Hello Peterhouse Admissions. Firstly, I would like to say thank you for starting this thread for hopeful Cambridge students. I am terribly sorry for posting this question here but I noticed that you had an 'Ask Peterhouse' thread and hurriedly typed my question before noticing it was for 2017 entry. Do you mind if I still post my question?
At present, the university at which I aspire to study is, unsurprisingly, Cambridge. I come from a school with a below average pass rate of around 45% in 2015, and I am currently undecided about which subject I would like to read at university. This year, I was awarded my GCSE results and I attained 9 A*s and 3 As; I also have an A* in the higher project qualification (level 2) and a Pass in the level 3 certificate in algebra. In addition, I retook a subject last year in the form of GCSE mathematics; I originally obtained an A grade after taking it a year early and decided I was not content with this grade, so I resat the exams in the November examination period. Unfortunately I got the same grade - would this have much of an impact, considering that I have retaken and achieved a grade A twice? Also, one subject (GCSE Computing) is still due for release.
Since the beginning of September I have started my A-Levels: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. My school is also discussing the idea of a few of us doing STEP I papers at the end of this year. My subjects are still slightly subject to change, as I am considering either no longer taking physics or simply finishing with it at the end of year 12 by doing the AS level exams. I apologise for digressing, but I thought my academic background would be important to you in answering my questions.
My main question would be how much of a chance it would appear that I currently have of studying at Cambridge, based on my GCSEs and such? Recently, I have been especially looking into the prospect of studying medicine and I was curious about whether, firstly, my GCSE grades are suitable and also if my A-Levels are appropriate. Would dropping physics entirely, or simply taking it to AS level harm my chances?
Conversely, if I were to change direction and want to do a different course at Cambridge, such as mathematics or natural sciences, would much have to change in terms of my subjects or plans?
Thank you again for providing us with the opportunity to ask these questions and I hope to hear from you soon.