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Cambridge student gives advice to current applicants


Former BWA student Gautham Kumar told Year 13 students at Brooke Weston Academy about applying to, and studying at Cambridge.

He is currently in his final year of medical training at Gonville & Caius College and told students during a half hour Teams call about writing personal statements, the application and interview process, expectations and workload.

The BWA ‘early application’ students are aiming for courses including architecture, dentistry, medicine and maths at top providers, including Oxbridge. 

Gautham gave them lots of advice, prepared an information pack and said: ‘Universities will still expect you to prove that you are interested in the course you are applying for. If you cite any experience or reading on your personal statement you have to make sure that it links to your chosen degree and, even though you cannot do work experience placements due to Covid, you should take part in online courses and show you have read around and really know your subject.’

Afterwards teacher Louise Hegarty said: ‘Obviously with Covid we cannot have visitors into school, however we have a whole raft of former students that could offer support so I approached Gautham, and he was kind enough to volunteer his time, even though he is preparing for his own examinations. These Year 13 students are right in the middle of their applications so this was perfect timing. I am hoping to repeat this, maybe with other alumni as well. I, and the students, really appreciated Gautham’s time and expertise, he was able to answer their questions on a variety of topics and gave them a real insight at what is a crucial time for them, when planning their futures.’

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