Dear applicant,

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Please read this carefully before your interview

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Let me congratulate you on being invited to interview for one of our summer schools. This invitation means that we see in you the potential to flourish in and contribute to the kind of community we are building.

 

What distinguishes a John Locke summer school is not simply the calibre of intellect among our students, but the spirit in which they approach and engage with ideas. We want students who are thoughtful and eager to learn, of course, but also those who are prepared to test their convictions, to welcome challenges, and to examine opposing views with both rigour and generosity.

 

Many of the topics we discuss stir strong passions. That is precisely why we want students who can separate criticism of ideas from disapproval of people, students who understand that the clash of opinions and convictions can be both respectful and rewarding. At the Institute, we like to say that one can be robust in debate while remaining courteous in tone. 

 

In preparation for your interview, please complete the following steps:

 

• Identify two views or opinions you hold that are not widely shared among your classmates or peers – positions that might be considered unconventional, unfashionable, or possibly even dangerous.

• Reflect on your reasons for holding these positions: be ready to articulate why you believe these conclusions and what arguments and/or evidence led you to adopt them. Anticipate the challenges the interviewer might throw at you, and prepare to respond thoughtfully to probing questions in a way that demonstrates not only the strength of your convictions but also your willingness to engage with counterarguments.

 

Remember, your interviewer is not looking for “correct” answers. What matters is your intellectual courage, your clarity and precision of thought, and your openness to serious discussion.

 

If this sounds like an exciting challenge, then you are likely to thrive in our summer school environment. We hope your interview gives you a glimpse of what awaits: a community of young people who enjoy the life of the mind, who are not afraid of disagreement, and who share a commitment to the pursuit of truth.

 

Good luck with your preparation. I look forward to the possibility of welcoming you into our community very soon!

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With best wishes, 

 

 

 

 

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Martin Cox

Director General

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Oxford +44 (0)1865 566166 • www.JohnLocke.com • Princeton +1 (609) 608-0543