Fit for English Literature | Selina, Oxford
A few years ago, if you had asked Selina what she wanted to study at university, her answer would have been physics. Then she began her IB studies. While working on her Extended Essay, she discovered a passion for English. When she researched her topic, she found herself following paths of endless discovery. She also learned that she had a talent for writing. The University of Oxford took notice too, offering her the opportunity to pursue a degree in English there this fall. Since year 9 she had been receiving guidance from the Higher Education & Careers (HEC) team, and they could not be prouder that she found her area of study and university fit. Way to go, Selina!
Here Selina shares what sparked her love for English literature, and what she most looks forward to at the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Why did you choose to major in English?
I originally wanted to study Physics and Philosophy, but I realized as I was preparing my application that despite liking Physics, I didn’t love it, and I couldn’t imagine limiting myself to it in the future. On the other hand, there’s a sense of freedom and flexibility in studying English that you just don’t find in STEM; while exploration in the sciences is limited to the laws of nature, there’s infinite potential in coming up with enquiries about literature because it’s ultimately about imagination and interpretation.
Also, as a writer, I’m always in awe of the writer’s craft. I hope analyzing good writing can help me improve my own!
What about Oxford appeals to you the most?
Probably the course itself. English at Oxford is super broad, and because of the excellent resources, you can pretty much study anything that suits you and still get the richest experience possible. For someone like me who just likes to explore – anything from classic fantasy to contemporary literature to Old English verse – this is perfect.
What ignited your passion for the subject?
The decision to change from a Physics to English path came with my Extended Essay. When reading into potential topics (Physics vs. English), I got a feel for the first time what English research was actually like, and it wasn’t like anything I’d done in class at all. My favorite thing about researching English is how everything’s interlinked. You might be focusing on one text but at the same time you’re also making connections with other works by other authors from a completely different time period and location.
What courses helped you earn this offer?
English Lit, Physics and Math AA at HL, Chemistry, History and Spanish at SL. English courses are pretty relaxed when it comes to subject choices, so I was comfortable with applying with a heavy STEM focus.
What advice would you give younger pupils who want to pursue a similar path?
Be easy on yourself and relax. It’s easy to be influenced by people around you, but what’s important is to do what you’re comfortable with the way you want to at your own pace. Also, visiting the schools you’re considering in person (even better if you can make it on an Open Day) and actively engaging with faculty or students can really help inform you of what to do during your application process and which schools to apply to.
What was the biggest challenge to applying for university?
Time management. It can be difficult to plan early on when the application deadline seems like ages away. A common pitfall for all of us is leaving everything to the very end. I still remember rushing my personal statement in Period 5 Physics, just hours before the deadline.
However, the HEC team set out expectations for us Oxbridge applicants very early on so we could start making our applications competitive from the beginning. Other than that, we also got mock interviews, which I thought was helpful, because it really demystified the process and let me relax in the real thing.
How long have you been attending Wellington?
This is my eighth year.
What will you miss most about Wellington?
The library!
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