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applicants from same school for same college & subj

Hey

This girl at school and I both want to apply to the same college at Cambridge for econ. Will this affect our chances? We've discussed others, but we are both quite adamant on the same college, even though shes never been to cambridge so is essentially picking from the propspectus (I acknowledge the fact that she has the free will to choose where ever she wants). We have the exact same grades at GCSE and AS although subject choices vary.

Thanks

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Reply 1

clueless101

We're not really friends, we just happen to be in the same school as each other. So thanks for the reassurance :smile:

Reply 2

username68316

I don't think it would affect your chances of getting in. Theres someone at my college who is applying for the same course as me at possibly the same college at oxford.

But seriously, what are her reasons for choosing that particular college and course despite having never visited? I mean what are the odds!

Reply 3

Srathmore

It may affect your chances. The number of students from each region has it's own quota.

^ that's rubbish

Nathan_Ley3

If she chose out of the prospectus she probably went for one of the 'prettier' or grander colleges...I know that's largely how I chose King's. So I guess they are applying to a pretty one?

Srathmore

It may affect your chances. The number of students from each region has it's own quota.

So if, by chance, one year all of the applicants from the South were outstanding and all of the applicants from the North were poor, Cambridge should still turn down some of the Southern applicants in favour of the Northern (weaker) ones?
(No offence to any Northeners, it's purely a hypothetical example :biggrin:

)

Regarding the original post, if (for example) the college in question only took one applicant for the subject and you were both the strongest applicants, the most likely outcome would be that one would be accepted and one would be pooled. And it's likely that the college can take more than one applicant for economics, so if you are both good enough you both have a good chance of getting in, regardless of the fact that you attended the same school.

Reply 6

Jigglypuff

What, they limit the numbers of blondes and brunettes so they can take lots of gingers? Positive discrimination gone made I tell ye! :p:

Reply 7

clueless101

But seriously, what are her reasons for choosing that particular college and course despite having never visited? I mean what are the odds!

I really dont know. Shes heavily relying on the stats, instead of using them as a loose guidance, and following the advice of my head of 6th form, who recommends certain colleges. I have reasons for choosing that college and i know what im 'letting myself in for' so its different.

Reply 8

coldfish

It wouldn't specifically disadvantage you, but remember that particularly for smaller subjects and/or colleges you'll be in direct competition for what is a small number of places.

I remember at my interviews there were two people from the same school going for what ended up being one place (mine).

Reply 9

Huw Davies

It may also be weird for you should you both get in. If you get on well it may make you less likely to make other friends, and if you don't you will be in each other's hair all the time.

Reply 10

lady_daisychain

unless you dont mind being in direct competition with her (i.e. if shes a strong applicant, then you wouldnt be doing yourself any favours applying to the same college as her for the same course, as you're probably likely to get compared when the tutors make their final decision). otherwise, go ahead.

Reply 11

xedx

my old school wouldn't let two applicants apply to the same college for the same subject. purely for the reason that by having more applicants for a particular course/college it immediately reduces the chances of either getting in (there becomes more applicants for the same number of places...)

i.e. by knowingly applying to the same college as someone else from your school, you automatically make it slightly harder for yourself.

Reply 12

randomlaughter

Jigglypuff

What, they limit the numbers of blondes and brunettes so they can take lots of gingers? Positive discrimination gone made I tell ye! :p:

There is absolutely nothing wrong whatsoever with red hair. In fact it's quite nice. And we are a dying breed so be considerate... :mad:

Reply 13

coldfish

I wouldn't say it was negligible for anything but the biggest subjects at the biggest colleges. If you're applying for NatSci at Trinity or John's or something, then that's absolutely fine (though I'd question your motives for wanting to stay together), but for the majority of subject/college combinations I wouldn't advise it because the number of offers will be limited.

How would you feel if one of you got the offer and the other didn't, knowing that all other things were equal? What about after the interview/test, when you'll inevitably be having discussions on how well you think you answered each question?

I personally think it's better to avoid any problems by applying to different colleges. There are enough to choose from, and it's not as if you'll lose contact with each other if you're not living across the court from them. Tbh I think it'll enrich your experience, both the application and (should you get in) your lives here if you apply to different colleges.

Just my advice though, and of course the choice is up to you. I just see it as a worry which you don't need to have.

Reply 14

Nutter

Like they all said above, it won't affect your chances. It's a completely meritocratic system that is dependent on your individual qualifications.

You mention though that your subject choices vary? What subjects did you/her take?

Traditional A Level subjects tend to be looked at with higher regard, I must say...

Reply 15

clueless101

Im so confused now! the college is st johns- hence not really a problem with number of places (they take quite a few). If we're both good enough, we will get in, and if there isnt enough room, one of us will be pooled. If she gets in and I dont, then I will think that she was oxbridge material and i wasnt- she would have got an offer if she had applied to another college.

Nutter- you can see my subjects from my sig- she has slightly better subject choices than me (eco, maths, eng lit, history).

Reply 16

coldfish

The problem is that it's just not as simple as "both being good enough", because there is no measure other than comparison to other candidates. The pool is good, but it is not perfect.

Reply 17

a_t

Its not gonna affect your chances but it does mean you will be in competition with each other, if you're fine with that thats ok. But in my school we are strongly advised in applying to the same college for the same course, theres enough competition from people in other schools never mind us having to compete against each other.

Reply 18

clueless101

I see what you're all saying, and probably have a point. I think I will probably choose another college now, subject to what my head of sixth form says tomorrow. :smile:

Reply 19

Jigglypuff

I understand your worries here, but think about it. If you back down, it's pretty obvious you're doing it because she is applying there (especially if you've had your heart set on Johns all this time). That would, in my opinion, be more awkward than if you both apply.

I would, personally, have appreciated knowing another applicant for my course and my college. It's easier to gauge how you've done that way I think.

applicants from same school for same college & subj

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