In this article, U2 mentor, Blanca (1st Class History & Politics graduate, University of Oxford), leads you through her top recommendations for successful preparation for a history degree at a top Russell Group UK university or Oxbridge. If you want to know about extracurricular activities to make your application stand-out, current trends and ‘must-knows’ in history, history book recommendations, an overview of the Oxbridge history interview structure, and examples of past history interview questions, this blog is for you!

In this blog, 1st Class History & Politics Oxford graduate, Blanca, leads you through her key recommendations for those thinking of applying for a Politics degree, as well as prospective applicants approaching personal statement writing, Oxbridge admissions test and interviews. Read on for past Oxbridge Politics interview questions, reading suggestions for a Politics personal statement, and important debate topics

At some point, all English students will be given a passage of literature and asked to ‘analyse’ or ‘respond’ to it. You answer will illustrate to an examiner or interviewer, what techniques you have learnt throughout your studies, and how you can apply your knowledge to new materials. Useful for: GCSE & A-Level English candidates and Oxbridge Humanities applicants.

In an age of pandemic, right-wing populism, fake news and environmental chaos, it is imperative that we keep abreast of what is going on in this volatile world we live in. In this news digest, journalist, Georgia, distills key happenings in the UK and the world at large, and provides suggestions of points of analysis in reaction to those events for you to consider and digest.

Places at Oxford are some of the most sought-after in the world, but what is it really like to go there? Here, English undergraduate, Sarah, discusses what she does in a day at Oxford, to give you a sense of what a student’s daily routine is like. Hopefully it’ll inspire you to apply; Oxford is a wonderful place, and all the hard work it takes to get there is worth it!

Going to university is a huge leap; it may well be the first time you’ve lived away from home, and you’ll be learning to manage not just your studies but your accommodation, finances and food. Spending some time preparing for all aspects of university life before you start will ease the transition greatly, so that you can fully enjoy the excitements of your first term. So, whether you’re waiting for university offers, preparing to meet the conditions of your offer, or already have a secured place, make sure to follow the following suggestions.

T.S. Eliot once said that ‘this is one moment,/ But know that another/ Shall pierce you with a sudden painful joy’. Stress and worry are feelings which are commonly experienced by us all, now more than ever. But it is important to remember stress is just one out of many feelings which we experience in our daily lives and if we recognise it, acknowledge it and harness it for good, it can help keep our thoughts in perspective and not let us become overwhelmed. Don’t feel like everything has to be perfect all the time; it’s a bumpy road, whether in our academic work or our personal lives, so we have to learn to acknowledge our feelings and recognise what they are for. Find out some of the ways Sarah suggests managing stress, from connecting with other people and being active, to planning your day and taking up new hobbies.

Galleries in the UK are finally re-opening their doors. Find out why you should make a beeline for your nearest museum with art historian, Issy. Issy leads you through three key examples of masterpieces, which show how art can illuminate everything from Shakespeare, to ancient Greek rituals, to Newton’s colour theory!

Sales of The Plague, a French novel written in 1947 by Albert Camus, rocketed up by 1000% in the UK during the first few weeks of lockdown. Set in Oran, a city on the coast of Algeria, in the 1940s, it tells of a fictional plague that sweeps through the population at astonishing speed. ‘What does it mean, the plague? It’s life, that’s all.” Discover how Camus questions the meaning of existence, giving voice to the new strain of existential philosophy which reached its peak popularity in the decades after the Second World War in a review of the uncannily similar French tale.

Learning German is hard. Reading books in German is even harder. But reading literature in the original language is not only wonderful for learning grammar, vocabulary and increasing your fluency, but it will also expand your literary horizons, especially in preparation for university applications. German literature, just like English literature, is a vast and multi-faceted corpus and it can be hard to know where to start. So if you want to branch out from re-watching ‘Goodbye, Lenin!’ for the fiftieth time and make sure you stand out as a German linguist and literature student, here are some books to start with and ideas for your personal statement and interview preparation if applying for German at university/ Oxbridge.

The pandemic has led many of us to cancel our holidays. For younger children, this can be especially disappointing, as it takes away their opportunity to see new places, learn about other cultures and experience the thrill of travel. So here is a compilation of five books or series by female writers, which will help younger readers go on adventures and journeys from their own room.

Having strong writing skills becomes more and more crucial as you approach the age of eighteen, since you’ll be preparing a personal statement and honing your essay writing skills in your A-Level courses. For this reason, no matter what you’re planning on studying at university, make sure to make reading a part of your routine. Reading, especially more challenging texts, will allow your written expression to develop in exciting ways. Fluency in constructing your own arguments stems from reading others’ work. Look no further for some examples of exemplary written expression.

Time and again studies have shown that children who read more perform better in examinations in all subjects: reading improves your comprehension and analytical skills, your vocabulary, your written expression and your ability to connect ideas.  These skills are invaluable across the board. With this in mind, have a look at this list of books to read before you turn sixteen; they are challenging, so don’t rush. However, enjoy them! Fiction promises to transport you to another time and place. It can provide solace, intrigue and wonder.

What better way to spend a quiet day than curled up with a book? The following novels promise to whisk you away to another place, world or time. There’s something for everyone, from historical novels to detective stories and fantasy. The best way to get into reading is to discover what really excites you and to indulge that interest, so I’ve given suggestions for follow-up books to read if you enjoy these initial suggestions. Happy reading!

An interview is a high-pressure environment – but it can also be a rewarding one. Oxbridge interviews, though notoriously challenging, are designed to mimic the kind of tutorials which you will be taking should you be successful in your application. Tutors aren’t trying to trip you up or confuse you. Find out some strategies to stay calm and confident come interview day with successful Oxford English applicant, Sarah.

In this guide we offer some guidance on how to do well in secondary, covering key skills like resilience and curiosity as well as more concrete tips and guidance to allow you to excel in your GCSEs and A Levels and become a life-long learner.

This blog offers a number of suggestions of extracurricular activities and hobbies for students to inadvertently enhance their on-curriculum performance. Extracurriculars provide a great opportunity to hone skills and develop new ones which will enrich your learning in a broad way. Some universities, such as US universities and Ivy League Schools, also rate extra-curricular engagement extremely highly!

This guide provides top recommendations for educational podcasts to help students deepen their subject knowledge, enhance critical thinking, and stand out in personal statements. Discover the best podcasts for law and engineering students, whether you're beginning the application process or currently studying at university.

Are you dreaming of pursuing English at Oxford, Cambridge or a top Russell Group University? This comprehensive guide equips you with top tips for crafting an English personal statement that truly stands out. Learn how to showcase your diverse literary interests, structure your personal statement or tailor your statement for Oxbridge.

A Biological Natural Sciences Cambridge graduate leads you through the intricacies of the course, his application experience, and top tips for personal statement, admissions test and interview preparation. From ideas for reading new scientific articles and staying updated on novel challenges in the science world, to tips on approaching specific interview question formats, learn how to approach preparation for the multidisciplinary degree.