[chees006]

I've just finished my AS levels and I'm predicted all As for those and I normally get 100%-99%, but I don't know if it's really worth me applying to Cambridge or not...
I've read so many personal statements for applicants to Cambridge and all of them are absolutely amazing and everyone has all these extra things they do with their subjects and to be honest I really don't have much...
I was thinking about applying for Mathematics or Biological Sciences (Natural Science) but really I've only ever seen like one Mathematics Documentary, I read The New Scientist, I've read a book on Advanced human biology and watched a documentary on life at the bottom of the ocean, I'm only just starting my first book on mathematics and even then it's only 50 mathematics ideas you really need to know. My school doesn't offer any clubs for anything so there is nothing doing there. I teach myself computer programming but I don't know if that's really related? Mathematics maybe. Also I go to two Sixth Forms, which limits what I can do after school socially much less academically. I know it all sounds like excuses but even so I feel like I've basically got nothing on other candidates and I don't know if I could even make a competitive application. All I know is I really really really love Biology and Mathematics, but I haven no idea how I can give evidence from that from what I've done which feels like nothing really.
I'm sorry if I sound like I'm whining but answer truthfully, do I stand a chance if I apply to Cambridge? Or is it not too late to start doing some more stuff? There is still the summer and I've noticed a trip for biologists coming up working with populations etc, so could I still turn the tables do you think?
I am interested in teaching possibly and I have a lot of teaching work experience that I really loved, do you think that might help too?

Your honest opinion is most appreciated

[migulic]

I applied to Cambridge myself last year and though I might be wrong (I did get rejected in the end...), I do think that they really emphasise academics over extra-curricular activities - and in the end, it seems as if the interview is the most important part of your application. I applied for Phys NatSci and my personal statement was not spectacular at all - I had read maybe 2-3 books on physics, that's all. My grades were good though so I was invited to interview (that didn't go so well though, so I got rejected, but that's another story ).

[Augmented hippo]

You normally get 100%-99% and you don't think you have a good chance. Sounds like you have a bit to right about out of school and you have the summer to read a few books. If you have got module scores that high you have a great chance and even if they were considerably lower there is no harm in trying. You get 5 choices after all.

[Bixel]

I'm in the same boat as you, just 1 year earlier, just finished my GCSE's and starting AS now.
My careers adviser has always said, and likewise with various tutors at the universities I've had day trips at already - apply, because what's the worse that could happen! You have nothing to lose by applying to Cambridge.

Are you attending the opening days on the 5th/6th July?

[Larry31]

(Original post by chees006)
I've just finished my AS levels and I'm predicted all As for those and I normally get 100%-99%, but I don't know if it's really worth me applying to Cambridge or not...
I've read so many personal statements for applicants to Cambridge and all of them are absolutely amazing and everyone has all these extra things they do with their subjects and to be honest I really don't have much...
I was thinking about applying for Mathematics or Biological Sciences (Natural Science) but really I've only ever seen like one Mathematics Documentary, I read The New Scientist, I've read a book on Advanced human biology and watched a documentary on life at the bottom of the ocean, I'm only just starting my first book on mathematics and even then it's only 50 mathematics ideas you really need to know. My school doesn't offer any clubs for anything so there is nothing doing there. I teach myself computer programming but I don't know if that's really related? Mathematics maybe. Also I go to two Sixth Forms, which limits what I can do after school socially much less academically. I know it all sounds like excuses but even so I feel like I've basically got nothing on other candidates and I don't know if I could even make a competitive application. All I know is I really really really love Biology and Mathematics, but I haven no idea how I can give evidence from that from what I've done which feels like nothing really.
I'm sorry if I sound like I'm whining but answer truthfully, do I stand a chance if I apply to Cambridge? Or is it not too late to start doing some more stuff? There is still the summer and I've noticed a trip for biologists coming up working with populations etc, so could I still turn the tables do you think?
I am interested in teaching possibly and I have a lot of teaching work experience that I really loved, do you think that might help too?

Your honest opinion is most appreciated

If you have a slot free, put it down. With 99-100% UMS scores (although obviously you won't know that for June exams) you have one hell of a chance. When I spoke to the DoS at Downing College, they said that they look for 85%+ UMS wise, and Girton said that they don't like to consider anyone with less than 90%. In all honesty, you have between now and October to do some reading, that is PLENTY of time to do things, for example, you could do some maths tutoring for the new year 12 students coming up to study maths at AS-Level over the summer? Your academic profile is fantastic, so all you really need is to read a couple of books, try and get an interview and then go from there. Every single college I have spoken to have said that without doubt the interview is the crucial factor; and since 90% applicants get interviews, that is what you should really be preparing for. I really wish you the best of luck with applying if you choose to do so, I'm applying for Medicine so hopefully we both have a fighting chance

[Nirgilis]

As has been said previously, there's nothing to lose by having a go. The worst that happens is that they say no. You really, really do not want to end up in despair over a 'what if...' scenario later on in life. Trust me.

[chees006]

Thanks everyone I definitely feel a lot more positive about applying now! Thanks for getting my morale up, I was just feeling a bit hopeless before but this is what I needed, I think I'll give it a shot ^^

Good luck to anyone else who is applying!

[chees006]

By the way I've given you all thumbs up for the overall helpfulness you deserve it just for taking the time to read my post haha XD

[CharlieBoardman]

(Original post by Bixel)
Are you attending the opening days on the 5th/6th July?

I am I've also just finished GCSE's.

[Bixel]

(Original post by CharlieBoardman)
I am I've also just finished GCSE's.

How'd you find it? :P What courses did you check out?

[Chief Wiggum]

If you normally get 99-100% in AS exams, you should definitely apply.

[CharlieBoardman]

(Original post by Bixel)
How'd you find it? :P What courses did you check out?

Maps on my iPhone

All jokes aside - I loved it! The architecture is just phenomenal! The gardens of Trinity were just picturesque! I went to look at Maths/Physics How about yourself?

[Bixel]

(Original post by CharlieBoardman)
Maps on my iPhone

All jokes aside - I loved it! The architecture is just phenomenal! The gardens of Trinity were just picturesque! I went to look at Maths/Physics How about yourself?

I checked out Kings College and Queens, Kings College also had such beautiful gardens and their huge chapel on-site was spectacular! Went to check out Medicine myself, the presentation of which was absolutely packed out, already gave me the sense of the competition I'll have to face when applying :P