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Engineering at Cambridge

So I'm aiming for a Cambridge education in engineering. I have 8 A*s 2 As (+A^ FM) at GCSE. I'm doing Maths Further Maths Physics and Chemistry, all of which I'm finding pretty manageable. I'm taking part in the EDT Engineering Education Scheme (in school curriculum). Also I try and do as much work experience as I can, although not all of it has been to do with engineering.

What else can I do to increase my chances of going to Cambridge? I've heard of the STEP papers, but I'm aware they are only required for a few select colleges; would it be helpful if I did some of them anyway? I've also applied for an EDT Headstart taster course for engineering at cambridge, but I havnt heard back yet; would this be useful, my school is against me going as it is in school time. What other things should I be doing to increase my odds at getting a place in Cambridge? I don't mean to be naive, but I feel like that's the kind of university I belong at; although I havent always been a hard worker (for my GCSEs i didnt revise for more than a month), I feel mentally strong and capable.

Thanks for the help!
Reply 1
Avatar for Doones
Doones
21
Original post by chinkinator
So I'm aiming for a Cambridge education in engineering. I have 8 A*s 2 As (+A^ FM) at GCSE. I'm doing Maths Further Maths Physics and Chemistry, all of which I'm finding pretty manageable. I'm taking part in the EDT Engineering Education Scheme (in school curriculum). Also I try and do as much work experience as I can, although not all of it has been to do with engineering.

What else can I do to increase my chances of going to Cambridge? I've heard of the STEP papers, but I'm aware they are only required for a few select colleges; would it be helpful if I did some of them anyway? I've also applied for an EDT Headstart taster course for engineering at cambridge, but I havnt heard back yet; would this be useful, my school is against me going as it is in school time. What other things should I be doing to increase my odds at getting a place in Cambridge? I don't mean to be naive, but I feel like that's the kind of university I belong at; although I havent always been a hard worker (for my GCSEs i didnt revise for more than a month), I feel mentally strong and capable.

Thanks for the help!


Sounds like you are doing the right things already.

A STEP college increases your chances of an offer, but the offer is harder to achieve. Your choice :wink:

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Reply 2
Avatar for boi_
boi_
OP
12
Original post by Doonesbury
Sounds like you are doing the right things already.

A STEP college increases your chances of an offer, but the offer is harder to achieve. Your choice :wink:

Posted from TSR Mobile


Ok, thanks! Would doing STEP increase my odds at non STEP college?
Reply 3
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boi_
OP
12
Also, I currently attend a private school - not ultra rich, just my parents value education a lot and there aren't any grammar schools at all any where near where I live. Will that decrease my chances of a place at Cambridge?
Reply 4
Avatar for Doones
Doones
21
Original post by chinkinator
Ok, thanks! Would doing STEP increase my odds at non STEP college?


Doing any maths is good, but you don't normally sit STEP at all unless you've completed C1-C4 (ie after you have an offer, not before), and are confident you will do well. Doing it early, and doing poorly, could harm you chances.
Reply 5
Avatar for Doones
Doones
21
Original post by chinkinator
Also, I currently attend a private school - not ultra rich, just my parents value education a lot and there aren't any grammar schools at all any where near where I live. Will that decrease my chances of a place at Cambridge?


no
Original post by chinkinator
Also, I currently attend a private school - not ultra rich, just my parents value education a lot and there aren't any grammar schools at all any where near where I live. Will that decrease my chances of a place at Cambridge?


no, Cambridge gives nobody an advantage or disadvantage based on their background. there are plenty of private school students at cambridge (~35% if I remember rightly idk)

to answer the main question - obviously work hard to get as high predicted grades as you can, do some wider reading eg magazines, even an online course? if your school ever offers the maths/physics Olympiad, they would be worth a go.

relevant work experience is good and that taster course would be good on the personal statement too (shame its in school time :frown: )

I think at this stage the main thing is to work hard at your A-levels and immerse yourself in the subject. very best of luck to you!! :smile:
Reply 7
Avatar for boi_
boi_
OP
12
Ok thanks guys! Is there anything I can be doing to better my chances specifically at Cambridge?

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