Getting into Cambridge with bad GCSEs

Unfortunately there is no UMS marks anymore for A-Level Physics and Chemistry. To apply to Cambridge you need to get 4 As in your AS exams, and you should be predicted at least 2 A* for A-Level since that's what their offer will be. Besides that, they really don't care - the interviews will be more important than GCSEs.

Unfortunately there is no UMS marks anymore for A-Level Physics and Chemistry. To apply to Cambridge you need to get 4 As in your AS exams, and you should be predicted at least 2 A* for A-Level since that's what their offer will be. Besides that, they really don't care - the interviews will be more important than GCSEs.

That is completely untrue.

You won't get an interview with 4 Bs, that's for sure. You can apply all you want but there's no way they'll interview you on a B when they're looking for A*A*A at A-Level. They usually want at least 90 UMS, and an A is 80. See this page. Although they say you don't need 90%, you're not likely to get an offer.

So my GCSEs won't have an impact on their decision to interview me, or not?

So my GCSEs won't have an impact on their decision to interview me, or not?

So my GCSEs won't have an impact on their decision to interview me, or not?

Yes they do, Cambridge just tend to favour high UMS and predicted grades whereas Oxford tend to focus more on GCSE

They are of some relevance but not much. Do well in your Maths and any AS-levels you take and it will help you a lot.



Oxford put a lot more emphasis on the PAT than GCSEs.

God I know, Oxford put a HUGE emphasis on the tests... Part of the reason I went for BioSci as opposed to Biomed as I didn't want to have to take the BMAT. But in context of GCSE, Oxford tend to place greater emphasis on them than Cambridge

You won't get an interview with 4 Bs, that's for sure. You can apply all you want but there's no way they'll interview you on a B when they're looking for A*A*A at A-Level. They usually want at least 90 UMS, and an A is 80. See this page. Although they say you don't need 90%, you're not likely to get an offer.

So my GCSEs won't have an impact on their decision to interview me, or not?

I never said you would get an interview with 4 Bs, but you don't have to have 4 As either.

I'm well aware of what it takes to get into Cambridge thanks.

i generally always see you in this forum attacking others for getting something wrong. Fix your attitude if you want to get somewhere in life.

To OP: Dont give up! Your GCSEs arent that bad and if you perform at AS, good PS etc etc i dont see why you couldnt get in. good luck

i generally always see you in this forum attacking others for getting something wrong. Fix your attitude if you want to get somewhere in life.

To OP: Dont give up! Your GCSEs arent that bad and if you perform at AS, good PS etc etc i dont see why you couldnt get in. good luck

i generally always see you in this forum attacking others for getting something wrong. Fix your attitude if you want to get somewhere in life.

To OP: Dont give up! Your GCSEs arent that bad and if you perform at AS, good PS etc etc i dont see why you couldnt get in. good luck

I think you'll find the word you are searching for is "correcting" not "attacking".

And @alow is a current Cambridge NatSci student so does know rather more than most about the topic at hand.

So correctly calling something untrue is attacking now... People spreading misinformation like what the person I replied to did could prevent someone who would do well at Cambridge from even applying.

Thank you, I will not give up now. Haha