After a year of mentoring, SM, one of my long-term tutees, has been offered a place to study English at the University of Cambridge. Throughout 2021, we discussed:
* a wealth of literary texts and aspects of literature and language
* how to write an excellent personal statement
* how to approach the ELAT (what is now the CELAT)
* the best way to approach an interview.
‘I was absolutely thrilled to receive an offer to study English at the University of Cambridge today. I can genuinely say that, if it hadn’t been for Edward’s advice and guidance, I would not be in receipt of this much cherished offer.
This past year, he has been a superb, truly supportive mentor, providing me with a comprehensive reading journey through which we enjoyed many intriguing and challenging discussions. Our in-depth conversations on various texts formed the basis of my personal statement, where I was able to confidently evidence my literary curiosity, obviously key to a competitive Oxbridge application. He also helped me learn how to successfully (and much more succinctly!) express my ideas and thoughts, using relevant source material to further my arguments.
Having devoured every single one of his Oxbridge application articles, I can honestly say that many of Edward’s top-tips were enormously helpful and relevant during the interviewing process, having previously navigated through a wealth of misleading, inaccurate and out-of-date Oxbridge Application “advice” online. Without wanting to sound too cliché, I really do feel that Edward shared this journey with me and, knowing that I could, and did, turn to him for advice, through each step of the process (from developing a comprehensive reading programme, to creating an authentic, impactful personal statement, ELAT preparation, and not least, the interview preparation) really, I feel, formed the backbone of my entire application. And for that, words cannot express how truly grateful I am to have found Edward.'
If you are applying to Oxford or Cambridge and would like any assistance, please get in touch. Whether you want a one-off mock-interview or a longer-term programme of mentoring, I will be glad to help.
swlondontutor@yahoo.com
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