Panic about the SAQ here!

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Reply 1000

They will already have the info, but I'm pretty sure when I applied CSAS I did exactly that. Make sure you get a doctors letter to back it up aswell though. :smile:

Reply 1001

thenewromance

Exactly what, added additional info?

Reply 1002

Bubblebeard

So I know the deadline for the SAQs is readily approaching (this friday) and I should really be more organised. I have finally finalised my forms but have been putting it off because the required photo section has really confused me. I know there are basic guidelines to follow from the SAQ help file but I'm still lost. The instructions make it sound like they want a passport photo, but that's very hard to submit digitally. So are digital photos ok, as long as they meet the requirements? (Face uncovered, plain background, etc.)

Furthermore, there are a few aesthetic issues I could use help clearing up. What should I be wearing? Should I be smiling? Out of my year only 2 other people have applied for Cambridge and they're very hard to get in contact with, especially over half term, but I'm sure at least one of them has already submitted their SAQ. So I turn to you guys for assistance, and rapid response would be superb. As, right now, my parents are pestering me to go out and get passport photos done and I'm still not sure how to look.

Reply 1003

thenewromance

Also, my tutor said I only need to obtain a doctor's note on request, which is fine, although they take about a week cos my doctors are utterly useless, and it costs £25 dammit.

Reply 1004

neebo

I just got someone to take a picture of me against a plain wall, head and shoulders shot, and I smiled on it.
I had my hair as I would on any normal day, and I was just wearing a plain navy T shirt.

I think just dress normally and smile. :biggrin:

Good luck!

Reply 1005

FadedJade

I just said that I had X condition which may affect certain things at interview (as in my case that was true) and to see the included doctors note for more details.

Reply 1006

Hathlan

Mine is THE most cringe photo ever. You can't possibly do worse. Just try to look like you. Good luck

Reply 1007

somemightsay

I just stuck a passport photo on, should do the job.

Reply 1008

The West Wing

They don't really mind tbh, some people here have the worst photos on their university cards.

Reply 1009

alex_hk90

It's only for identification purposes; it would be a bit harsh if you got rejected for not being photogenic. :p:

Reply 1010

Dragonkiller

I have no idea what to write for the additional personal statement and 'how have you kept up your interest...'

I don't want to leave it blank, any ideas?

Thanks

Reply 1011

Bubblebeard

Heh, thanks everyone. Been a big help - my dads been snapping away with his camera already so should all be sorted now.

Reply 1012

thenewromance

Nina

I just said that I had X condition which may affect certain things at interview (as in my case that was true) and to see the included doctors note for more details.

Hmm ok, although i can't get the note yet. No time. Ah well.

Reply 1013

Bubblebeard

Errr. One more question, and I have a horrible feeling this might be an obvious answer one. How can I find the unit codes for the module units I still have to sit? I have been through the course specification from examination websites for each of my A2 subjects, and even though I've found the unit titles I'm struggling to find a code.

Reply 1014

thenewromance

Damn system errors! I'll have a total breakdown if this keeps happening!

Reply 1015

swingin_yoyo

Finishedddddd :smile:

One thing....I think my photo is fine but I'm not sure its in that ratio they requested, does anyone know how do do that?
(I use Iphoto on a Mac btw)????

Reply 1016

Dragonkiller

It should change it to the right ratio automatically.

Reply 1017

Agneisse

swingin_yoyo

Finishedddddd :smile:

One thing....I think my photo is fine but I'm not sure its in that ratio they requested, does anyone know how do do that?
(I use Iphoto on a Mac btw)????

I'm on Microsoft Paint, but assuming that iphoto is the equivalent of the basic graphics processing software,

There should be an option somewhere to 'resize/skew' the photo. Make it something like 10-20% (in past experience photos uploaded from a camera are humongous) and see the size (click on 'attributes' or 'dimensions' or something). If it's too wide or too long then crop out some of the sides etc., if necessary resize/skew some more, then at about 5:6 (e.g. 250x300 pixels or 125x150 pixels) save it and upload.

That's what I did, at any rate :biggrin:

EDIT: apparently it auto-resizes, ignore my blabbing then :yep:

Reply 1018

Number6

It's finally gone :biggrin:

I know I'll be anxiously looking through it for something I did wrong now though :biggrin:

Reply 1019

linca2

Ok I don't know if anyone's posted and asked this yet - chances are that they have. But I'm really late filling in this form and I don't have time to look through 51 pages of this thread XD. I'm applying for medicine and Cambridge. Does anyone know if for this course I'll be expected to write anything down in section 7.4. - like anything particular that they expect to hear about? They didn't mention anything in the guide. But I'm so worried about leaving parts blank. Especially for a section where theres a lot of space left. =S

And also I'm not sure about the section where it says about problems with teaching. I did have problems in my school, but I'm not sure if it's to any advantage/disadvantage if I mention it. Basically I had 8 different teachers for Physics. I got the A but I still want to mention it because it was a low A. But does anyone think it's better if I don't mention it?

T____T RAAR. Boohoo.