On 16th June 2017, Ashmole Academy’s Oxbridge and MedSoc Groups had a talk from Dr David Williams, Fellow and Director of Studies, Veterinary Medicine and Pathology, St John's College, Cambridge. Despite his talk having a strong emphasis on science, a set of subjects that I do not intend to follow through to university, he not only proved to be highly informative but also entertaining for all. Through explaining many of his own academic experiences, he was able to effectively provide much needed prompts over the type of student Oxford and Cambridge accepts, and how we can develop our own interests over time. His advice on how to contact tutors and ask them about their respective fields has inspired numerous students to do so whilst also encouraging them to find niche sections within larger disciplines to focus attention on. Whilst this will help us to convey our passion for our subjects in personal statements and interviews, it has more importantly encouraged many of us to really think about what interests us and how we can become involved in it before we begin our university studies. 

Jari 12/M2