Hello Dr Spencer. Thank you for doing this AMA. I am a year 12 student and after having finished my GCSEs I have decided that Cambridge is my one true aspiration with regards to university. Presently, Medicine and Natural Sciences appeal to me more than any other courses and I would guess that my A-Levels limit me somewhat to these anyway.
Educational Background:
At GCSE I achieved 10 A*s and 3 As, also an A* in the Level 2 Higher Project Qualifiation about the Higgs Boson particle and a Pass in the Level 3 Certificate in Algebra (Pass/Fail).
A*s: English Language, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Mathematics, Computing, Business Studies, Geography and Religious Studies.
As: Mathematics, History and English Literature.
I have done GCSE maths twice, achieving an A both times and have been certificated twice as a result.
My A-Levels are Maths, Chemistry and Biology. I am also doing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this year.
Extra-Curriculars, Responsibilities and Awards (Past and Present):
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze (completed) and Silver (in progress) awards; Dragons' Apprentice Challenge (Hertfordshire and Cambridge schools, similar to Young Enterprise); Part-time job in a supermarket; 1 week of work-experience at UTC Aerospace Systems (aerospace engineering facility); Volunteering in a charity shop, computing club and GCSE chemistry lessons; Public Speaking in school parliament several times in my school career; Vice-Captain of a house at school; multiple house and subject awards; Participating in team maths challenge this year; Likely to participate in World Challenge on an expedition to Sri Lanka; Additional Reading.
Questions:
1. Would the fact that I retook GCSE mathematics and achieved the same grade affect my application in any way?
2. Are my GCSE grades and A-Level subjects suitable for medicine or natural sciences?
3. Are there any extra-curricular activities which I have done, or do which are particularly useful or any which would not help to strengthen my UCAS application?
4. Is there anything else which you would recommend I do, in terms of showing passion for the course (medicine or natural sciences), or anything else which is entirely necessary?
5. Based on the reasonably small amount of information you have about my academics and extra-curricular activities, what would my chances be of being invited to interview or offered a place?
Thank you again for holding this Q&A and I hope to hear from you soon.