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The Official Cambridge Applicants for 2023 Entry Thread

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Original post by Anonymous(
Hi @Christ's Admissions . I'm an international student who does CIE A levels and am thinking of applying to Christs. I was wondering whether not having Olympiad prizes/medals would disadvantage an application for Mathematics/physical natural sciences, especially because i'm an international student? Does Christs expect its international applicants to have such kind of accomplishments? I'm not chinese/from a country which emphasises olympiads and i'm doing qualifications that are accepted by cambridge. It would be of great help to me if @Peterhouse Admissions @R T or anyone else weighs in as well.

I replied to this in the 2022 thread. :smile:
Original post by Christ's Admissions
I replied to this in the 2022 thread. :smile:

Yes, I saw that. Thank you so much!
Original post by baNaanaaBread
I know it is REALLY far in advance, but I wanted to start this thread for those who are thinking of applying to


the University of Cambridge in 2022 for entry in 2023!



Even though we have only just finished our GCSEs it never hurts to get ahead of the game when thinking about the future, and in particular - Cambridge Applications!
REMEMBER THOUGH: Cambridge isn't the be-all and end-all of things but being aspirational doesn't hurt!

(Thank you to @Xaodo whose 2022 thread I have partially lifted this from)

Don't worry if you haven't done a lot, this is well in advance!

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?


1) Maths, Chemistry, Biology, German
2) Natural Sciences
3) 11 Grade 9s and 2 Distinctions
4) Chance to learn about other science subjects such as Earth Sciences alongside Chemistry
5) NSAA
6) independent research, research for EPQ but decided not to do the actual essay, MOOCs, reading
7) research maybe??
8) no!
Reply 83
Original post by baNaanaaBread
I know it is REALLY far in advance, but I wanted to start this thread for those who are thinking of applying to


the University of Cambridge in 2022 for entry in 2023!



Even though we have only just finished our GCSEs it never hurts to get ahead of the game when thinking about the future, and in particular - Cambridge Applications!
REMEMBER THOUGH: Cambridge isn't the be-all and end-all of things but being aspirational doesn't hurt!

(Thank you to @Xaodo whose 2022 thread I have partially lifted this from)

Don't worry if you haven't done a lot, this is well in advance!

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?


1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
English Lit, History, Spanish, EPQ (on Spanish history)
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
History and Modern Languages (Spanish)! I love how they intersect.
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
Eleven 9s and one 8.
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
I really prefer the languages course, it's less literature-heavy than Oxford and they have some really interesting work on translation. I live closer to Oxford and always thought it'd be a lovely place to live, but having finally visited Cambridge (Murray Edwards HML taster day!), I think nowhere could feel more like home.
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
HAT and MLAT. I'll probably prepare over the summer, although I've had a go at some of the MLAT papers already just to get a feeling for them.
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
I've read lots! I did the UKLO this year and last year, which was great fun, and also now run a History Society at school.
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
I think the Civil Service would be really interesting, but I'm also fascinated in the work that public historians do to make history accessible and enjoyable.
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
Probably Murray Edwards! What a charming little place with the loveliest gardens and people. :smile:

Is anyone else on here thinking of applying for HML (or just history or languages)? What sort of super-curriculars have you done?
If there is anyone out there who needs help with A-Level History, Politics or English Literature, please feel free to PM and I can share with you some online resources which really helped me when I was studying for those subjects myself.
Original post by LSE_Undergrad
If there is anyone out there who needs help with A-Level History, Politics or English Literature, please feel free to PM and I can share with you some online resources which really helped me when I was studying for those subjects myself.

Is there a reason you're limiting access to this knowledge to people who PM you? Why not just post the links here? Or are the online resources password-protected or something?
Original post by baNaanaaBread
I know it is REALLY far in advance, but I wanted to start this thread for those who are thinking of applying to


the University of Cambridge in 2022 for entry in 2023!



Even though we have only just finished our GCSEs it never hurts to get ahead of the game when thinking about the future, and in particular - Cambridge Applications!
REMEMBER THOUGH: Cambridge isn't the be-all and end-all of things but being aspirational doesn't hurt!

(Thank you to @Xaodo whose 2022 thread I have partially lifted this from)

Don't worry if you haven't done a lot, this is well in advance!

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?

1) Economics, French, Politics and EPQ.
2) HSPS, I'd like to focus mainly on Politics and IR though.
3) Seven 9s, an 8 and a 7, plus an 8 from one I did a year early.
4) Oxford doesn't have an HSPS equivalent - they have PPE but I quite dislike Philosophy! I also like that Cambridge is a smaller city than Oxford.
5) There isn't one.
6) Not a lot, I only decided to apply for Cambridge in September. I've done a PPE taster program from Oxford and attended a 'Young Political Leader' weekend. I also attend my school's Oxbridge program and have read a bit, mostly journal articles, as my EPQ is related to IR
7) I'd love to work in the Civil Service as a diplomat.
8) I'm pretty sure it'll be Girton (I like that it's got lots of outdoor space and is further away from the main city), but I want to visit Corpus Christi and Newnham before I decide.

Does anyone know what attitudes are like regarding deferred entry? I'm considering applying for it as I compete in my sport at a fairly competitive level, so I'd quite like to take a year out to focus on training and compete a bit more.
Original post by saltysel
1) Economics, French, Politics and EPQ.
2) HSPS, I'd like to focus mainly on Politics and IR though.
3) Seven 9s, an 8 and a 7, plus an 8 from one I did a year early.
4) Oxford doesn't have an HSPS equivalent - they have PPE but I quite dislike Philosophy! I also like that Cambridge is a smaller city than Oxford.
5) There isn't one.
6) Not a lot, I only decided to apply for Cambridge in September. I've done a PPE taster program from Oxford and attended a 'Young Political Leader' weekend. I also attend my school's Oxbridge program and have read a bit, mostly journal articles, as my EPQ is related to IR
7) I'd love to work in the Civil Service as a diplomat.
8) I'm pretty sure it'll be Girton (I like that it's got lots of outdoor space and is further away from the main city), but I want to visit Corpus Christi and Newnham before I decide.

Does anyone know what attitudes are like regarding deferred entry? I'm considering applying for it as I compete in my sport at a fairly competitive level, so I'd quite like to take a year out to focus on training and compete a bit more.

You'll need a reason to defer but I don't think Cambridge are particularly hostile if you have one. Some colleges/subjects are more opposed to it than others, though, so it might make sense to email the colleges you're considering ahead of time.

You'll also need some idea of how you're going to keep up your studies on your gap year.
(edited 2 years ago)
A levels: History, Geography and Politics
Course: Love the look of Cambridge's history course - there seems to be so much freedom in what you can study compared to others I've seen
GCSEs: 999999888
Why Cambridge?: It's further from home and as mean as it sounds I think I'd like that extra independence. It's obviously beautiful too!
Admissions test: HAT, I'm pretty busy preparing for May mocks atm but I think I'll give it some thought over the summer
Preparation: Lots of further reading around my interests (mainly soviet history but just 20th-century communist states in general), applied for a couple of summer schools and have a bit of work experience lined up for over the summer
College?: Obviously haven't got my heart set on one yet (hoping to look around a few on the open day) but I do think Sidney looks lovely
1) Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science
2) Computer Science as I love software and maths!
3) Langage: 8, Literature: 9, Science: 8, Maths: 9
4) When I was in year 9, I had this crazy idea of applying to Cambridge university after being inspired by a YouTube vlog and it just kind of stuck.
5) I have no idea
6) I got some work experience in a software company, I also starerd a YouTube channel with some programming videos and some studying "day in the life" kind of videos, I've been doing lots of exercise if that counts :biggrin:
7) It's really just a personal aim, I don't think you need a degree to have a meaningful impact on the world
8) Queens' but I think they get lots of applicants for compsci so who knows


But I'm not sure I'll make it to Cambridge. When I was in year 9 (when I originally had thoughts of applying to Cambridge) I was in bottom set maths. I don't come from a rich family, I go to a pretty standard college. I'm nothing special. I've really pushed myself to get where I am. I promised myself that I would apply but if I don't get in I won't be (too) sad.
(edited 2 years ago)
Don't doubt your abilities! How good you were in year 9 doesn't matter, what matters is how good you are right now and how much you've improved. Don't worry, lots of Cambridge students are perfectly normal. Pushing yourself is a good thing, it's exactly what Cambridge wants to see. Not to mention, the kind of maths done in year 9 is DRASTICALLY different from the maths done in a CS degree. Please apply, and all the best!
Original post by mozzie810


But I'm not sure I'll make it to Cambridge. When I was in year 9 (when I originally had thoughts of applying to Cambridge) I was in bottom set maths. I don't come from a rich family, I go to a pretty standard college. I'm nothing special. I've really pushed myself to get where I am. I promised myself that I would apply but if I don't get in I won't be (too) sad.


there is no magic formulae to get to Cambridge. You've got all the foundation to go for it.
Hi @Christ's Admissions. If a students is dyslectic or has other learning disorders, and as a result was getting say 25% extra time in GCSE and A-Level exams, how would this impact their Cambridge application? Should they mention this in their UCAS application form and/or any supplementary Cambridge questionnaire? Would they be given extra time in any pre-interview or at-interview assessments? Also, would the email with the SENCO assessment from their school specifying the 25% extra time be sufficient, or would you need anything else as evidence?
Original post by Anonymous
Hi @Christ's Admissions. If a students is dyslectic or has other learning disorders, and as a result was getting say 25% extra time in GCSE and A-Level exams, how would this impact their Cambridge application? Should they mention this in their UCAS application form and/or any supplementary Cambridge questionnaire? Would they be given extra time in any pre-interview or at-interview assessments? Also, would the email with the SENCO assessment from their school specifying the 25% extra time be sufficient, or would you need anything else as evidence?

When you apply, if you have any disabilities, Specific Learning Difficulties or similar then you would complete the Adjustments form. This is tell us about your disability/SLD/etc., and what adjustments you require. You should have documentary evidence for this.

You should receive the same arrangements for any assessments as you would for your school exams. You can find some more guidance on this on our disability webpage, and guidance will be provided during the admissions process. If at any point in the process you need clarity on what the form is asking or similar, don't hesitate to get in touch with the admissions officers at the college you apply to.
Original post by baNaanaaBread

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?

1) Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Fmaths. I'm almost done with them though.
2) Natural Science! I'd like to study other sciences along with Physics.
3) 12 9s (2020 TAGS)
4) I loved Cambridge when I visited, Oxford doesn't offer NatSci, Cam has generous bursary schemes that I could apply for (although that's not a priority), I want to work at BAS in the future and it is located in Cam so maybe I can apply for summer placement or something (not a priority). Cam is obviously the best uni in the world (I'll change my mind when I get rejected)
5) NSAA. Summer
6) Nothing. I didn't have Cambridge aspirations during lockdown.
7) Not end up in Onlyfans. Jk, I want to work at BAS as a research scientist in the future and degree will be the first step to that and I would most likely do masters and PhD to achieve that.
8) Yes.
Random question - how common is taking 2 year of Gap year for Econ ?
Original post by baNaanaaBread
I know it is REALLY far in advance, but I wanted to start this thread for those who are thinking of applying to


the University of Cambridge in 2022 for entry in 2023!



Even though we have only just finished our GCSEs it never hurts to get ahead of the game when thinking about the future, and in particular - Cambridge Applications!
REMEMBER THOUGH: Cambridge isn't the be-all and end-all of things but being aspirational doesn't hurt!

(Thank you to @Xaodo whose 2022 thread I have partially lifted this from)

Don't worry if you haven't done a lot, this is well in advance!

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?

1) Physics, Mathematics and Classical Civilisation + EPQ (Art-related)
2) Natural Sciences, as I really like the content in the physical stream and would like to study earth sciences alongside physics.
3) 10 Grade 9's achieved
4) The Oxford Physics course seems very maths orientated and I prefer geophysics to mechanics.
5) NSAA... after my mocks
6) Essay Competitions, an AI and earth monitoring MOOC, reading articles/books/watching programmes related to astrophysics
7) Not sure yet, I'm hoping the broad range of topics covered will help me decide what to specialise in.
(edited 2 years ago)
Original post by elpe
1) Physics, Mathematics and Classical Civilisation + EPQ (Art-related)
2) Natural Sciences, as I really like the content in the physical stream and would like to study earth sciences alongside physics.
3) 10 Grade 9's achieved
4) The Oxford Physics course seems very maths orientated and I prefer geophysics to mechanics.
5) NSAA... after my mocks
6) Essay Competitions, an AI and earth monitoring MOOC, reading articles/books/watching programmes related to astrophysics
7) Not sure yet, I'm hoping the broad range of topics covered will help me decide what to specialise in.

Does anyone know if my A-levels will put me at a disadvantage for NatSci, I know a lot of applicants do have 3 science subjects...
Original post by elpe
Does anyone know if my A-levels will put me at a disadvantage for NatSci, I know a lot of applicants do have 3 science subjects...

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/natural-sciences

According to this web page, it restricts what colleges you can apply to and means you’ll be expected to get an A* in Maths and Physics.
Original post by baNaanaaBread
I know it is REALLY far in advance, but I wanted to start this thread for those who are thinking of applying to


the University of Cambridge in 2022 for entry in 2023!



Even though we have only just finished our GCSEs it never hurts to get ahead of the game when thinking about the future, and in particular - Cambridge Applications!
REMEMBER THOUGH: Cambridge isn't the be-all and end-all of things but being aspirational doesn't hurt!

(Thank you to @Xaodo whose 2022 thread I have partially lifted this from)

Don't worry if you haven't done a lot, this is well in advance!

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?


1) Politics, Spanish, English Literature
2) Human, Social, and Political Sciences (HSPS)
3) 9999999988
4) I felt that the humanities emphasis in this course suited me better than the economics component in PPE. I like that you can narrow down into a track; I will do the politics and international relations track.
5) An at-interview assessment.
6) Loads and loads of reading!
7) I’m looking at academia, journalism, or working with a think tank.
8) Murray Edwards, Queen’s, or Churchill

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