Cant decide what to do - Reapplication to Cambridge

Hello, as the title describes, I am currently at a crossroads following results day and I don't know what to do, and would appreciate some advice.

Today I got into my first choice university (UCL) for maths, and whilst I am thoroughly glad all my work has paid off and I've succeeded in my exams, I have been debating whether or not I should take a gap year and re-apply next year.

This has been a big thing in my mind for a while, as although UCL is a good university, for a number of factors I am not completely sold on it and I am unsure whether I would enjoy being in London after further thought. I still very much want to go to Cambridge. I had my heart set on Cambridge for a while and I am prepared to give another year to re apply, but I want to make sure it is not just a dumb choice.

With this in mind, I was wondering if anybody knew how a year like this tends to work? If your sixth form would still provide the references, and the best ways to prepare and if they will care about a gap year? In addition, it is to my understanding that gap year students need new references, so I was wondering how that might work?

Any advice would be great :smile:

(Apologies if any of this is dumb, I have been trying to get into contact with somebody at sixth form to no success, and I want to make sure I have a clear idea about what I am doing)

Reply 1

Saracen's Fez

Volunteer Section Leader

Original post by MathsEnjoyer

(Apologies if any of this is dumb, I have been trying to get into contact with somebody at sixth form to no success, and I want to make sure I have a clear idea about what I am doing)

Hi, your situation isn't unusual – and while most people do ultimately go to their firm alternative uni, some reapply to Cambridge.

If your sixth form are still willing to write you a reference this October, I think they can still do this. You won't have been that long gone by then anyway, but you need to speak to them about that really.

Also if taking a gap year, think about how you are going to fill that time constructively, and use at least some of it towards supercurriculars and making yourself a stronger applicant for Cambridge in the next cycle.

I know nothing about UCL maths: did you sit STEP or would you still need to do that? :smile: