Exeter Scholars alumni profiles
Many of our Exeter Scholars participants choose to come and study at the University of Exeter at the end of their time on the programme. Here, you can find out more about what they thought about the programme, how they benefitted from it, and what their advice is for anyone thinking of applying.
Amelia
South West Pathway 2016–2018
Subject Activity Strand: Physics
Now studying: MPhys Physics with Astrophysics
"Opportunities like Exeter Scholars don’t come around every day, so I thought I should apply for it as it would be a great opportunity to see what university would be like and help me in deciding which course I should take.
I enjoyed how the programme had different activities and each one was engaging – it was like a crash course in a Physics degree. We had mock lectures, time in the labs, talking with professors in their field of study, and group discussions and presentations. I was also able to take part in a summer residential where we got to experience university life, living in halls, cooking, and making new friends.
Exeter Scholars gave me a better insight into what a Physics degree would entail, more than any prospectus could tell me. I was able to talk to current students about their course to get a good idea of the workload and content. When I started at university I felt like I was ready as I had already been in the university setting. Although everything was new, I had almost done it before.
The advice I would give to new participants would be to apply and make the most of a brilliant opportunity. There are very few other ways of fully experiencing 'university life' and it will be something you never regret."
Diogo
National Pathway 2016–2018
Subject Activity Strand: Renewable Energy & Engineering
Now studying: BSc Geography
"Exeter Scholars gave me the opportunity to visit a university that was far from where I live, particularly as I was based at the Penryn campus. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience on the programme. I enjoyed the fact that it allowed me to experience what living away from home feels like, with people I had never met. That, for me, was my take-home experience, and I knew that I could go to university without many nerves.
From taking part in the programme I learnt that I didn’t have to worry about going to university. I decided that I was going to apply to the University of Exeter because of the wonderful experience I had. By doing the Renewable Energy & Engineering subject strand, I realised that I preferred the Geography side of the subject to the Maths side, and that narrowed down the choices that I made on UCAS.
Exeter Scholars was one of the best summer experiences I've ever participated in. Take this opportunity to explore a potential path for your life and treat it as a trial run. Enjoy the experiences available to you and apply to them all. The work and effort you put into your future is what you’ll get out of it."
Kirah
South West Pathway 2015–2017
Subject Activity Strand: Classics & Ancient History
Now studying: BA Anthropology with Study Abroad
"I applied for Exeter Scholars because I was interested in doing a degree in Classics, so doing the programme was a great way of experiencing this course. I loved learning topics that you would never learn in your average A-Level course. I particularly loved how our 'lecturer' used TV shows and movies as a way of explaining theories and events.
The Exeter Scholars programme helped me realise that studying Classics at degree level wasn’t what I wanted to do and helped me work out what course was best for me. The programme also gave me a great insight into the demands of higher education and the ways that we might learn.
I would say that if you’re unsure about what course you might want to do at degree level, Exeter Scholars is perfect in helping you along the way."
Sachin
South West Pathway 2016–2018
Subject Activity Strand: Medical Professions
Now studying: BMBS Medicine
"When I applied to study Medicine at university, Exeter Scholars provided me with a mock interview day which mimicked the actual interview in order to give me good practice for the actual one. It was helpful that they had current students there to give first-hand experiences of their interview days. Another really big thing that I enjoyed about Exeter Scholars was the opportunity to meet new people; they really emphasise the importance of social skills and it was wonderful to meet people applying to the same course as me so that we could share ideas and thoughts with each other. It really helped with the stress of exam times!
One of the main things I have learnt from taking part in Exeter Scholars is that university is a much friendlier and more supportive place than I initially thought. Everyone is helpful and people genuinely care about your wellbeing and want you to succeed. I have also learnt the importance of socialising and making new friends through the Exeter Scholars programme.
Exeter Scholars concreted my decision to study Medicine at Exeter as I got to explore the unique teaching methods, such as problem-based learning, through taster days provided by Exeter Scholars. They also provided days which were focussed on essay writing and the skills needed to further develop researching, which were really useful.
If you are thinking of applying to the Exeter Scholars programme, in all honesty my top tip would be to not hesitate and just apply! It has been the most useful thing I have ever done for my university application, the benefits are huge and I can guarantee that each individual will reap the rewards of the programme, whether it be the grade reduction or personal statement help."
Matt
South West Pathway 2014–2016
Subject Activity Strand: Pathways to Law
Now studying: LLB Law
"I actually found out about Exeter Scholars after talking to a co-worker at my part-time job. I then asked my tutor about this programme as it sounded fantastic and discovered I had a day left to apply. I did manage to get my application in on time and I am very grateful that I did! This programme has been incredible: allowing me to meet like-minded individuals; improve on essential skills; and enjoy lots of opportunities that simply aren’t available to everyone else. I believe that having these skills and experiences on my personal statement really helped it stand out on my UCAS application and may well be why I am at university today.
The experience that I most enjoyed from my Exeter Scholars programme was the National Conference at Warwick University that I got to experience as part of the Law strand. This was one of many fantastic opportunities, but it stuck out to me as I learned what it was like to live on a campus university. Over the week we also had different competitions in negotiating and debating, which I found really useful in building my own confidence as well as my communication skills.
When I started Exeter Scholars I still wasn’t sure whether I wanted to study Law at university, or have any experience of what university life would involve. These are the most important things that I took away from Exeter Scholars. Learning from real lecturers at Exeter allowed me to experience a university-style lecture without committing to a course (and the finances of it).
If I was to give advice to any student, it would be to do exactly what you are doing. Go out and look for those new opportunities, and, when you find one, grab it! Opportunities such as Exeter Scholars don’t just help you professionally and look great on your personal statement or CV, but also will develop you as a person. You’ll find you have talents you never thought you did and build on these in real-life situations.
If you are worried you won’t make any friends or won’t fit in, don’t be! You will fit in and find some amazing friends. I know this because when I went on the programme I was the only person from my college so I didn’t know anyone else there, but nearly 5 years later I still have them as firm friends and, even though we didn’t all go to the same universities, we still keep in contact with each other and meet during the holidays. I can honestly say I met some of my best friends on this programme."
Kathryn
National Pathway 2016–2018
Subject Activity Strand: English & Film
Now studying: BA English
"I took part in Exeter Scholars because I knew Exeter was likely to be my first choice university, so I wanted to experience life here and strengthen my UCAS application. The lower grade incentive and benefits package also drew me in.
The thing I enjoyed most was being able to experience student life in both social and academic senses. The subject strand activities allowed me to further my studies and see that the course was right for me, and the residential gave me experience of being away from home and living independently (which I was anxious about before). Meeting other students who I’ve since kept in touch with was also so valuable.
Before taking part in Exeter Scholars I was worried about how I’d adjust from A-Level lesson structure. The mock lectures and seminars were incredibly useful and the content we learned on the subject strand was relevant to my course now, so I found that insight really useful! It definitely helped me realise that the Exeter English course was right for me.
The advice I would give to anyone thinking of applying for the Exeter Scholars programme is do it! There’s nothing to lose and you will come out of it knowing more about yourself, your course and the university, and with lots of experience and new friends. I was so anxious about coming to university, but knowing a bit more about what university is like from doing the Scholars programme definitely helped me remember that it would be okay!"
Thomas
South West Pathway 2016–2018
Subject Activity Strand: Geography
Now studying: BSc Geography
"I heard about the Exeter Scholars programme through my school. We were given a presentation by current Exeter students which really showed how valuable the course would be and made me excited to gain this experience.
I enjoyed the range of talks from different researchers which demonstrated the breadth of Geography and developed my enthusiasm for the subject. The fieldtrip to the quay to see the flood defences currently being built was a highlight. We were given a talk from an expert on the flood defence plans – it was interesting to be given the context and facts behind the defences. Since arriving at university, we have talked about the flood defences there so this was a very enjoyable and useful day!
From taking part in the Exeter Scholars programme I’ve learned more about my interests and passions in Geography. Before starting the course, I was unsure about what path I wanted to go down – it was a close call between Geography and Physics. I decided to go with Geography and the programme very much helped show me that this was the right decision. By introducing me to a higher education style of learning and by being able to explore the campus, as well as employing time management skills in keeping up with school work and attending the subject sessions, Scholars has definitely helped me with the demands of university now that I’m here.
The advice I would give to new participants is to go for it! For me, it was a great programme that not only gave me the opportunity to gain experience of higher education and university itself, but also greatly benefitted me once I completed it. The lower entry grades definitely helped my confidence when it came to taking my exams and it took the nerves off knowing that I already liked the campus. You could gain a lot from participating in the programme and it will give you a great insight into whether your chosen subject is definitely what you want to do at university. It will also give you an idea as to whether university is right for you. Mainly just have fun and make the most of it!"
