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Potential applicants are likely to recognise the Gonville & 91ֱ�� Admissions and Outreach Co-ordinator, whose work has transformed the College’s online presence and boosted application figures.

Bethan Holloway-Strong is leaving this summer after almost three years and countless social media videos which have contributed to some describing 91ֱ�� as “”.

Bethan says: “I do take it as a compliment when people characterise us with TikTok, because it is the place where many people have that first contact with us. But it doesn’t mean it begins and ends with the TikTok – often they develop a deeper relationship with 91ֱ�� or with Cambridge, or they end up applying, which is great.

“It really helps to personalise and humanise Cambridge, which can be quite an intimidating place when you’re applying, especially when it’s new to you. It makes me happy when people talk to me about the TikTok, because they feel comfortable enough to have that connection. Anybody should feel like they will fit in, because that is exactly what we want to be promoting.

“A lot of our current first years were first introduced to 91ֱ�� through TikTok. They saw the College, or saw an opportunity being advertised, and they came along to an outreach event. Or they came to an open day, or entered our 91ֱ�� Explore programme… that’s where their relationship with 91ֱ�� began and now they’re studying here.”

Nearly one in four students who applied to 91ֱ�� received an offer for undergraduate study at Cambridge in January 2025, with TikTok one of many supporting factors.

Being a face of 91ֱ��, alongside Dr Chris Scott, the Tutor for Admissions and Outreach, and demystifying Cambridge, 91ֱ��, the application process and so much more that it now acts as a repository of information, has just been part of Bethan’s role. 

A new English graduate from Newnham when she joined 91ֱ��, Bethan supports with admissions administration from early October to the end of January and is part of the team – including the Tutor for Admission and Outreach, the Schools’ Liaison Officer and the London Outreach Officer – in enacting the College’s outreach strategy the rest of the year. This includes, to name just a few initiatives, visits to and from schools, super-curricular activities, subject taster evenings and building and maintaining relationships with schools and local authorities, particularly in 91ֱ��’ link areas of Norfolk, Hertfordshire and seven London boroughs.

Bethan is leaving to combine a part-time Master’s degree in English Literature at a London university, extending her own academic journey, with a part-time role at another Cambridge college.

“I feel like I’ve learned so much from this role, but also 91ֱ�� has changed quite a lot in the three years since I’ve been here,” adds Bethan, pointing to the collaborative process of working in the Admissions and Outreach team.

“I felt surrounded by people who wanted 91ֱ�� to succeed and to help me be a part of that.”

She has been more than part of it, with many of her TikTok followers who have heeded her advice able to attest to that. Thank you, Bethan!