The Official Cambridge Applicants for 2023 Entry Thread

Hi, just wanted some advise. @Oxford Mum

So I want to apply for Cambridge in 2023 ( I have just started year 12), and from reading lots of other forums, many applicants take 4 a-levels, but I am only taking 3 ( and an EPQ in second year). Do you think that I will be disadvantaged when applying for Cambridge.

In my college its not too late to take up another A-level but I have already missed out on so much content. Should I take a fourth or stick to just three?

Hey! As a 2022 applicant (just 12 more days until I get probably rejected haha!) if anyone has any questions about the application process, feel free to message me. (I applied for English at Fitzwilliam if that helps anyone specifically)

Coming from a state school student, the admissions process felt really alien to me at first and I literally *lived* off of forums like this to help during the application, so if there's someone out there in a similar position feel free to get in contact!

One thing I will say is:

Cambridge is an incredible university with fantastic resources and environment; but try not to let your application define your perception of your ability. I really struggled with this when applying, as I felt I justified my abilities by the fact that I was applying to Cambridge. At the end of the day, no matter how wonderful the institution is, the admissions process is intense and a rejection can be quite upsetting - you're incredible (and so much more than your grades!), and merely applying to Oxbridge shows you're resilient and focused enough to settle anywhere, whether that eventually be Cambridge or another university!

Good luck to you all, feel free to drop any questions if needed

How did you do ?

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
Politics, History, Classical Civilisation + EPQ
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
History, I've always loved history since I was a child, it's my passion, it's really cringing but I've spent every spare minute since I was little reading and learning as much as I possibly can about History
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4 A*s 5As 2Bs C and a pass in additional maths ( I sat the old system for grading) I'm a bit worried about my GCSE grades as I feel they're much lower than the majority of applicants. I come from a school that didn't really care much for high achievers.
4) Why Cambridge specifically? why not Oxford?
I've just never really had the same feeling about Oxford. It doesn't give me the same thrill and excitement that Cambridge gives me.
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
Depending on what College I choose I may have to sit the HAT.
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
I got the opportunity to do some work experience in a museum and I've been reading and learning as much as I possibly can about history.
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
Totally random and different but I either want to go into teaching or join the royal navy
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
I'm leaning towards Homerton but I also like the look of Jesus and Newnham

Anyone considering law might want to check out Cambridge's new online course on futurelearn: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/exploring-law-studying-law-at-university

Hey! I got pooled and then rejected, but I fit the criteria for August Reconsideration

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
Politics, History, Classical Civilisation + EPQ
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
History, I've always loved history since I was a child, it's my passion, it's really cringing but I've spent every spare minute since I was little reading and learning as much as I possibly can about History
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4 A*s 5As 2Bs C and a pass in additional maths ( I sat the old system for grading) I'm a bit worried about my GCSE grades as I feel they're much lower than the majority of applicants. I come from a school that didn't really care much for high achievers.
4) Why Cambridge specifically? why not Oxford?
I've just never really had the same feeling about Oxford. It doesn't give me the same thrill and excitement that Cambridge gives me.
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
Depending on what College I choose I may have to sit the HAT.
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
I got the opportunity to do some work experience in a museum and I've been reading and learning as much as I possibly can about history.
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
Totally random and different but I either want to go into teaching or join the royal navy
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
I'm leaning towards Homerton but I also like the look of Jesus and Newnham

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?

I do the IB programme..... I take Biology, Chemistry, and French at Higher level and Maths, Economics, and English literature at Standard level

2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?

PBS, because it is the only course in a top UK uni to include the behavioral aspect of psychology

3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?

I didn't do any GCSEs

4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?

Because I not only prefer the course but the closeness of living in a small town. Also the societies...

5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?

I take my IB exams in may, but I might have to sit for the TSA for specific colleges

6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?

I went to a lot of online courses and lectures, but I'm not sure I will include them in my personal statement

7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?

To be accepted into a good masters program (hopefully Oxford) and complete a PhD in the US, and do research (more funding)

8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?


I'm debating between Homerton and Christ... Whichever is more fun

Politics, English and Geography, predicted 3A*
HSPS
Achieved 999999987
Oxford don’t have an HSPS equivalent, they have PPE but I’m not a fan of economics
No admissions test!!
An online course, read books, part of a political campaign
Political journalist or civil servant
Maybe trinity hall or pembroke or kings

1) What A Levels are you taking from September (or other eligible qualifications)?
Biology, Geography and Economics
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
Geography. I love how it incorporates both social and physical sciences; it's a way to understand the world better.
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
9999999887 A* (did a GCSE 3 years early with the old grading system)
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
A lot of my family went there and I loved visiting the city. I haven't 100% ruled out Oxford though.
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
There is a Geography Admissions Assessment for 3 colleges
6) What have you done in lockdown to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
Deciding to apply to Cambridge is a recent decision for me so I've started a bit late but I've been doing reading/watching documentaries on subjects I'm interested in.
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
I'd like to work at the Environment Agency
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
Not yet