Oxford - Cambridge Renewable Energy

Curious and would like some information - While researching the application process for Cambridge I realized that I would have to study a combination of either A Level Chemistry and Biology or Chemistry and Physics. I'm not completely sure about either of those as my strongest area by far is chemistry and for interviews, I think I would do well if there were environmental science aspects - which led me to consider Oxford Earth Sciences. I've been very focused on Cambridge because I believed the test and interview process would be fairly straightforward but Oxford's focus for Earth Sciences is very aligned with my particular interests for study. I have a major interest in sustainable energy research and I want to prepare for whichever school will give me a better chance to develop that area of knowledge and translate that to job offers and future research etc. TLDRL My main passion is definitely Earth Science but I'm not sure if NatSci Cambridge or Oxford will help more, as I'd like to study a variety of aspects of renewable energy and not just say, geothermal or wind energy.

Reply 1

Paddy2005

8

Original post by Parzi145

Curious and would like some information - While researching the application process for Cambridge I realized that I would have to study a combination of either A Level Chemistry and Biology or Chemistry and Physics. I'm not completely sure about either of those as my strongest area by far is chemistry and for interviews, I think I would do well if there were environmental science aspects - which led me to consider Oxford Earth Sciences. I've been very focused on Cambridge because I believed the test and interview process would be fairly straightforward but Oxford's focus for Earth Sciences is very aligned with my particular interests for study. I have a major interest in sustainable energy research and I want to prepare for whichever school will give me a better chance to develop that area of knowledge and translate that to job offers and future research etc. TLDRL My main passion is definitely Earth Science but I'm not sure if NatSci Cambridge or Oxford will help more, as I'd like to study a variety of aspects of renewable energy and not just say, geothermal or wind energy.

I’ll prefix this by saying that as a medic I have absolutely no knowledge of either NatSci at Cambridge or Earth sciences at Oxford, but that I do have first hand experience of applying to Cambridge. The application process for Oxbridge is incredibly tough and I would warn you that certain components can look quite straightforward, whilst actually requiring a lot of time and effort to prepare for (if it’s difficult you’re going up against some of the best students in the world in a difficult test and if it’s straightforward, you’re going up against some of the best students in the world in a straightforward test. Doesn’t make much difference if you catch my drift). The thing that does make a huge difference with Oxbridge is your passion for what you want to study, this is one of the key things they look for (once you’ve satisfied the academic requirements) and if you feel that Environmental Sciences at Oxford is more centred around the topics you’re passionate about then you will do better should you interview for that subject.

At the end of the day, both are amazing universities and both are ridiculously competitive, so the key thing that sets you out amongst the field of other (incredibly well qualified) applicants is your passion. This is one of the few situations where as a scientist you’re better to go with your heart and not try to crunch the numbers in your head. It’ll be better for you in the long run to heavily research both courses, see which one teaches the most content that you’re passionate about and then pick that course.
Best of luck.

Reply 2

BetaVersion2.9

9

Original post by Parzi145

Curious and would like some information - While researching the application process for Cambridge I realized that I would have to study a combination of either A Level Chemistry and Biology or Chemistry and Physics. I'm not completely sure about either of those as my strongest area by far is chemistry and for interviews, I think I would do well if there were environmental science aspects - which led me to consider Oxford Earth Sciences. I've been very focused on Cambridge because I believed the test and interview process would be fairly straightforward but Oxford's focus for Earth Sciences is very aligned with my particular interests for study. I have a major interest in sustainable energy research and I want to prepare for whichever school will give me a better chance to develop that area of knowledge and translate that to job offers and future research etc. TLDRL My main passion is definitely Earth Science but I'm not sure if NatSci Cambridge or Oxford will help more, as I'd like to study a variety of aspects of renewable energy and not just say, geothermal or wind energy.

You may want to look again at the course prospectus for Oxford Earth Sciences as they don't teach anything about renewable energy...not even geothermal. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/course-listing/earth-sciences-geology
Actually it's quite the opposite where they foster and celebrate close links with big oil.

Reply 3

Emmmaaaa...

16

Original post by Parzi145

Curious and would like some information - While researching the application process for Cambridge I realized that I would have to study a combination of either A Level Chemistry and Biology or Chemistry and Physics. I'm not completely sure about either of those as my strongest area by far is chemistry and for interviews, I think I would do well if there were environmental science aspects - which led me to consider Oxford Earth Sciences. I've been very focused on Cambridge because I believed the test and interview process would be fairly straightforward but Oxford's focus for Earth Sciences is very aligned with my particular interests for study. I have a major interest in sustainable energy research and I want to prepare for whichever school will give me a better chance to develop that area of knowledge and translate that to job offers and future research etc. TLDRL My main passion is definitely Earth Science but I'm not sure if NatSci Cambridge or Oxford will help more, as I'd like to study a variety of aspects of renewable energy and not just say, geothermal or wind energy.

Fairly straightforward???????????????????????

Oxford - Cambridge Renewable Energy

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