Re-application to Cambridge

I have applied to Cambridge this year and I don't think I'll get in. I am considering the idea of applying again next fall. What are the rules to be able to re-apply for a first-year entry instead of making a transfer? I mean, if I attend a public university which is not part of the UCAS system and is not in England, will I be able to re-apply as if I had taken a gap year?

Yes, if it's not a UK university it's fine. Just re-apply through UCAS as before. Assuming you do get a rejection make sure you request feedback and state that you are considering re-applying (you might get more "thorough" feedback).

Also it's usually best to apply to a different college second time around.

Thank you so much! Is it going to be harder to be admitted as a re-applicant? And why do you think it is better to choose a different college?

Re-applicants typically have a higher success rate, especially if they are re-applying with grades acheived in excess of the typical offer.

The different college thing is just being pragmatic, especially if your interview was a problem first time around...

So if I apply to the same college again, will they be more prone to reject me because they have already done so?

Yes, if it's not a UK university it's fine. Just re-apply through UCAS as before. Assuming you do get a rejection make sure you request feedback and state that you are considering re-applying (you might get more "thorough" feedback).

Also it's usually best to apply to a different college second time around.

Could you explain to me what this means with regards to my case: "Please note that internationals attending or committed to attend universities in their home country won’t normally be considered for admission to Cambridge to study a full undergraduate course in the same or a very similar subject whilst they’re still committed to another university"?

Could you explain to me what this means with regards to my case: "Please note that internationals attending or committed to attend universities in their home country won’t normally be considered for admission to Cambridge to study a full undergraduate course in the same or a very similar subject whilst they’re still committed to another university"?

Thought this principle only applies to U.K. applicants but perhaps they changed the policy for international applicants from this year???

Yes this seems different to what the ATs on here said previously.

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Maybe they've been seeing much more cases lately of internationals applying to them to take a chance while having a secured place at home already and they don't take up their offer after all???
Or perhaps being criticised by overseas universities for poaching their best students???

Interesting change if that's what they're doing, though understandable in the face of rapidly & ever-increasing application from internationals.

Simply put, I *think* it means if you're already studying or have an offer to study a same/similar subject at your home university as the one you're applying Cambridge for, they usually wouldn't accept your application. You'll need to give up the place (or the offer) at the home uni before applying.

Thought this principle only applies to U.K. applicants but perhaps they changed the policy for international applicants from this year???

When/if you enquire some colleges on this matter, will you post what they said here, please? I'm intrigued.....