How I got in?
The financial cost of Oxford though is not something to be ignored. I was tired of asking money from my parents, so as a result, in my first year of my second degree, I got a full‑time job. Towards the end of the last year of law school, I had a mind‑set of overachieving and that there were no excuses for not working 24/7, training 24/7 and studying 24/7. I was taking my books to work and submitting my essays during my lunch breaks. Nevertheless, the money I was not earning still weren’t sufficient to cover my expenses along my tuition fees, as a result I decided to compete for one of the most high‑priced and competitive scholarships by the Mayor London.
To cut the long story short, I was awarded the scholarship and I was financially able to support myself at Oxford. The only puzzle piece missing was my Oxford application. It needs to be noted that the UK has exceptional funding systems for students in the form of student loans or academic scholarships, and also many part‑time work opportunities that all the Universities help their students with in regard to finding and preparing for when applying. Furthermore, the law school application to Oxford was the most intense writing I ever had to do in my life. I finished the academic requirements, references and all the other parts ofthe application within one day. However, it took me one month to write the personal statement.
The number one necessity for a cover letter that would land you at Oxford is uniqueness. It needs to be stated that writing that the reason you want to do law is because people need justice, will not get you anywhere. In order to get the attention needed to pass, you have to really research the course you are applying for and seriously consider your motivations. Moreover, you must believe that you deserve to be a part of the best University, it is shown in your writing whether you feel like you belong there or not. Do not be arrogant, but illustrate your achievements in great detail. In the case of an interview, keep in mind that you are invited to an interview for a reason, because the admission officer support that you are worth a chance. Be critical in the way you think about their questions, know the material and the information you included in your application inside out. If you lied in your application, they will spot it, thus I would not advise you to do so. In your mind‑set stay positive, do not let anxiety intimidate you and even if you fail you will stand up and try again. After six months of waiting for a response from the admission office, I received my acceptance letter and all of my hard work paid off.
Oxford, here I come!
Before starting my MSc. in Tax Law at Oxford, I needed a long summer break. I had overworked myself, as it was obvious to me and everyone around me. In the long run, having sufficient holidays to rest your mind is as important as working hard. My next step was to contact the Women Oxford Basketball team during the summer and explain that I really wanted to play basketball with them in the regular season as well as in the historic varsity against Cambridge. They gladly accepted me and with them I have travelled the world. In the beginning of the season, we went to China, where we were treated like professional athletes, we were staying in five stars hotels and we were having our own assistants. In the second term, we travelled to Cambridge and Newcastle for the weekends having all of our expenses covered. In the last term, I went to New York to meet a congressman and update him on the progress of the team. To sum up, playing sports at Oxford not only provides you with a new family of players that will help you to adjust but it also offers you international opportunities that you should not miss out on.
Moreover, academically the exams are hard. However, everybody understands that only the top students are at Oxford and they do study methodically. Conse‑ quently, with a structured plan a student is able to balance everything in their curriculum. A wide variety of choices is offered in terms of modules and preferences. Therefore you are able to create an academic schedule which perfectly meets your needs. The professors are also life coaches, always by our side ready to help. The careers service is exceptionally advanced with job opportunities sent directly to your email daily. Most of the time, work experiences are specifically directed to you or your course, which results in a higher likelihood of getting the job you want, and your chances of success are proportionally higher, too. Oxford is a top ranked university for a reason. The difference in the quality of life here compared to any other University in the UK and the USA is evident.
Do what makes you happy
Since I was sixteen and I was failing my school classes, I still knew I was Oxford material. I was working for this moment to happen instead of waiting and wishing for this moment to happen. When I changed my attitude, the results were spectacular. Now, world leaders, highly influential politicians, people who dominate the business sector and the highest qualified academics are educating me. I am graduating my course next year and I already have job offers from top firms in the US, the UK and Greece, and an offer with a capital “O”, which I have already accepted, to work as a tax lawyer for the United Nations. The road was not easy, there were sleepless library nights and early mornings but being here makes me happy. Life is about doing what makes you happy.
As mentioned, this summer I got accepted at the United Nations where I am working as an intern at the international tax cooperation department. My job is a unique opportunity to offer back to society, develop my policy analysis skills and enjoy New York City. Oxford really opened up my career opportunities and I believe that with determination all of our goals can become reality.
