cambridge

with the pool and all, does it even matter if I apply to a high applicant college? or one that has very few spaces for the subject that I am studying?


Thanks.

I would say it does because only 1 in 5 pooled applications come to anything. Also, you might end up at a college you simply don't like. If you choose a competitive college because you genuinely would prefer to study there then go for it. However, I think there is little point in choosing one on reputation because you will follow the same course as all Cambridge med students. You need to look at a prospectus and weigh up the pros and cons of each college - that's what I did!

No, don’t worry – not every applicant has people to help that have previous Oxbridge experience. I certainly didn’t – my school was useless! However, there is some controversy on this issue because students who know the application procedure well and are given advice on interviews and personal statements have an advantage.

There is a service run by Oxbridge graduates that, for about £500 will use their insider knowledge to train applicants for interviews. The university’s official opinion of the service is that they disapprove (as do I). They also claim that interviewers can spot training. On the other hand, the training apparently ups an applicant’s chance of success from 26% to as high as 75%.

Don’t let this depress you – just draw the same lessons that I did: by taking an independent approach you are more likely to stand out as being an original individual. Also (whether you pay someone to do it for you or not) you must find out about the colleges and the course in order to justify your choices. I visited the website www.Oxbridge-info.co.uk. It has profiles written by previous applicants and is extremely useful in telling you what to expect from interviews.

I would be your own tutor and ask the admissions office for a past MVAT paper to practice with. Much of the preparation work is just common sense and you should be well placed to make it on your own.

I looked in the cambridge prospectus--do you really think if you apply to a lower applicant college your chances are that much better? or does it more depend on which tutors are in the college, whether they like you, interviews, etc..?

I could be wrong but I'm sure it doesn't work like this. Cambridge don't descriminate based on applicant numbers to certain colleges, surely that's the whole point of their pooling system?

I looked in the cambridge prospectus--do you really think if you apply to a lower applicant college your chances are that much better? or does it more depend on which tutors are in the college, whether they like you, interviews, etc..?

Absolutely - the pool system is important given that there are so many differences between the colleges. Some are more competitive than others and if an applicant doesn't respond well to the tutor (or visa versa) then the pool can be a great second chance. This is why I say it's best to choose the college you feel most at home in even if it is one of the more competitive. However, once one college has pooled an application, the chances of it being accepted through the pool are apparently quite reduced so it is a factor worth considering.

I am also Arch and Anth - where do you study, Surf?

I'm in the second year of my A Levels Which Cambridge college are you in?

If you want to maximise your chances of getting into Cambridge, and don't know what to do, then Arch & anth is a good subject as it is probably the easiest to get in for. The only problem being; job prospects are not very bright.

Indeed...and even if it was 'easy' to get into, which I doubt, it seems very foolish to pick a subject you're not dedicated to just so you can get into a prestigious university (-other unis are better for some subjects anyway!)...not to mention the fact that you probably wouldn't get in with that sort of attitude...

If you want to maximise your chances of getting into Cambridge, and don't know what to do, then Arch & anth is a good subject as it is probably the easiest to get in for. The only problem being; job prospects are not very bright.

What a fatuous thing to say! Firstly, Arch and Anth is not as you put it the 'easiest' to get in for applicants to places wise. Secondly I think the admissions tutors would be appalled to think that their subject had been chosen to maximise the chances of success. I'm sure it was only a passionate interest that got me in!

You insult the university and those on this forum considering their applications by suggesting that subjects could be choosen for the snobbish purpose of getting any place in a prestigious uni. I would like to think that people on this forum choosing their subjects will do so out of a genuine interest and not display the same disappointing cynicism that you have done!

I know I chose my course out of genuine interest . What I don't get is, how would it work, applying for a subject you know nothing about and don't have any interest in? Especially at a place like Cambridge, where they expect the applicants to be seriously enthusiastic and motivated to be doing that course. Even if you make stuff up in your personal statement and get invited for interview(s), surely it would be obvious then that you're blatantly not interested in the course?

Read the post above yours before jumping on your high horse.
I wouldn't condone this action, but certain people have seemed to be wrapped up in getting into Oxbridge.

What a fatuous thing to say! Firstly, Arch and Anth is not as you put it the 'easiest' to get in for applicants to places wise. Secondly I think the admissions tutors would be appalled to think that their subject had been chosen to maximise the chances of success. I'm sure it was only a passionate interest that got me in!

You insult the university and those on this forum considering their applications by suggesting that subjects could be choosen for the snobbish purpose of getting any place in a prestigious uni. I would like to think that people on this forum choosing their subjects will do so out of a genuine interest and not display the same disappointing cynicism that you have done!

I did. I think those people on this forum who are concerned with getting into Oxbridge want to do so mainly because it is the best place to study the subjects that have interested them the most. I don't believe anyone has said that they just want to get in no matter what the subject and would think that an attitude like that would be spotted a mile off at interview.

Also hurt because I adore the subjects - Arch and Anth combines humanities, social sciences and natural sciences which makes it a complex and multi-faceted disclipline to follow. What and where do you study?