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The Official Cambridge Applicants for 2024 Entry Thread

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Reply 180
Avatar for emma.i06
emma.i06
1
Original post by Oxford Mum


Thanks @Oxford Mum, this is really helpful :smile:
A Level Results Day 2023 FAQ Thread available now!
(I’m sorry in advance for posting this in both threads- I’m not sure about this and would like to get a range of opinions)

For the teacher reference, does it need to be/should it be from a teacher of the subject(s) you’re applying for. I’m applying for history and french, but I feel that my literature teacher knows me the best and is the one I’d feel most comfortable talking to about my application. I’m worried asking him to write it for me would disadvantage me though, as I’m not applying for english.
Reply 183
Avatar for halesjs
halesjs
4
Original post by closetarchivist
(I’m sorry in advance for posting this in both threads- I’m not sure about this and would like to get a range of opinions)

For the teacher reference, does it need to be/should it be from a teacher of the subject(s) you’re applying for. I’m applying for history and french, but I feel that my literature teacher knows me the best and is the one I’d feel most comfortable talking to about my application. I’m worried asking him to write it for me would disadvantage me though, as I’m not applying for english.


At least at my college, I think we get a reference from each teacher (at least that seems to be the consensus in class - each of them had a one on one discussion with us for ideas of what to put. My sociology teacher said she'd be writing one for all of us, but just be more detailed for the people who are applying for it.) Not sure if it varies depending on school or not.
Original post by halesjs
At least at my college, I think we get a reference from each teacher (at least that seems to be the consensus in class - each of them had a one on one discussion with us for ideas of what to put. My sociology teacher said she'd be writing one for all of us, but just be more detailed for the people who are applying for it.) Not sure if it varies depending on school or not.

Oh okay. I’m an international student so I have no clue what’s normal or not. How many teachers do you have at your college? I have 6 and I feel like 6 references might be a bit excessive.
Original post by closetarchivist
(I’m sorry in advance for posting this in both threads- I’m not sure about this and would like to get a range of opinions)

For the teacher reference, does it need to be/should it be from a teacher of the subject(s) you’re applying for. I’m applying for history and french, but I feel that my literature teacher knows me the best and is the one I’d feel most comfortable talking to about my application. I’m worried asking him to write it for me would disadvantage me though, as I’m not applying for english.


Is this for your reference on UCAS? Really this is up to the school and how they choose to manage it. Schools in the UK will generally have someone (a form tutor, head of sixth form) who generally writes a reference for everyone who needs one. But each subject teacher usually provides some input as to how things are going in their subject, and anything commendable that can be mentioned. Overseas it's potentially up to you and your school to decide who writes it – if you feel there's someone who's best placed, you can of course ask them, but this should be agreed with your school.
Original post by Saracen's Fez
Is this for your reference on UCAS? Really this is up to the school and how they choose to manage it. Schools in the UK will generally have someone (a form tutor, head of sixth form) who generally writes a reference for everyone who needs one. But each subject teacher usually provides some input as to how things are going in their subject, and anything commendable that can be mentioned. Overseas it's potentially up to you and your school to decide who writes it – if you feel there's someone who's best placed, you can of course ask them, but this should be agreed with your school.

Okay, I guess I should talk to my school's admin about this. I've been managing all the application stuff on my own so far because they've never done anything like this before. Besides the information on UCAS, is there any guide for references for schools that I could give to mine? I'm worried I would annoy my principal if I mentioned it to him.
Original post by closetarchivist
Okay, I guess I should talk to my school's admin about this. I've been managing all the application stuff on my own so far because they've never done anything like this before. Besides the information on UCAS, is there any guide for references for schools that I could give to mine? I'm worried I would annoy my principal if I mentioned it to him.

Yep: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/find-out-more/teachers-and-parents/school-college-reference

Would advise everyone makes sure to show/send your referees that.
Original post by closetarchivist
Oh okay. I’m an international student so I have no clue what’s normal or not. How many teachers do you have at your college? I have 6 and I feel like 6 references might be a bit excessive.

I suggest that you ask someone who really knows you and imho sees you in a positive light. You do not want your reference to act as a roadblock.
Original post by Oxford Mum
Fellow parent here (not Cambridge) It's a real feat to get into King's and Cambridge. Crossing my fingers for you


Thank you! Good news on STEP at midnight, and with A-level results and UCAS this morning, so he's in.
Reply 190
Avatar for Scotney
Scotney
20
Original post by emmathehat
Thank you! Good news on STEP at midnight, and with A-level results and UCAS this morning, so he's in.


You will have to join the Cambridge Parents Society on Tsr.Lots of tips about restaurants,parking etc.Congrstulations to your son and to you on becoming a Cambridge Parent!
Original post by emmathehat
Thank you! Good news on STEP at midnight, and with A-level results and UCAS this morning, so he's in.

Oh, I am so happy to hear this!
Original post by lalexm


The University of Cambridge 2024 Entry Thread

Cambridge.jpg

Parents, you are free to comment on this thread to provide words of encouragement to the applicants, but you also have your own thread for parental debates -> https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/sho....php?t=7212699

It never hurts to get ahead of the game when thinking about the future, and in particular - Cambridge Applications!
REMEMBER THOUGH: Cambridge isn't the be-all and end-all of things but being aspirational doesn't hurt!

Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge.

1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?


1) Psychology, Biology, English Literature
2) Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, because I'd like to become a Psychologist in the future.
3) 2 A's (equivalent to 7/8), 8 A*'s (equivalent to 8/9), 1 9
4) I originally did want to apply to Oxford, but Cambridge has a better Psychology course and I prefer the feel of the city
5) This depends on the college you apply to for Psychology, and I'm applying to a college that doesn't require an admissions assessment
6) obviously lots of studying, but also trying to read around the psychology, listening to a few podcasts, and I have managed to get a 3-day placement at a Psychologist clinic over the summer, so I'll be able to see psychology in a setting that I'm looking to go into. Also have done some volunteering and part-time work
7) I want to go on to get a PhD and become a Child Psychologist
8) Magdalene (went on a residential there and fell in love, like the cosy feel of the college)
Hi, just looking for some advice!
I recently got my AS level results back and ended up with 4 As in chem, bio, physics, and maths. I would like to apply to either cambridge or oxford for medicine in 2024, as i really like the idea of their traditional course
I am having trouble deciding on which uni to actually apply to as I like Cambridge' intercalation options more than Oxfords, but the higher offer for Cambridge is putting me off.
Additionally, I will most probably be taking only 3 subjects at Alevel, and was wondering whether this would disadvantage me for Cambridge even at full A* predictions.
I have 10A* at GCSE for context, as I know Oxford values GCSE scores more than cambridge
Original post by Anonymous
Hi, just looking for some advice!
I recently got my AS level results back and ended up with 4 As in chem, bio, physics, and maths. I would like to apply to either cambridge or oxford for medicine in 2024, as i really like the idea of their traditional course
I am having trouble deciding on which uni to actually apply to as I like Cambridge' intercalation options more than Oxfords, but the higher offer for Cambridge is putting me off.
Additionally, I will most probably be taking only 3 subjects at Alevel, and was wondering whether this would disadvantage me for Cambridge even at full A* predictions.
I have 10A* at GCSE for context, as I know Oxford values GCSE scores more than cambridge

As far as I understand having AL subs doesn't disadvantage you, and the standard offer for medicine at Cambridge is A*A*A, as long as your predicted grades are above that then it should be fine. Personally, I don't think that one extra A* compared to Oxford should be your main concern (especially since a standard offer isn't necessarily what you might get)
Original post by Anonymous
Additionally, I will most probably be taking only 3 subjects at Alevel, and was wondering whether this would disadvantage me for Cambridge even at full A* predictions.
I have 10A* at GCSE for context, as I know Oxford values GCSE scores more than cambridge


No – Cambridge only expects applicants to be studying 3 subjects. (I assume you're Welsh/Northern Irish/international? In England under the new system it's much less common to pick up a fourth subject than it used to be.)

Oxford is more interested in GCSEs than Cambridge, yes – though obviously not an issue with your grades. They'll also be very good to take to other med schools that place quite a lot of emphasis on GCSEs. Cambridge used to put quite a lot of emphasis on AS marks but can't any more now that all their English applicants don't have AS marks.
Reply 196
Avatar for Scotney
Scotney
20
Original post by Anonymous
Hi, just looking for some advice!
I recently got my AS level results back and ended up with 4 As in chem, bio, physics, and maths. I would like to apply to either cambridge or oxford for medicine in 2024, as i really like the idea of their traditional course
I am having trouble deciding on which uni to actually apply to as I like Cambridge' intercalation options more than Oxfords, but the higher offer for Cambridge is putting me off.
Additionally, I will most probably be taking only 3 subjects at Alevel, and was wondering whether this would disadvantage me for Cambridge even at full A* predictions.
I have 10A* at GCSE for context, as I know Oxford values GCSE scores more than cambridge

Go for Oxford.Less pressure with just one A star and if you are accepted in Jan more likely to keep your place.
Original post by lalexm
The University of Cambridge 2024 Entry Thread

Cambridge.jpg

Parents, you are free to comment on this thread to provide words of encouragement to the applicants, but you also have your own thread for parental debates -> https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/sho....php?t=7212699

It never hurts to get ahead of the game when thinking about the future, and in particular - Cambridge Applications!
REMEMBER THOUGH: Cambridge isn't the be-all and end-all of things but being aspirational doesn't hurt!

Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge.

1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?

1) Maths, Further Maths, and Psychology
2) Philosophy. I've always been a naturally curious person, and I found every subject to be thought provoking in different ways/
3)8877776655 (let a person have hope :frown:)
4) Oxford doesn't do pure Philosophy
5) Logical tests and an essay if I get accepted for an interview
6) I've always been debating about different philosophical views lol, alongside reading loads of books to introspect.
7) Further introspection
8) Selwyn college
Original post by Anonymous
1) Maths, Further Maths, and Psychology
2) Philosophy. I've always been a naturally curious person, and I found every subject to be thought provoking in different ways/
3)8877776655 (let a person have hope :frown:)
4) Oxford doesn't do pure Philosophy
5) Logical tests and an essay if I get accepted for an interview
6) I've always been debating about different philosophical views lol, alongside reading loads of books to introspect.
7) Further introspection
8) Selwyn college

A*AA for my predicted grades, I forgot to put them in
Reply 199
Avatar for lalexm
lalexm
OP
16
Just a reminder that it is better to post on this thread with your username rather than anonymous, as it makes it easier for contributions to provide guidance to help you through your journey.

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