Cambridge for Mech Eng?

Makes sense.

I'm really torn here, if you were in my position, what would you do?

I'd avoid Cambridge if you want an industry focused engineering degree.

The course is very theoretical and they don't do Formula Student or offer a year in industry.

If you enjoy Product Design look elsewhere.

Formula Student at Cambridge:
http://www.fullblueracing.co.uk/
Also Solar Car
http://www.cuer.co.uk/

And more here about student-led engineering. Plenty of opportunities to be "practical"
http://teaching.eng.cam.ac.uk/node/574

And although you can't normally do a full year out, they do take the need for work experience obtained during your Tripos very seriously
http://teaching.eng.cam.ac.uk/node/64

*‘to obtain honours in Part IB of the Engineering Tripos a candidate must satisfy the Examiners that he or she has such workshop or equivalent experience as shall be determined by the Faculty Board of Engineering, and to obtain honours in Part IIA of the Engineering Tripos or the Manufacturing Engineering Tripos, a candidate must satisfy the Examiners that he or she has such industrial or equivalent experience as shall be determined by the Faculty Board’.

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OK so they do Formula Student now but it's not a high priority for the uni and they are not that successful looking at the data. Not offering a year in industry is a major issue and their degree IS very theoretical. The time in labs in considerably less than some unis -

I help with UCAS so do know a lot about the differences and it is not a uni I'd recommend for someone with an interest in Product Design like the OP.

I agree *if* Product Design is the OPs focus...

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The OP said 'I like PD way more' than F Maths - so I think Cambridge is not the right course.

But does OP prefer PD more than Mech Eng...

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You don't need F Maths for Mech Eng degrees, some unis are more industry focused.

What software does Cambridge use in their degree? Do they use 3D printing?

They actually do. That's interesting.

When I say "manufacturing", I don't mean doing the manufacturing Tripos, I mean doing more work that involves actually designing and making stuff as opposed to doing theory, equations and exams most of the time. I understand that it's necessary, and much of it is interesting, but group design and make projects are my jam, and I don't want to have to wait until Year 4 to do one.

Please quote me if you want a reply.

Have you looked at the course outline...? There are group projects in Y1 & 2.

Sorry, I haven't been on forums for very long, I'm used to stuff like FB and G+ where any reply automatically notifies everyone. It'll probably end up being second nature soon.True, but they don't seem to contribute anything to your final grade, that appears to be purely exam-based. Still, it's great that they're there. Cambridge might be for me after all.I'm still stuck on whether to go with FM, PD or even both. Is doing 4 A2s a good idea?

They actually do. That's interesting.

When I say "manufacturing", I don't mean doing the manufacturing Tripos, I mean doing more work that involves actually designing and making stuff as opposed to doing theory, equations and exams most of the time. I understand that it's necessary, and much of it is interesting, but group design and make projects are my jam, and I don't want to have to wait until Year 4 to do one.

If manufacturing is a priority OP can move to the Manufacturing Engineering Tripos after year 2. Also, yes they have 3D printing...
http://www.ifm.eng.cam.ac.uk/news/ifm-launches-3d-printing-lab-for-students/#.VjNRmISRzfA

Also in the 1st year they do have Product Design coursework.
http://www3.eng.cam.ac.uk/admissions/course/1styearcw.html

Why are you so obsessed about Cambridge? It is just not the best place to go to be a professional engineer these days.

In your opinion.

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