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Andy McGowan

Andy McGowan. Trinity Hall JCR Access Officer 2008-09 CUSU Target School Officer 2009-10. What is this session about?. Brief introduction to target talks Practical Hints & Tips for organising/doing talks. A chance to ask questions. What are Target Talks?.

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Andy McGowan

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  1. Andy McGowan • Trinity Hall JCR Access Officer 2008-09 • CUSU Target School Officer 2009-10

  2. What is this session about? • Brief introduction to target talks • Practical Hints & Tips for organising/doing talks. • A chance to ask questions

  3. What are Target Talks? • An opportunity for school students to find out what life at Cambridge/University is really like, first hand, by meeting current students. • A chance to dispel myths. • A chance to answer questions • Normally Year 12 students but doesn’t have to be.

  4. Why do we do them? • To dispel misconceptions. • To provide accurate & current information (to teachers as well as students!) • Some don’t see Oxbridge (or University) as an option for them for the ‘wrong’ reasons. • Helps students make informed decisions. • Raise aspirations

  5. Why do we not do them? • To ‘hard-sell’ the university. • To force people to apply. • To create a false picture of Cambridge.

  6. Why are people put off doing them? • Time • Don’t know how to go about organising them. • Think they are not a very good public speaker. • ‘My school doesn’t need my help. They send lots of people to Oxbridge every year!’ • Don’t know what you would talk about! • Worried about what you may be asked. • Don’t think they make a difference. • I went to a private school so I can’t take part can I?

  7. Organising a talk • Target Schools Database - http://www.cusu.cam.ac.uk/prospective/target/volunteers • Best time to do them – End of Terms • Who should you look to contact? • Preferred methods of communication. • How do you actually do it? • Details (size of groups, content)

  8. Preparingfor a Talk • Content – Liaise with the school • Materials – Powerpoint presentation (hard copy), prospectus, finance guide, guide to interviews, alternative prospectus, feedback forms • Contacting other local students. • Practical considerations – transport, timing

  9. Content • It varies! • Life as a Cambridge student in general. • The college system. • The academic system. • Extra-curricular activities. • Your experiences • Q&A’s • The admissions process • Student finance

  10. What not to do • Talk about areas (especially key ones) that you are unsure about – If in doubt, miss it out! • Over-emphasise college rivalries • Giving one-sided accounts (in relation to colleges) • Answer questions that you don’t know the answer to! • Use Cambridge slang e.g. DoS, plodge, Natsci • Make it sound too easy/hard to get into. • NB – Remember: not everyone is looking for the same things from university e.g. Drinking culture

  11. Some of my tips • Explain why you/they are there. • Encourage student interaction. • Encouraging student participation • Use your experiences to try and relate to the students. • Be flexible! • Be honest yet encouraging: we do work hard, but we also play hard!

  12. Dealing with questions • You can never totally guess what you will be asked! • Don’t give an answer if you are not sure whether it is the right answer: Don’t be afraid to direct them to someone else. • Be honest • Talk from your own experiences • You’ll be surprised by what you do know!

  13. Any questions?access@cusu.cam.ac.uk

  14. Useful Links • www.cam.ac.uk (Cambridge website) • www.applytocambridge.com (CUSU Alternative Prospectus Website) • http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/interviews/ (Info on interviews with a link to interviews leaflet)

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