Cambridge Economics Students and Applicants

Guys I wondered what you think my chances are.
GCSEs 10A*s
AS levels 5As (Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
A2 levels (Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology/Physics - not yet sure) - all A* predictions BUT UMS average of 92.4% FM+M combined 94 FP1, 97, S1, 100.
I know I am not doing economics but EPQ + seriouly obsessive/interested in economics, finance, politics and history, - I think I can handle the 'show interest part'.
I am looking for percentage chance if possible.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/285755/response/703697/attach/2/FOI%202015%20262%20Kim%20response%20letter%20and%20data.pdf

If you are going to succeed you need to be able to do a little research yourself and a minimal reading of some of the main threads would have told you that on the basis of GCSEs and A2 predictions we cannot possibly produce a percentage chance for you. We don't know your background or how you will interview or the rest of your UMS.
There are facts out there such as the relevant figures are your best three(maths &Fm as one) and that Economics overall has about a 1:6 success rate so is one of the most competitive courses.
The typical UMS is given as 96% for Economics with a definite upward trend in recent years. A maths UMS of 92.4 is a but on the low side but not outside of the range where offers are made.

Try reading through the threads on UMS, Economics, are my grades good enough and the stalking page if you want to get a feel for your chances. But in the end you have to decide if you are happy to apply knowing you have four more choices.

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Maths combined gives 94 NOT 92.4. With 96 single, 92 further, in specifics, 97 FP1 and 100 S1 all others above 90.
Chemistry 90
Physics 90
4 subject combined, taking double maths as one gives 91.3
By the way economics is now a 7/8 applicants per place.

Now I am not taking FM classes in school, how is Cambridge supposed to know I am teaching myself FM? Do I write it into my Personal statement, or do I ask my maths teacher to predict me an A?

I'd say you should ask you teacher to put it in their reference, since you're not really supposed to talk about A levels in your personal statement - but also ask them for an A prediction!

As previously mentioned, I don't think anyone can really give you a percentage chance - to do that we'd have to have all aspects of your application and interview you as well, and even then the confidence interval would be massive. Oh and 7 applicants per place is a 1:6 success rate.

In my opinion your grades are worth giving it a go if that's what you want to do (would you really want to go to your 5th/6th choice anyway?), but you'll be a little behind the average at the outset. As long as you get to interview though you will have a chance. Good luck!

Hi are you an ex-student, and if so do you know if Cambridge have already narrowed down the candidates before interviews. By the way thanks for your advice.

Hi are you an ex-student, and if so do you know if Cambridge have already narrowed down the candidates before interviews. By the way thanks for your advice.

Yes, as shown in my TSR signature and profile, I was a Cambridge Economics student back in the day. And yes they do narrow down the candidates somewhat before interviews (more and more as grades continue to inflate; there didn't used to be so many with higher grades who would apply in the first place). You're welcome.

Out of interest where are you know as an ex-student, masters, public, private sector? What proportion of the students in your year roughly went onto to do a masters?

Is Part IIA Paper 6 essential/highly recommended for taking the ETA paper?

Is the economist and ft free and accessible in the UL/college libraries?


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I feel like I've probably forgotten most of my maths over the summer. What A-level maths stuff would it be useful to revise before term starts?

will I be disadvantaged applying without Economics A level? My A levels are maths, fm, physics, history. 96.2%avg. 4a* predictions. gcses-12a* 1a

Its available in the Marshall Library (Economics Library) and in some colleges (mine - Girton). Not sure for all though and doubt it in the UL

Thanks, I have just messaged you two quick questions. If you can't get round to them don't worry!

No it's not required by most colleges. And having FM is a good thing.

Check your specific college's requirements.