The Student Room Group

How intense is cambridge

Hey everyone :smile: Ok so a bit of background, I got an offer to do PBS a few days ago. I love my subject and really enjoy reading about it, but I am starting to doubt my abilities and whether I will be able to cope with the amount of work. I always worked hard throughout school, it's not that I'm lazy, I suppose I'm just worried that I'll get so overwhelmed with work it will become a stressful experience rather than an enjoyable one.

I don't feel overly confident with essays as I took the sciences and maths at A-Level, so I suppose I'm slightly worried that if I don't write my essays in the most eloquent way I won't get a great grade. How much do they look at the way its written rather than the content?

Secondly, if you find yourself really behind, or are really struggling to cope with the work load what can you do?

Any other PBS students out there, how do you find the workload? Do you still feel you have enough social time?

I want to make sure I'm as informed as possible before I accept the offer so I know what I'm getting myself into.

Scroll to see replies

Original post by maisym00
Hey everyone :smile: Ok so a bit of background, I got an offer to do PBS a few days ago. I love my subject and really enjoy reading about it, but I am starting to doubt my abilities and whether I will be able to cope with the amount of work. I always worked hard throughout school, it's not that I'm lazy, I suppose I'm just worried that I'll get so overwhelmed with work it will become a stressful experience rather than an enjoyable one.

I don't feel overly confident with essays as I took the sciences and maths at A-Level, so I suppose I'm slightly worried that if I don't write my essays in the most eloquent way I won't get a great grade. How much do they look at the way its written rather than the content?

Secondly, if you find yourself really behind, or are really struggling to cope with the work load what can you do?

Any other PBS students out there, how do you find the workload? Do you still feel you have enough social time?

I want to make sure I'm as informed as possible before I accept the offer so I know what I'm getting myself into.


Every year many, many offer holders wonder and worry the same thing.
Yes, it's going to be intense, probably harder than anything you've done so far, but vast majority of students learn how to cope with it. Cambridge has one of the lowest drop-out rate among U.K. Universities.

And if you really struggle, that's when the true benefit of collegiate system kicks in. Your DoS at your college is always there to support you when you need extra help.

Admission tutor/DOS/interviewers have been doing the same job of assessing/selecting right kinds of students year after year. And they also have been looking after and witnessing how those students cope/change/grow next 3/4 years under their wings.
The fact that they gave you an offer is the proof that they believe you can do it. Trust their judgement.

Congratulations. :smile:

Edit:
There're links on this site (by Cambridge studen union) where you can post questions to current students.
Best source of its kind. :smile:

https://www.applytocambridge.com
(edited 7 years ago)
Reply 2
Original post by maisym00
Hey everyone :smile: Ok so a bit of background, I got an offer to do PBS a few days ago. I love my subject and really enjoy reading about it, but I am starting to doubt my abilities and whether I will be able to cope with the amount of work. I always worked hard throughout school, it's not that I'm lazy, I suppose I'm just worried that I'll get so overwhelmed with work it will become a stressful experience rather than an enjoyable one.

I don't feel overly confident with essays as I took the sciences and maths at A-Level, so I suppose I'm slightly worried that if I don't write my essays in the most eloquent way I won't get a great grade. How much do they look at the way its written rather than the content?

Secondly, if you find yourself really behind, or are really struggling to cope with the work load what can you do?

Any other PBS students out there, how do you find the workload? Do you still feel you have enough social time?

I want to make sure I'm as informed as possible before I accept the offer so I know what I'm getting myself into.


As per @vincrows reply, but also if you are on twitter you can use #CambTweet

They are hosting a special Q&A this Saturday at 9pm - but you can tweet to https://twitter.com/CambTweetPBS at any time.

https://twitter.com/cambtweetcusu?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
It's as intense an academic experience as you could hope for. Just about everyone admitted is scared, but as vincrows says, the dropout rate is extremely low and the academic infrastructure is supportive. My daughter struggled there, but loved it.

I would just add that up to 25% of students become "depressed" in their own assessment and mental health resources are uneven, depending on the college.
Reply 4
Original post by vincrows
Every year many, many offer holders wonder and worry the same thing.
Yes, it's going to be intense, probably harder than anything you've done so far, but vast majority of students learn how to cope with it. Cambridge has one of the lowest drop-out rate among U.K. Universities.

And if you really struggle, that's when the true benefit of collegiate system kicks in. Your DoS at your college is always there to support you when you need extra help.

Admission tutor/DOS/interviewers have been doing the same job of assessing/selecting right kinds of students year after year. And they also have been looking after and witnessing how those students cope/change/grow next 3/4 years under their wings.
The fact that they gave you an offer is the proof that they believe you can do it. Trust their judgement.

Congratulations. :smile:

Edit:
There're links on this site (by Cambridge studen union) where you can post questions to current students.
Best source of its kind. :smile:

https://www.applytocambridge.com


Thankyou very much for this response, made me feel less worried
Original post by maisym00
Hey everyone :smile: Ok so a bit of background, I got an offer to do PBS a few days ago. I love my subject and really enjoy reading about it, but I am starting to doubt my abilities and whether I will be able to cope with the amount of work. I always worked hard throughout school, it's not that I'm lazy, I suppose I'm just worried that I'll get so overwhelmed with work it will become a stressful experience rather than an enjoyable one.

I don't feel overly confident with essays as I took the sciences and maths at A-Level, so I suppose I'm slightly worried that if I don't write my essays in the most eloquent way I won't get a great grade. How much do they look at the way its written rather than the content?

Secondly, if you find yourself really behind, or are really struggling to cope with the work load what can you do?

Any other PBS students out there, how do you find the workload? Do you still feel you have enough social time?

I want to make sure I'm as informed as possible before I accept the offer so I know what I'm getting myself into.


Congratulations! It's completely normal to feel worries about whether you'll be able to cope - almost everyone will be feeling the same. At my welcome dinner when I matriculated at Cambridge, the Master told us that he expected most of us were wondering how we managed to get in, and whether the college had made a mistake :smile:

Nevertheless, the workload is intense, and you'll be working hard (though it sounds like you're used to that). Your first essays probably won't be brilliant, but neither will most other people's, and you'll get better pretty fast. Your Director of Studies is there to help you with any academic issues, and you should also have a Personal Tutor who you can go to if you're having any other problems.

Alcibiade is right - depression and stress are things to be aware of, but there is help out there, and you will be surrounded by people going through the same things as you - your friends will be your greatest help. Cambridge is an intense, amazing place, and you'll have a great time there.

Good luck and well done!
not sure what PBS is, but Natural Sciences was full on intense, yeah ?
Reply 7
Original post by the bear
not sure what PBS is, but Natural Sciences was full on intense, yeah ?


Psych.
Original post by jneill
Psych.


so in PBS the P is Psychology... and the BS is ? :teehee:
Reply 9
Original post by the bear
so in PBS the P is Psychology... and the BS is ? :teehee:


:spank:

Spoiler

Reply 10
Original post by NHSFan
Psychology and Behavioural Sciences


Bear was attempting humour.
Reply 11
Original post by jneill
Bear was attempting humour.


I realised that, and it was why I deleted my post!
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by the bear
not sure what PBS is, but Natural Sciences was full on intense, yeah ?


Every course is. It's Cambridge.
And the same goes for any top university. That's why they are 'top university. ' :wink:
Original post by NHSFan
I realised that, and it was why I deleted my post!


Omg same thing happened to me... I didn't notice the smiley next to his question XD
Are essays as prescriptive as A-levels? I found being bound by rubric problematic. 😳
Reply 15
Original post by maisym00
Hey everyone :smile: Ok so a bit of background, I got an offer to do PBS a few days ago. I love my subject and really enjoy reading about it, but I am starting to doubt my abilities and whether I will be able to cope with the amount of work. I always worked hard throughout school, it's not that I'm lazy, I suppose I'm just worried that I'll get so overwhelmed with work it will become a stressful experience rather than an enjoyable one.

I don't feel overly confident with essays as I took the sciences and maths at A-Level, so I suppose I'm slightly worried that if I don't write my essays in the most eloquent way I won't get a great grade. How much do they look at the way its written rather than the content?

Secondly, if you find yourself really behind, or are really struggling to cope with the work load what can you do?

Any other PBS students out there, how do you find the workload? Do you still feel you have enough social time?

I want to make sure I'm as informed as possible before I accept the offer so I know what I'm getting myself into.


http://thepetitepsychologist.tumblr.com is a 2nd year pbs'er at Fitz and so is @mycambridgedays (instagram) at Newnham. Both ended up with a first on their first year! Do PM me if you want their *more* personal accounts..and of course CambTweetPBS on Twitter!
Original post by maisym00
Hey everyone :smile: Ok so a bit of background, I got an offer to do PBS a few days ago. I love my subject and really enjoy reading about it, but I am starting to doubt my abilities and whether I will be able to cope with the amount of work. I always worked hard throughout school, it's not that I'm lazy, I suppose I'm just worried that I'll get so overwhelmed with work it will become a stressful experience rather than an enjoyable one.

I don't feel overly confident with essays as I took the sciences and maths at A-Level, so I suppose I'm slightly worried that if I don't write my essays in the most eloquent way I won't get a great grade. How much do they look at the way its written rather than the content?

Secondly, if you find yourself really behind, or are really struggling to cope with the work load what can you do?

Any other PBS students out there, how do you find the workload? Do you still feel you have enough social time?

I want to make sure I'm as informed as possible before I accept the offer so I know what I'm getting myself into.


Hi,

Congratulations on receiving an offer - it's a massive achievement. While I go to the 'other place', last year I was in the same position as you. I study philosophy and theology (can't help you with the science side) but I get 1-2 essays a week. At first I found the workload difficult, but nearly everyone does at the beginning of first year. After a while you get used to the workload and quicker at reading and writing essays - it used to take me an hour to read through less than 20 pages and now I can usually skim 2-3 books in a day. That said, it is a bit of a shock to the system but you will adapt over time and remember, tutors are always there for support, and the counselling service are there too. There is time to go out and socialise - it's my aim this term to get a better work/life balance - normally I go out around 3 times a week in the evenings but this term I'm hoping to increase this to 4-5.

Oxbridge isn't for everyone, but I would advise you to at least try it - it's an amazing opportunity, not only academically but socially too. I've made some great friends here and I don't regret going to Oxford despite the fact that it can be stressful at times. Realistically, all your emotions are heightened - I've been both my happiest and my unhappiest here. The main thing to ask is if you really love your subject and want to be in an environment with leading academics teaching you - it will be challenging but rewarding. Remember, even if you don't like Cambridge, you can always transfer to another uni at the end of first year.

:smile:
(edited 5 years ago)
@the bear can you elaborate on 'full on intense' please x Also did you do physical or biological?
I am a bionatsci offer holder with similar concerns to the OP :smile:
Original post by Bunratty
Are essays as prescriptive as A-levels? I found being bound by rubric problematic. 😳


There was a terrific article in the Telegraph a couple of years ago that had Trevor Nunn, Imogen Stubbs and Simon Russell Beale sit English A level. None of them prospered, and precisely because a benchmarked rubric rewarding key content points simply couldn't accommodate the directions in which they were inclined to take the questions.

This won't be a concern at Cambridge, no.
Original post by cambio wechsel
There was a terrific article in the Telegraph a couple of years ago that had Trevor Nunn, Imogen Stubbs and Simon Russell Beale sit English A level. None of them prospered, and precisely because a benchmarked rubric rewarding key content points simply couldn't accommodate the directions in which they were inclined to take the questions.

This won't be a concern at Cambridge, no.


Thank you for your answer.

I hope you are right. This is why I chose Cambridge; in the hope of freedom of thought to question anything, and communicate my ideas in my own way as I see fit.

I am rather tired of being told exactly what to say and think, along with having to repeat the exact wording of the question in every paragraph etc. Schools always claim that at each stage (Year 7, GCSE, A-level) you will really have to think for yourself and then they forbid it in the exams. So, I am hoping that at last the promise will be the truth!

Quick Reply

Latest