How can they not know you are applying to Oxbridge?

I don't believe either of my rejections were down to the "Oxbridge candidate" myth, either - I think the universities in question simply had different criteria, and applicants who appealed to them more. I actually think it's horribly arrogant when people assume they were rejected because they were perceived as "Oxbridge material".. it's as if the notion that they're not suitable/good enough for certain universities hasn't crossed their minds at all.

Now when I apply to the other four uni's, they would know I'm applying to Cambridge because I'm applying earlier i.e. the first day you can send everything, and I will doing STEP and have mention it in PS.

I doubt the admission team is stupid, if they our an idiot will be deciding my fate. One's enough

P.S. When can you start apply to the uni's, as I written my PS. I want to apply straight away, as I think being first might give me an advantage.

Ruthie is studying theology, which is a naff degree.

Isn't theology god did it. Which, is kind of like a joke philosophy degree.

Ruthie, would you mind if I asked which subject you applied to study?

I was rejected by Durham in Feburary, having had an offer from Cambridge. As a geeky student who's never dropped below an A in her entire academic career, it's very tempting to think 'oh, they only rejected me because they must have KNOWN that I would get an offer from Cambridge', but that's really dangerous thinking. Hey, maybe Durham thought I wasn't that hot; they might not have liked my personal statement. Indeed, perhaps there was another equally good candidate with my sort of style - there might not have been room for 2 Ruthie-types at Durham, and I was the one cast aside. Who knows. I think some parts of the applications process closely resemble a lottery.

Nevertheless, candidates must remember that admissions tutors have the freedom to be sneaky. They can talk with other institutions, they can take their time when deciding - leaving you hanging till the last minute if needs be - and they can certainly guess wherever else you might have applied to.
If the institution is prestigious, and the places limited, then obviously the admissions tutors are going to take a lot of care in selecting their applicants. They're not going to just toss yours in the bin because you're an obviously bright student, but I think there is a definite game that admissions tutors play, just as applicants themselves look at admissions statistics when deciding where to apply!!

Why is theology a joke to degree? Who's to say the degree your applying for is not a joke?

if you are that bothered just apply for oxbridge then wait until the deadline has gone then choose your other 4 options. you dont have to choose all 5 at once.

I guess the problem is that a lot of schools have internal deadlines, and want people to apply as early as possible. Also, many *good* universities will probaby make earlier decisions and fill up spaces. It's a gamble, but probably worth taking, especially if you're applying for a subject that's usually under-subscribed elsewhere (e.g. history of art, languages, etc)