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Submitting written work for Cambridge?

I applied for English at Clare College and they want 2 essays. Is there anywhere where I can have a look at essays that past students have submitted? I consider myself a great essayist but I'm still anxious, what if they're not Cambridge-standard, you know?

Do most people submit existing essays from their A-levels or do they write new essays specifically for Cambridge? Also, what particular things do Cambridge look out for in essays? Extensive research, focus on literary theory, analysis, etc. Should I cater specifically to what their course offers?

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

I believe Cambridge gives specific guidance on what to submit (and if not the college you applied to certainly can and will). I believe normally for 6th form students it's expected you submit a piece of work which you have done in the course of your current qualification(s) and has been marked by a teacher (with the teacher's comments). Usually it's only mature students who have been out of education for some time that will submit an essay specifically written for the occasion as I understand.

Took me about 30-60 seconds of searching on google to find the following:

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/after/written-work-portfolio

https://www.clare.cam.ac.uk/admissions-outreach/undergraduate-study/applying-to-clare

https://www.clare.cam.ac.uk/admissions-outreach/undergraduate-study/applying-to-clare/subjects/english

https://www.english.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying.htm

All of which give information on what to submit and what they are looking for.