"I graduated from grammar school in Germany in June 2010 as the top student in my school, with a perfect score in the German Abitur. In order to improve my command of the English language before starting a degree I enrolled in Oxbridge Term, the elite programme Martin Cox runs in Michaelmas Term for the most promising applicants to Oxford, Cambridge and the Ivy League. It had never occurred to me that a tutor could have such a profound influence on me in so many ways.

According to my parents and friends, my work with Martin and the last few months in England have changed my whole personality and outlook. I too feel that the way I think has changed radically. Martin provided me with a very comprehensive, carefully selected weekly reading list and essay questions, which took me through dozens of authors on a wide range of themes in philosophy and economics. He influenced me most, however, in the course of our weekly tutorials about my reading and my essays. Sometimes we reflected on one specific topic for two or three hours. By means of those discussions I gradually and imperceptibly developed the crucial skill of critical and independent thinking.

Before I met Martin I tended to agree with authors on what they wrote. I did not reflect on alternative arguments because I thought, 'the author is the expert; I had better understand and accept what she says'. Yet, Martin showed me that it is possible for the reader, indeed it is an obligation the intelligent reader bears, to challenge even the best writers and thinkers."

DK (Yale University, 2011)

"I want you to know your tutorials were a huge inspiration, not to mention all the people you set us up to meet. That was really extraordinary and I know I didn't fully appreciate how extraordinary at the time, but I look back on it now with a "wow...we did that!" kind of attitude."

RG (Harvard University, 2011)

"... Martin was encouraging, helpful, approachable and diligent. He planned lessons carefully, appropriate to what I knew and did not know, and was very good at keeping a pace which both kept me challenged but without going too fast, meaning I was able to feel confident and positive.

"His approach was patient and understanding, even when I was finding things difficult. I never felt undermined or incapable, and his explanations were coherent, relevant and useful. Martin was also excellent at pushing me to find answers for myself, and never seemed to take over the lesson. He would always encourage me to think about what I was doing, yet provided helpful and guiding prompts where necessary.

"In terms of content, Martin ... was able to give comprehensive answers to any queries I had, with enthusiasm and interest... Overall, I would rate Martin very highly as a teacher – he was committed not just to the subject, but to me as a student and individual, and has all the qualities of an outstanding teacher – interest, focus, openness and supportiveness."

FL (Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, 2008)

 

"Starting the study of economics with Oxbridge Term definitely solidified my understanding of the subject's foundations. The clear, patient and stimulating teaching style ensured that I was ahead of my peers when I embarked my course, but also led me to develop a deeper intellectual affinity for economics. My time with Martin was definitely instrumental in my decision to pursue economics in higher education. Furthermore, Martin was clearly very familiar with Oxford University - a valuable resource for any prospective applicant."

OK (Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, 2010)