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Which should I choose for Chemical Engineering?

Good day all! It has been my ambition for some time to go to either Oxford or Cambridge, and recently (within the last six months or so) I have settled on a course of study. However, after visiting each city two separate times (once to attend the open day and another to see what the city has to offer), I am still unable to decide which I would rather attend. For this reason, I have decided to ask you lovely people for advice. I have included my presently acquired qualifications, UMS scores and what I did/didn't like about each university.

Course of Study: Chemical Engineering via Engineering for Cambridge, or Engineering Science for Oxford (specialising in Chemical Engineering)

GCSE Grades:
English Lit. - A
English Lang. - A
Maths - A*
Biology - A*
Chemistry - A*
Physics - A*
D&T Electronic Products - A
D&T Graphic Products - A
Drama - A
Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) - A*
Summary - I have a total of 5 A*s and 5 As at GCSE, which probably just falls below average for both Oxford and Cambridge. However, I did achieve A*s in the most relevant subjects. My other concerns are that I didn't do a language or humanities subject, but I doubt that is of much relevance; and I only acquired an A in Electronic Products, which is in some ways relevant to engineering. This is, however, down to the fact that I had an abysmal teacher, resulting in me getting a low B for my coursework.

AS-Level Results with UMS Scores:

Maths (300/300 A)
Pure Core 1 - 100/100 A
Pure Core 2 - 100/100 A
Mechanics 1B - 100/100 A

Further Maths (284/300 A)
Further Pure 1 - 93/100 A
Decision 1 - 97/100 A
Decision 2 - 94/100 A* (A2 Unit)
EXTRA UNIT: Statistics 1 - 90/100 A

Chemistry (286/300 A)
Atoms, Bonds and Groups - 88/90 A
Chains, Energy and Resources - 138/150 A
Practical Skills Assessment - 60/60 A

Physics (286/300 A)
Mechanics - 90/90 A
Electrons, Waves and Photons - 150/150 A
Practical Skills Assessment - 46/60 B (MODERATED DOWN FROM 54/60)

Summary - I'm pretty happy with my UMS scores overall. My average is 96% to the nearest percentile, which is about average for my course at Cambridge as far as I am aware. I am unsure as to whether I would be disadvantaged if I didn't include my Stats 1 score on my SAQ (if I were to go to Cambridge) considering it hasn't been cashed in: I'd rather not considering it is weaker than most of my other scores. Also, as mentioned, the moderation for my physics PSA appeared to be quite harsh. I'm going to look into getting a remark or something along those lines, because if I received the 54/60 it would bring my UMS average up to 97% and make my results appear more consistent. It is only the equivalent of coursework, however, so I'm not too fussed about it.

Oxford Pros:

There appears to be more to do in Oxford. By comparison, Cambridge is a granny town.

It is much more urban than my hometown of Lincoln, which would be a nice change.

One of the colleges, Brasenose, completely captured my heart. I haven't felt the same when visiting any of the other Oxbridge colleges.

Something about the name appears to carry more prestige, or at least to me. It was the first: the original. For some reason, I feel as though I'd be more proud to call myself an Oxonian than a Cantabridgian.

Their aptitude test is more suited for me than Cambridge's equivalent.



Oxford Cons:

The general consensus is that Oxford isn't quite as good as Cambridge for chemical engineering.

The urban environment feels quite alien to me.

Some areas aren't as nice or clean as Cambridge.

A lot of the colleges appear to be smaller, with less open space.

The colleges aren't as pretty as the Cambridge colleges. There aren't as many flowers. :frown:

They place more emphasis on GCSEs, and my UMS scores are stronger than my GCSEs.


Cambridge Pros:

Supposedly slightly better for my course.

It is a prettier city with prettier, more open colleges.

MAY BALLS! XD I had to mention it, considering Oxford has one ball per year and Cambridge has like 1000. :P

They will would see my UMS scores, which should compensate for my (weakish) GCSEs.



Cambridge Cons:

There is less to do in Cambridge.

I'm not too keen on the idea of concentrating solely on chemical engineering after one year. I prefer the Oxford course, where I have two years to make sure it is the discipline I wish to specialise in.

There isn't a Brasenose at Cambridge.

I'd have to do the TSA, which seems silly and probably isn't my strong point. I prefer the look of Oxford's aptitude test.



To be honest, I think I'd be happy at either. However, which would I have a better chance of getting into, and is Cambridge really better for my course?

Thank you for any advice!
(edited 10 years ago)

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Reply 1
It seems you prefer the Oxford course and you've found that your preferred college is at Oxford. I think you're sorted! :dontknow:

Your GCSE results are fine for Oxford. If you're ever stuck for things to do, both cities are close to London. It's true that Cambridge is prettier but Oxford is hardly an ugly city!
Reply 2
Original post by BJack
It seems you prefer the Oxford course and you've found that your preferred college is at Oxford. I think you're sorted! :dontknow:

Your GCSE results are fine for Oxford. If you're ever stuck for things to do, both cities are close to London. It's true that Cambridge is prettier but Oxford is hardly an ugly city!


I think my heart is telling me to go with Oxford. But are you sure about my GCSEs? I think the average is 7-8 A*s, isn't it? :P And I agree, as far is urban cities go, Oxford is one of the nicest I have seen. :smile:
Reply 3
If I were you I'd choose Cambridge. Ridiculous UMS there, well done. Your GCSEs may work against you.
Reply 4
Oxford does consider UMS marks. Just not as much as Cambridge. So if you prefer Oxford then try to apply there. Your GCSE grades are good.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/courses_and_entrance_requirements/
Reply 5
Original post by Branman
I think my heart is telling me to go with Oxford. But are you sure about my GCSEs? I think the average is 7-8 A*s, isn't it? :P And I agree, as far is urban cities go, Oxford is one of the nicest I have seen. :smile:


The average is just that, though. Some people get 10 A*s, some people only have a couple. The PAT and interviews will give the admissions team more useful and relevant info to work with.
Reply 6
Original post by Branman
Good day all! It has been my ambition for some time to go to either Oxford or Cambridge, and recently (within the last six months or so) I have settled on a course of study. However, after visiting each city two separate times (once to attend the open day and another to see what the city has to offer), I am still unable to decide which I would rather attend. For this reason, I have decided to ask you lovely people for advice. I have included my presently acquired qualifications, UMS scores and what I did/didn't like about each university.

Course of Study: Chemical Engineering via Engineering for Cambridge, or Engineering Science for Oxford (specialising in Chemical Engineering)

GCSE Grades:
English Lit. - A
English Lang. - A
Maths - A*
Biology - A*
Chemistry - A*
Physics - A*
D&T Electronic Products - A
D&T Graphic Products - A
Drama - A
Religious Studies (Philosophy and Ethics) - A*
Summary - I have a total of 5 A*s and 5 As at GCSE, which probably just falls below average for both Oxford and Cambridge. However, I did achieve A*s in the most relevant subjects. My other concerns are that I didn't do a language or humanities subject, but I doubt that is of much relevance; and I only acquired an A in Electronic Products, which is in some ways relevant to engineering. This is, however, down to the fact that I had an abysmal teacher, resulting in me getting a low B for my coursework.

AS-Level Results with UMS Scores:

Maths (300/300 A)
Pure Core 1 - 100/100 A
Pure Core 2 - 100/100 A
Mechanics 1B - 100/100 A

Further Maths (284/300 A)
Further Pure 1 - 93/100 A
Decision 1 - 97/100 A
Decision 2 - 94/100 A* (A2 Unit)
EXTRA UNIT: Statistics 1 - 90/100 A

Chemistry (286/300 A)
Atoms, Bonds and Groups - 88/90 A
Chains, Energy and Resources - 138/150 A
Practical Skills Assessment - 60/60 A

Physics (286/300 A)
Mechanics - 90/90 A
Electrons, Waves and Photons - 150/150 A
Practical Skills Assessment - 46/60 B (MODERATED DOWN FROM 54/60)

Summary - I'm pretty happy with my UMS scores overall. My average is 96% to the nearest percentile, which is about average for my course at Cambridge as far as I am aware. I am unsure as to whether I would be disadvantaged if I didn't include my Stats 1 score on my SAQ (if I were to go to Cambridge) considering it hasn't been cashed in: I'd rather not considering it is weaker than most of my other scores. Also, as mentioned, the moderation for my physics PSA appeared to be quite harsh. I'm going to look into getting a remark or something along those lines, because if I received the 54/60 it would bring my UMS average up to 97% and make my results appear more consistent. It is only the equivalent of coursework, however, so I'm not too fussed about it.

Oxford Pros:

There appears to be more to do in Oxford. By comparison, Cambridge is a granny town.

It is much more urban than my hometown of Lincoln, which would be a nice change.

One of the colleges, Brasenose, completely captured my heart. I haven't felt the same when visiting any of the other Oxbridge colleges.

Something about the name appears to carry more prestige, or at least to me. It was the first: the original. For some reason, I feel as though I'd be more proud to call myself an Oxonian than a Cantabridgian.

Their aptitude test is more suited for me than Cambridge's equivalent.



Oxford Cons:

The general consensus is that Oxford isn't quite as good as Cambridge for chemical engineering.

The urban environment feels quite alien to me.

Some areas aren't as nice or clean as Cambridge.

A lot of the colleges appear to be smaller, with less open space.

The colleges aren't as pretty as the Cambridge colleges. There aren't as many flowers. :frown:

They place more emphasis on GCSEs, and my UMS scores are stronger than my GCSEs.


Cambridge Pros:

Supposedly slightly better for my course.

It is a prettier city with prettier, more open colleges.

MAY BALLS! XD I had to mention it, considering Oxford has one ball per year and Cambridge has like 1000. :P

They will would see my UMS scores, which should compensate for my (weakish) GCSEs.



Cambridge Cons:

There is less to do in Cambridge.

I'm not too keen on the idea of concentrating solely on chemical engineering after one year. I prefer the Oxford course, where I have two years to make sure it is the discipline I wish to specialise in.

There isn't a Brasenose at Cambridge.

I'd have to do the TSA, which seems silly and probably isn't my strong point. I prefer the look of Oxford's aptitude test.



To be honest, I think I'd be happy at either. However, which would I have a better chance of getting into, and is Cambridge really better for my course?

Thank you for any advice!


A someone else said, if you prefer the Oxford course and prefer Brasenose to any other college, that seems to suggest Oxford is for you. You only really spend time in your own college, so it doesn't matter what the other colleges are like as long as you like your own! Also, Oxford doesn't have a May week in the same way Cambridge does but it does have loads of summer balls that are awesome, so don't think you will be missing in that department by going to Oxford. Also, you can put your UMS in your personal statement or ask your teacher to put them in their reference and that way Oxford will know about them as well, so you won't lose that advantage.
Reply 7
Original post by Lunch_Box
If I were you I'd choose Cambridge. Ridiculous UMS there, well done. Your GCSEs may work against you.


Thank you! Yeah, that's the thing, my grades are more suited for Cambridge. :/ Plus it's considered by some to be better for my course, and I don't want to miss out on the best quality education and job prospects if that is the case.

Original post by Ben Kenobi
Oxford does consider UMS marks. Just not as much as Cambridge. So if you prefer Oxford then try to apply there. Your GCSE grades are good.
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/courses/courses_and_entrance_requirements/


I actually wasn't aware of that before, so thank you very much! I would say I prefer Oxford slightly, but the fact that Cambridge is considered better for (chemical) engineering is mainly what worries me. However, Oxford do mention that they don't give offers based on UMS scores on that page you provided a link to, so my marks may not provide me with much of an advantage at all. :frown:

Original post by BJack
The average is just that, though. Some people get 10 A*s, some people only have a couple. The PAT and interviews will give the admissions team more useful and relevant info to work with.


I suppose. :frown: They do say they look at your GCSEs in relation to others at your school, and I go to a fairly average comp in the Lincoln area. I quite like the look of the PAT, especially when compared to Cambridge's TSA - the questions don't seem too challenging. (I still think they're hard, just not in comparison to some other exams like STEP).

Original post by SHELDON123
A someone else said, if you prefer the Oxford course and prefer Brasenose to any other college, that seems to suggest Oxford is for you. You only really spend time in your own college, so it doesn't matter what the other colleges are like as long as you like your own! Also, Oxford doesn't have a May week in the same way Cambridge does but it does have loads of summer balls that are awesome, so don't think you will be missing in that department by going to Oxford. Also, you can put your UMS in your personal statement or ask your teacher to put them in their reference and that way Oxford will know about them as well, so you won't lose that advantage.


Do you think so? :smile: I am drawn towards Oxford, but there are a lot of things about Cambridge that I like too. Would I be missing much in terms of the quality of eduction or job prospects if I went to Oxford, do you know? I quite liked a few of th Oxford colleges, they just didn't tend to be as pretty or open as the Cambridge ones. Brasenose seemed amazing though, not just because it has an awesome bar, JCR and location; but the students I saw seemed to get along really well. The atmosphere was very positive, and my tour guide was brilliant. :P

I wasn't aware that Oxford had so many balls! I just thought they had a single annual Commemoration Ball. Are they up to the same standard as Cambridge's balls then? I know it seems like a ridiculous reason to apply to a particular uni, but May Balls sound amazing. XD It does sound like I won't benefit as much from my UMS scores though, as Oxford seem to place less emphasis on them, even if you do provide them. :frown:

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Reply 8
Original post by Branman

Do you think so? :smile: I am drawn towards Oxford, but there are a lot of things about Cambridge that I like too. Would I be missing much in terms of the quality of eduction or job prospects if I went to Oxford, do you know? I quite liked a few of th Oxford colleges, they just didn't tend to be as pretty or open as the Cambridge ones. Brasenose seemed amazing though, not just because it has an awesome bar, JCR and location; but the students I saw seemed to get along really well. The atmosphere was very positive, and my tour guide was brilliant. :P

I wasn't aware that Oxford had so many balls! I just thought they had a single annual Commemoration Ball. Are they up to the same standard as Cambridge's balls then? I know it seems like a ridiculous reason to apply to a particular uni, but May Balls sound amazing. XD It does sound like I won't benefit as much from my UMS scores though, as Oxford seem to place less emphasis on them, even if you do provide them. :frown:

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I think it's fair to say that, if you go to either of Oxford or Cambridge, you won't be missing anything in terms of the quality of education or job prospects. Yes, Oxford has loads of balls and they are definitely a big deal at Oxford! Most colleges do a big ball every 3 years which means there are about 10 balls each year (there is the odd college like Keble that do a ball every year).
Reply 9
Original post by SHELDON123
I think it's fair to say that, if you go to either of Oxford or Cambridge, you won't be missing anything in terms of the quality of education or job prospects. Yes, Oxford has loads of balls and they are definitely a big deal at Oxford! Most colleges do a big ball every 3 years which means there are about 10 balls each year (there is the odd college like Keble that do a ball every year).


Okay, well thank you. :biggrin: I have heard by some that Imperial is top for my course, but I don't really want to live in London: I guess I have to take location into account, as well as reputation and course structure anyway. :smile: Ahh right, I wasn't aware of that! :P Looks like I'm probably gonna be applying to Oxford then, unless someone else manages to persuade me to do otherwise. Thank you for your help! :biggrin:
Reply 10
Original post by Branman
Okay, well thank you. :biggrin: I have heard by some that Imperial is top for my course, but I don't really want to live in London: I guess I have to take location into account, as well as reputation and course structure anyway. :smile: Ahh right, I wasn't aware of that! :P Looks like I'm probably gonna be applying to Oxford then, unless someone else manages to persuade me to do otherwise. Thank you for your help! :biggrin:


No worries, glad to help :smile: I was in the same position as you with Imperial. I just didn't fancy going to uni in London!
Cambridge is much better for chemical engineering!

I may be applying for chemical engineering 2014 entry too. :smile: I think I ruled out Oxford straight way!
Reply 12
Original post by SHELDON123
No worries, glad to help :smile: I was in the same position as you with Imperial. I just didn't fancy going to uni in London!


Haha, yeah - London is nice for a day too, but I don't think I could ever deal with the hectic lifestyle. :P Oxford is much more nice and compact. XD

Original post by x-Sophie-x
Cambridge is much better for chemical engineering!

I may be applying for chemical engineering 2014 entry too. :smile: I think I ruled out Oxford straight way!


Ahh nooo, don't say that! D: I was beginning to convince myself that any difference would be marginal. :frown: :L How do you know this? Are you certain? :smile:


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Reply 13
Original post by x-Sophie-x
Cambridge is much better for chemical engineering!

I may be applying for chemical engineering 2014 entry too. :smile: I think I ruled out Oxford straight way!


In what way? Perhaps Cambridge is traditionally seen as slightly more prestigious for Engineering, but surely there is more to the decision than that...
Original post by SHELDON123
No worries, glad to help :smile: I was in the same position as you with Imperial. I just didn't fancy going to uni in London!


I got AAA in my GCE A levels (chemistry physics maths) and b in AS further maths. I have always been interested in applying for Chemical Engineering in UCL. However, despite UCL having a high ranking overall within the UK, UCL has quite a low ranking based on the course itself (rank 13-16). Hence I am very confused on whether to apply for UCL or not as I don't know which type of ranking I should consider!!
Original post by Branman
Haha, yeah - London is nice for a day too, but I don't think I could ever deal with the hectic lifestyle. :P Oxford is much more nice and compact. XD



Ahh nooo, don't say that! D: I was beginning to convince myself that any difference would be marginal. :frown: :L How do you know this? Are you certain? :smile:


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Cambridge is usually better for science and engineering. But personally I think Manchester and Imperial beat Oxbridge for chemical engineering because Oxbridge don't really specialise in engineering; they're more general engineering really.

Quite certain, but then again, it's a case of your personal preference.

If you do chemical engineering at Cambridge, would you enter through Natural Sciences or Engineering btw? :smile:
Reply 16
Original post by x-Sophie-x
Cambridge is usually better for science and engineering. But personally I think Manchester and Imperial beat Oxbridge for chemical engineering because Oxbridge don't really specialise in engineering; they're more general engineering really.

Quite certain, but then again, it's a case of your personal preference.

If you do chemical engineering at Cambridge, would you enter through Natural Sciences or Engineering btw? :smile:


I thought that there was little difference, and it is just that Cambridge has produced more historical figures associated with the sciences? Gahh, this is so tough, I don't want to apply to Oxford if it really is second best. D:

Yeah, I suppose the fact that other unis specialise in a specific engineering discipline from the start must prove advantageous. :smile: Nonetheless, I'm sure Oxford and Cambridge are both great for engineering too!

I intend to apply via engineering. :smile: I love science, but engineering has better job prospects, so if I enter via engineering and decide I want to stick with engineering I should still be able to get a decent job. :smile:

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(edited 10 years ago)
Original post by Branman
I thought that there was little difference, and it is just that Cambridge has produced more historical figures associated with the sciences? Gahh, this is so tough, I don't want to apply to Oxford if it really is second best. D:

Yeah, I suppose the fact that other unis specialise in a specific engineering discipline from the start must prove advantageous. :smile: Nonetheless, I'm sure Oxford and Cambridge are both great for engineering too!

I intend to apply via engineering. :smile: I love science, but engineering has better job prospects, so if I enter via engineering and decide I want to stick with engineering I should still be able to get a decent job. :smile:

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There is only a little difference, dont be so disheartened! If you're looking for the better uni for engineering, Cambridge definitely beats Oxford though.

I prefer Oxford as a city though which is annoying :frown:

Ah nice :smile:

Are you a 2014 applicant then? :smile:

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Reply 18
Original post by x-Sophie-x
Cambridge is usually better for science and engineering. But personally I think Manchester and Imperial beat Oxbridge for chemical engineering because Oxbridge don't really specialise in engineering; they're more general engineering really.

Quite certain, but then again, it's a case of your personal preference.

If you do chemical engineering at Cambridge, would you enter through Natural Sciences or Engineering btw? :smile:


It's really amusing when people state X beats Y only because .....

There are a whole host of reasons why but the metric used is simply better, not better because of X, Y and Z.

Likewise, you could say Oxbridge is only seen to be better because it has more funding, is older, has royal family connections, media bias, etc. but if you were to strip all that away then .....
Original post by powwer
It's really amusing when people state X beats Y only because .....

There are a whole host of reasons why but the metric used is simply better, not better because of X, Y and Z.

Likewise, you could say Oxbridge is only seen to be better because it has more funding, is older, has royal family connections, media bias, etc. but if you were to strip all that away then .....


I was only trying to give some useful advice!

I don't understand why people have a go at others for simply stating their opinion! And I gave reasons behind my thoughts because what would the point be in saying 'Manchester is better than Oxford' without telling the OP why?!

I even said that choosing a university is more a matter of personal preference than finding the 'better' university.

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