Former Aquinas student, Meraj, returned to college to deliver an inspiring talk about life at Oxford University and the Oxbridge application process. Sharing his own journey from Year 12 mocks to studying Economics and Management at Oxford, Meraj encouraged students to “embrace the pain of hard work over the pain of regret.” He spoke about the realities of Oxford life, including balancing essays, lectures and tutorials, as well as his involvement in societies, charitable work, and even running for Oxford Union. His openness about challenges and setbacks, such as business ventures that didn’t go to plan, gave students an authentic insight into resilience and ambition.
Following his presentation, Meraj led a workshop with Upper Sixth students to provide tailored support on their personal statements. He offered practical advice on how to show passion and motivation, the importance of reflection over simple listing of achievements, and tips for excelling in admissions tests and interviews. Students found his guidance invaluable, with many leaving the session feeling more confident and ambitious about applying to highly competitive universities. His visit has not only raised aspirations but also equipped students with strategies to approach the next stage of their academic journey.
