Page 14 - I have a dream

THE ENGLISH SCHOOL MA GA ZINE 2022 THE ENGLISH SCHOOL MA GA ZINE 2022

I never really intended to apply to Oxford. In fact, it was probably
Simoni Stefanou 4B the last University on my mind, until about midway through Year 6. I
suppose I had associated the university with posh Etonians, and mini
Boris Johnsons. However, when I finally discovered that I wanted to
study Spanish and Modern Greek at University, it turned out that
Oxford was the only UK University to offer the language combination,
and so I decided to give it a shot. I began writing my personal
statement in early August, initially in bullet point form. The toughest
STUDENT part was by far the opening sentence, but if you spend long enough
on it, you’re bound to end up with something you like. Through
mentioning how I’d indulged in my subject-area beyond A level,
SNAPSHOTS through books and plays, I managed to prove my interest in the
culture and history of my language choices, in turn expressing my
appreciation for the interdisciplinary nature of the degree too. It
was impossible for me to mention all my extra-curriculars in the
statement, so I touched upon those that were most relevant to my
course. I took a list of any achievements that were not included in
my personal statement, to my referee, on the day of our meeting.
The next steps of the application process were the admissions test
(grammar and translations for me) and the submission of written
work. I tackled the admissions tests through intense grammar
revision, and lots of past papers. My best advice to anyone handing
in written work, is not to leave it to the last minute. Hopefully, you
will have already written essays that you’re proud of. Each piece of
written work must be sent in marked, and with a description of the
conditions in which each essay was written. Finally, I had two online
interviews in early December. My advice to students thinking of
applying to Oxford, would be to just go for it. Make sure you pick
the course that’s right for you and think deeply about why you want
to study this degree, so that you can convey your passion. Start
writing your Personal Statement over the Summer, solve lots of past
papers for the entrance exam (and in the case of languages like me,
practice grammar too!) When it comes to the interviews, make sure
you’re ready to talk about things you’ve written in your personal
statement, and/or the written work you had submitted. The School’s
Careers Office will be able to share more information about my
interview with anyone who’s interested.
Dimitra Asvesta
Modern Languages (Spanish & Modern Greek)
University of Oxford

As a child, I dreamt of a future in which I would be free to travel
the world, to broaden my horizons through reading and to express
myself through my writing. I dreamt of living life to its fullest. I
imagined myself going to the best schools, challenging my
I was able to combine all the things I was looking for in the capabilities and expanding my abilities to become a person with
Netherlands; an international perspective, safety, and a values, a person to be admired and respected. Growing up, at times,
beautiful and inspiring environment. After visiting some of I found myself losing confidence, wondering if everything in life
their Universities, I was sure I wanted to study in there. To
eventually becomes indeterminate. However, my drive to achieve
careers through Studielink, and add the 4 Universities you want to go that young girl’s dream, to study in the US, remained strong, and
apply for studies in the Netherlands you must first register
having graduated from one of our country’s elite schools, I am
to. Universities then contact you directly for additional
grateful to be able to declare myself an upcoming first year student
information they may need. This is one of the things I liked
at Columbia University, New York. If it wasn’t for the help of my
about the system, there is constant communication through
email with the universities. This reassured me that everything
classmates, who helped me reach my fullest potential, I wouldn’t
was okay with the application. Finally, if you are applying to teachers and my counsellor, Mr Georgiou, as well as my fellow
have accomplished my dream. Henceforth, I encourage you too, to
12 the Netherlands I would suggest looking for accommodation remain strong, to take care of your mind and body, and to aim as
as soon as possible!
high as you wish. With a little extra hard work and a spark of hope,
dreams do become reality.
Eleni Artemi
Economics & Business Economics Daniella Adamidou
Erasmus University Rotterdam Netherlands Columbia University - USA