Imperial or Cambridge?
I got a MechEng offer from Imperial of A*AAA and an Engineering offer from Cambridge of A*A*AB and I dunno what to firm and put as my insurance. I liked both unis a lot
Aside from the fact that Cambridge has an offer that is easier to attain, you should take into account some other things, such as:
- Are you sure you want to do mechanical engineering, or would you like to keep your options open? (the first 2 years of the Cambridge engineering course are general and you can specialise - only if you want to - in the third year)
- Do you want to live in a huge city, or in a smaller one?
- How important is social life to you?
- What kind of scholarships would you qualify for at each uni? (even if finances aren't a problem, some extra funds never hurt)
In the end, both universities have great Engineering courses and a good reputation, so it's up to you to decide what else, besides the teaching, interests you when it comes to uni life. Also, didn't Cambridge make you sign a paper stating that if you were to receive an offer, you'd have to firm it? Or isn't that a thing anymore?
- Are you sure you want to do mechanical engineering, or would you like to keep your options open? (the first 2 years of the Cambridge engineering course are general and you can specialise - only if you want to - in the third year)
- Do you want to live in a huge city, or in a smaller one?
- How important is social life to you?
- What kind of scholarships would you qualify for at each uni? (even if finances aren't a problem, some extra funds never hurt)
In the end, both universities have great Engineering courses and a good reputation, so it's up to you to decide what else, besides the teaching, interests you when it comes to uni life. Also, didn't Cambridge make you sign a paper stating that if you were to receive an offer, you'd have to firm it? Or isn't that a thing anymore?
Well if you firm imperial there's no point putting Cambridge as your insurance since it has a higher entry requirement.
Big factors are location (London vs Uni town), which you prefer and if you can afford accommodation in London (it's quite expensive/problematic).
Which course do you prefer (I believe Cambridge do 2 years of general engineering, do you like that?)
Which course do you prefer (I believe Cambridge do 2 years of general engineering, do you like that?)
Original post by asdfghjklcupcake
Also, didn't Cambridge make you sign a paper stating that if you were to receive an offer, you'd have to firm it? Or isn't that a thing anymore?
I'm not sure that's ever been a thing...
In any case OP, consider some of the differences in the locations and course. Do you want to live in London - and can you afford to? Would you prefer the slightly greater breadth of the Cambridge course earlier on, and the opportunity to specialise in an area other than Mechanical if you change your mind a little later in the course? How do you feel about living in college accommodation for all three years, vs potentially having to look on the open market in London? Would you prefer the freedom to live away from the uni and with friends, and would the college environment feel claustrophobic potentially?
These are all things that might be worth thinking about.
Original post by Student-95
Well if you firm imperial there's no point putting Cambridge as your insurance since it has a higher entry requirement.
No, it isn't. They could make either offer and fail the other, i.e. A*A*AB and A*AAA.
Original post by RogerOxon
No, it isn't. They could make either offer and fail the other, i.e. A*A*AB and A*AAA.
The former is a harder requirement.
Original post by Student-95
The former is a harder requirement.
No. It depends on how good the person is across different subjects. There's also the fact that some universities will allow some leeway if you miss your offer, although I doubt that Imperial is that flexible.
Original post by Anonymouspsych
I got a MechEng offer from Imperial of A*AAA and an Engineering offer from Cambridge of A*A*AB and I dunno what to firm and put as my insurance. I liked both unis a lot
As has been said, you need to look at the course in detail, and the university environment. I preferred a more general Engineering course, so would pick Cambridge in your position (it's also going to be a lot cheaper and less travel), but it's what you want from your degree that matters.
Original post by asdfghjklcupcake
Aside from the fact that Cambridge has an offer that is easier to attain, you should take into account some other things, such as:
- Are you sure you want to do mechanical engineering, or would you like to keep your options open? (the first 2 years of the Cambridge engineering course are general and you can specialise - only if you want to - in the third year)
- Do you want to live in a huge city, or in a smaller one?
- How important is social life to you?
- What kind of scholarships would you qualify for at each uni? (even if finances aren't a problem, some extra funds never hurt)
In the end, both universities have great Engineering courses and a good reputation, so it's up to you to decide what else, besides the teaching, interests you when it comes to uni life. Also, didn't Cambridge make you sign a paper stating that if you were to receive an offer, you'd have to firm it? Or isn't that a thing anymore?
- Are you sure you want to do mechanical engineering, or would you like to keep your options open? (the first 2 years of the Cambridge engineering course are general and you can specialise - only if you want to - in the third year)
- Do you want to live in a huge city, or in a smaller one?
- How important is social life to you?
- What kind of scholarships would you qualify for at each uni? (even if finances aren't a problem, some extra funds never hurt)
In the end, both universities have great Engineering courses and a good reputation, so it's up to you to decide what else, besides the teaching, interests you when it comes to uni life. Also, didn't Cambridge make you sign a paper stating that if you were to receive an offer, you'd have to firm it? Or isn't that a thing anymore?
I should specify in my opinion the Cambridge offer is harder; the A*A* must be in physics and further maths, A in maths and B in chemistry. For Imperial the A* must be in maths and AAA in the other subjects and I'm aiming for 4A*s anyway (I'm very chuffed they gave a B for chem xD). I do really like the idea of a general course and intitially I only wanted to apply for general courses but the Imperial MechEng course looked really good (Even though it is specialised I'd say it's the most general specialised course due to the nature of the modules) and I really liked the admissions day there. Either way I know I'll do well whichever one I go to and as of now I think I'll make cambridge my firm choice and Imperial insurance.
Thanks for the replies everyone. Both universities are obviously great for Engineering in general. I have considered location as it is one of the biggest factors and both unis have their pros and cons. I like the idea of doing general course as it allows you to experience a bit of everything before making a decision on what to specialise in but at the same time I know I'd enjoy the MechEng course at Imperial. Both Unis give out good bursaries and scholarships etc. Ultimately I think I'll put Cambridge down as my firm choice and Imperial as insurance as for me the Cambridge one is more challenging as it is subject specific (A*A* in phys and FM, A in maths, B in chem) whereas for Imperial the A* is in maths and AAA in phys, FM and chem. To be honest I'd be quite happy if I went to either of these.
Original post by Anonymouspsych
Thanks for the replies everyone. Both universities are obviously great for Engineering in general. I have considered location as it is one of the biggest factors and both unis have their pros and cons. I like the idea of doing general course as it allows you to experience a bit of everything before making a decision on what to specialise in but at the same time I know I'd enjoy the MechEng course at Imperial. Both Unis give out good bursaries and scholarships etc. Ultimately I think I'll put Cambridge down as my firm choice and Imperial as insurance as for me the Cambridge one is more challenging as it is subject specific (A*A* in phys and FM, A in maths, B in chem) whereas for Imperial the A* is in maths and AAA in phys, FM and chem. To be honest I'd be quite happy if I went to either of these.
It would be my dream to be in your position in a few years time, good luck man
I would choose Cambridge for reputability outside the UK as well as it being general. Although Imperial is also well renowned and a great university for engineering.
Original post by ParkHyungSuk
It would be my dream to be in your position in a few years time, good luck man
I would choose Cambridge for reputability outside the UK as well as it being general. Although Imperial is also well renowned and a great university for engineering.
I would choose Cambridge for reputability outside the UK as well as it being general. Although Imperial is also well renowned and a great university for engineering.
Make that dream come true through hard work. It is more possible than you may think. Years ago getting an offer from Cambridge was only a dream for me too xD. Good luck for the future!
You have until May to decide. Revisit them. Talk to current students. Look at the locations, including accommodation.
Note that all years at Cambridge are guaranteed college accommodation, not so at Imperial. And London will be relatively expensive. Do you like the supervision system at Cambridge? You won't have such small group tutorials at Imperial.
On the other hand, yes Engineering is a major department at Cambridge, but it's bigger again at Imperial. London offers things Cambridge may not. And vice versa...
There is NO rush to come to a decision.
Note that all years at Cambridge are guaranteed college accommodation, not so at Imperial. And London will be relatively expensive. Do you like the supervision system at Cambridge? You won't have such small group tutorials at Imperial.
On the other hand, yes Engineering is a major department at Cambridge, but it's bigger again at Imperial. London offers things Cambridge may not. And vice versa...
There is NO rush to come to a decision.
(edited 6 years ago)
Cambridge ranks higher than Imperial for engineering. But i think Imperial is better for engineering. Cambridge has a general engineering course with specialisition later on, where as imperials course is specific. In my opinion, i believe that cambridge engineers dont specialize as well as engineeris in imperial. Since i'm interested in EEE/EIE i looked up these 2 unis in discover uni. For those of you'll who aren't familiar with discover uni, It is owned and operated by the UK higher education funding and regulatory bodies.
these are the links for each university,
cambridge- https://discoveruni.gov.uk/course-de..._KIS/FullTime/
Imperial- https://discoveruni.gov.uk/course-de...H56/Full-time/
The data clearly shows that imperial grds earn better than cambridge grads. I have also read that the cambridge course is highly theoretical, whereas the imperial course has quite a lot of practical.
these are the links for each university,
cambridge- https://discoveruni.gov.uk/course-de..._KIS/FullTime/
Imperial- https://discoveruni.gov.uk/course-de...H56/Full-time/
The data clearly shows that imperial grds earn better than cambridge grads. I have also read that the cambridge course is highly theoretical, whereas the imperial course has quite a lot of practical.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Cambridge MLMI vs. Imperial AI
- The Russell Group hurt/heal game (Part 5)
- Should I reapply for next year?
- Should I reject my Cambridge offer?
- Would you rather attend...?
- Cambridge vs Imperial College London
- Uni choice
- queens college interview reschedule
- Best university for (mechanical) engineering?
- Imperial Physics v Imperial Chemistry v Cambridge NatSci
- Do the London unis (LSE, Imperial, Kings, UCL) have party and event together?
- Imperial college questions
- Gap Year??
- Reapply to Cambridge or go to LSE
- Durham taking their time
- Still waiting to hear back from Imperial
- physics uni choices ???
- Warwick vs Imperial vs gap year and reapply to Cambridge (maths)
- Question regarding admissions tests for maths - Imperial & Cambridge
- Should I reapply to Cambridge if I get good results?
