Ask an Admissions Tutor IV, 7 July - 27 July 2014

Hi there, if you are interested more in the chemistry/materials side, then FM is not necessary. It is much more important to have FM if you are thinking of Physics (though even here it is 'useful' rather than 'essential' providing that you are also doing Physics A Level).

It is unusual for somone who wants to do Physics to be accepted without FM (though very far from unknown) but common for Chemists or Material scientists to be accepted without FM.

In general, my advice would be to do FM if you can but, for Chemists/Materials, not to worry if you can't. It's unlikely, though not impossible, for us to specifcy in which Sciences we will want the two A*s you will need.

I hope that is of some help, do feel free to come back if not.

Just thought I'd say thanks for answering my previous queries. Hopefully, I'll be forced to post in the next thread

Thank you for your kind reply. I'm finding this help extremely useful.
So would it be ok and would I have a good chance of getting an offer for physical natsci aiming for chemistry/materials, without FM? The main issue here is which route I apply through. I'd imagine I could do Chem/materials modules via biological but I don't want to disadvantage my application by my choice of bio vs physical.

Would the admissions tutor consider me to have officially done FM even if I do it in one year after my AS results? I don't want my FM to be seen as any lesser due to it not being taken over the two years.

Also how much flexibility does a student have if they wish to deviate from what they put on their ps and pick different modules? (due to a change in interest)

Thanks for your time.

For Economics is there a preference towards Stats modules in FM or is it fine to choose Mechanics modules over Stats modules? Also, is there any advantage to applying after a gap year?

Hello
I am thinking of applying for PhyNatSci in the future. I am an international student whose first language is not English. However I have done IGCSEs and am doing A levels.
Here are my questions (for now)
1) Do I still need to do IELTs to prove my English skill, or is English language GCSE (hopefully above B) is enough?
2) I had 0 English skill in Year 9 when I joined the British System, and in Y11 I had decent English skill already, no problems with understanding lessons or questions. However it still is my second language and the speed at which I write essays is not as fast as native speakers which could have affected my GCSE grades. If I had weak GCSE grades (though I hope they still are A*-B) would you consider the language as an "excuse" Considering I get strong UMS in the science maths A levels?

Thanks a lot.


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Hi there, if you have GCSE English Language then you should not have to do IELTS, though your English skills will be also assessed at interview.

Providing you do well in your Science UMS then we will be less concerned about your GCSEs, especially given your recent introduction to English.

Good luck.

The assessment will be how I can communicate with the interviewer and not grammar papers I hope?

Ok thanks, I will try hard next year onwards


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Hi, I have a question about the Extenuating Circumstances Form. I have an anxiety disorder and, as a result, am eligible for special consideration in my upcoming assessments and exams (I am an international student, from Australia, applying to Cambridge this year). I believe I should also submit the ECF following consultation with my school and therapist, but I'm concerned that the nature of my condition could potentially disadvantage me, as it could be viewed as hindering to my performance at a university level (I do not believe this will be the case)? While I don't want to be dishonest, I am unsure as to whether or not it would be better not to advise the college/admissions tutors of my condition and simply try and achieve the score that would typically meet the conditions of an offer. I hope this isn't inappropriate of me to ask, but as it is difficult for me to call the university/college and my careers counsellor is also unsure, I thought it better to ask, especially since I wouldn't want to potentially be dishonest and/or compromise the admissions process for both myself and the university if I am invited for interview. Thank you very much.

Hi I'm hoping to apply to do Maths at Cambridge this year, and I took Step II at the end of Yr 12. I'm expecting a 2 so I was wondering if I should mention it in PS ?

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I'm looking at applying for engineering with physics, maths and biology for A levels.

I know that some get offers without further maths but do you think that not doing FM will seriously disadvantage me?


Apologies for the repetitive question but it's something that will probably decide whether I apply or not.

Thank you very much, I appreciate it

It is a tricky one to answer confidently without seeing the whole of the application but I think that it is fair to say that you will be at a disadvantage compared to those who have FM and, if possible, you should try and do some FP or Mechanics modules from the FM syllabus as it will help your preparation. How much of a disadvantage you will be at will depend on how well you do in Maths and Physics at AS. If you score well in these then that will reduce your disadvantage.

I hope that is of some use.

That's definitely helpfully, thank you.

I hope I can show that my lack of FM is a result of me not being sure of what to do at the time, rather than a lack of mathematical ability.

I've already done M1 and will be doing M2 also, I'll try and get some FP modules done now you've said it, thanks for the help!