Charlotte Laycock

“I found out about the Oxford Medicine Study Days during my XL tutorials with Karen Kennedy, our XL Coordinator. The application process was very straightforward: just go online to the website, fill in your personal details and GCSE/A-Level subjects and grades ready to be reviewed by the Oxford Pathways team based on a number of criteria. I was very lucky to be awarded a place, as there were more than 1500 applications for 500 places across the three days available and for all of the subjects on offer.

Before arriving in Oxford, I felt slightly apprehensive as to what the whole experience would be like, staying in university accommodation on the other side of the country. Of course there were a few nerves at first, but I knew I would make the most of such an amazing opportunity – nerves are only natural when you’re in an unfamiliar area!

The arrival day and following study day comprised of a number of activities such as information on Oxford admissions, subject-specific academic sessions (my sessions were about genetics and how to diagnose a patient in a real life scenario) and tours of the colleges as well as ice breakers and free pizza!

I felt that the collaboration of the different experiences was very enjoyable and insightful and I genuinely feel that the University of Oxford is much more accessible and less daunting than what I first thought.

Oxford is a culturally beautiful university city and is perfect for people who are passionate about their subject and are willing to put in the work needed in order to progress and succeed.

Minal Patel

I also found out about the Oxford Study Day through Karen Kennedy, my XL tutor. She mentioned the scheme and I thought it was a great opportunity, not only to see the university, but also to find out more about studying Medicine. It was easy to apply through a short online application form.

Before attending I felt quite nervous about travelling to Oxford for the first time, but also excited and I looked forward to the day and learning more about university. 

The study day consisted of 2 sessions on Medicine, the first being on genetics, which was informative and gave me an insight to the style of teaching. The second session was a taster of a tutorial at Oxford, which I thoroughly enjoyed, it was a very different and thought provoking style of learning. 

I also had a tour of Hertford College and ​attended a talk on the admissions process. 

The study day further enhanced my interest for Medicine and I loved visiting Oxford University.