Cambridge engineering help...

Hey there! I am Year 12 student currently thinking of applying to Cambridge engineering / physical nat sci next year.

I read the admission stats and apparently the number of applicants is much higher for Trinity in comparison to other colleges, however the applicant-acceptance ratio of each college is pretty much the same...

So here are my questions:

1. just wanna confirm the validity of a myth: is Christ and Trinity really harder to get in? And if so, by how much?

2. In terms of preparation, could (and should) I prepare anything specifically for those "top-tier" colleges?

3. Why are those colleges so popular (apart from high Tompkins ranking and funding...)

4. I'm really uncertain what to do: should I apply for the "easier colleges" to play safe? Or should I be ambitious and go for the more "prestigious" ones, but risking rejection?

I know that's a lot to ask for, by your assistance on this subject would be tremendously appreciated.

Many thanks! You made my day.

I have visited twice. I have a friend in Magdalene (not sure if that's how you spell it), and I basically (secretively) stayed there for a night and experienced the student life. I went to formal dinner and cheeky enough, a natsci lecture.

My preferred college is Christ, however I do understand it's still early and further research is required to make a more informed decision. Will certainly go to a more "official" open day later this year.