I’m considering applying to a summer program (looking for around two weeks or so) which will be held at Oxford. I’ve done my research, and there seems to be many organizations that hold these sort of camps. I’ve seen Oxford Royale, Oxbridge Academics, and Oxford Summer Programs. Which of these experiences is the most worth it? It’s also interesting to note that the Oxford Royale application doesn’t seem to require any sort of letter of rec, transcripts, or personal statement. Does anyone know of the application processes?
You are right that there are many organizations that have camps at Oxford (& Cambridge). None of them are actually assoicated with either university- they just rent space in classrooms and dorms (halls) during the ‘long vac’ (summer break). If they advertise that ‘actual’ Ox tutors teach you, that is them doing a summer job (as when your HS teacher leads a summer abroad trip). I don’t know anything about Royale; I do know of students who have done Oxbridge and Ox Summer, and been very happy with the experience.
So, my tuppence ha’penny says: go for the one that looks like the most fun to you. Neither will help you at all (seriously) in college admissions, so the only reason to do it would be to have fun and get to be in Oxford for a couple weeks.