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Exams, dropouts etc.
I know a lot of potential students think that when they get to Cambridge they'll be the only 'stupid' one amongst a whole load of geniuses, and nearly all of the time this fear is unfounded.
I just wanted to write that to show I'm not excessively concerned about that, but my question is just out of interest:
There is the threat written that "Any undergraduate who fails a University examination will automatically be sent down" (ie kicked out), but even in Cambridge there are going to people who have off days during an exam or two; or overdo the partying and underdo the revision. And given that Cambridge has a low dropout rate, is the pass level for exams low?
(eg in A levels, to 'pass' you need 40% of UMS)
Alternatively it's an empty threat, how many people will get kicked out for failing?
I just wanted to write that to show I'm not excessively concerned about that, but my question is just out of interest:
There is the threat written that "Any undergraduate who fails a University examination will automatically be sent down" (ie kicked out), but even in Cambridge there are going to people who have off days during an exam or two; or overdo the partying and underdo the revision. And given that Cambridge has a low dropout rate, is the pass level for exams low?
(eg in A levels, to 'pass' you need 40% of UMS)
Alternatively it's an empty threat, how many people will get kicked out for failing?
Essentially, the VAST majority of people are (a) Bright enough not to fail, (b) Work just about hard enough [at least] and (c) Are lucky enough not to have serious illneses or personal circumstances during exams.
If illness or other uncontrollable circumstance hits, there is a way to gain a degree without having to perform in exams ("Did Deserve Honours" - DDH). Either (a) or (b) accounts for the rest of the pass rate.
It is still incredibly difficult to fail an exam, given (a) and/or (b). It is not an empty threat - but it doesn't need to be exercised in many cases!
If illness or other uncontrollable circumstance hits, there is a way to gain a degree without having to perform in exams ("Did Deserve Honours" - DDH). Either (a) or (b) accounts for the rest of the pass rate.
It is still incredibly difficult to fail an exam, given (a) and/or (b). It is not an empty threat - but it doesn't need to be exercised in many cases!
Remember that at cambridge you have many people watching over you: Director of Studies, supervisors, lab supervisors, lecturers, chaplain, non academic tutors, dean of college, senior tutor, dean of chapel, counsellors and college/department psychologists etc Not every single one of these groups are going to be watching over you like a hawk (or even know of your presence/any problems given various colleges/your situations)
but there are enough people around to at least acknowledge a problem within your academic work in one area, even if you aren't aware or willing to notice it or if you do realise it so the odds of you getting anywhere near the exams without any warning bells ringing are very very low. there are always going to be a few who slip the net but its only one or two per subject per year at most. You have to tread a fine line between being clever enough not to be notivced as a problem and being a problem to get to this stage. I only know one person in this situation who ended up with an ordinary (worse than athird better than a pass) and I think they banked on him putting the work in.
Other cirumcstances however (including personal ilness, familly problems) are often predictable and you can pull out for a year and retake or ask for recogntiion in the exams. I'm not entirely sure how this works but if you get hit by a bus the day before your exams you aren't going to find youself chucked out
Most people have a bad exam at some stage over the three years, given that in most courses you have 4-10 exams a year you actually ahve to do quite badly to fail complletely. Most people who mess up actually end up ding better than expected and at worse tget 2iis or fails. It is very difficult to fail a particular cambridge exam and even if you fail one as long as you do ok in the others you should get a pass. In my own subject I believe if you fail one exam but get 2is and 2iis in the rest you are allowed back
But we are talking about quite low numbers here. If you are accepted about one or two will pull out of your college (and about 1-4% of your course). Most of these will be down to facts that are not down to cambridge (illness, death, family problems etc). More students worry about getting a first or two one than worry about passing at the end of the day. We all have our weaker moements where we worry we are going to fail or shouldn't be here. But if it is a serious problem it should be picked up in supervisions and by yourself or your DoS. Once in you are less likely to fail here than anyhwere else in the country
but there are enough people around to at least acknowledge a problem within your academic work in one area, even if you aren't aware or willing to notice it or if you do realise it so the odds of you getting anywhere near the exams without any warning bells ringing are very very low. there are always going to be a few who slip the net but its only one or two per subject per year at most. You have to tread a fine line between being clever enough not to be notivced as a problem and being a problem to get to this stage. I only know one person in this situation who ended up with an ordinary (worse than athird better than a pass) and I think they banked on him putting the work in.
Other cirumcstances however (including personal ilness, familly problems) are often predictable and you can pull out for a year and retake or ask for recogntiion in the exams. I'm not entirely sure how this works but if you get hit by a bus the day before your exams you aren't going to find youself chucked out
Most people have a bad exam at some stage over the three years, given that in most courses you have 4-10 exams a year you actually ahve to do quite badly to fail complletely. Most people who mess up actually end up ding better than expected and at worse tget 2iis or fails. It is very difficult to fail a particular cambridge exam and even if you fail one as long as you do ok in the others you should get a pass. In my own subject I believe if you fail one exam but get 2is and 2iis in the rest you are allowed back
But we are talking about quite low numbers here. If you are accepted about one or two will pull out of your college (and about 1-4% of your course). Most of these will be down to facts that are not down to cambridge (illness, death, family problems etc). More students worry about getting a first or two one than worry about passing at the end of the day. We all have our weaker moements where we worry we are going to fail or shouldn't be here. But if it is a serious problem it should be picked up in supervisions and by yourself or your DoS. Once in you are less likely to fail here than anyhwere else in the country
paneity
"Any undergraduate who fails a University examination will automatically be sent down" (ie kicked out), but even in Cambridge there are going to people who have off days during an exam or two; or overdo the partying and underdo the revision. And given that Cambridge has a low dropout rate, is the pass level for exams low?
(eg in A levels, to 'pass' you need 40% of UMS)
Alternatively it's an empty threat, how many people will get kicked out for failing?
(eg in A levels, to 'pass' you need 40% of UMS)
Alternatively it's an empty threat, how many people will get kicked out for failing?
Sounds serious but don't be scared about it. They do whatever they can to at least give people a class III / ordinary even if really bad. However i think that if you get less than a third you do not get upgraded to a MA later. This doesn't happen v often. I only know of one person who failed totally which was an unfortunate situation.
If there are any medical circumstances or similar (so you can get a doctor's note etc) then your tutor will be able to appeal to the university on your behalf for you to "degrade" or "intermit". This means that, whichever stage of the year you are at the time, you stop, leave college (you are not allowed to stay in residence) and go away to be treated. You will then need another doctor's note, declaring you fit to resume your course, by the end of August preceeding the October when you will return. E.g. in my case I went to a doctor quite late - in May, only 3 weeks before the actual exams. She declared me unfit to take them, a letter was written and passed on to the university via my tutor. In the last month I have been back to see my doctor, who has had to fill out a form declaring me fit again. This had to be returned to my college by 31st August in order for them to forward this on to the university, allowing me to return at the beginning of the coming term. IF I had not been well enough in time to get all this done before the end of August, I would have had to wait another year away from the university before completing that same process in order to return next October.
Basically, if you are disadvantaged because of any personal/medical reasons that are verifiable (by a doctor, or the university counselling service, or similar) then the university will allow you to come back once the problem has been resolved so that you may come back to the course without that disadvantage. The university will not usually allow someone to degrade twice though.
In cases of people who are struggling but without any mitigating circumstances, you will usually find that 1) your supervisors will know you're not doing well, 2) they will have told your DoS, 3) your DoS will discuss this with you, and then 4) arrange whatever extra help they think you might need. This could mean extra supervisions, or even just helping you to work out a strategy for the exams :that might mean, for example, helping you to choose which bits of the course will be most beneficial for you to focus on in order to maximise how many marks you can get in the exam (having a strong knowledge of half the subject instead of a sketchy knowledge of everything), or helping you to organise a revision plan.
In most cases your DoS will have played at least some part in your admission to the university (for me, my DoS happens to be the admissions tutor. For most, their DoS will have been involved in one of the interviews or similar). You'll find them reluctant to give up on you too quickly - they wouldn't have let you in if they didn't believe you could do it.
Basically, if you are disadvantaged because of any personal/medical reasons that are verifiable (by a doctor, or the university counselling service, or similar) then the university will allow you to come back once the problem has been resolved so that you may come back to the course without that disadvantage. The university will not usually allow someone to degrade twice though.
In cases of people who are struggling but without any mitigating circumstances, you will usually find that 1) your supervisors will know you're not doing well, 2) they will have told your DoS, 3) your DoS will discuss this with you, and then 4) arrange whatever extra help they think you might need. This could mean extra supervisions, or even just helping you to work out a strategy for the exams :that might mean, for example, helping you to choose which bits of the course will be most beneficial for you to focus on in order to maximise how many marks you can get in the exam (having a strong knowledge of half the subject instead of a sketchy knowledge of everything), or helping you to organise a revision plan.
In most cases your DoS will have played at least some part in your admission to the university (for me, my DoS happens to be the admissions tutor. For most, their DoS will have been involved in one of the interviews or similar). You'll find them reluctant to give up on you too quickly - they wouldn't have let you in if they didn't believe you could do it.
It's not an empty threat- my college mother was sent down for doing badly in her exams. But to be honest, she a) didn't work, b) didn't accept the help offered by college to get her back on track, and c) generally did nothing to gain college's sympathy; the very opposite in fact.
Like everyone above has said, it's very difficult to fail. DoS's are generally quite clued in as to what's going on in your academic life, and your supervisors write regular reports. In my experience, the moment I've ever shown signs of struggling or there's been the possibility of me getting a 2.ii, the support network has really kicked in and extra supervisions, regular strategy sessions with my DoS etc have been planned for me.
The real problems arise if for some reason the fact that you're struggling manages to get past your DoS, or something catastrophic happens on the day. As with any problem, the faster you inform your DoS/senior tutor, the more they can do for you.
Like everyone above has said, it's very difficult to fail. DoS's are generally quite clued in as to what's going on in your academic life, and your supervisors write regular reports. In my experience, the moment I've ever shown signs of struggling or there's been the possibility of me getting a 2.ii, the support network has really kicked in and extra supervisions, regular strategy sessions with my DoS etc have been planned for me.
The real problems arise if for some reason the fact that you're struggling manages to get past your DoS, or something catastrophic happens on the day. As with any problem, the faster you inform your DoS/senior tutor, the more they can do for you.
It's not an empty threat- my college mother was sent down for doing badly in her exams. But to be honest, she a) didn't work, b) didn't accept the help offered by college to get her back on track, and c) generally did nothing to gain college's sympathy; the very opposite in fact.
Like everyone above has said, it's very difficult to fail. DoS's are generally quite clued in as to what's going on in your academic life, and your supervisors write regular reports. In my experience, the moment I've ever shown signs of struggling or there's been the possibility of me getting a 2.ii, the support network has really kicked in and extra supervisions, regular strategy sessions with my DoS etc have been planned for me.
The real problems arise if for some reason the fact that you're struggling manages to get past your DoS, or something catastrophic happens on the day. As with any problem, the faster you inform your DoS/senior tutor, the more they can do for you.
Like everyone above has said, it's very difficult to fail. DoS's are generally quite clued in as to what's going on in your academic life, and your supervisors write regular reports. In my experience, the moment I've ever shown signs of struggling or there's been the possibility of me getting a 2.ii, the support network has really kicked in and extra supervisions, regular strategy sessions with my DoS etc have been planned for me.
The real problems arise if for some reason the fact that you're struggling manages to get past your DoS, or something catastrophic happens on the day. As with any problem, the faster you inform your DoS/senior tutor, the more they can do for you.
It's certainly true that if you don't let college (DoS, totor, whoever) help you, then things can get a bit messy. They're there for a reason! (My problem is leaving things too late - I don't tell people till it's past the point where much can be done. Stupid).
Don't worry. As Thallium said, it is almost impossible to fail. My DoS says examiners will try their hardest to give you a third if they can (or even a 2.2). The criteria for failing is something like 'writing little or nothing at all'. Even if you write almost completely irrelevant stuff, as long as you show some sort of knowledge (at all) you are fine. I was worried about failing this year but in the end I was completely fine. If you have done a bit of work, it's OK.
I think it's easier to understand this after you have taken a set of exams at Cambridge. Almost everyone on my course in my subject was worried about failing some paper or another but no one did; I think next year everyone will be a bit more reasonable.
The best thing to do if you're really worried is make sure you are committed, hand in work on time, attend all supervisions. Then, if your exams go badly, college will almost always look kindly upon you and will not kick you out even if you do atrociously (although they may give you a stern talking to!).
As long as you put in a little bit of effort, it's nothing to worry about. Learn from my mistake!
I think it's easier to understand this after you have taken a set of exams at Cambridge. Almost everyone on my course in my subject was worried about failing some paper or another but no one did; I think next year everyone will be a bit more reasonable.
The best thing to do if you're really worried is make sure you are committed, hand in work on time, attend all supervisions. Then, if your exams go badly, college will almost always look kindly upon you and will not kick you out even if you do atrociously (although they may give you a stern talking to!).
As long as you put in a little bit of effort, it's nothing to worry about. Learn from my mistake!
epitome
Essentially, the VAST majority of people are (a) Bright enough not to fail, (b) Work just about hard enough [at least] and (c) Are lucky enough not to have serious illneses or personal circumstances during exams.
If illness or other uncontrollable circumstance hits, there is a way to gain a degree without having to perform in exams ("Did Deserve Honours" - DDH). Either (a) or (b) accounts for the rest of the pass rate.
It is still incredibly difficult to fail an exam, given (a) and/or (b). It is not an empty threat - but it doesn't need to be exercised in many cases!
If illness or other uncontrollable circumstance hits, there is a way to gain a degree without having to perform in exams ("Did Deserve Honours" - DDH). Either (a) or (b) accounts for the rest of the pass rate.
It is still incredibly difficult to fail an exam, given (a) and/or (b). It is not an empty threat - but it doesn't need to be exercised in many cases!
Pedantic point only, but "DDH" actually stands for "Declared (or maybe Deemed?)to have Deserved Honours." One of my friends got one of these because some family problems meant she didn't hand in her project on time or something. Technically they could have failed her on that, but because of the situation, they let her off and she was allowed to get her degree.
I know it all seems very scary, but it is actually REALLY hard to FAIL tripos. You may do badly (though most probably won't!) but to get <40% really requires some achievement. Failing medic/vet MB papers is different, but unless you're doing one of those two, it's not something for you to worry about!
Helenia
Pedantic point only, but "DDH" actually stands for "Declared (or maybe Deemed?)to have Deserved Honours." One of my friends got one of these because some family problems meant she didn't hand in her project on time or something. Technically they could have failed her on that, but because of the situation, they let her off and she was allowed to get her degree.
Pedantic is good!
(I've looked it up now - you were right first time: "Declared to have Deserved Honours).
Toffee
Don't worry. As Thallium said, it is almost impossible to fail. My DoS says examiners will try their hardest to give you a third if they can (or even a 2.2). The criteria for failing is something like 'writing little or nothing at all'. Even if you write almost completely irrelevant stuff, as long as you show some sort of knowledge (at all) you are fine. I was worried about failing this year but in the end I was completely fine. If you have done a bit of work, it's OK.
Writing what's deemed irrelevant material is also frowned upon...(understandably!). One of my friends (doing English) managed to fail one of her papers spectacularly, despite writing a full answer. She took a risk with her response, which clearly didn't pay off - this is sad, actually, ecause she's incredibly creative & bright (she got 68% overall in Part I, so failing isn't her game). Despite getting 2:2s & 2:1s on every other paper, she ended up with a 3rd overall. She did have extremely difficult personal circumstances, though, and she didn't allow college/uni to take them into account.
So it can happen to the best of us; but really not very often.
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