Hi, it's Courtney Daniella
I am a YouTuber and a Cambridge graduate
and here are ---
Why did I say graduate like that?!
I'm turning into my mum!
Gosh! [chuckle]
Here are my top 10 tips
to power-up getting into Cambridge.
If you can
go and visit Cambridge.
It is a beautiful city
and there are so many opportunities
from individual college open days
to the University open days
but also specific days for black students
where you can ask questions
particularly surrounding the experience of black students
at Cambridge University.
There are over 30 colleges at the University of Cambridge
and each of them has its own unique culture.
Some colleges are more popular than others.
Loads of people are going to be applying to
the really big, old colleges.
So do your research about the smaller colleges.
And if you just don't want to go through that hassle -
apply to Robinson!
That's where I went --
it's great!
There's only one you.
You are the best version of you.
So use that to your advantage,
whether it's being black,
being a woman,
being from a working class background.
You have a unique perspective on the world.
And you can use that in your essays,
in your exams,
in the way you speak,
even to your interviewers,
to let them know:
I have a unique perspective that you need,
that's going to allow us to think more broadly about the world.
So bring that way of thinking to Cambridge.
Don't think you need all A stars to be able to get in.
The truth is there are a lot of people
who have A stars across the board
who actually don't get admitted into the University.
If you're applying, then you're smart.
And if you get an interview, they know you're smart.
Your grades say you're smart!
The truth is they're looking for people
who are passionate about their subject,
passionate about the University.
And that's all you need to worry about conveying.
Take a look at all the courses that the University offers.
Some subjects are more popular than others.
Cambridge opens so many opportunities for you
and so many doors for you.
So don't limit yourself right now.
You're only 17.
When I was at school, they used to tell us
that they were going to throw a brick out of a window
and ask us how we would catch it.
[sound of glass smashing]
I don't know.
I don't do physics.
The truth is, your interview is just a conversation
you have with an academic to see how well you think.
Display your unique way of thinking.
Talk to them about how your life has shaped your perspective.
When I had mock interviews to help me practice
they were a train wreck.
I was asked if I knew who Angela Merkel was,
I didn't have a clue who she was.
I was so discouraged about going to my interview,
I thought I was going to make myself look like an idiot.
I missed my train
and I ended up getting to my interview late.
But not later than my interviewer!
Don't do the same mistakes that I did
Go there boldly!
And when you really sit down and you relax,
and you don't worry about it as much,
you actually start to enjoy it.
Even if you are painfully shy
and you find it hard to talk to people
just take your time,
you're so young
they understand that this is
quite a high pressure situation for you.
Get used to talking to someone
whether it be your parents or your siblings,
about the things that interest you,
and see if you can actually convince somebody of an argument
even if they have no prior knowledge of the subject.
If they can understand you,
then you've mastered the art of communication.
Don't be put off by the grandeur of the place.
Take it in.
They're just buildings, they're brick and mortar.
At the end of the day, Cambridge isn't the buildings.
It's the people.
I didn't let that voice
that voice telling me that I couldn't,
that I wasn't from the right background,
that I didn't have the right parents
to be able to go to Cambridge.
I didn't let that voice stop me.
I've been able to apply this mindset
of 'What if I can actually make it?'
to everything else in life.
If you want a life-secret,
not just how to power-up and get into Cambridge,
but how to really get through anything,
start thinking more positive.
Could you actually get in?
Yes, you could.
But give yourself the opportunity to.
Even if you are a black student who thinks
Cambridge is not for me,
stop putting yourself or Cambridge in a box
and start thinking 'I have so much that I could bring to this university.
That would be great for them to have me.'
So those have been my top tips.
Now I'm not saying they are everything
you need to be able to get into university.
But hopefully when you click that link
to apply or to find out more about the University of Cambridge,
you feel a bit more confident
that you are the right person who deserves a place here.
I'm here rooting for you.
Fingers crossed you get in
and let me know if you do!