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Do i have suitable A levels for Aeronautics at Cambridge?

I am currently studying AS Physics, Math (mechanics) , Economics and English Literature. I am predicted A at the end of AS for all 4 and got all A*'s at GCSE. Are my A levels good enough choices to apply at Cambridge for Aeronautical engineering or pure physics? I know i should have done further math or another science but i really enjoy these 4 subjects.Would i stand a chance against others with all science and math a levels or should i consider getting in by applying for an economics course instead??

thanks.
This thread is in completely the wrong forum, but I'll try to answer your question anyway.

In terms of grades you're pretty well set. Your subject choices might not be ideal - they may require a third science subject, but I'm an Arts student so I don't know. Best check a prospectus or email the admissions office of your chosen college. ANd I'm not aware of an 'aeronautics' course here anyway.

My main concern with you, though, would be you asking whether you should 'apply for economics to get in'. The overwhelming thing that Cambridge want from you besides raw academic ability is a passion for your subject. From what you're saying it sounds a lot like you're prioritising 'getting into Cambridge' over your actual subject choice...
Reply 2
Aeronautics doesn't exist at Cambridge but is instead a general engineering course where you can specialise after the second year.

Grade wise you should be okay, although they do look at your UMS scores and most of the time successful applicants have >90% UMS average so that's another consideration.

As far as subjects are concerned every college would prefer you to have, or in some cases require, a third maths/science subject so it would be worthwhile emailing the admissions offices of colleges you'd be interested in applying for to find out. They'll probably say that to stand a good chance of admission you should take further maths next year. It would be best to send this e-mail in mid-January though as all the admissions offices will be busy with interviews for 2013 applicants.

But as the other reply mentions, Cambridge puts an emphasis on your passion for the subject you're applying for and generally want you to have shown this interest in other ways. Again as the other reply says it sounds as though you're more passionate about Cambridge than any given subject (which they don't particularly like).

This is talking from experience of an applicant of engineering this year and my experiences, and therefore, this may not necessarily be how every college views your circumstances so it's worth finding out. :smile:
Reply 3
Just realised this is over a week old... :redface:
You should definitely try to take also Further Math, as you should like and master Mathematics for an engineering degree. Otherwise you have to take Physics and Maths up to A Level.

Nevertheless you should really think wether you want to do economics or natural sciences or engineering, as they are while all linked, completely different courses. But you have still time and not being sure now, doesn't make you a worse applicant.

Work hard and rethink honestly your degree choice. As you already heard the Engineering course at Cambridge is a General Engineering Degree and wether it is suitable for you, you only find out by looking at it in detail.
Original post by YellowNinja
I am currently studying AS Physics, Math (mechanics) , Economics and English Literature. I am predicted A at the end of AS for all 4 and got all A*'s at GCSE. Are my A levels good enough choices to apply at Cambridge for Aeronautical engineering or pure physics? I know i should have done further math or another science but i really enjoy these 4 subjects.Would i stand a chance against others with all science and math a levels or should i consider getting in by applying for an economics course instead??
thanks.


All A*s at GCSE? Lol you're on course :tongue:

Maths, Physics, Economics, English - you may find that you actually become more interested in Economics.
Remember Cambridge don't offer Physics - you have to do Natural Sciences or Maths

For Natural Sciences: Most students have at least three science/mathematics subjects at A Level and the minimum required is two, although this will restrict your choice of Part IA subjects. In these circumstances you'll normally be expected to achieve the A* grade in one of the two science/mathematics subjects and we'd encourage you to take an additional science/mathematics AS Level.

So I think NatSci is very much a no go for you, I'm afraid, as of course is Maths if you didn't take Further Maths.

For Engineering:
Essential A Level/IB Higher Level Mathematics and PhysicsHighly desirable A Level/IB Higher Level in a third mathematics/science/technology subject. Further Mathematics is strongly encouraged. If unavailable or you've recognised its desirability too late, we'd advise you to do as much additional pure maths and mechanics as possible, eg by taking stand-alone units or Further Mathematics AS/IB Standard Level.

Basically, you've narrowed down your choices a lot. Your A-levels are perfect for Economics though... but don't apply for it unless you actually want to do it.
Reply 6
Original post by YellowNinja
I am currently studying AS Physics, Math (mechanics) , Economics and English Literature. I am predicted A at the end of AS for all 4 and got all A*'s at GCSE. Are my A levels good enough choices to apply at Cambridge for Aeronautical engineering or pure physics? I know i should have done further math or another science but i really enjoy these 4 subjects.Would i stand a chance against others with all science and math a levels or should i consider getting in by applying for an economics course instead??

thanks.


Lol'd. Economics is probably harder to get into and the problem of not having further maths still applies.

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