Ukrainian student accepted to Harvard University

Oksana Trefanenko wants to study International Relations

A student from Ukraine, who studies at Ellesmere College, has been offered a place at the prestigious Harvard University, in Massachusetts, USA.

Oksana Trefanenko, originally from Chernivtsi, received the unconditional offer in March, and intends to study International Relations.

She will start her four-year undergraduate degree in September, taking courses across different subjects in her first two years, before choosing a major in her third year.

"I am still in disbelief and genuinely cannot believe it," said Miss Trefanenko.

"I opened the decision email when there was an air alert in my city and the danger of missiles, which only added to my emotions."

At Harvard, Miss Trefanenko plans to major in either Social Studies or Government, and minor in language.

She joined Ellesmere College in 2022, after getting an HMC (The Head's Conference) Projects scholarship that allows Central and Eastern European students to study for two years in British independent schools.

She is currently studying history, English Language and Literature, and Geography, as well as maths, biology and German, for her International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

The 18-year-old said the application process for Harvard was difficult. She submitted five original essays, a personal statement, interviews, recommendation letters and also her academic and extracurricular activities.

'Wake up my parents'

"When I was opening the decision everyone was sleeping back home," said Miss Trefanenko.

"When I opened it and I saw "congratulations" and fireworks around the screen, the video started immediately playing. I needed two minutes to realise that it was true, and then I went to wake up my parents."

Vicky Pritt-Roberts, acting Head of Ellesmere College, said: "We are thrilled for Oksana and her offer to study at Harvard University.

"She has been a brilliant addition to Ellesmere College during her time with us and has had a significant impact both on the students and staff here."