Ask An(other) Admissions Tutor 25/07/2017-08/08/2017

I've just finished the first year of CompSci with Maths, and when I applied I found out that STEP offers for that varied quite a lot between colleges. Most of them want either 1,1 or 1,2 in II and III (although presumably many of the colleges that ask for 1,1 will sometimes let people in with 1,2 anyway since that is the case for Maths), but a couple wanted different things: one said they'd ask for 1,1 in I and II, another said they'd want a 1 in either II or III, and allegedly Trinity only wanted a 1 in STEP I (but that seems very odd). I'd email the admissions tutors of the colleges that don't put their requirements on their websites to ask what grades they will ask for and what their policy on letting people who fail STEP but meet the A-level part in anyway (probably for the non-maths option).

Thank you, it's really helpful that you've flagged this up. We evidently need some consistency across the University, and I will take the issue up with my colleagues at other colleges!

Hello!
I have a question regarding BMAT. Is there a specific value Cambridge is looking for (I'm assuming 5/6+)? I've seen a variety of scores for those receiving an offer (from 4.something to 8), so I figured it'd be best to ask.
Also, would taking the BMAT in September give an applicant an advantage, should their score be competitive and known by the admission tutors before those taking the exam in November? Or will decisions regarding interviews be done after November scores are released?

Thank you very much in advance.

*This question is regarding an application for medicine.

Thanks a lot for your input! I guess I have some e-mailing to do. I'm going to guess they set out the STEP offers depending on your ability at CSAT and interviews + modules taken. Mind if I PM you about other things?



Are you pushing for a more static offer than the situational offers? Even though I'd like to have an 'easier' offer, but if that offer doesn't help the student to do well in paper 1 and paper 2 for the 1A maths tripos, then I don't see any other option.

Thanks a lot for your input! I guess I have some e-mailing to do. I'm going to guess they set out the STEP offers depending on your ability at CSAT and interviews + modules taken. Mind if I PM you about other things?

Are you pushing for a more static offer than the situational offers? Even though I'd like to have an 'easier' offer, but if that offer doesn't help the student to do well in paper 1 and paper 2 for the 1A maths tripos, then I don't see any other option.

Am I correct to assume that I wouldn't be disadvantaged by not mentioning any extracurricular activities not related to the subject I want to study on my personal statement (in the case that Cambridge is the only university I want to apply to in the U.K.)?

You've answered it yourself

How can you be disadvantaged for not mentioning irrelevancies? (You won't be.)

Am I correct to assume that I wouldn't be disadvantaged by not mentioning any extracurricular activities not related to the subject I want to study on my personal statement (in the case that Cambridge is the only university I want to apply to in the U.K.)?

That's awesome, thank you for your help!

I think OP's concern stems from the fact that some universities value extra-curricular activities unrelated to their subjects. Oxbridge and top UK unis are actually quite unique in their stance for not appreciating that very much.


No, you won't be.
The only thing they want to know is if you're very good at the subject you're applying to.
Cambridge (and other very top U.K. unis) doesn't care if an applicant has 'balanced and rounded personalities' because of their wide range of experiences in many extra-curricular activities or prestigious positions as a head boy/girl or team captain, etc. At all.
They like geeks.

I have specific questions about Christ's accommodation and facilities. Firstly, is internet access unlimited data? Secondly, are there any music practice rooms? Actually a general question about cambridge as a whole, is there even a culture for performance of more contemporary music (like do people form bands ect)? If a particular society or activity doesn't operate at your college, how usual is it to go to over colleges or locations to engage in those activities?

Apologies, last hijack I promise!! For the OP it doesn't matter as they are only applying to Cambridge within the UK. For other students I would temper this slightly! The following is directly from the Durham uni websites re personal statements


Finally, you should write about what makes you an interesting and unique person; all those extra things you have done or experienced which will bring something extra to the community of the University you want to join. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, you need to reflect on the skills and lessons you have learned and write about that. You may want to cover:

Remember to mention these parts of your life, and if appropriate the skills that will help you with the course.

I can say from personal experience that Durham has really supported me with my extra curriculars this year (when I have had to take time off). They value them and are keen if you can show the ability to balance rigourous academic degrees with other interests and the subsequent "softer" skills developed. Yes the academics are the most important within the statement but don't completely ignore extra curriculars! This assumes Durham is considered a top uni, who knows!.

Apologies for the hijack once again.




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OP asked the question specifically about application to Cambridge, not how your extra-curricular activities are regarded AFTER you got into a university. Yes, even at Cambridge if you have some very important commitment in EC activities (like competing in sports, etc. on national/international level) that may require your academic schedule to be changed, most colleges/DoS/Department are usually understanding and accommodating.
But as for application, I (and many others) have heard admission tutors, both on their open days and here in TSR, stressing they are not interested in what, how much or how well you've doing in EC unrelated to your subject and having it or not having it will not affect your competitiveness in application. That's what OP wanted to know, I think.

I have specific questions about Christ's accommodation and facilities. Firstly, is internet access unlimited data? Secondly, are there any music practice rooms? Actually a general question about cambridge as a whole, is there even a culture for performance of more contemporary music (like do people form bands ect)? If a particular society or activity doesn't operate at your college, how usual is it to go to over colleges or locations to engage in those activities?

Apologies, last hijack I promise!! For the OP it doesn't matter as they are only applying to Cambridge within the UK. For other students I would temper this slightly! The following is directly from the Durham uni websites re personal statements


Finally, you should write about what makes you an interesting and unique person; all those extra things you have done or experienced which will bring something extra to the community of the University you want to join. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, you need to reflect on the skills and lessons you have learned and write about that. You may want to cover:

Remember to mention these parts of your life, and if appropriate the skills that will help you with the course.

I can say from personal experience that Durham has really supported me with my extra curriculars this year (when I have had to take time off). They value them and are keen if you can show the ability to balance rigourous academic degrees with other interests and the subsequent "softer" skills developed. Yes the academics are the most important within the statement but don't completely ignore extra curriculars! This assumes Durham is considered a top uni, who knows!.

Apologies for the hijack once again.




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Probably fair advice but at the same time my PS was entirely devoted to my course (music) and I got an offer from them (among other RGs).