Now I can't really speak for Oxford, but something I happen to know a lot about is the Cambridge application system. It is something that appears to baffle so many people, and puts off so many because they think they wouldn't be right for it. But as with many of my other posts, I would like to use this opportunity to help dispel rumours and get to the bottom of the application process. I hope that this might be able to help some of you who would maybe consider applying here in the future. Step 1: Choosing a course Choosing your course is the most important partt of the Cambridge application process. This is because this is the reason you are here- to study a degree! Getting your course right is so important because it can make or break whether you enjoy your time in Cambridge. Have a browse of the Cambridge courses here: . I know it sounds stupid but make sure you are aware of what the course you would like to apply for requires (in terms of grades and achievements). Think about things you like, things you're good at etc. Also, Cambridge are very good at running course taster days- different colleges are assigned different areas to work in access in sixth forms and schools so it would be worth investigating any programmes being offered in your area. I personally went on a History taster day at Pembroke College. It was the first time I had ever been to Cambridge and I hated it. Or rather, I loved the place, hated the material. Everyone there knew so much more than me and I just wasn't as passionate as they were about the subject. I came home feeling very unhappy and unsure whether to even apply to Cambridge. My parents helped me understand that it wasn't the place that was the problem, it was the subject. I couldn't be any happier studying my course now, I find it the most fascinating thing in the world! Just a further note for this is that the beauty of Cambridge is the flexibility of the degree programmes. Whilst it may mean starting another year again or something along those lines, and conditional on you receiving good grades in your other courses, it is perfectly possible to change tripos! I know people who have changed from lanaguges to history, geography to music etc. Step 2: Choosing a college In Cambridge you can either submit an application directly to a college, or an open application, where you will be randomly assinged a college to apply to. Most people apply directly to a college, so it is worth looking into them!A college is not as important as your course, but it is important for your day to day life. For those of you unfamiliar with the collegiate system, see it explained here cause I feel like I will ramble on and on for ages!: The issue with colleges is that this is where there is some flexibility within the application process. If the college that you are interviewed at thinks that you are good enough but they cannot offer you a place themselves, then you can be 'pooled'. This means that your application is given to other colleges and you may be accepted by another college who may have a space for you. Therefore, you will end up attending this new college rather than the one that you originally applied for. Never fear: most people I know absolutely adore their college, and think the one that they attend is the best! The reality is is that you will enjoy wherever you go because you will always make friends with people there and there are pros and cons to each college. Things to consider when looking at colleges are things like: -Proximity to city center/ shops/ lectures -Size -Gender mix -Facillities e.g. for meals, for sports etc. Step 3: Making an application Here comes the slihtly more tricky bit. Application to UK universities is done through a system called UCAS. This involves writing a personal statement that is sent to all 5 of your university choices. Cambridge itself then asks you to fill in its own SAQ, because they require additional information such as your makrs from your examinations taken in Year 12 or equivalent, so that htey can distinguish between the people who received all As! For my course, I was also asked to submit two examples of written work to my college to prove that I could write well. Applications to Cambridge usually need to be complered by the beginning of October. Around November time is when the invite to interviews are given out, and interviews are usually performed the week after term ends in December- from around the 5th onwards. In your application, be sure to big yourself up (although don't lie). Also be careful with what you put in your personal statement- they will pick you up on things. If you haven't read a book, dont say you have. Chances are your interviewer will have read it and will know it well. They aren't professors for nothing. Step 4: The infamous interview ARGH the feelng of walking into your first Cambridge interview is like nothing else in the world. THe sudden feeling of pressure was so intense and I was so nervous, but I was quickly put at ease with my fantastic and lovely interviewers. Something to remember at interview is that they are trying to see how hard they can push you, so don't be afraid to have some silence and think about constructing a coherent answer. Be prepared to think about things from an angle you may not have ever thought about before, but most importantly, just be yourself. They aren't looking for someone that knows all the answers already- that's not the point of university. Most importantly, they are looking for someone that they would want to teach; someone enthusiastic, committed, and willing to learn. I feel like it also needs to be said that at no point was I asked a 'trick' question as is so famously rumoured to be the case. I was asked questions that pushed me, and some of my answers were weak, but the questions were never misleading or out of the ordinary. On the day of my interview I also had to sit an hour long exam (just a heads up for those of you thinking of applying) and then 2 interviews lasting around 20 minutes or so, although i can't really remember anymore. And finally, a little note of encouragement for you. No matter how badly you think your interview is going, it cannot possibly as bad as my response: when asked what kind of book "War and Peace" was, I responded with a long pause, a load of gibberish and then... "I dunno, a really big one!" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hope you enjoyed this post! Do let me know if there is anything else that I can shed some light on in Cambridge life. Now well into my summer holidays I am thoroughly enjoying getting some rest but starting to miss my life in Cam, so talking about it on here is a lot of fun!
germansingergirl
romaincrisis
origamiaround
turnnoffyourmind
jbbartram-illu
