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Hi I'm applying for Computer Science with Maths, I have a question

I got 4A in AS for Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science. For A2 I decided to drop Computer Science (over dropping Physics) as my school doesn't have the option to take 4 subjects in year 13.

I was wondering if I should talk about this decision in the SAQ? Or, seeing as how Cambridge recommend taking Physics instead of Computer Science, is this common for Computer Science applicants and doesnt really need explaining?

Hello,

I have already submitted my application and my SAQ and have received confirmation emails for both of these. However, my chosen college has not emailed me yet. I applied on 7th October- do you know when I should expect to hear from them?

Thank you.

Every college is different. Which college did you apply to?

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For GCSEs and AS Levels, I was ill during the months leading up to the exams, but not on the exam days themselves, which affected my performance in final exams. Because I wasn't ill at the time of the actual exam, I wasn't eligible for extenuating circumstances. Is this something I should put in the SAQ to explain weaker performance in certain qualifications?

Hello and thank you for your question and the information you have provided. On paper your GCSEs, AS Levels and A Level predictions are going to look quite weak in comparison to other candidates so you will need to perform very well in other aspects of the application to be competitive.

(1) how important is work experience for non-vocational subjects?

(2) would an invasive surgery (with a general recovery time of around 3 months) that took place a month before AS exams count as something that I could put in an extenuating circumstances form?

How important are undergraduate grades for a Dphil Education application? I have a 2:2 in hospitality and Merit classifications for 2 MA degrees which are both in social sciences. Would I have better luck applying into the Masters program first, or would my graduate degrees be sufficient?

Hi Dr Spencer
I'm applying with IB predicted grades above the standard offer published on the website. If I get an offer, is it likely to be higher than the standard one? I will definitely try to meet my predicted marks but I'd hate to lose my chance at a place because I couldn't meet my predicted grades.

Also, I took one of my subjects six months early in May since it wasn't offered for the southern hemisphere exam session and got a 6. However, I only found out that I had to do this in March the year before, giving me just over a year to complete the coursework. Will this be taken into account?

Finally, I'm just curious - why is the standard offer for Law 776 at HL for IB, but A*AA at A-level? I was under the impression that a 7 in an HL IB subject was viewed as equivalent to an A*.

Thank you!

Hi.
I am planning to apply to study computer science at Cambridge. I performed less than optimal in my AS levels last year (a B in both Chemistry and physics). However, I got a UMS average of 91.3/100 in the 6 maths modules I took.

I am doing Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry on to A level and am predicted:

Maths - A*
FuMa - A
Physics - A*
Chemistry - A

Is it worth applying to Cambridge this year, or will the 2 Bs at AS make my application too uncompetitive for me to stand any reasonable chance?

P.S. I have no real 'mitigating circumstances' to speak of, short of not being used to OCRs incredibly pedantic mark schemes.

Hi Dr. Spencer,

I completed my high school in 2015, however, I have been away from education since, because of a serious drug addiction. Do you think I should mention it in my PS? From what I understand, PS is about your passion of a subject so should I just focus on why the course is right for me?
Thank You.

PS : I am applying to study maths.

With two Bs at AS Level I am afraid that you are going to be somewhat on the back foot in your application. That's not to say that it can't be made up elsewhere but it is going to put you at a significant disadvantage.

Hello,

I have already submitted my application and my SAQ and have received confirmation emails for both of these. However, my chosen college has not emailed me yet. I applied on 7th October- do you know when I should expect to hear from them?

Thank you.

The ECF is submitted by the school or doctor and not the candidate which helps minimise the risk of untruths as the school is risking its reputation.

You can put self-teaching in the SAQ, it's often useful to know.