Cambridge 2015 Postgraduate Entry

Sounds like you have it somewhat figured out. I personally felt that I was spending way too much time trying to look at whether I would like what the place looks like. My sole interest is in learning from some of the best, not particularly what it'd look like.

So I'm just in the process of collating all the info needed for the application, and it seems that there are different requirements for different degrees (obvs). This might be a stupid question, but I can't see anything referring to a 'Personal Statement' on any of the graduate courses? Are those only required for undergrads?

I guess mine does include a research proposal so that might be sufficient.

There's no Personal Statement as such - just the individual requirements for each degree. Have you had a look at the GRADSAF which is common to most applications? (apologies if you've already seen that) This is where the PS-type stuff goes.

Ah thanks very much! This is excellent - although I will be submitting the application online it's useful to see exactly what it will look like.

So I'm just in the process of collating all the info needed for the application, and it seems that there are different requirements for different degrees (obvs). This might be a stupid question, but I can't see anything referring to a 'Personal Statement' on any of the graduate courses? Are those only required for undergrads?

I guess mine does include a research proposal so that might be sufficient.

There's a short section on gradsaf where they ask you to talk about research interests, but as my department had a research proposal as part of the application they asked us to use that section more as a personal statement - to show why we wanted to do the course etc. I seem to recall there is also a section that you can add other relevant info that doesn't necessarily fit into any of the standard boxes. (Caveat: based on gradsaf from a couple of years ago so not sure if it's changed.)

Ah, thank you, this is all useful to know! I guess I'm slightly anxious about the limited time to submit the application after registering online, so am aiming to be as prepared as possible with what to expect - especially as I'm working full time so don't have much time for unforeseen sections

Can I ask why number of fellows in one's field would be important?

It might be relevant only insofar as you could have people to network with in your college. In my case, my supervisor was actually a fellow in my college and I ended up socializing a lot with the other fellow in my subject, too, and have maintained very close relationships with them (especially with the latter) since finishing my degree. For most people though, having fellows in your field at your college might not be relevant at all.

Hm, fair enough. Good point. How do you check whether certain people are affiliated with a college? For instance, I'm not sure my supervisor is attached to a college at all.

It should say which college your supervisor is at on his/her Faculty page. Otherwise, maybe just trying Googling and finding out that way.

Hm, not sure I would want to be socialising with certain of my fellows...
I guess it also depends on the department, and how well they have grad student/staff events set up, etc.
For me it wouldn't be a factor in choosing a college at all, but lots of things about college choice are like that - factors that are really important to one person but meaningless to another - so it becomes pretty subjective. I was lucky enough to be able to visit Cam first and chose the college that felt nicest to me, despite others having looked better 'on paper'!

I'm almost finished with my research proposal, and have my college choices (almost ready), and have a written example essay ready to submit. I think the latter was specifically required for my course.

The only things left are the 'personal statement' type questions on the application forms, and also any funding applications (which I haven't research too well just yet).

Is anyone else applying for funding as well?