Testimonials
WHAT OUR ALUMNI SAY
"I thoroughly enjoyed the challenging yet rewarding experience of taking part in the OxNet Languages programme. The language focused programme introduced me to parts of language study that I had never considered and led me to adopt a more open minded and thought provoking mindset when dealing with literary analysis in multiple languages. After completing the programme I felt much more secure with my university applications and the skills I gained during the programme have been applicable in all aspects of my academic study. I would never have pushed myself to apply for more competitive universities, never mind Oxford, without the programme and the help, experience and skills it gave me."
​Aoife (OxNet Languages 2023)
"Having received an offer to study History at Pembroke College, I can safely say the OxNet experience through Year 12 changed my perspective on applying to university in two significant ways. Firstly it broke down the application process to Oxford and, with the Access Week at Pembroke College, really allowed me to experience life as an undergraduate student, an experience that not only made me feel comfortable in the college environment but also gave me skills that will undoubtedly come in handy upon moving down to the university in October such as living in student accommodation, attending tutorials and embracing the culture of a new setting. Secondly, it changed my whole perspective on academics; the academic nature of the program really focuses on critical reading and essay writing, meanwhile working with world-leading academics in the subject you're interested in. Overall, the OxNet program made me, a state-school student, feel like applying and getting into Oxford was totally achievable, something I hadn't thought possible previously."
​Lennon (OxNet Philosophy & World Religions 2023)
"OxNet is an amazing opportunity for anyone who is looking to really push themselves academically, far beyond the A level syllabuses. The science programme not only introduced me to potential life as a university student, but also showed me the tools and skills used by researchers and scientists alike throughout their careers. The course as a whole is a brilliant opportunity to make new friends, meet academics, and create support groups to aid you through university applications. Most of all, OxNet is a great experience for individuals to learn more about something they are passionate about, and of course, have fun."
​Anree (OxNet Science 2023)
"OxNet was both a challenging and rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to learn at a level that I never had done before, and while it was difficult at times, I always had the support of the co-ordinators and my lab group who I got to know more throughout the year. I most enjoyed the Access Week as I was able to experience what it would be like to study at Oxford and actually envision myself there, and being able to speak to current students further encouraged me to apply. Overall, it was an amazing experience in which I was able to make new friends and step inside the 'bubble' that I saw Oxford as. I believe I developed skills that I will be able to apply to my studies after college, and I would recommend it to anyone considering applying to Oxford!"
​Jennah (OxNet Science 2023)
"OxNet was a brilliant experience for me. Every part of the course helped me develop my interests and skills in new ways, whether that be note-taking and critical thinking in the seminars, essay-writing and researching for the Easter essay competition, or defending arguments and debating concepts in the tutorials during access week. All these have also gone on to help me with coursework and exams in my normal A-levels as well. It is thanks to the encouragement of OxNet and the people who make the course so engaging that I can now look forward to studying History and Politics at Oxford later this year. In short, OxNet is not an opportunity to be missed!"
​Jack (OxNet Humanities & Social Science 2023)
"OxNet was incredibly useful in providing a genuine insight into the University experience, and especially at Oxford. The perfect blend of academic and social, OxNet provided me with the help and confidence I needed to make a strong application to Oxford University. The academic sessions were by far the best in emulating the actual tutorial environment, as being in the English sector I was able to make my own question, delve into my own research and get amazing feedback from an Oxford tutor, which helped me critically think about literature; a skill that was definitely useful for my interview. But besides academic, on OxNet I have made lifelong connections and friends that I plan to continue being friends with in our journey as future Oxford students. Regardless as whether you want to apply to Oxford or not, OxNet was an amazing and fulfilling residential that has helped me progress as a person."
​Leanne (OxNet English 2023)
"Until doing OxNet I had never seriously considered applying for Oxbridge, but the programme did so much to demystify the application process, as well as giving me the confidence in my own ability to apply! Access Week was an incredible experience, getting to experience student life at such a fantastic institution for a week, as well as making new friends and developing myself not only as a student, but as a person. The chance to work with so many academics doing something I love is something I will never forget, as well as the genuine kindness and interest they took in seeing me succeed, even after Access Week was over."
​Isaac (OxNet English 2023)
"My time at OxNet’s Access Week was one of the most transformational experiences of my life. Not only did my time there allow me to explore one of the Oxford colleges and the surrounding city, but it also allowed me to experience a true reflection of a week in the life of an Oxford student. My experiences there - from the museum visits to the tutorials gave - me a trial run of what university life would be like. Access Week also made me fear the transition between sixth form and university less because it allowed me to learn what life may look like. My time there was also extremely enriching, pushing me academically as it allowed me to explore my chosen subject in a far deeper, more independent way than I had in the past. I believe my time at Access Week truly transformed me (in a greatly positive way) as a student! I sincerely thank the OxNet community for all the support you have given me!"
​Lisa (OxNet English 2023)
