What I can do for you as you prepare to apply
My mentoring sessions are designed as a confidence boost, that will leave you feeling well prepared to apply to Oxford or Cambridge. We’ll explore your application to make sure you’re making the best case for yourself, and you’ll get a chance to see what it’s like to be interviewed for a place.
The session will be tailored to focus on your needs, including if you’re not applying to Oxford or Cambridge, or want help with an application that will go to multiple universities or even for several different courses. I aim for you to end the session feeling your questions have been answered, and you are ready for whatever the application process throws at you.
What can’t I do?
It is important to note that there are some things I can’t provide in terms of preparation. Though I will talk to you about your personal statement, I will never edit it myself or tell you what to write, as it must be entirely your own work. Likewise, I will never do anything that would be against any relevant rules, be dishonest, or give you an unfair advantage. I cannot speak on behalf of Oxford or any other institution, and this service is not authorised or endorsed by them: I will speak entirely from my own experience. In particular, remember that the nature and process of applying may be different to what I experienced.
Free sessions for state school students
If I have the availability, I offer one free session to students attending state-funded schools to help you prepare your Oxbridge or university Classics application. The session will be just the same content and quality as if it were paid, and tailored to fill in whatever gaps you might have in your readiness.
I was a state school applicant to Oxford myself, so I know the importance of understanding what universities are looking for. This is information that should be available to everyone, which is why I offer free sessions to those who might not have access to it elsewhere.
Who is eligible?
These pro-bono sessions are intended to broaden access to advice about applying to study Classics at university, regardless of financial situation. For this reason, my yardstick for eligibility is that you attend a state-funded school in the UK. This is something of a rough indicator of need, however. If you or your child attends a fee-paying school but feel you should qualify for a free session, let me know. Equally, if you attend a state school but feel you already have sufficient help and resources at school or at home, I ask that you not request a free session. My offering a session is always dependent on my availability and discretion.
Support if you’re already at university
I sometimes hear from undergraduate students looking for some extra help with their classical studies, and I’m always happy to help out if I feel I have the knowledge and experience to provide you with what you need. Perhaps you’re starting Latin or Greek for the first time and need more detailed support; or Classics is a new or smaller component of your course and an extra pair of eyes would be a help. Whatever your reason, reach out at any time, and we can discuss your options.
Help for university students is charged at my Oxbridge preparation rate. I also offer marking or review of work at this rate: I can provide feedback on your essay to help you dial in your academic style or develop your argument. (Feel free to ask me for a sample of my own work first!)
It’s important to mention that I never edit, or even comment on, work that will or might be submitted for formal assessment. This work should always be entirely your own, and having someone else contribute to it is often a violation of university policies on academic malpractice.