed up with a detailed report. They are useful as a general training in handling job interviews.
I also work through and recommend:
University application involves a great deal of research and thinking. I've been on the other side, as a former Director of Studies at Cambridge University, and now work with schools and individuals, supporting them through the UCAS process, whether through research and advice, feedback to schools about their Oxbridge strategy, or one to one coaching.
Personal Statements
I help develop excellent Personal Statements, which cover all the bases, but also act as a showcase for essay-writing talent, and which will interest interviewers. Hammering out a personal statement also involves hammering out intellectual and possible career choices. School careers services often cannot offer enough dedicated one to one support at a crucial decision-making time. I act as a sounding board, challenging students to work out what they really want to do, and helping them navigate the pros and cons of their decisions.
Subject tests
Oxford and Cambridge have been re-introducing Subject Tests (HAT, ELAT, TSA and others) as part of the application process. These are designed to see how students think on their feet, under conditions that most closely resemble the Oxbridge supervision or tutorial. The tests aim to create a level playing field experience, to counteract differences between the comprehensive and selective educational pathways available in the UK. No one can 'teach to the test', but I can help students to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, logic and essay-writing skills, to enable them to stay calm, focus under pressure, and do themselves justice.
Mock interviews
Finally I offer challenging mock interviews to help students prepare for university entrance. This is particularly important for students applying to Oxford and Cambridge, where a high value is placed on the interview. These are intensive sessions, and can be followed up with a detailed report. They are useful as a general training in handling job interviews.
I also work through and recommend:
- Elizabeth Rickards Educational Consultancy (Oxbridge and other university entrance advice and guidance for UK national and international applicants)
- UK Study Centre (coaching international students for placement in UK schools and universities)