Choosing a Cambridge College

Hello,
In October, I will hopefully be applying to study Medicine at Cambridge University. The way the course is taught, the teaching methods, and the life at Cambridge just really interests me.

Specifically for Medicine (or non-specific), how would I go about researching which college is for me?

If I get an offer from Cambridge but got rejected from the actual college, am I able to go to another one? How do these things work?

Thank you,
Ryan

Have a look through the university of cambridge forums, where this question has been asked and answer a hundred times already (I understand you're a new user, which is why I'm directing you there).

Briefly, the college choice doesn't really matter that much, so don't stress it - just pick one you like the look of. Alternatively, you can make an 'open' application where you make no initial college choice.

If the college you're interviewed at thinks you should be offered a place, but can't (or aren't willing) to offer you a place at their college, you will be 'pooled' - you can then be 'fished' out of this pool by another college and offered a place, or turned down once the fishing is complete. Again, have a look through the Cambridge forums to find out the info.

So basically if they deem you good enough for Cambridge, but they've already filled their spots at their colleges, you get "pooled" where any other college can fill up spots from that pool.

When I chose a college (at Oxford) I just picked one that seemed nice on the open day. I didn't get in there, but I got into my secondary college (which I now realise is much nicer than the one I applied to.) You want to decide what is important to you (accommodation, social life, ect) and ask college reps. You can find those on JCR websites and things.

OK, lovely. Thank you for explaining it to me so clearly

Also, I believe each colleges are (or were) doing virtual open days so it’s really worth checking their individual websites

Hey, I’m also thinking of which college to choose Which ones are you thinking of at the moment?

@ryanalevel Note that Peterhouse, Medwards and Christ's are doing a joint virtual open day here Well worth having a look at

Thank you again!

But I'm trying to look at the colleges that accept the most applicants per year.

No problem!

Just to note that both successful applicants and ATs warn candidates off doing this year after year. Trying to play a 'numbers game' at Cambridge is entirely futile. Don't apply to a college on the basis of their admissions' statistics; apply to one based on the fact that you like the look of it, and can see yourself having it has your base for 6+ years.

@ryanalevel Note that Peterhouse, Medwards and Christ's are doing a joint virtual open day here Well worth having a look at

So far: Magdalene, Homerton, Jesus', and Fitzwilliam. I'm keeping my options open though.

I just need to make a competitive application first But I'm trying to look at the colleges that accept the most applicants per year. I think Homerton is only about 6 while others accept like 9 or 11 for my course. As I said though, I am definitely going to do more research and keep my options open!

Just to study at Cambridge would be a privilege in itself

Hopefully the story highlight on choosing a cam college here will help: https://www.instagram.com/science.with.soph/

If you narrowly miss your college they will put you in the pool which means a different college may give you an offer instead

But I'm trying to look at the colleges that accept the most applicants per year.