Success stories

The Support That Brought Me to Cambridge

Published: Fri 15 August 2025

Hi! I’m Sophie, a Year 13 student at ICS, and in January I was incredibly grateful to receive an offer from Cambridge to study Land Economy, a course I can’t wait to start.

Applying to Cambridge was no easy task. It’s demanding, intense, and often very mysterious from the outside. Thankfully, I was never on my own. One of the best things about being at ICS is the level of tailored support you receive throughout the process, particularly when it comes to preparing for the all-important interview.

Cambridge interviews are famously academic; they’re looking to assess your potential to thrive on the course. They look to see how you think, how you reason, and how you respond when challenged. That might sound intimidating – and it is – but the guidance I received turned the process into something not only manageable but also genuinely enjoyable and fun. The preparation made things feel much clearer and achievable. It helped me see what Cambridge was really looking for.

The Oxbridge Mocks

The Oxbridge Mocks at ICS was where the real preparation began. Each mock and preparation session brought a different angle and purpose, helping me build both confidence and technique in every element of my application.

First up was Clem, an Oxbridge interview expert who knows exactly what the colleges are looking for – something useful considering how secretive and mythic these interviews can be. Her sessions were a brilliant diagnostic, helping me pinpoint what I was already doing well and, importantly, where I could improve. Receiving early clarity meant I could focus my energy effectively, so it was less of a cram and more of a sustained effort.

Secondly, we had support from Simon, who is an all-round machine! He studied Medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge, but has lived a rather enriching life, and is incredibly knowledgeable as a result. He helped me massively with articularly and being able to explain my thought process in a clear and concise manner, something which I think my interviewers really appreciated. It was useful to also get insight into the Oxbridge experience, as I felt confident with his certainty that I’d thrive there.

James, the outreach coordinator at our link college – Corpus Christi, Cambridge – was another massive help. He’s been our Oxbridge rock from day one, first introducing us to the idea of applying back in Year 12 and supporting us right through to the finish line. His advice is bespoke and informed by his direct experience within the university. Whether it be choosing the ideal subjects, focusing my revision on the subjects most conducive to the course, engaging well through high quality super-curriculars, writing an excellent personal statement, or simply explaining what stands out most at interview: his support was genuinely invaluable.

Land Economy is a unique course. It blends law, economics, and geography with a focus on sustainable development, so finding subject-specific support isn’t always easy. That’s why I was especially lucky to be paired with Hugh Matheson.

Hugh’s insight into the Land Economy Tripos is extraordinary. He’s lived an illustrious life (Google him!) and understands Britain’s socio-economic landscape in a way that’s both fascinating and practical. His support gave me access to what felt like a “hidden syllabus” – the kind of concepts and discussions that are highly likely to come up in interview but that most students (except those from top private schools) never get to explore beforehand. Just hearing him speak was enlightening. He helped me structure my thoughts clearly and confidently, and the headstart he gave me content-wise was invaluable.

Beyond the in-house support, ICS has brilliant links with other schools and organisations that really enhanced my preparation. I was lucky to have subject-specific mock interviews with teachers at City of London School for Girls who had direct experience with Land Economy and Oxbridge applications. Their feedback was detailed, thoughtful, and incredibly specific to the subject – it helped me sharpen my ideas and ensure I was getting the nuances right, something which really matters when almost everyone applying has A*s and are well-versed!

On top of this, ICS’ alumni network came through with even more support. I spoke to former students who had received offers from Cambridge – including Land Economy – and their insights helped me understand what to expect and how to approach the interview mindset.

Looking Back

They say it takes a village to raise a child – and when it comes to applying to Oxbridge, that saying couldn’t be more true. Every element of my interview preparation at ICS played a role in helping me secure my offer. The feedback I got was always sharp, the support was always tailored, and the belief others had in me helped me believe in myself.

Without ICS and its incredible network, I wouldn’t just have missed out on an offer, I’d probably have missed out on the chance to see what I’m really capable of. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who helped me, and I’m beyond excited for what lies ahead!!

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