The Big 'Which Cambridge College?' Thread

There's nothing to stop you wandering around Trinity as a student - you're free to come and go as you please. An advantage of Ed's is that it probably doesn't have even half as many tourists.

That's where you're wrong - there doesn't have to be any way for the school to distinguish who gets to apply where. Not only is it completely irrelevant how many people from the same school apply to each college, but if they had to be separated it should only ever be by mutual convenience.

UMS are far from objective when considered alone, without all the obvious unknowns like personal statements, BMAT for medics, and interview performance.

And clearly the other person has chosen a different college, so they were happy not choosing that college. Or are you saying you've been rather a bully?

Hello

I'm applying for Cambridge this year for English and I'm having a hard time deciding which college I want to go for. I've narrowed it down to two main choices - Emmanuel and Clare - but I'm also still considering Corpus Christi, Pembroke, Gonville and Caius, Trinity.

I'm really basing my choice on location, atmosphere and aesthetics, and I'm not going to try any tactics in terms of which college I'm most likely to get into. The reason I love Clare is because it's right next to the river and in a really pretty area. It's also quite close to the Sidgwick Site, which (if I'm not completely wrong) is where the English faculty is? I love Emmanuel because it has absolutely beautiful grounds.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what these colleges are like in terms of atmosphere:

- Is the community quite close-knit?
- Are there a disproportionate number of arts/science students?
- Are they notoriously 'rah-ish' or pretentious?
- Are they quiet during exam time or generally quite touristy?
- Most importantly, is the environment hugely pressured? I was at the Oxford open day with a friend on Friday, and one of the tutors was saying that some colleges there drive their students to achieve much more (Merton was the main example) whereas others are more relaxed, which I would prefer. Is this also the case at Cambridge? Obviously I know that there will be pressure at all colleges, but I don't really want to apply for a college with a reputation for it. The fact that both Emmanuel and Clare are consistently near the top of the Tompkins table made me worry that they might fall into that category.

Also, what are the various college societies like? Can you join the societies of colleges of which you're not a student?

Sorry for the essay, any advice would be much appreciated!

what is the most competative one for medicine? is it Caius?

what is the most competative one for medicine? is it Caius?

Not really, it varies pretty wildly from year to year, plus its hard to say for certain because of the effect pooling has on admissions. But this year, the college with the highest applicants : offer ratio was Pembroke.

Stats are here. I would take them with a pinch of salt though, since they don't really paint the full picture. Knowing the subtle differences in the admissions requirements/process between colleges is probably more useful.

Hi all,

I can't decide between Fitzwilliam and Murray Edwards.
I was wondering if any of you can give me some extra information about both?

I would prefer an en-suite room if possible, what are the chances of getting one at Fitz (I was told all freshers have one at ME)?

I will probably do quite a bit of self catering, so decent cooking facilities would be a plus. In saying that, I will also use the catered option when I need to but I am quite fussy and so would like lots of good choices.
I have read that the food at Fitz is not very good, can anyone say why?
Also, the internet charges at Fitz are a little confusing, how does this work? Are there any additional charges at ME?

I have visited both of these colleges, Fitz on an open day, and Murray Edwards on an individual tour.
I don't really have any negatives about Murray Edwards but I didn't really get a feel for the college atmosphere the same as when I visited Fitz (due to not many people being around).

They are both brilliant colleges and I just can't decide between them!
I have 4 days before my college internal deadline for UCAS

Please help me to sort through these last minute niggles!!
Thank you!

I'm applying for Engineering and is considering between Downing, Jesus and Pembroke. Are they good for Engineering? Please give me some adivce.