Student Voices

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The Oxford IQ Academy course was something very special to me, a truly unforgettable experience. The minute I arrived I was shocked by the overwhelming love and welcome from the leaders and all the friends around me — we immediately became one community. Throughout these two weeks I grew exponentially, not only in friendship, but in discovering and deepening a budding passion in law, leading me to apply in the coming year to read law as a first year student at Oxford.

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11,500 miles. 35 hours of planes, trains, and taxis from Auckland to Oxford. But the moment I stepped out of the Uber and stood before the ancient stone entrance of Oriel College, I was speechless. Oxford didn't just give me new friendships, but it lit a fire in me. The Law course was my biggest revelation. Before the summer, I could never have imagined myself pursuing a legal career. But now, it's what I see for my future.

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My time at the Oxford IQ Academy were some of the best weeks of my life. Two amazing weeks filled with fascinating lessons, critical thinking, creativity, love and laughter. There wasn't a single person who regretted going or wished they were home. It felt like a second home.

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Being part of Team Herodotus was honestly one of the best academic experiences I've ever had. These subjects challenged me intellectually and encouraged me to think analytically and critically in ways I hadn't before. Living away from home gave me a taste of how it was like studying at Oxford and it enabled me to grow much more independent.

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The Oxford IQ Academy summer course was one of the best experiences of my life. The classes were interactive and we were able to discuss the 'whys' instead of only being told the 'whats'. Every single class will help me for my future. Not only did the tutors teach me extremely much during class, but also helped me with one-on-one sessions for my uni application.

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I still remember walking into an Oxford College for the first time... unaware of what wonders and insight that the two-week course would offer me. The lively chatter and discussions in classrooms and halls taught me more things than I had imagined, leaving me enthralled and enamored.

Graduation Speech

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On the 24th of October, we first got the link to join the competition. I thought... and thought... and thought. Until I finally told myself, 'Why not?' I hadn't really done anything memorable this year, so I applied. I didn't expect to get in. But fast forward to August 15 — here I am, standing at my graduation, speaking to all of you. Looking back, I realise how often we treat doubt like a friend. It becomes a shield we hide behind — and when we do that, we become the thieves of our own opportunities.

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These past two weeks have been, without a doubt, some of the most incredible of my life. I met the most fabulous people — professors who truly inspired me and friends I'm sure I'll keep forever. The experience helped me build meaningful connections and gave me a huge boost of confidence for my future university application.

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My time at Oxford, though short, was truly unforgettable. I only wish I had more of it. They showed me what genuine connection really means, and I've never felt more seen, supported, and loved. The professors were beyond supportive; they encouraged all of us to chase our dreams and gave real guidance on how to actually make it to Oxford University.

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This summer school was unlike any other; it was an unforgettable two weeks that I will always remember. Exploring a wide variety of subjects — Medicine, Business, Shakespeare, and Classics — truly provoked my interest in pursuing a future in the medical field. Being surrounded by high-achieving students and a rich history has inspired me to consider applying to Oxford in the coming years.

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The two weeks I spent at this summer course were one of the most memorable and enjoyable of my life. The campus was incredible and the atmosphere of being in such an institution like Oxford is one that I cannot describe. The London day was very fun with a trip to Arsenal's stadium — an experience I'll never forget.

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At the beginning of the Oxford IQ course, the Pythagoras cohort agreed that 2 weeks was a very long time to spend with total strangers, but also not nearly enough time to get to know them. The tutors were wonderful; I genuinely enjoyed my conversations with them. If I could drop everything and go back to Oxford with my friends and tutors, I would.

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I had the best experience of my life having classes with you, every day learning something new and in different ways. Thank you so much for all you taught me!

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The entire class agrees that your course was the most amazing experience of our lives! We learned so much!