The Student Room Group

Should I bother applying to Cambridge or would it be a "waste"?

Hi, I'm considering applying for Physical Natural Sciences but if I have no chance of getting in please be blunt and tell me now so I don't "waste" a choice. I understand I am very academically inferior compared to the average applicant.

GCSE: 4 A*s, 3 As, and 3 Bs

AS: AAAB in Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics

Spoiler

A-Level (Predicted): A*A*A in Chemistry, Physics, and Maths

Contextual information: (not sure what Cambridge takes into account exactly so I've just put anything that I feel may be relevant)

Spoiler

Supra-curriculars:

Pop-sci wider reading

Quantum physics wider reading

Work experience placement at Durham University Centre for Advanced Instrumentation

Newcastle University summer school

University of York summer school

Lecture by Dr. Helen Sharman, first Briton in space

Talk by Prof. Rogier Windhorst, interdisciplinary scientist working on NASA James Webb Space Telescope

Thank you!
(edited 7 years ago)

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Reply 1
Original post by DarkEnergy
Hi, I'm considering applying for Physical Natural Sciences but if I have no chance of getting in please be blunt and tell me now so I don't "waste" a choice. I understand I am very academically inferior compared to the average applicant.

GCSE: 4 A*s, 3 As, and 3 Bs

AS: AAAB in Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, and Mathematics

Spoiler

A-Level (Predicted): A*A*A in Chemistry, Physics, and Maths

Contextual information: (not sure what Cambridge takes into account exactly so I've just put anything that I feel may be relevant)

Spoiler

Supra-curriculars:

Pop-sci wider reading

Quantum physics wider reading

Work experience placement at Durham University Centre for Advanced Instrumentation

Newcastle University summer school

University of York summer school

Lecture by Dr. Helen Sharman, first Briton in space

Talk by Prof. Rogier Windhorst, interdisciplinary scientist working on NASA James Webb Space Telescope

Thank you!


To be blunt, your chance of getting an interview is...

Spoiler

Reply 2
Original post by jneill
To be blunt, your chance of getting an interview is...


Thank you for your response.

How is my chance good though? Is it the contextual factors? Yeah I understand what you mean about Maths, really gutted but I barely put any work in and still came close to an A (might get bumped up to an A after the remarks but I'm not too hopeful, I didn't pay for them but if I had to I wouldn't have got them remarked) so I know I am capable of an A and possibly even an A* at A-level. I know Cambridge ask for UMS where applicable, so would a B in Maths be looked down upon regardless of how close it was to an A?
Reply 3
Original post by DarkEnergy
Thank you for your response.

How is my chance good though? Is it the contextual factors? Yeah I understand what you mean about Maths, really gutted but I barely put any work in and still came close to an A (might get bumped up to an A after the remarks but I'm not too hopeful, I didn't pay for them but if I had to I wouldn't have got them remarked) so I know I am capable of an A and possibly even an A* at A-level. I know Cambridge ask for UMS where applicable, so would a B in Maths be looked down upon regardless of how close it was to an A?


It's nothing to do with contextual flags... AAAB at AS is perfectly fine for an applicant. You are on target to meet the entry requirements. You are demonstrating a passion for your course. Don't assume that successful applicants all have 100% UMS, etc. :wink:

And you will have the NSAA to further strengthen your application, and 80% get an interview so that's another chance to shine.

But re Maths, did one module let you down? What was your module UMS?

Oh and re contextual info - this is what they use: http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/decisions/contextual-data
(edited 7 years ago)
Reply 4
Original post by jneill
It's nothing to do with contextual flags... AAAB at AS is perfectly fine for an applicant. You are on target to meet the entry requirements. You are demonstrating a passion for your course. Don't assume that successful applicants all have 100% UMS, etc. :wink:

And you will have the NSAA to further strengthen your application, and 80% get an interview so that's another chance to shine.

But re Maths, did one module let you down? What was your module UMS?


Ah right, I think TSR gives me a distorted view of the academic profiles of Cambridge applicants. 80% definitely makes me feel more confident, also hoping to smash the NSAA to get off on a good start.

In Maths I got B grades in Core 1 & Core 2 at 78 UMS each, and in Probability & Statistics 1 I got an A with 81 UMS. Resitting Core 1 & Core 2.
Reply 5
Original post by DarkEnergy
Ah right, I think TSR gives me a distorted view of the academic profiles of Cambridge applicants. 80% definitely makes me feel more confident, also hoping to smash the NSAA to get off on a good start.

In Maths I got B grades in Core 1 & Core 2 at 78 UMS each, and in Probability & Statistics 1 I got an A with 81 UMS. Resitting Core 1 & Core 2.


Hmm, as I said Maths will be a concern. But maybe ask in the Admission Tutor thread to be sure - they are very helpful:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4300314

The sure fire way to not get an offer is to not apply... :wink:
Reply 6
Just came across this, and I have to say it is really refreshing to see a realistic view on applications, especially for early deadline entry.
It's great that you are aware of UMS, I believe you do have a shot. Great stats on the whole. Just be cautious as Cambridge do prefer 90+ in UMS generally. I'm not sure if that will be the case for your chosen course.


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Reply 7
Original post by jneill
Hmm, as I said Maths will be a concern. But maybe ask in the Admission Tutor thread to be sure - they are very helpful:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4300314

The sure fire way to not get an offer is to not apply... :wink:


Thank you for your help.
(edited 7 years ago)
Reply 8
Original post by DarkEnergy
Thank you for your help.


:hat2:
Reply 9
Original post by ipanda99
Just came across this, and I have to say it is really refreshing to see a realistic view on applications, especially for early deadline entry.
It's great that you are aware of UMS, I believe you do have a shot. Great stats on the whole. Just be cautious as Cambridge do prefer 90+ in UMS generally. I'm not sure if that will be the case for your chosen course.


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Thank you, I'm going to ask in the Admission Tutor thread to clear up the UMS issue.
If this was medicine, I would discourage it. But I don't think this course will have anywhere near as many applicants.
So yeah why don't you apply. If you get in you get in, if you don't you don't. At least you will have given yourself a chance, and won't have to 'what if' for the rest of your life. If there's an admissions test, ace it. If you get an interview, prepare extremely well.
Best of luck my friend.


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Reply 11
Original post by ChrisD0
If this was medicine, I would discourage it. But I don't think this course will have anywhere near as many applicants.


OP is considering NatSci, the most popular course at Cambridge.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by jneill
OP is considering NatSci, the most popular course at Cambridge.


Dang, never heard of it before. Thank you for the correction :smile:
PhysNatSci here:

Not gonna lie, your UMS scores are below average and the B in maths would be pretty worrying. However, your contextual info would help to explain this, and remember that the 90%+ scores everyone goes on about are just an AVERAGE - there are people who get offers with less.

That being said, bear in mind that you get 5 UCAS choices and with A*A*A predicted you're almost guaranteed to get most of your other offers - so from that point of view, applying to Cambridge really isn't that much of a risk.

I'd say apply, but make sure you have other universities on your application you're very happy to go to and don't pin all your hopes on Cambridge.

Good luck! :smile:
Reply 14
Original post by ChrisD0
Dang, never heard of it before. Thank you for the correction :smile:


Natural Sciences. Starts as a broad course across all the sciences and then you specialise as you continue through the course.


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Original post by ChrisD0
If this was medicine, I would discourage it. But I don't think this course will have anywhere near as many applicants.
So yeah why don't you apply. If you get in you get in, if you don't you don't. At least you will have given yourself a chance, and won't have to 'what if' for the rest of your life. If there's an admissions test, ace it. If you get an interview, prepare extremely well.
Best of luck my friend.


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Thank you


Original post by dragonkeeper999
PhysNatSci here:

Not gonna lie, your UMS scores are below average and the B in maths would be pretty worrying. However, your contextual info would help to explain this, and remember that the 90%+ scores everyone goes on about are just an AVERAGE - there are people who get offers with less.

That being said, bear in mind that you get 5 UCAS choices and with A*A*A predicted you're almost guaranteed to get most of your other offers - so from that point of view, applying to Cambridge really isn't that much of a risk.

I'd say apply, but make sure you have other universities on your application you're very happy to go to and don't pin all your hopes on Cambridge.

Good luck! :smile:


I agree the B in Maths is pretty bad, hopefully when the remark comes back it'll get bumped up to an A but even then I understand my UMS will still be pretty bad. Yeah definitely not pinning my hopes on Cambridge but I'm stuck on choices anyways so I might as well. Thank you for the reply. Oh and by the way, since for Physics and Chemistry we don't get UMS anymore, do you think I should get my raw marks mentioned in my school reference? They were pretty good (~15 or so marks above the boundary for an A) relative to other people in my classes.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by DarkEnergy


I agree the B in Maths is pretty bad, hopefully when the remark comes back it'll get bumped up to an A but even then I understand my UMS will still be pretty bad. Yeah definitely not pinning my hopes on Cambridge but I'm stuck on choices anyways so I might as well. Thank you for the reply. Oh and by the way, since for Physics and Chemistry we don't get UMS anymore, do you think I should get my raw marks mentioned in my school reference? They were pretty good (~15 or so marks above the boundary for an A) relative to other people in my classes.


Not sure about the UMS thing - but Cambridge asks for UMS scores for all your subjects in the SAQ form so I think you need to know them... Are you sure you weren't given them? Seems a bit odd... I guess you should be able to calculate your UMS scores from your raw score and the info on the exam board's website.
Original post by dragonkeeper999
Not sure about the UMS thing - but Cambridge asks for UMS scores for all your subjects in the SAQ form so I think you need to know them... Are you sure you weren't given them? Seems a bit odd... I guess you should be able to calculate your UMS scores from your raw score and the info on the exam board's website.


No, what they mean is that UMS have been stopped so the grade boundaries are calculated through raw marks and in reformed subjects like English, History etc you only get raw marks, UMS literally doesn't exist. Because of that, Cambridge won't ask for any raw marks OR UMS on the SAQ, but your reference can mention it if the raw marks are outstanding.
Original post by DarkEnergy
Thank you, I'm going to ask in the Admission Tutor thread to clear up the UMS issue.


Which college are you thinking of applying to?
Reply 19
Original post by dragonkeeper999
Not sure about the UMS thing - but Cambridge asks for UMS scores for all your subjects in the SAQ form so I think you need to know them... Are you sure you weren't given them? Seems a bit odd... I guess you should be able to calculate your UMS scores from your raw score and the info on the exam board's website.


There's no UMS for reformed/linear subjects.

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