[beanstalkgirl_24]

(Original post by Tuvok1153)
I am considering taking 5 AS levels. I will definitely take Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics and I am considering Psychology.

Would taking 5 AS levels improve my chance of gaining entry to Cambridge? I think I could do well in all of them. I don't have my GCSE results yet for you to get a clearer view as I have not completed them but I know I have A*'s in both Core and Additional science and I don't think I will get below a B in any full GCSE's and I am predicted a distinction in BTEC IT.

Do you think I stand a chance providing I get good GCSE results and would you recommend doing 5 AS's?

There is really no point. My friend is now at Selwyn College, Cambridge doing Medicine and she got in by doing 4 AS's (Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Music) + General Studies (although this doesn't count for anything. Seriously, because you're doing well at GCSE, this doesn't mean you'll do well at AS...I was predicted AAAA in my AS's and ended up with ABCD. The workload is ridiculous too until you get used to it and 5 would probably make you go crazy!

[KCosmo]

If you think you can then go for it, it certainly can't hurt your chances! Although remember to focus on the BMAT when the time comes, I hear that it is given a rather large weighting in the admission process

[Tuvok1153]

Reading the responses I think I will just do Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and RS. Thank you everyone!

[deano0417]

Whether you could handle it is dependent on the person, I personally do 4 AS levels and find it rather easy to keep up, I think if your competent enough to be in a position to apply for medicine at Cambridge you could handle it .

[TheHighAchiever]

(Original post by Tuvok1153)
I am considering taking 5 AS levels. I will definitely take Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics and I am considering Psychology.

Would taking 5 AS levels improve my chance of gaining entry to Cambridge? I think I could do well in all of them. I don't have my GCSE results yet for you to get a clearer view as I have not completed them but I know I have A*'s in both Core and Additional science and I don't think I will get below a B in any full GCSE's and I am predicted a distinction in BTEC IT.

Do you think I stand a chance providing I get good GCSE results and would you recommend doing 5 AS's?

Normally Oxbridge prefers GCSE'S in the separate sciences. But anyway, this obession with taking lots of A levels to look good is totally absurd! Cambridge won't even look at you if you don't have at LEAST 1 A* in your A levels and most people who get accepted have 2 or 3 A* at A level. What I'm trying to say is that because you may get B's at GCSE it does indicate that you may struggle with 5 A levels. Cambridge would MUCH rather someone with A*AA than someone with AAABB, I think taking 3 or maximum 4 A levels is the best choice. But obviously, it's up to you and if you feel you want/need to take 5 A levels then do so, this is just my personal opinion.

GOOD LUCK BUD!

[TheGreatReformer]

Regardless of what year you are in (and if you are in the second of third years, you will need to think back!), I strongly need to know what textbooks you are using for each part of the first year course (i.e. Part 1A) etc?

This is for Part 1A - for example, Vectors and Matrices, Groups and Analysis 1, Dynamics and Relativity etc.

Thanks in advance! Double +rep for the most comprehensive and relevant list/suggestions! I'm so excited (that is, if you do use textbooks - which of course I'm sure you would... )

[milienhaus]

Most people don't use textbooks as our course notes contain basically everything you need. I struggled a bit with groups and so bought Beardon's 'Algebra and Geometry', which was pretty useful. Having said that, the college and faculty libraries are brilliant and you basically don't need to buy anything. I definitely wouldn't advise spending lots of money on books you'll use rarely.

Out of interest, why are you looking for this? Are you in first year or waiting to come up?

[davros]

(Original post by TheGreatReformer)
I strongly need to know what textbooks you are using for each part of the first year course (i.e. Part 1A) etc?

This is for Part 1A - for example, Vectors and Matrices, Groups and Analysis 1, Dynamics and Relativity etc.

Why do you "strongly need to know"? As the previous poster mentioned, you'll probably find lecture notes are sufficient, but if not your College library or the UL will have plenty of material.

As a suggestion, most people would say Riley, Hobson and Bence was pretty comprehensive, but don't buy anything unless you absolutely need to!

[around]

Google and Wikipedia. Planetmath is also pretty good.

[TheMagicMan]

(Original post by TheGreatReformer)
Regardless of what year you are in (and if you are in the second of third years, you will need to think back!), I strongly need to know what textbooks you are using for each part of the first year course (i.e. Part 1A) etc?

This is for Part 1A - for example, Vectors and Matrices, Groups and Analysis 1, Dynamics and Relativity etc.

Thanks in advance! Double +rep for the most comprehensive and relevant list/suggestions! I'm so excited (that is, if you do use textbooks - which of course I'm sure you would... )

Their recommended textbooks for the course are here beginning page 5

[MedicalMayhem]

Hi, I was just wondering whether some colleges in Cambridge look at the BMAT more, and whether some would look purely at your UMS. As I heard that there is a large difference between what different colleges ask for, but I've not been able to find any detail about which colleges prefer high UMS, or BMAT scores or a mixture of them both.

Thanks

[*Liana*]

(Original post by MedicalMayhem)
Hi, I was just wondering whether some colleges in Cambridge look at the BMAT more, and whether some would look purely at your UMS. As I heard that there is a large difference between what different colleges ask for, but I've not been able to find any detail about which colleges prefer high UMS, or BMAT scores or a mixture of them both.

Thanks

Unfortunately there isn't really much info on this available as you have noticed - there might be some mention on college websites and some students will have found out things about the application process at their college after they get to Cambridge, but you won't get much detail. However, the differences that there are are not 'large' differences, IMHO, and you take the BMAT after you apply, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[indifferencepersonified]

Hi, any old timers have any tips on how to do well in the steeplechase? It is undoubtedly my worst section and I really don't want it to drag me down. Thanks.

[*Liana*]

(Original post by indifferencepersonified)
Hi, any old timers have any tips on how to do well in the steeplechase? It is undoubtedly my worst section and I really don't want it to drag me down. Thanks.

Get your hands on a photographic atlas of anatomy and stare at it lots... I don't have much more constructive to say than that other than stay calm and don't panic. I'm not sure whether the format is the same but in ours I thin we had a paper with short answer questions on it (one or two words usually). If it's any comfort though I don't think I passed any of my practices (at least not without my generous self-marking) and I got a first in anatomy. Sadly I've forgotten 90% of it.

[SuparNoob]

First post here :3

Currently doing GCSE's (only a week to go, yes I should be studying) and have chosen Chemistry, Biology, Maths and English at A level.
I'm pretty confident in my science ability but AS English, though I enjoy english, will be thoroughly challenging and I'm worried that my UMS for english won't average at the 93-100 range.
Does it matter much about a 4th subject that isn't related to medicine much or do they really only look at the 3 subjects that relate most i.e Chemistry, Maths and Biology and not care too much about my English?

Btw predicted 12 A* for GCSE which, if I get them, I hope will be good enough to make me a decent candidate.

[*Liana*]

(Original post by SuparNoob)
First post here :3

Currently doing GCSE's (only a week to go, yes I should be studying) and have chosen Chemistry, Biology, Maths and English at A level.
I'm pretty confident in my science ability but AS English, though I enjoy english, will be thoroughly challenging and I'm worried that my UMS for english won't average at the 93-100 range.
Does it matter much about a 4th subject that isn't related to medicine much or do they really only look at the 3 subjects that relate most i.e Chemistry, Maths and Biology and not care too much about my English?

Btw predicted 12 A* for GCSE which, if I get them, I hope will be good enough to make me a decent candidate.

It doesn't matter at all if your 4th subject is not scientific. Some other medical schools will value this, so it keeps your options open. Most of the time offers are just made on 3 subjects.

[another ib-er]

How important is the class you get in third year for medical students?

[RechtsDerIsar]

Guys I will start Medicine @ Cam this October and wanted to attend the NatSci maths lectures. AFAIK, there are 2 courses - A and B - and the latter is supposed to be fast-paced and more difficult. Do you think I would understand Maths B having taken FP1 and FP2? I'll attend the lectures out of interest, so my main priority is being able to understand (and enjoy) the lectures, not achieving high (or indeed any) marks.

[Helenia]

(Original post by RechtsDerIsar)
Guys I will start Medicine @ Cam this October and wanted to attend the NatSci maths lectures. AFAIK, there are 2 courses - A and B - and the latter is supposed to be fast-paced and more difficult. Do you think I would understand Maths B having taken FP1 and FP2? I'll attend the lectures out of interest, so my main priority is being able to understand (and enjoy) the lectures, not achieving high (or indeed any) marks.

It's possible you might understand it, though I've never been to one so I can't say for sure. However, it's pretty likely that the lectures would clash with your medic lectures, except perhaps the one they have on Saturdays.

[RechtsDerIsar]

(Original post by Helenia)
It's possible you might understand it, though I've never been to one so I can't say for sure. However, it's pretty likely that the lectures would clash with your medic lectures, except perhaps the one they have on Saturdays.

Thanks. It's a pity though that lectures might clash. Guess I'll have to wait to find out.