Ask the Admissions Team

OP

Original post by joe12345marc

Thank you! Yes I understand that we should be expected to do well in all maths modules, but the maths modules do vary a lot. I've noticed that I have a real weakness to mechanics, so 3 of my important 9 modules being mechanics cannot go well surely. I still expect >90 in all of them (maybe not M2 I'm not sure) but I feel like having a ~5 UMS disadvantage in a module mostly irrelevant to Computer Science shouldn't ruin my chances, only my opinion though! SO basically, we're just expected to *smash* every single maths exam and not much notice is taken into considering difficulty of modules in comparison? Thanks for the honesty!

No one *smashes* every exam - it's also worth bearing in mind that even if you do drop 5% in one of your exams, that only brings your average down by >1% across the whole A level! But yes, a high standard in Maths A level will be expected for
applicants in maths-orientated subjects.

Reply 75

OP

Original post by Ayooo

Hi, do you think i would be at a disadvantage if i want to do psychology at Cambridge but am not doing psychology a- level. Personally i feel like biology would be a better preparation for the course but am not sure because cambridge do like people who have a passion for their subject.

Hi, no problem. We don't offer Psychology at Peterhouse so I can't really go into detail, but I can say that it is very much taught as science subject so sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Maths etc) are great preparation.

For Natural Sciences, Chemistry and Biology does meet the entry requirements, provided you can choose a list of first-year courses which you are happy with. What is your third A level subject?

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 76

OP

Original post by minjinoor

Hello I am in year 12 taking Maths Mechanics, Physics, Chemistry and French AS.

I have always been intent on studying Engineering at a top university but only recently gained that the department at Cambridge highly favour applicants with Further Mathematics.

Given that I am on track to meet the predictions for the requirements, take up further maths AS next year and offer good STEP results, would my application be considered equally?

Hi,

You can apply for Engineering without Further Maths, but you're right in thinking that the more Maths you have under your belt the better your chance of admission. Sometimes, if we have an applicant we would like to make an offer to who isn't taking Further Maths, we might add a STEP condition (usually 1 @ STEP I) to their offer to make sure they are able to keep up when they come to study here, so taking STEP beforehand certainly won't hurt your case!

Reply 77

OP

Original post by Nikhilm

Hi,

Great idea to do this thread!

In my school, those taking further maths take their maths a level in year 12. So, for a maths degree, would this a level count as two of the 'three most relevant as levels' or still as one?

Thanks,
Nikhil

Hi, thanks!

For the purposes of Merit Scores, all maths marks are combined and treated a single subject.

Reply 78

OP

Original post by amelia4_xo

Hi, for medicine if a candidates as levels are way better than their gcse e.g. (Person A) 6As 4Bs at gcse, and AAAB would they still be considered or does a consistent trend between gcse grades and as level need to be shown. e.g. (Person B) 6A*s 4As and AAAB across the board.
Also, if (Person A) got a better ukcat/bmat score than (Person B)

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Hi,

One of the reasons we look at both GCSE and AS results is exactly so we can identify candidates whose academic performance is on a strong upward trajectory. GCSE results are only considered in the context of the school - 6As could be an amazing set of results or 6A*s might be below average for that school, for example. Before interview, all we're really looking for is that you are on track to meet our typical conditional offer (A*A*A for Medicine).

Reply 79

OP