Ryan Kemp

History 2010, St Peter's

I attended Little Heath School in Reading and am currently in my second year of studying History at St Peter’s College after attending the Sutton Trust Summer School a few years ago. I am now preparing my thesis and hope to go on to graduate study in medieval history.

Neither of my parents went to university and my school had very little history of students applying to Oxbridge, so the decision to apply was not easy. I received a range of advice. That which was encouraging could often be just as misleading, for example claiming that I needed to play a musical instrument, play sport or work for charity in order to get a place. Others were more discouraging, claiming that Oxford would be too expensive and that I would feel out of place.

The Sutton Trust Summer School (in nearly every respect similar to the UNIQ Summer School) transformed my opinion. I could see that the University’s commitment to broadening access was no empty rhetoric, that the admission system was both fair and transparent and that above all, I would feel welcome.

The importance of the Oxford Opportunity Bursary to my decision to apply cannot be understated. When I arrived it ensured there would be no financial barrier between myself and more affluent students, and I could still take part in extracurricular activities and summer internships without causing any stress to my family.

The tutorial system might not be for everyone but I would urge any applicant to make their own decision based on as much information as possible. Remember that no one knows better what it is like to study here than current students so I would make your decision based on the information and advice at Open Days and outreach events, and on the University website.