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Cambridge Land Economy Students and Applicants

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Reply 320
Original post by 6K6
Pembroke is one of more competitive colleges for Land Economy - it should be easier to get in next year though. A fantastic college, but it has no en-suites - so I don't cry much over the fact that I was pooled to another college at the end (it may not look as a fairytale castle but I fell in love with my new college and its facilities :colone:).
Yeah, I have to start thinking about that further maths retake - only two exams in the summer so it's not so bad at all. But stakes are higher than ever before :>.


No en-suites? Didn't know about that. Have to go back to website of the University and read once again about different colleges then :biggrin: It's so difficult to choose the college -.-
I'm sure you'll be fine :smile:
Original post by 6K6
They asked me to write two essays in November, so I did one on urbanization - about a quarter of my subject interview was about that essay, they grilled everyone over that rural-urban transformation thing so that was that bit of geography. You will also get a question or two on environment and public law.
Reading any book on Urban Economics is the most useful kind of preparation you can get for more economics-based interviews. I had read a 700-pager for that (of course leaving difficult economic-modelling chapters), and there was like pretty much everything you should know before your interview :>.



See u in October (provided I get that A* in Further Maths) not only at the department but also at Trinity (I have a crazy friend at Trinity and I have probably seen u on one of his crazy-party-everyone's-drunk-especially-me photos on facebook :>).


ahah, maybe. lol, pm the name of the friend and i'll tell you if i know him.
also, congrats, you are the only person who made it to trinity for landec this year (confidential information from my DoS, actually, not that confidential, it'll be on the stats soon! xD)
Reply 322
Original post by alix.alicis
ahah, maybe. lol, pm the name of the friend and i'll tell you if i know him.
also, congrats, you are the only person who made it to trinity for landec this year (confidential information from my DoS, actually, not that confidential, it'll be on the stats soon! xD)


No, no, I won't be studying at Trinity :>. I had enough of Trinity after last year's interview for Economics - it was too big and intimidating and I'm happy I won't end up there! I have just a friend at Trinity (I am sure you know him, I will PM u his name later on :>), so I will probably pay a visit or two - that's all :>.
Oh your DoS is very picky - it's hard to believe that so many applicants were below Cambridge standard this year :>.
Reply 323
How much less competitive do you all think both courses will be next year (2012/2013 cycle), due to all the upcoming fee increases..
Reply 324
Original post by joshgoldman
How much less competitive do you all think both courses will be next year (2012/2013 cycle), due to all the upcoming fee increases..


It's hard to make an exact estimation, but I've heard that the competition will reach 2005/2006 level. Oxbridge applications won't be that affected though, but even a small percentage could make a difference in terms of getting an offer :smile:.
This year was really ridiculously competitive!
Reply 325
Hi, please may somebody who had an interview for land economics please tell me what it was like/their gcse and as level grades, predicted grades/other courses they applied to etc. Also, did you have resits for as exams from january in summer? I know the interviews will depend on the candidate's interests, and I'm hoping to apply to economics at other universities. Thankyou.
Reply 326
Hey guys,

well I had two interviews at Downing last December and got a place for 2012 as I want to take a gap year. I'm so happy, still can't believe it.

I personally think you can't really prepare specifically for Land Economy interviews, which probably makes them some of the harder ones (as it's very relieving to come prepared, simply for your psyche). Reading the paper really does help I guess, simply try to keep up with current affairs. And I found it helpful that I read the first 500 pages of 'Economics' by Samuelson. Simply reading, not learning. Especially if you're not a native speaker like me and want to familiarize yourself with terms you generally don't need & learn. I never had Economics so I was happy that I did read parts of the book at least.

My interviews touched Economics, Law, Philosophy, Geography & Biology, so it's nearly impossible to say what you'll get. And the questions didn't have anything to do with the research interests of the interviewers. So that's not a safe heaven to speculate on.

I was asked about happiness, some statistics & graphs & maths to interpret, land conservation, the true meaning of being happy with your life, traffic, urban planning & distribution of wealth.

Oh, and about the ongoing discussion about the whole 'Land Economy is a easy bird degree for tards': I was lucky enough to speak to the Head of the Careers Office (who said it really is the best course to find a well payed job, better than Economics) & the Head of Admissions for Downing (who told me that it's, eg, much harder to get into LE at several Colleges then into Law or Economics; and LE is not even offered at all of them. It did come clearer in the 2010 & 2011 circles as more people want to study it.) I think it's just as challenging as any other course at Cambridge, most guys who post that **** aren't even in Economics, and if they are, are exactly those arrogant guys who (apparently) are enormously attracted to do E&M at Oxford or Economics at Cambridge. Quite a few you don't wanna be with. Seriously.

Good luck!
Hi, did you happen to be interviewed by Dr John McCombie? I was going to base my college choice on the DoS' research interests and quite a few matched mine, but I'm under the impression that you think the direction of the interview is irrelevant to the research interests of your interviewer? And why did you choose Downing? I'm a bit stuck on college choices

Original post by Innsbruck
Hey guys,

well I had two interviews at Downing last December and got a place for 2012 as I want to take a gap year. I'm so happy, still can't believe it.

I personally think you can't really prepare specifically for Land Economy interviews, which probably makes them some of the harder ones (as it's very relieving to come prepared, simply for your psyche). Reading the paper really does help I guess, simply try to keep up with current affairs. And I found it helpful that I read the first 500 pages of 'Economics' by Samuelson. Simply reading, not learning. Especially if you're not a native speaker like me and want to familiarize yourself with terms you generally don't need & learn. I never had Economics so I was happy that I did read parts of the book at least.

My interviews touched Economics, Law, Philosophy, Geography & Biology, so it's nearly impossible to say what you'll get. And the questions didn't have anything to do with the research interests of the interviewers. So that's not a safe heaven to speculate on.

I was asked about happiness, some statistics & graphs & maths to interpret, land conservation, the true meaning of being happy with your life, traffic, urban planning & distribution of wealth.

Oh, and about the ongoing discussion about the whole 'Land Economy is a easy bird degree for tards': I was lucky enough to speak to the Head of the Careers Office (who said it really is the best course to find a well payed job, better than Economics) & the Head of Admissions for Downing (who told me that it's, eg, much harder to get into LE at several Colleges then into Law or Economics; and LE is not even offered at all of them. It did come clearer in the 2010 & 2011 circles as more people want to study it.) I think it's just as challenging as any other course at Cambridge, most guys who post that **** aren't even in Economics, and if they are, are exactly those arrogant guys who (apparently) are enormously attracted to do E&M at Oxford or Economics at Cambridge. Quite a few you don't wanna be with. Seriously.

Good luck!
Hi I'm a mature student wanting apply for Land Economy at either Trinity, St Edmund's or Downing. Can anyone possibly advise me on how best prepare my statement towards Land Economy and any recommended reading etc? So far my reading has mainly consisted of The Economist and FT but I need some more books etc. Would general economics books do? I really have no idea how to tackle this. I already have the required qualifications etc. so really need to look good on paper to at least secure an interview. I'll probably head to the library tomorrow and borrow some books to prepare my statement. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you. GG.
Reply 329
Hey,

Yes, I had an interview with him and Mr Allington. It went horrible by the way :biggrin:
I left the room and thought that it couldn't have been worse. But, apparently, it could :wink:

At first I was also drawn to Downing because his research interests pretty much matched mine but everyone told me that the tutor shouldn't be a reason to chose a certain college; except from Hawking in Physics maybe :P But then I just, u know, read more about Downing and I just really liked it. It's a mid size college, which appeals to me, sporty, open, friendly, not overrun by tourists, not too young etc. I don't know. I'm actually still very happy with my choice.

I don't think u can guess what u'll get for ur interview. I really doubt that. That's just in the nature of the course. Of course it's gonna be about economics if it's two Economics fellows who conduct the interview. So look up the people & that might help.

About the books:
Books about development economics are probably a good start as you've already got the economic basics (which they'll probably test). Sth like The White Man's Burden by Easterly and maybe a book by Jeffrey Sachs. They have very opposing views and that might really help. Just be really good in what u have done for you undergrad degree. And maybe one book about Law. Depending on you interviewers. Oh and I'm not an expert :wink: just what I would do if i were you.

good luck, and chose DOWNING :biggrin:
Reply 330
Original post by 6K6
Don't listen to that Econ guy above, who basically forgot why Economics became so unnaturally competitive - while some Land Economists may be lazy and weaky, some Economists are just awful careerists interested only in IB, not in Economics - they apply having stellar grades and 'rehearsed' interest in the subject. I don't know what is worse.

OK, Economics is more competitive gradewise but please, Land Economy offer holders have now Further Maths, UMS scores over 95% and a decent number of GSCEs. This year at my preference college there were like 20 applicants for 2 places for LandEc - more than the avarage for Economics.

Believe me, there isn't any difference in interview difficulty. Last year I had the interview for Economics, this year for Land Economy. That one for Econ was very mathsy, but doable, with a typical article from 'The Economist'. When you apply for Land Economy, you can get a normal economics interview with maths involved, a human geography interview, or a law interview (it depends on the college).

My PS was not adapted to Land Economy. I tried to focus it on urban and development economics with a hint of macroeconomics. Cambridge is aware of that PS-adjustment problems and will take it into account, so you can have either economics or law PS - it is your choice.

With 3A* at GSCE you have to nail your interview no matter what course you're applying for. So it is your choice, you may get an offer even for Economics (ye ye, many of them don't even take Further Maths and get offers).

So it is your choice at the end, but don't apply to E&M - Oxford is a bad place to be at and they love their TSA and GSCEs so you may not even get an interview.:colone:


sorry did i get that right,

that if in the interview you base it so much on economics and you show phenomenal(sp) aptitude towards the subject they maybe give you a offer for straight econ without maths or f.maths or say maths a level at grade (B)??

thanks
Reply 331
Original post by Gridiron-Gangster
Hi I'm a mature student wanting apply for Land Economy at either Trinity, St Edmund's or Downing. Can anyone possibly advise me on how best prepare my statement towards Land Economy and any recommended reading etc? So far my reading has mainly consisted of The Economist and FT but I need some more books etc. Would general economics books do? I really have no idea how to tackle this. I already have the required qualifications etc. so really need to look good on paper to at least secure an interview. I'll probably head to the library tomorrow and borrow some books to prepare my statement. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you. GG.


Hey mate i just wanted to know what was the outcome of your application? i am in similar shoes for entry 2013

hope things went well
Original post by tans8701
Hey mate i just wanted to know what was the outcome of your application? i am in similar shoes for entry 2013

hope things went well


Hi there.

No sadly I got rejected post-interview seems like a lifetime ago now as I had mine back in late November as I applied for an affiliated spot.

I will be applying for a similar post grad course again soon the Master's in Real Estate Finance so I hope my chances with that will be better.
Reply 333
Original post by Gridiron-Gangster
Hi there.

No sadly I got rejected post-interview seems like a lifetime ago now as I had mine back in late November as I applied for an affiliated spot.

I will be applying for a similar post grad course again soon the Master's in Real Estate Finance so I hope my chances with that will be better.


sorry to hear

i hope you dont mind if i ask a further few questions, what where your quals like? and your age if you dont mind? as an affiliated student does it make it more difficult to gain acceptence?

is it true they interview almost everybody?

best of luck you could also look at lse for that post grad course its also very good
unless oxbridge is your thing
Reply 334
Original post by Al Murray
Hi there,

I'm a mature student and been flirting between the idea of Economics and Land Economy. My other choices on my application will be for Accounting and Finance. For me Economics seems to be too deeply based on Maths and even though I got an A in it, Maths was a struggle and I didn't do Further Maths so I'm veering towards Land Economy.

I read on the careers section on the Lan Econ website that some graduates go into finance/accountancy with the degree. Do these graduates get exemption from any of the accountancy post-grad exams?

Basically my story is that I was medicalstudent but recently had to withdraw due to health grounds affecting my studies although I am appealing against this and have a hearing next. All goes well, I'll stay at medical school. If not I'm looking at other options and Land Economy and Accounting and Finance were amongst those options.

My grades were as follows:

A-Levels (2006) A (maths) A(bio) B(Chem) AS B French

GCSES: 4A* (inc Maths and English), 4A and 2Bs

Now whilst my grades don't appear strong I have spoken briefly to the uni ad they advised doing some sort of an Open University course to "top-up" my grades.

I am keen on applying as Land Economy seems more allied to my strengths/interests than straight Economics andwith there being some vocational elements (like Medicine) and I'm hoping Land Economy would give me good opportunities in Accounting and Finance and eventually allow me to do an MBA.

As for colleges I'm considering: Girton, Hughes Hall, Wolfson and Trinity. Most likely to apply to Hughes Hall or Wolfson if I do.

Could anybody offer me some advice on Land Economy please? Thanks.


hi, how did your application go for reading land economy?

i am in your position i.e mature applicant
Reply 335
Original post by Nonsmoking
Yes, I'm a 3rd year Land Ec student at Pembroke.


i know this has probably been asked a hundred times but is this course VERY geography based or can you pick and choose to focus on economics or law?

Also, are there any lectures you can attend or books to read which might help ith the personal statement?

Thank you!:smile:
Original post by idcarl
i know this has probably been asked a hundred times but is this course VERY geography based or can you pick and choose to focus on economics or law?

Also, are there any lectures you can attend or books to read which might help ith the personal statement?

Thank you!:smile:



Really be interested to hear a reply to this too!
Reply 337
Hi, I am just wondering whether I have an actual chance of getting into Cambridge. After looking at so many different courses in different universities I realized that Cambridge's Land Economy IS the course that I really really want/need. However, I am not sure whether my IB grades are good enough.


HL Math - 6
HL Econs - 6 (sad and unexpectedly disappointing to me, expected 7)
HL Geography - 7
SL - English - 6
SL - Mandarin - 7
SL - Environmental Systems and Societies - 7

TOK & EE - BB (but remarking TOK because I am 1 point away from an A)

Total - 41 but hopefully after remarking 42

Even if these grades are good enough, I am not sure of what to write for my personal statement into Land Economy (its so broad, which is why I love it includes all of the subjects that I love). But without a doubt I am definitely willing to put in all the effort for a successful application.
Reply 338
Also I forgot to include, I understand that Cambridge requires 7, 7, 6 (minimum) at HL for any course. So I do know my chances of getting a place is limited.
Reply 339
Wow I did not know that. Thanks for me giving me hope, really needed that. But sadly, King's does not offer Land Economy. :frown:

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