Should I apply to Cambridge?
Although I'm biased due to my inferiority complex, I'm wondering if my qualifications are enough to apply...
In GCSEs, I achieved 667899999 and for my A-levels, I'm predicted A*A*A with a B or an A in my EPQ (The entry requirement for architecture is A*AA btw) + relatively extensive extracurricular experience. I come from the North-west in a place which doesn't exactly churn out people with good grades which is what the university, I think, is looking for. However, architecture is a pretty competitive course there with very few places and I see quite a few people on here with straight 9s and A*s (they likely went to private school) and was wondering if it would still be worth applying.
Any help is appreciated!
In GCSEs, I achieved 667899999 and for my A-levels, I'm predicted A*A*A with a B or an A in my EPQ (The entry requirement for architecture is A*AA btw) + relatively extensive extracurricular experience. I come from the North-west in a place which doesn't exactly churn out people with good grades which is what the university, I think, is looking for. However, architecture is a pretty competitive course there with very few places and I see quite a few people on here with straight 9s and A*s (they likely went to private school) and was wondering if it would still be worth applying.
Any help is appreciated!
(edited 10 months ago)
Reply 1
Hi there,
Is it worth applying?
The first thing I will say is that the worst they can do is say no. Does it suck if they do? Yes, and I get why you would want to avoid going through the process if you're going to be told no at the end. However, applying gives you a chance. So I would say apply.
Are the grades high enough?
In terms of grades, it is complicated. Obviously the main goal is to be predicted the minimum entry requirement for your course, and then on top of that, have a personal statement that does you justice and shows that you have aptitude, potential, and passion. If there are any admissions tests, obviously do those. In terms of GCSEs, this is what Cambridge say: "There are no GCSE (or equivalent) requirements for entry to Cambridge.
We will look at your GCSE results as an indicator of your academic performance. But this will be within the context of the performance of the school/college where you achieved your GCSEs."
That is to say, they will look at your GCSE grades to see if you are actually likely to get those grades at A level. However, they also take the context of your academic environment into account - if everyone in your school is getting on average 5s, and you have seven Grade 7-9, that is rather different to everyone getting eleven 9s and you getting 6s (if that makes sense?).
"I come from the North-west in a place which doesn't exactly churn out people with good grades which is what the university want"
I wouldn't say that they want people with good grades for the sake of it. It is not the goal of Oxbridge to say "90% of our students achieved xyz at A level" for the sake of it, they have high hurdles because it means the academic standard is high, and because you will suffer otherwise - it is demanding, and if you can't cope with high academic pressure, it would be hellish. But what Cambridge won't do is go "ah they come from wherever, they aren't known for high grades, let's immediately scrap them". They look at your predicted grades, your GCSE grades (all of which are contextualised), as well as admissions tests, and personal statement. On top of that, I remind you about 70-80% of applicants get an interview, which can also be quite decisive - you could be predicted 6 A*s, but if you are obstinate, apathetic, and not likely to thrive and that comes across in the interview, it doesn't matter how academically impressive you are.
"Every applicant is considered individually in an holistic assessment using all the information available to us:
Hopefully this helps a bit - I know what it's like applying (I have an offer for Selwyn and am currently waiting for A level results) and the whole process is daunting and complicated and long and sometimes you just go "Why did I do this to myself?", but the worst thing you can do is take yourself out of the race before it's even begun, so apply. Oh, and if you have an idea of which college you'd like to apply to, google their admissions office, and contact the undergraduate admissions officer. Seriously, they're lovely and very helpful, and part of their job is to help prospective students, and they can answer this question much better than anyone here can. If you have any other questions, do ask! (although I warn you my offer is for ASNaC, so my knowledge of the architecture application specifics is non existent). Best of luck!
Is it worth applying?
The first thing I will say is that the worst they can do is say no. Does it suck if they do? Yes, and I get why you would want to avoid going through the process if you're going to be told no at the end. However, applying gives you a chance. So I would say apply.
Are the grades high enough?
In terms of grades, it is complicated. Obviously the main goal is to be predicted the minimum entry requirement for your course, and then on top of that, have a personal statement that does you justice and shows that you have aptitude, potential, and passion. If there are any admissions tests, obviously do those. In terms of GCSEs, this is what Cambridge say: "There are no GCSE (or equivalent) requirements for entry to Cambridge.
We will look at your GCSE results as an indicator of your academic performance. But this will be within the context of the performance of the school/college where you achieved your GCSEs."
That is to say, they will look at your GCSE grades to see if you are actually likely to get those grades at A level. However, they also take the context of your academic environment into account - if everyone in your school is getting on average 5s, and you have seven Grade 7-9, that is rather different to everyone getting eleven 9s and you getting 6s (if that makes sense?).
"I come from the North-west in a place which doesn't exactly churn out people with good grades which is what the university want"
I wouldn't say that they want people with good grades for the sake of it. It is not the goal of Oxbridge to say "90% of our students achieved xyz at A level" for the sake of it, they have high hurdles because it means the academic standard is high, and because you will suffer otherwise - it is demanding, and if you can't cope with high academic pressure, it would be hellish. But what Cambridge won't do is go "ah they come from wherever, they aren't known for high grades, let's immediately scrap them". They look at your predicted grades, your GCSE grades (all of which are contextualised), as well as admissions tests, and personal statement. On top of that, I remind you about 70-80% of applicants get an interview, which can also be quite decisive - you could be predicted 6 A*s, but if you are obstinate, apathetic, and not likely to thrive and that comes across in the interview, it doesn't matter how academically impressive you are.
"Every applicant is considered individually in an holistic assessment using all the information available to us:
•
their academic record, including GCSE and AS (or equivalent) grades and marks and A level (or equivalent) grades or predictions, this record being considered in the context of the quality (but not type) of schools/colleges at which it was achieved
•
the school/college reference
•
the personal statement
•
submitted work, where requested
•
performance in any written assessment
•
contextual data
•
performance at interview, if interviewed"
Hopefully this helps a bit - I know what it's like applying (I have an offer for Selwyn and am currently waiting for A level results) and the whole process is daunting and complicated and long and sometimes you just go "Why did I do this to myself?", but the worst thing you can do is take yourself out of the race before it's even begun, so apply. Oh, and if you have an idea of which college you'd like to apply to, google their admissions office, and contact the undergraduate admissions officer. Seriously, they're lovely and very helpful, and part of their job is to help prospective students, and they can answer this question much better than anyone here can. If you have any other questions, do ask! (although I warn you my offer is for ASNaC, so my knowledge of the architecture application specifics is non existent). Best of luck!
Original post by Lydia_Mal...
Although I'm biased due to my inferiority complex, I'm wondering if my qualifications are enough to apply...
In GCSEs, I achieved 667789999 and for my A-levels, I'm predicted A*A*A with a B or an A in my EPQ (The entry requirement for architecture is A*AA btw) + relatively extensive extracurricular experience. I come from the North-west in a place which doesn't exactly churn out people with good grades which is what the university, I think, is looking for. However, architecture is a pretty competitive course there with very few places and I see quite a few people on here with straight 9s and A*s (they likely went to private school) and was wondering if it would still be worth applying.
Any help is appreciated!
In GCSEs, I achieved 667789999 and for my A-levels, I'm predicted A*A*A with a B or an A in my EPQ (The entry requirement for architecture is A*AA btw) + relatively extensive extracurricular experience. I come from the North-west in a place which doesn't exactly churn out people with good grades which is what the university, I think, is looking for. However, architecture is a pretty competitive course there with very few places and I see quite a few people on here with straight 9s and A*s (they likely went to private school) and was wondering if it would still be worth applying.
Any help is appreciated!
Give it a go. You have five choices on your UCAS application so you can afford one risky choice. Architecture is one of the most competitive courses at Cambridge so start to look at the portfolio requirements and the additional reading recommendations:
https://www.arct.cam.ac.uk/Downloads/books-recommended-for-reading
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