A-level grades for Cambridge NatSci (Biological)

I got my A level results last week. I'm about to take a gap year and work in a lab, and apply for NatSci at Cambridge.

I want to apply for biological NatSci, but here's the issue. I got A* in Maths, Further Maths and physics. I got A in chemistry and biology. I know these are good results, but I'm worried that if I apply with these grades then they'll think that I should be applying for physical, not biological sciences.

Is this an issue or am I making a big deal over nothing. Should I retake chem/ bio, or at least state that I'm willing to on my application somewhere?

Reply 1

thegeek888

18

Original post by MathsBen2520

I got my A level results last week. I'm about to take a gap year and work in a lab, and apply for NatSci at Cambridge.

I want to apply for biological NatSci, but here's the issue. I got A* in Maths, Further Maths and physics. I got A in chemistry and biology. I know these are good results, but I'm worried that if I apply with these grades then they'll think that I should be applying for physical, not biological sciences.

Is this an issue or am I making a big deal over nothing. Should I retake chem/ bio, or at least state that I'm willing to on my application somewhere?

Working in a laboratory is an excellent way to spend your gap year. But you have 3A*'s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and 2A's in Chemistry and Biology. It would be foolish to retake Chemistry and Biology as they are already at A grades.

Focus on your UCAS Personal Statement and the SAQ.

https://storage.googleapis.com/wp-static/oxbridgeapplications.com/2019/11/Tell-Me-About-A-Banana-e-Book.pdf

Reply 2

alfwego

6

Original post by MathsBen2520

I got my A level results last week. I'm about to take a gap year and work in a lab, and apply for NatSci at Cambridge.
I want to apply for biological NatSci, but here's the issue. I got A* in Maths, Further Maths and physics. I got A in chemistry and biology. I know these are good results, but I'm worried that if I apply with these grades then they'll think that I should be applying for physical, not biological sciences.
Is this an issue or am I making a big deal over nothing. Should I retake chem/ bio, or at least state that I'm willing to on my application somewhere?

Hi!

I just wanted to ask how you managed to get work at a lab. I'm trying to take a gap year too but its hard to find somewhere that'll take me on lol.

Reply 3

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

18

Unfortunately, it may make you a less competitive applicant for Biological Natural Sciences. Furthermore, note that Churchill, Corpus Christi, Jesus and Lucy Cavendish have additional college-specific requirements that you no longer meet. That's not to say it's not worth applying to other colleges / Cambridge in general, but the rest of your application ought to be stellar.

A-level grades for Cambridge NatSci (Biological)

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