A group of eight students studying A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) at Bridgwater & Taunton College who have applied to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge have attended a specialist interview preparation workshop at Millfield School, Street.

Interviews are an important part of the selection process for prestigious institutions including the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Interviews aim to give applicants the chance to demonstrate how they think, analyse and apply their knowledge, as well as their passion and interest for the subject they would like to study. They give the UK’s top universities the opportunity to look beyond written applications and learn more about the potential undergraduate.

Along with other applicants from across the area, the BTC A Level and IB students were divided into groups based on their subject of interest, then took part in a number of workshops focused on interview techniques for Oxbridge applicants.

The visit was arranged as part of BTC’s ‘Pathways to Oxbridge’ scheme, which is linked to its Honours Academy, an enrichment programme open to all ambitious, motivated and hard-working students. Students are given 1:1 support with their personal statements, interview prep and admission test guidance.

The BTC A Level and IB students who attended the interview workshops have all applied to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge. The next stage in the selection process is an interview, due to take place in December or January. Final decisions are expected during the coming months.

A Level student Joseph Pittard of Bridgwater has applied to Oxford to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He said:

I found the Millfield workshops very useful as they allowed me to engage with my fellow applicants and gain lots of insight from them. The tasks also allowed me to develop my interview skills, preparing me for my future interviews.

Joseph is due to be interviewed by staff at Somerville College, Oxford, later this month.

Karen Crowley, Course Leader, said:

I have been blown away with the talent of this year’s Pathways to Oxbridge students. They have applied for a vast range of subjects, including Medicine, Philosophy, English and Mathematics. Each student has performed exceptionally well during their BTC courses, which is an amazing achievement with the challenges they’ve faced over the last few years. We have been very lucky to be involved with this project alongside other colleges and sixth forms such as Millfield School and Wells Cathedral School. Students gain a lot from this project as they can mix with likeminded students who will hopefully become their classmates! I wish all of our students the best of luck with their interviews with the university and hope they know how proud I am of each and every one of them.

For more information, visit the Honours Academy, A Levels and the International Baccalaureate pages.