Cambridge - apply post a levels?

Hi, I'm looking for some advice on Cambridge's policy regarding prospective undergrads who apply AFTER their a levels.
Basically I got my a level results yesterday and now have a place at Durham University to study in their combined honours programme. However, my results were better than I expected (A* A* A in English lit, history and French respectively, including 100% UMS in both the A* subjects, and A* in my EP if that's worth mentioning..)
I know that part of Cambridge's criteria for selecting students is focused on high UMS marks in modules… so I'm now considering applying to Cambridge for English lit. I didn't apply to Cambridge last year.
I guess I'm asking… does anyone know if by applying post a level results, I would have less of a chance of being successful since I will be taking a gap year. Would I need to justify my reasoning for applying post A level results further than "I exceeded my expectations for my A2 results…" (?) and therefore do something in my 'gap year' which would further my interest in English literature. (Would simply reading lots whilst working to earn money count?!) Perhaps this is quite a common situation?
I'm just playing with the idea at the moment; obviously I'm extremely happy with my place at Durham… but any advice would be really appreciated! (Especially as I'd need to make my mind up and tell Durham asap)
Thanks :smile:

Reply 1

fluteflute

Original post by Jeesss

Cambridge is perfectly happy to have students who apply after their A levels.

I don't think you need to worry much about justifying your gap year, although it would certainly be helpful to be able to talk about the reading you were doing alongside a job.

The key thing to remember is that you are in no way guaranteed an offer from Cambridge. Grades are of course important, but so is the interview. Take a look at page 5 of this presentation. You'll see that there are lots of people with excellent grades who don't get an offer. So would you be happy taking a year out, but still ending up at Durham?

It's obviously up to you to decide what you will be most comfortable with, but remember that there are lots of other great universities in the UK. :smile:

(P.S. Cambridge don't consider applications from people who are studying somewhere else already, but I don't think you were planning to apply while at Durham)