Meet Jason, applied mathematics honours graduate, swim enthusiast and a 2025 Rhodes Scholar!
Jason will study economics at the University of Oxford later this year – which is quite a change from his initial plans when leaving school. “I started off thinking I’d do medicine, then I wanted to be an engineer, and now I’m a mathematician hoping to study economics… Your undergrad years are a perfect time to explore new and unfamiliar study, career, social and volunteering opportunities.”
One of those opportunities was applying for a Rhodes Scholarship, a fully funded postgraduate award for high achieving students from around the world to study in Oxford. In true mathematician style, Jason approached his application from a numbers’ perspective.
“The cost of applying is time and effort, but you develop a study/career plan (guaranteed) and winning the scholarship (admittedly a small chance). Weighing up the cost/benefit is a personal process - but for me the expected value was positive.”
When asked about his tips about successfully applying for a Rhodes Scholarship, Jason stressed that every applicant is different and has different skills and abilities to highlight. His top advice is to reveal your character and let the selectors get to know you.
The selectors can assess your achievements from your CV and transcript - they want to know about your values, motivations and personal experiences.
He also suggests getting feedback from a variety of sources, which mimics the selection process for the scholarship, and to do your research about Oxford and your chosen course – “the more specific you can be about why it’s a good fit, the more convincing your application.”
Jason also recommended the application process as a valuable way to reflect on your skills and achievements, and what your passions and career goals are, regardless of whether you are successful in your application.
When asked for any other tips for a successful uni experience, Jason encourages students to get to know the academic staff at UWA - “Make friends with your lecturers. Go to consultations, attend lectures, ask questions. They have a wealth of knowledge and are eager to help.”
Considering Jason’s amazing achievements, sounds like valuable advice! We wish him all the best for his postgraduate studies.
To find out more about selection criteria and application process for Rhodes, visit the Prestigious Scholarships website.
