Thinking about University: A Talk with Mike Nicholson

On Wednesday 12 March, Year 12 students and their parents were given a unique opportunity to attend an insightful talk by Mike Nicholson, Director of Recruitment, Admissions, and Participation at the University of Cambridge. The event provided a comprehensive overview of the higher education process, blending essential information with an engaging presentation.

Over the course of 45 minutes, Mike delivered a wealth of information about navigating the university landscape, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone. His discussion covered not only the academic and administrative aspects of university life but also practical matters, such as managing laundry, budgeting, and cooking while living away from home.

In the second part of the evening, Mike offered prospective Oxbridge applicants valuable insights into the application process for Oxford and Cambridge. Topics included super-curricular activities, preparing for interviews, admissions tests, selecting the right college, and understanding the unique teaching and assessment methods at both institutions.

Mr Jude Chua, Mathematics Teacher, said, “We were thrilled to host Mike Nicholson for this invaluable session. His clear, honest, and engaging approach helped demystify the university application process for both students and parents, particularly those interested in applying to Oxford and Cambridge. We were also pleased to be able to extend the invitation to local schools and were delighted to have pupils from St Gregory's Catholic College and Oldfield School in attendance. The evening was both informative and inspiring, and we are grateful to Mike for sharing his expertise with us all."