The Seren Jesus College Summer School is taking place from Monday 19th to Friday 23rd August and will give current year 12 students the chance to experience what it’s like living and studying at the University of Oxford.

Who can apply?

The summer school is exclusively for current year 12 Seren students.

If you’re interested in studying at Oxford University this is a great opportunity for you. However, we welcome all students who are interested in studying at competitive universities, and an interest in studying at Oxford is by no means essential. The summer school will give information, hints and tips that can be used in sharpening up any application – whether for a uni, or a even job.

How do I apply?

Applying is easy and can be done through the online link found here: https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/form/seren-summer-school

You will be taken to an application form which includes various questions about yourself, your academic achievements and asks for a personal statement and short essay.

What does the application consist of?

A main focus of the application is your personal statement.

This should include your motivations for applying, your academic interests outside of the classroom along with your future aspirations.

Writing the personal statement gives you a chance to express yourself and talk about what makes you different.

You will also be asked to write a short essay on the following question:

“In no more than 500 words, please describe what responsibility you think you have in securing the Earth’s future.”

The written pieces will provide good practise for your UCAS applications and also give the opportunity to stretch yourself academically.

Along with the written pieces, you will be asked to fill out information about yourself as well as provide a teacher reference, where a teacher is asked to write on your behalf.

If there are any delays or problems with the teacher reference, please contact Matthew Williams at Jesus College whose email is given at the end of the blog. Allowances can be made for late submission of teacher references, where necessary.

What makes a successful application?

The applications will focus on your academic abilities and interests rather than your extra-curricular activities.

We want to know what makes you passionate about learning and what you do to further explore your academic interests outside of your school work.

When carrying out the written pieces we encourage you to talk about yourself, your academic interests and what makes you unique.

Applications for the Seren Jesus College Summer School are now open and found here: https://www.jesus.ox.ac.uk/form/seren-summer-school

Deadline for applications are Friday 7th June and applicants will be notified by 5th July whether or not they have a place.

For any queries regarding the application process please contact Dr Matthew Williams, Access and Career Development Fellow at Jesus College, Oxford on matthew.williams@jesus.ox.ac.uk.

Good luck to everyone applying!