Cambridge Medical Colleges (BMAT use)

Do you know what would cause someone to be rejected without interview? Seeing as most applicants are interviewed

Do you know what would cause someone to be rejected without interview? Seeing as most applicants are interviewed

If our BMAT's are shocking, then we'd get rejected I think. That's why I'm so nervous! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

While it is true that some colleges (I'm looking at you Trinity! ;P) specify that good scores in the BMAT (especially in section 2) are highly encouraged and preferred, the wonderful thing about Cambridge is that they take a SUPER holistic approach to your whole application (much better than just about every other university out there, IMHO). Therefore, if your academic record is pristine (so loads of A*'s and A's already achieved and predicted for (a few B’s and C’s at GCSE aren’t the end of the world and won’t likely ruin your chances if you have all A’s at AS and A-level) - you MUST at least meet the entry standard of A*A*A although the majority of offer holders gain A*A*A*+), and you have some work experience and have shown that you have explored your interests (you could have mentioned this in your personal statement or on the SAQ form - like what sort of reading you've done or what your gap year plans are), and you have a very positive and raving reference (preferably from a teacher), and if you have had to overcome some personal challenges and submitted an Extenuating Circumstances form that shows that you managed to rise above those difficulties, then it wouldn't be very unfair of Cambridge to dismiss ALL of that just because of an average BMAT score (it's not Oxford! lol ;D jk jk).

Those that get rejected before interview must have obtained poor grades or have poor grade predictions that are below the standard entry offer of A*A*A. Or they had the wrong subject combinations (either not enough science subjects or too many art/soft subjects). That in conjection with not showing enough enthusiasm and interest in their chosen subject, AND getting low scores on admissions test would warrant a rejection without interview. Most applicants applying to Cambridge are aware of the universities standards and requirements, and therefore their applications are most likely on par with what Cambridge is looking for which is why 80-90% of applicants are interviewed. Sometimes it could also just be that those that applied on a whim did not end up submitted the correct forms and documents to their colleges on time (like transcripts, the SAQ form, fee status forms, additional essays or samples of their work etc.) and therefore their applications could not be processed further.

P.S. Sorry if the first paragraph is a bit hard to follow and is messy, but I am typing this on my phone and just wanted to address your concerns as soon as possible so that you wouldn’t worry too much about your chances of gaining a place which I am sure are perfectly fine Keep the Q’s coming!

While it is true that some colleges (I'm looking at you Trinity! ;P) specify that good scores in the BMAT (especially in section 2) are highly encouraged and preferred, the wonderful thing about Cambridge is that they take a SUPER holistic approach to your whole application (much better than just about every other university out there, IMHO). Therefore, if your academic record is pristine (so loads of A*'s and A's already achieved and predicted for (a few B’s and C’s at GCSE aren’t the end of the world and won’t likely ruin your chances if you have all A’s at AS and A-level) - you MUST at least meet the entry standard of A*A*A although the majority of offer holders gain A*A*A*+), and you have some work experience and have shown that you have explored your interests (you could have mentioned this in your personal statement or on the SAQ form - like what sort of reading you've done or what your gap year plans are), and you have a very positive and raving reference (preferably from a teacher), and if you have had to overcome some personal challenges and submitted an Extenuating Circumstances form that shows that you managed to rise above those difficulties, then it wouldn't be very unfair of Cambridge to dismiss ALL of that just because of an average BMAT score (it's not Oxford! lol ;D jk jk).

Those that get rejected before interview must have obtained poor grades or have poor grade predictions that are below the standard entry offer of A*A*A. Or they had the wrong subject combinations (either not enough science subjects or too many art/soft subjects). That in conjection with not showing enough enthusiasm and interest in their chosen subject, AND getting low scores on admissions test would warrant a rejection without interview. Most applicants applying to Cambridge are aware of the universities standards and requirements, and therefore their applications are most likely on par with what Cambridge is looking for which is why 80-90% of applicants are interviewed. Sometimes it could also just be that those that applied on a whim did not end up submitted the correct forms and documents to their colleges on time (like transcripts, the SAQ form, fee status forms, additional essays or samples of their work etc.) and therefore their applications could not be processed further.

P.S. Sorry if the first paragraph is a bit hard to follow and is messy, but I am typing this on my phone and just wanted to address your concerns as soon as possible so that you wouldn’t worry too much about your chances of gaining a place which I am sure are perfectly fine Keep the Q’s coming!

Has anyone heard back from any Cambridge colleges on whether that have an jntervint or not?

yes - emmanuel college sent me an interview the day before bmat results were released