Which college ?

Oxford was where I really wanted to go but they were very condescending and went on and on about how they look at GCSEs the most which I thought was absurd, and then they just made digs at Cambridge 24/7. It wasn't a great impression to make.

Cambridge was definitely just that. I mean, I study in Cambridge as it is so I know the city better but all the teachers at my college that were taught at Cambridge, when I think of it, are much nicer and more grounded than those who were taught at Oxford.

Why didn't you like king's? As someone said old and casual/progressive don't usually come hand in hand, but king's is one of the oldest and always known to be least traditional (no gown except for graduation, etc) and quite radical/left-wing.

Re gossiping: size of college doesn't make much difference, I don't think. To start with, the university is quite different from high schools. You tend not to gossip about other people too much, anyway. You are too busy to get on with your work and some other activities like club/societies and try to catch up with your close friends in the precious little spare time you manage to find. Gossiping about other people will be the last thing people want to spend their mind and time on.

Peterhouse? I'm applying there! It's the oldest college at the university and has beautiful architecture and is one of the smallest. It's actually so lovely.

I saw Oxford too - may I ask what made you sway towards Cambridge? I was the same. I really wanted to go for Oxford but going there actually turned me right off of it.

I'm at Caius (also went to a state school) and would definitely recommend it

I liked Caius it just seems really tough to get in.nyour library is beautiful!

What do you mean tough to get in? Discrepancies in quality of candidates per college is mitigated by the pool, rendering each college (ostensibly) equally difficult to get into.

Yes our library is beautiful

True, but being pooled means you may end up in a post 1800 college, which would still be great, but I'd prefer to be in an older one I think I'll have to go again and see what feels right, like hertford did at Oxford.

I prefer Cambridge as it has a better course for English, more focus on practical criticism, and the tragedy paper sounds exciting. Oxfords course jumps around and its emphasis on old english is boring. It is also kinder in terms of applying, people who shine later are respected ( like me, I got 6A*s for GCSE, below average applicant) and they interview a greater percentage, yet another chance. But, I did feel more welcomed at Oxfords open day, and I prefer the city and the colleges- I fell in love with Hertford college! But these things matter less than the course

Being pooled depends on so many factors that it's an unavoidable possibility inherent in an application to Cambridge.

Also, if you get pooled I can guarantee that your college preferences would go out the window quicker than you can say "pre-1800".

True! I completely agree, but I'd like to everything in my power, however little, to avoid the stress of being pooled. Of course, preferences are secondary. But however petty, they're natural and part of what makes the application exciting

I am very surprised. Cambridge is a much lovelier city and they were definitely much nicer tutors/students/people in general but each to their own I guess! I may have had just a dodgy cohort.

The best, and arguably only, way to avoid being pooled is to submit as strong an application as possible, attempting to micromanage your application to offset the chances of things like being pooled is a futile endeavour imo.

I grew up in a relatively rural area, so I preferred oxfords change. everyone was lovely at Cambridge too ! But at Oxford I had some really good conversations with english students. I found one at cambridge, but she was lovely! Obviously my perspective is largely tainted because I was unlucky to find any english other students and have some amazing conversations ! but academically, I'm all for cambridge! It is incredibly beautiful, it just felt too close to home! But I imahine, after a week of moving out, that fact will only bring me comfort.

I also grew up in a pretty rural area but I was so happy when I got to study in Cambridge for a-levels. Like I said, each to their own!

You know what you need to do? Call a college you feel like you want to see, ask to go in for a private visit. They can then see if there are any chances to meet some prospective/past English students and have a chat. I would just say don't worry too much about who close Cambridge may be to home. It's only an hour away from me and that can be really beneficial come the end of term and the closeness of it means nothing because you are still away and are still able to do whatever you want!

All the best

As for some college recommendations: Peterhouse, Sidney Sussex, maybe Pembroke and Corpus Christi? Check those out.

Being pooled depends on so many factors that it's an unavoidable possibility inherent in an application to Cambridge.

Also, if you get pooled I can guarantee that your college preferences would go out the window quicker than you can say "pre-1800".

The best, and arguably only, way to avoid being pooled is to submit as strong an application as possible, attempting to micromanage your application to offset the chances of things like being pooled is a futile endeavour imo.