Sutton Trust Summer School

It's that time of year where year 13 students are starting to fret about upcoming exams and year 12s are organising and booking their places at open days to universities, thinking that if they haven't decided what they want to do by now then they'll be wasting the next two years and if they don't go to university then they are failing in some way.

At least, that's how it feels at my school.

I mentioned in an earlier post about my discovery of equine related degrees, and I felt that there was something else I should also mention. Summer school. There are a lot of companies out there that arrange time for a group of year 12 students to get the feel of what a certain university will be like, and one of these is Sutton Trust (http://www.suttontrust.com).

Sutton Trust is a brilliant programme because it's completely free so it means anyone has a chance of going. It is aimed at people who cannot necessarily afford to pay for one of the other summer schools, and it offers places at some of the leading universities. I was lucky enough to get a placement and I had such a brilliant time that I wanted to tell you all about in the hopes that you will apply or recommend it to someone else who is considering university.

When I first applied to the programme, I didn't get a place. I wanted to do English at Durham because at the time I applied, I was still primarily thinking of studying English and having considered all the universities Sutton Trust has a partnership, I really felt drawn to Durham. It was so disappointing to not get a place but I understood. There are others my age who were more deserving, and English is always going to be an over-subscribed subject. Imagine my surprise, then, when I received an email offering my a place on their Theology and Religion with Philosophy course! They offered me a place because they knew Religious Studies was one of my A Level subjects from the original application and because they had spare places.

I was hesitant as first, I admit. I had already decided that I wanted an equine degree so part of me felt a little selfish in  taking a place on a course at a uni I wasn't going to go to, but I reasoned that they wouldn't have offered me a place if there wasn't a spare one going and it wouldn't hurt to be sure in my mind that I definitely wanted to go down the university route. Deciding to go was one of the best decisions I made.

Durham is an incredibly beautiful place, and the student ambassadors were so lovely and the course professor so friendly that it was actually really upsetting that we were only there for a week. Each day was so full on so that they could demonstrate all that was available that, although exhausting, we settled in pretty much after the first day. Six hours each day were dedicated to the subject stream you had a place on, and then the afternoon would be something else, so on one of the days this was a personal statement workshop and on another we got to look around one of the libraries. In the evening there were various activities. These ranged from creative writing to Quidditch so there really was something for everyone! My favourite part, however bitter sweet, was the formal dinner on the last day because it was followed by a silent disco, which was pretty hilarious!

I loved it so much that I considered using my spare uni application place for a Durham application because part of being accepted on the Sutton Trust programme at Durham was a conditional offer and they allow you to enter a separate personal statement. I would highly recommend Durham to anyone because honestly, if they offered something equine related, I would be there in a heartbeat.

Sutton Trust provided this fantastic experience free of charge, and I gained so much. I met brilliant people, and part of the scheme is a mentor who is always available if I need to talk to her. It was so rewarding and it excited me about life as a university student. If that wasn't enough to tempt you to look at the Sutton Trust website, then consider the fact they also have a link to America. I know less about this as I never considered it, but the website is very clear so if this tempts you be sure to look!

If you need more tempting, then take a look at some of the images I took over the week.

Any Potterhead should recognise this - Durham Cathedral!

The view from the bridge over River Wear

The bedroom I stayed in! Comfortable with plenty of space to relax

The view from my  bedroom window!

                                     

                                       

I sincerely hope you consider applying for a summer school. It really is beneficial, and whilst I may be a little biased towards Durham, all of the placements are great. Good luck!

Until next time,
EquiHolly