The Student Room Group

Nat science (physical) without further maths.

Hi,

I’m in a year 12 right now and I’m doing bio physics and maths. I only released in February that I wanted to nat science at Cambridge and therefore did not take further maths.’It’s now too late to join the course’ is what my teachers are saying. Is there anyone who’s taking the course right now, specifically physical , that applied without further maths and managed to get in and what grades did you get in what subjects.

Reply 1

Original post by Apiidba
Hi,
I’m in a year 12 right now and I’m doing bio physics and maths. I only released in February that I wanted to nat science at Cambridge and therefore did not take further maths.’It’s now too late to join the course’ is what my teachers are saying. Is there anyone who’s taking the course right now, specifically physical , that applied without further maths and managed to get in and what grades did you get in what subjects.

Hey, I'm not doing the course. I'm in year 12 as well. Doing Fm, maths, physics and chemistry. As per my understanding and conversations we've had in my school, further mathematics is definitely not a requirement for 'science' courses at oxbridge. In 'applying to oxbridge' seminars I've attended this question has definitely been asked a lot. Their answer is that it is definitely NOT necessary, but helpful. So my advice is to just keep doing difficult questions and improving your mathematical skills just to show that you're interested in furthering your ability beyond just the a-level curriculum

Reply 2

Original post by Studious_Kumar
Hey, I'm not doing the course. I'm in year 12 as well. Doing Fm, maths, physics and chemistry. As per my understanding and conversations we've had in my school, further mathematics is definitely not a requirement for 'science' courses at oxbridge. In 'applying to oxbridge' seminars I've attended this question has definitely been asked a lot. Their answer is that it is definitely NOT necessary, but helpful. So my advice is to just keep doing difficult questions and improving your mathematical skills just to show that you're interested in furthering your ability beyond just the a-level curriculum

Yes, I was considering just focusing on my maths skills further but thought that it wouldn’t matter cause there’d always be someone else applying who did do further maths and got an A. My plan rn is to make sure I achieve 3 A* instead of the common offer basis of 2 A* A. I think I’ll join a maths competition to further show that me not taking further maths is not due to my lack of ability but just pure luck.
Thank you for your response

Reply 3

Bath - for Physics pathway - entry requirements are A levels in Biology, Mathematics and Physics OR Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics - additional FM gives you no advantage - Natural Sciences courses (bath.ac.uk)

Reply 4

I would just be weary that they could ask at interview why you have chosen not to take further maths given that its an option at your school/college. So make sure you have done some extra maths outside the curriculum to demonstrate your proficiency.
Original post by Apiidba
Yes, I was considering just focusing on my maths skills further but thought that it wouldn’t matter cause there’d always be someone else applying who did do further maths and got an A. My plan rn is to make sure I achieve 3 A* instead of the common offer basis of 2 A* A. I think I’ll join a maths competition to further show that me not taking further maths is not due to my lack of ability but just pure luck.
Thank you for your response

Hi, as someone who is interested in nat sci biological, I have stumbled across some information for natsci physical.
further maths is not a requirement for physical natural sciences at Cambridge and I believe it’s no less 50% of applicants who have it as a subject, so you are not at a disadvantage. I would recommend doing maths extra curricular programmes. You don’t need to do STEP or AEA unless specified. Maybe look into the Senior Maths Challenge which you can sit in Year 13, British Maths Olympiad, Team Maths Challenges offered by MEI.

There are some maths open and taster days offered by St John’s college in Cambridge , along with a one day residential for the natural sciences. Maybe check those out as it will support your application!

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