Thinking of rejecting Cambridge post-results

So, I was accepted into Cambridge for an arts+humanities course on Thursday after narrowly missing my offer (I don't feel comfortable sharing my grades though). And I started to question if I really wanted to go. I'm in a bad place mentally (which A-levels did contribute to) and I feel like if I go to Cambridge, due to the massive workload thar they have I wouldn't be able to cope mentally. I don't wanna go to a high-pressure environment in the state of mind that I'm already in. I'm currently thinking of applying locally to ne able to see if uni is actually for me. I know Cambridge is well-known and you have more opportunities there than other unis. But I feel like I want to experience a less pressing environment. Does anyone have any impartial advice because most people have said to go but disregarded my reasons as to why.

Reply 1

mnot

Universities Forum Helper

20

Original post by Anonymous

So, I was accepted into Cambridge for an arts+humanities course on Thursday after narrowly missing my offer (I don't feel comfortable sharing my grades though). And I started to question if I really wanted to go. I'm in a bad place mentally (which A-levels did contribute to) and I feel like if I go to Cambridge, due to the massive workload thar they have I wouldn't be able to cope mentally. I don't wanna go to a high-pressure environment in the state of mind that I'm already in. I'm currently thinking of applying locally to ne able to see if uni is actually for me. I know Cambridge is well-known and you have more opportunities there than other unis. But I feel like I want to experience a less pressing environment. Does anyone have any impartial advice because most people have said to go but disregarded my reasons as to why.

Do you think asking to defer your offer for 12 months might be worth it?

Gives you more time to think things through and have a mental reset post A-levels.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by mnot

Do you think asking to defer your offer for 12 months might be worth it?
Gives you more time to think things through and have a mental reset post A-levels.

I wouldn't be able to defer for personal reasons and I would prefer to go uni this year.

Reply 3

Tiffany Xie

5

Cambridge should have student support well-being center as most university does? If you feel stress and assignment maybe have chance to apply for extension? Cambridge of course best top UK worldwide. You should try to ask graduates about their study experience there or go to visit the uni and talk to student center about your worries.

Reply 4

Jonjon7

13

Original post by Anonymous

So, I was accepted into Cambridge for an arts+humanities course on Thursday after narrowly missing my offer (I don't feel comfortable sharing my grades though). And I started to question if I really wanted to go. I'm in a bad place mentally (which A-levels did contribute to) and I feel like if I go to Cambridge, due to the massive workload thar they have I wouldn't be able to cope mentally. I don't wanna go to a high-pressure environment in the state of mind that I'm already in. I'm currently thinking of applying locally to ne able to see if uni is actually for me. I know Cambridge is well-known and you have more opportunities there than other unis. But I feel like I want to experience a less pressing environment. Does anyone have any impartial advice because most people have said to go but disregarded my reasons as to why.

Did you choose Cambridge originally? What was your original intended course of study and at which uni?

Original post by Anonymous

So, I was accepted into Cambridge for an arts+humanities course on Thursday after narrowly missing my offer (I don't feel comfortable sharing my grades though). And I started to question if I really wanted to go. I'm in a bad place mentally (which A-levels did contribute to) and I feel like if I go to Cambridge, due to the massive workload thar they have I wouldn't be able to cope mentally. I don't wanna go to a high-pressure environment in the state of mind that I'm already in. I'm currently thinking of applying locally to ne able to see if uni is actually for me. I know Cambridge is well-known and you have more opportunities there than other unis. But I feel like I want to experience a less pressing environment. Does anyone have any impartial advice because most people have said to go but disregarded my reasons as to why.

First of all, don't over-inflate the toughness of Cambridge. Yes, it's probably the toughest, but not by any massive margin, UCL, Warwick, Imperial etc are probably of similar intensity much of the time. Conversely, Cambridge has an extra layer of support that other places don't have, the whole College layer. So you get support, both academic and well-being, at a much closer level than you would at any other Uni.

You also need to consider what's been contributing to your stresses. If it's your inability to manage learning/education, then a gap year is the best answer before any Uni. But if it's anything to do with school, home life etc, then a fresh start at Cam might actually be a helpful change.

Reply 6

Anonymous #2

I think rejecting Cambridge now could also be a bad idea. If you do it and regret it, game over — you can’t exactly go and ask for your place back. If you have the financial means, you could always start there and then, if you find the workload too heavy, drop out.

Thinking of rejecting Cambridge post-results

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