Oxford: UNIQ Summer Schools

Oxford is offering a huge range of FREE Summer Schools for selected disadvantaged UK state school students. With courses for pretty much every STEM subject (including Biological Sciences, Engineering, Earth Sciences, Materials Science, Computer Science, Medicine and Experimental Psychology) there is sure to be something you would enjoy.

The UNIQ Summer Schools take place for a week in July or August, depending on your chosen subject. During the week, participants will participate in hands-on practical activities, listen to lectures from top academics, have the chance to tour departments and colleges, find out more about the UCAS and Oxbridge admissions process, and enjoy social activities with other students.

Summer Schools are a fantastic opportunity to find out more about potential degree choices and careers as well as explore one of the world's leading universities. They are great to mention on your UCAS form to demonstrate your extracurricular interest in your subject and usually participants receive additional university-specific application advice to optimise their chances of receiving an offer.

According to the UNIQ website, their selection criteria are:

• The number of A* at GCSE compared with the average performance of the applicant’s GCSE school 
• Academic attainment and history of progression to Oxford at the applicant’s A-level school 
• Home postcode data
• Personal statement
• Polar 3 Data

The personal statement is your key opportunity to stand out from the other applicants and explain why you want to attend an UNIQ Summer School. The word limit is 2000 words - half the length of a UCAS personal statement. In terms of personal statement guidance, they list some very good and detailed advice here, which I would strongly recommend you follow in order to increase your chances of getting a place. In particular I would emphasise the importance of demonstrating your enthusiasm for your subject - keep your personal statement mainly academic and give evidence for all of your points - for example don't just say 'I love reading around my subject', say 'I particularly enjoyed reading a recent New Scientist article on Black Holes and Stephen Hawking's book 'A Brief History of Time since they gave me an insight into the many mysterious objects in our universe, which can only be understood through theoretical physics'. For some reading suggestions, check out the books section of this website.

Applications open on the 23rd December at 10am, and the deadline is the 3rd February 2015 at 5pm, but start working on your application now since you don't want to rush! Applications are very competitive and so make sure you have sufficient time to complete all sections of the application to the best of your ability.
For more information and to apply, visit their website.