The Student Room Group

Is my dream of going to Cambridge a futile one?

Hello,
My name is Olive and I am a student from Barbados. I am currently in my AS year. For the last six years, my dream has been to study law at Cambridge University. It is only recently that I have told people this, as I also thought that I was not intelligent enough to get in. I am in a sticky situation, as I do not know if I could get in.
One big dilemma that I have is my lack of GCSE's. The year that I would have sat majority of my examinations, I was in and out of hospital due to illness. Subsequently, I only have five GCSE's: Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Spanish and Religious Education. I could sit the remaining 6 exams, but I am being discouraged to do so by my headmistress who says that universities will not care about my GCSE's once I have A levels. Should I sit them?
I am currently going four A-levels: Psychology, Economics, Business Studies and Sociology. I am predicted to get A's in all of them, but I am aiming for A*s.
Do you think that I will have a chance of getting in with my unconventional academic background? (I.E Doing A levels and GCSEs in the same year?)
Not really sure if I am making much sense.
Hope that everyone's exams have been going well.
Good luck from Barbados.
Reply 1
Original post by OliveOluremi
Hello,
My name is Olive and I am a student from Barbados. I am currently in my AS year. For the last six years, my dream has been to study law at Cambridge University. It is only recently that I have told people this, as I also thought that I was not intelligent enough to get in. I am in a sticky situation, as I do not know if I could get in.
One big dilemma that I have is my lack of GCSE's. The year that I would have sat majority of my examinations, I was in and out of hospital due to illness. Subsequently, I only have five GCSE's: Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Spanish and Religious Education. I could sit the remaining 6 exams, but I am being discouraged to do so by my headmistress who says that universities will not care about my GCSE's once I have A levels. Should I sit them?
I am currently going four A-levels: Psychology, Economics, Business Studies and Sociology. I am predicted to get A's in all of them, but I am aiming for A*s.
Do you think that I will have a chance of getting in with my unconventional academic background? (I.E Doing A levels and GCSEs in the same year?)
Not really sure if I am making much sense.
Hope that everyone's exams have been going well.
Good luck from Barbados.


Cambridge has an Extenuating Circumstances Form to tell them about situations like this.
http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/decisions/extenuating-circumstances-form

I also suggest you ask one of the college admissions team in Peterhouse's Q&A:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4057087

One other thing though is the fees - will you have sufficient finance in place for the tuition and college fees plus living costs?
http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-students/fees
Reply 2
Applying to Cambridge from an unconventional educational background from a small island nation? Sounds like a job for @Zacken


Posted from TSR Mobile
Original post by jneill
Cambridge has an Extenuating Circumstances Form to tell them about situations like this.
http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/decisions/extenuating-circumstances-form

I also suggest you ask one of the college admissions team in Peterhouse's Q&A:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4057087

One other thing though is the fees - will you have sufficient finance in place for the tuition and college fees plus living costs?
http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international-students/fees


Thanks so much for the helpful links :biggrin:
Applying to Cambridge if you really want to go is never really a futile one, particularly if you are dedicated to and passionate about your subject. I left school fifteen years ago with what I believe to be middling GCSEs (AAABBCCCC) and I'll be starting my English degree there in October.

Study well, read around your subject, and, above all, enjoy your studies! Good luck!
Original post by Lunnford84
Applying to Cambridge if you really want to go is never really a futile one, particularly if you are dedicated to and passionate about your subject. I left school fifteen years ago with what I believe to be middling GCSEs (AAABBCCCC) and I'll be starting my English degree there in October.

Study well, read around your subject, and, above all, enjoy your studies! Good luck!


Aww your answer is so encouraging ^_^ thanks. (I'm applying for the next year. I feel nervous!)
I would encourage you to apply, assuming you have the results and proper results projections. The admissions professionals at Cambridge will work to understand your system and circumstances and give you an honest assessment. Pursue your dream!

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