Anna McIntyre

Hertford, 2011, BA Jurisprudence (Law)

I went to Hawthorn High School, Pontypridd in the South Wales Valleys, where I know of only two other students in the past 10 years who have secured Oxbridge offers.

Oxbridge wasn't suggested to me as an option, but I was lucky enough to be contacted by the Target Schools Scheme and subsequently attended the UNIQ summer school. I then saw Law at Oxford as an option, and was inspired to apply!

Only my father attended full time university, studying Chemistry at Edinburgh in the 1960's, so although I grew up with the idea that higher education was an amazing, horizon-broadening experience, it all still seemed very distant to me. I'd never dreamt of applying to Oxford, but I absolutely love it and have found it so easy to fit in during my first year.

Although I was really intimidated at first about applying, I found everybody throughout the application process was really welcoming and eager to get to know me and how my mind worked, which was very flattering!

I particularly enjoyed the interview process. I'd done absolutely no legal study before coming to university, but at the interview I was given basic statute law and example cases to try and set against it. I really felt that my interviewers were interested in the debate we had about the issues and my opinion on such important things, which felt amazing, considering they were some of the most knowledgeable people in the country on the topic.

It really prepared me for what the tutorial system was like, as what we did entirely mirrors the tutorials now. I attend tutorials having read some background material and then explore the crucial issues in depth in small groups with my tutor in a relaxed atmosphere.

I would say that it really, absolutely doesn't matter where you come from, it's about where you're going, and Oxford has without doubt given me the best year of my life so far. I've had the most educating, eye opening experience and I'm surrounded by people exactly like me who are passionate and devoted to learning. There's a reason that Oxford has such an amazing reputation, but this shouldn't be something to put you off applying, but to try!!!