Admissions Procedure at Emmanuel- NatSci

I hope STEP doesnt apply to Trinity NatSci. I will go fing nuts if it does...

I am NOT doing them.

Reply 2

gringalet

12

RobbieC

I hope STEP doesnt apply to Trinity NatSci. I will go fing nuts if it does...

I am NOT doing them.

You shouldn't have to, according to the Trinity prospectus:

"STEP is available only in Mathematics and grades in STEP will normally form part of the offers that Trinity make for Maths (including Maths with Computer Science and Maths with Physics)."

But I would say to both of you – just email Admissions and find out.

Reply 3

RobbieC

gringalet

You shouldn't have to, according to the Trinity prospectus:

"STEP is available only in Mathematics and grades in STEP will normally form part of the offers that Trinity make for Maths (including Maths with Computer Science and Maths with Physics)."

But I would say to both of you – just email Admissions and find out.

I refuse. I am not doing them to such a great extent that I almost AM doing them... It's kind of like the asymptote on the mass velocity graph as velocity approaches the speed of light...

Therefore it is not happening.

If STEP is even mentioned - people will be murdered.

Reply 4

MadNatSci

12

Murder is perhaps not the best way to get in to Cambridge...

Trinity aren't going to ask you for STEP, but if they did it's not like you'd have a choice I'm afraid!

Reply 5

RobbieC

What if I hid under a gigantic boulder?

Reply 6

crazydaveuk

I didn't like the food at Clare...

...and yes that is how deeply I think about these things. :cool:

Reply 7

OP

crazydaveuk

I didn't like the food at Clare...

...and yes that is how deeply I think about these things. :cool:

I was at an open day, and the lasagne was quite nice, but I was not impressed by the brocolli. Quality of green vegetables is very important to me.

Reply 8

hitchhiker_13

Hey - still haven't decided between Emmanuel and Clare for my application.
I was looking at the Emmanuel website and it says that you have to write an essay to be sent to them which may form the basis of one of the interviews, and it also said that students intending to specialise in physics (that's me) may be asked to sit STEP papers.

Does anyone know of the kind of essay titles given, or how likely it would be that they'll ask me to sit STEP papers? (I'm studying maths, physics, chemistry, english and AS F.maths.)

ahha another Emma wannabe! I've just come through the Emmanuel application system and applying for exactly the same course as you (intending to specialise in physics). So here is what I have to say (if you havent already been informed).
You do indeed have to write an essay. I can't remember many of the specific titles, but the one I did was entitled "How does science progress". This was one of the sort of vague ones not attached to any particular science, which my application mentor said was probably the way to go. However I do remember their being questions such as: "What is the standard model and how does it help us?" and "Global warming and how we can stop it" and some others I really cant remember at all! It is a 1000 word essay though, which really isnt much.

The interview procedure for me was as follows: The TSA exam in the morning. Then I had an interview with physics fellows, and they bombarded me with physics and maths for about 20 minutes. Then I had a second interview with the senior tutor (who was also the science DoS) and a chemistry guy as well. The senior tutor questioned me about my essay, and then afterwards the chemistry guy threw a load of chemistry questions at me.

I was not asked to do STEP...however I did do 5 Full A Levels and unofficially the offer was based on all 5 (the ucas letter seemed to suggest otherwise...but we'll ignore that). You are a bit of a query, because you are only doing AS F. Maths. If you do well in the Maths question bit, they probably wouldnt ask for STEP...if they identify your maths as a potential weakness, they might ask you for STEP. But talking to most of the other freshers here, nobody was really asked for STEP (i only found one, he was a physical natsci but only had single maths). so I think you are safe regarding STEP!

Reply 9

OP

Willa

ahha another Emma wannabe! I've just come through the Emmanuel application system and applying for exactly the same course as you (intending to specialise in physics). So here is what I have to say (if you havent already been informed).
You do indeed have to write an essay. I can't remember many of the specific titles, but the one I did was entitled "How does science progress". This was one of the sort of vague ones not attached to any particular science, which my application mentor said was probably the way to go. However I do remember their being questions such as: "What is the standard model and how does it help us?" and "Global warming and how we can stop it" and some others I really cant remember at all! It is a 1000 word essay though, which really isnt much.

The interview procedure for me was as follows: The TSA exam in the morning. Then I had an interview with physics fellows, and they bombarded me with physics and maths for about 20 minutes. Then I had a second interview with the senior tutor (who was also the science DoS) and a chemistry guy as well. The senior tutor questioned me about my essay, and then afterwards the chemistry guy threw a load of chemistry questions at me.

I was not asked to do STEP...however I did do 5 Full A Levels and unofficially the offer was based on all 5 (the ucas letter seemed to suggest otherwise...but we'll ignore that). You are a bit of a query, because you are only doing AS F. Maths. If you do well in the Maths question bit, they probably wouldnt ask for STEP...if they identify your maths as a potential weakness, they might ask you for STEP. But talking to most of the other freshers here, nobody was really asked for STEP (i only found one, he was a physical natsci but only had single maths). so I think you are safe regarding STEP!

I emailed the admissions tutor for sciences, and he said he didn't remember asking for STEP from anyone for the last two years.
The prospectus also says the will only base the offer on 3 A-levels - I thought I'd have some leeway on my fourth(one is an arts subject so it probably won't be included)!
The standard model essay sounds interesting - I may have gone for that one.
I think the TSA will be ok - I did the sample paper today and got 47/50, which seems respectable.

Do you think 277 is a low mark for AS maths (P1, P2 and S1)? My school has never done STEP before so I am not thrilled about the possibility I may have to do it.

Reply 10

no....277 is most definitely plenty!

I wouldnt worry about STEP...you are doing AS further maths, that will be enough for them I'm sure!

And obviously they didnt like me much, by basing my offer on so many A levels.

And you need to be careful about which essay you choose. If you pick something like the "standard model" question, although it's easy to think you've covered everything, it doesnt necessarilly give you much leeway to be interesting when being questioned in interview. As far as I'm aware I was the only guy who did the essay "how does science progress" out of those who got in.....so possibly they found my originality to be rather refreshing!

Reply 11

OP

Willa

no....277 is most definitely plenty!

I wouldnt worry about STEP...you are doing AS further maths, that will be enough for them I'm sure!

And obviously they didnt like me much, by basing my offer on so many A levels.

And you need to be careful about which essay you choose. If you pick something like the "standard model" question, although it's easy to think you've covered everything, it doesnt necessarilly give you much leeway to be interesting when being questioned in interview. As far as I'm aware I was the only guy who did the essay "how does science progress" out of those who got in.....so possibly they found my originality to be rather refreshing!

Thanks very much. So you like it now you're there? I was thinking of going for Clare, but I decided on Emmanuel just a couple of days ago - I've been trying to decide for a few months! Such a cliche, but it was probably the ducks that tipped the balance.
I'm quite excited now. Application goes off tomorrw (I know, leaving it a bit late) and I'm looking forward to getting the essay list and getting stuck in. Also very nervous of course.

Reply 12

Weeeeellllll....as the older regulars will know, i was very much into Emma patriotism before I got here...and then spent most of the first week round at Kings (moaning about how I hated Emmanuel). But things are changing.....I think it was just awkward in the first week, and kings was my escape because I already had old friends there, so felt quite at home hanging round Kings. But I'm getting used to Emmanuel. Lets give it a quick run down.

By far the BEST thing about Emmanuel at the moment is: THE DUCKS! The ducks are super cool, they're my bestest friends in all the college (clearly I am a very sad and lonely student :frown:

)

Food at Emma is....OK. It's quite cheap (Not very cheap) but certainly not expensive. The best meal is sunday brunch....which is served nice and late, because as a natsci you WILL NEED A LIE IN! I have 9am lectures 6 days a week, so sunday is my haven!

The bar is DIRT CHEAP but it is ALWAYS PACKED...especially at the start of term...and especially during bar extensions (when it keeps serving alcohol until 2am...emma students only, only happens twice a term). Last night was the first such bar extension (A pyjama party...hmm....I dont do fancy dress...but it was non the less an...interesting sight) and it took me 45 minutes to get served at the bar...this is no lie!

Accomodation is NOT THE BEST. However, rooms seem to be of a reasonable size in comparison to what else I have seen at other colleges. There are some AMAZING rooms, but only special guests and exchange students seem to get those (or in the case of a friend, where your new room was accidentally flooded 2 days before you arrived). Views tend to suck! My view is of the back of burger king....oh what I would give for a bit of green! However, I dont back onto the bus station which sounds terrible! Most first years are put in south court, which frankly is pretty good accomodation imo...north court is too varied! You get amazing rooms surrounded by completely **** rooms!

Everyone is really friendly...however we have got our fair share of wierdos...which i choose not to hang around with.

Errrr....you got any other questions?

Reply 13

OP

Willa

.

Errrr....you got any other questions?

Ahh...do you think I should go somewhere else?

Are your tutors nice?

Reply 14

Well.....I'll answer your second question first.

Yes...the supervisors (they arent called tutors here....although you do get tutors, they dont teach you, your supervisor does that) are really good...however I have heard about a physics supervisor who has 0 people skills and is really hopeless. However Dr Thompson apparently is great...and luckily I have him as my super. All colleges have at least on crap supervisor though, so little you can do about it!

Should you go anywhere else!? Hmmmm! Well all colleges have their advantages....this is my current lo-down on all the things I am jealous about regarding my college choice!

Emma isn't on the river: I know it's a bit pathetic, but it is quite nice to have your own bridge and be on the backs and stuff. We do have a pond, but it's not always the same. However it is fairly easy to get access to the backs...and at that point you realise how crappy most colleges are about making you keep off the grass (emma is lovely at letting you walk on most grass).

St Johns and Trinity have better May Balls: Apparently those two may balls are the best ones in town, so I wish i was a student so I could be guarenteed a ticket...however if I manage to befriend any of the students, I might get lucky and be invited...otherwise it's the mad dash for the public sale tickets!

St Catz plays cheese....loud: Emmanuel's main "Loud music nights" are "Funk Da Bar"...and this plays funk/hiphop/indie. This gets kind of annoying (especially at the volume level they had it at last night!)...I was over at catz two nights ago, and they were having a "school disco" party...and the music was really loud...but really enjoyable stuff....so i would have much preferred the music to be a bit more cheesy. Although Alaric is right that "Jump around" is most definitely a requirement!

Emma bar is packed: I wish the bar wasnt so busy, or was a bit bigger. It's no good for having a chat with a mate, cos it's hard to get a seat unless you turn up early...and even then you feel like you're crowded in a bit...however apparently it eases up later in term! For now I have been going to other bars (mainly Kings :redface:

) because that is a nice bar and great for having a chat in!

There...that's all I can think of atm!

Reply 15

OP

Willa

Should you go anywhere else!? Hmmmm! Well all colleges have their advantages....this is my current lo-down on all the things I am jealous about regarding my college choice!

Emma isn't on the river: I know it's a bit pathetic, but it is quite nice to have your own bridge and be on the backs and stuff. We do have a pond, but it's not always the same. However it is fairly easy to get access to the backs...and at that point you realise how crappy most colleges are about making you keep off the grass (emma is lovely at letting you walk on most grass).

Yeah - that was one of the things I really liked about Clare. I didn't like the broccoli or the curtains.
The others I'm not so worried about - don't care what kind of music they play as I can always go somewhere else, and I don't want to one of the really big colleges like Trinity.

I'll stick with Emmanuel, as it would be a whole handling to change my UCAS form now. If I ever feel the need to be beside the river, I'll sneak off to Clare.

Reply 16

yeah...but as i say...they are quite stingy about grass and the related matters around the river. So tbh it's not that great being on the backs. If you want a bridge, just go to Coton footpath, that's a good enough bridge for me....or as you say, just sneak into one of the other places!

Reply 17

OP

Willa

yeah...but as i say...they are quite stingy about grass and the related matters around the river. So tbh it's not that great being on the backs. If you want a bridge, just go to Coton footpath, that's a good enough bridge for me....or as you say, just sneak into one of the other places!

Thanks - I hope you grow to love it. And if you do, please let me know to put my mind at rest, not that it'll make any difference at that stage.

You do have the next best thing to the backs in the form of the amazing duckpond.
Thanks again for all your help. Have fun xx

Reply 18

khil

hitchhiker_13

Thanks very much. So you like it now you're there? I was thinking of going for Clare, but I decided on Emmanuel just a couple of days ago - I've been trying to decide for a few months! Such a cliche, but it was probably the ducks that tipped the balance.
I'm quite excited now. Application goes off tomorrw (I know, leaving it a bit late) and I'm looking forward to getting the essay list and getting stuck in. Also very nervous of course.

Lol ducks again - looks like a lot of people are basing college choice on the ducks! Part of my growing fond of Emma was reading in the prospectus that they had ducks :biggrin:

and I just found it so random that I love it :biggrin:

NatSci - any outside reading you two can recommend? Hitchhiker what you reading for NatSci? And Willa what did you read??? I'm gonna try and get some of the books on that reading list they sent me - should I stick with those or read others as well???

Reply 19