Reapplication to Cambridge

Post results day, I've decided to take a gap year and apply for the course I'd enjoy doing the most. I had an offer from Cambridge for maths, but during STEP preparation, I realised that maths wasn't the course for me. I achieved A*AA (maths, further maths, physics) and am thinking of applying to Cambridge for economics this year. I'm confident with TMUA prep and my PS, and have a few work experiences in finance. What else should I do/be doing to ensure I have the best chance possible of getting an offer? Is there anything I should be doing differently because I'm on a gap year? In general, what should I be doing specifically for the economics course at Cambridge (if anyone is studying there or knows about admissions)?

Minimum offer for Econ at Cambridge is A*A*A for those doing A levels - see here:
Economics, BA (Hons) | Undergraduate Study (cam.ac.uk)

The requirements are A*A*A for most applicants as I understand.

Would it be alright if I got predicted an A* in an A level I'm retaking, so that I meet the minimum offer requirements?

Would it be alright if I got predicted an A* in an A level I'm retaking, so that I meet the minimum offer requirements?

Would it be alright if I got predicted an A* in an A level I'm retaking, so that I meet the minimum offer requirements?

Yes

Actually no, it won't put you on a level playing field. Part of the challenge of Cambridge is the very fast pace of the course, combined with its intensity, and the fact that most exams are 'one chance only'. The fact that an applicant didn't get the standard grades in one sitting, first time is always going to be something of an issue for admissions teams.
It doesn't mean it is insurmountable - combined perhaps with a very relevant gap year or something else which stands out as a positive, it's not impossible. But simply getting the right grades through multiple attempts isn't a way to achieve a competitive application.

Post results day, I've decided to take a gap year and apply for the course I'd enjoy doing the most. I had an offer from Cambridge for maths, but during STEP preparation, I realised that maths wasn't the course for me. I achieved A*AA (maths, further maths, physics) and am thinking of applying to Cambridge for economics this year. I'm confident with TMUA prep and my PS, and have a few work experiences in finance. What else should I do/be doing to ensure I have the best chance possible of getting an offer? Is there anything I should be doing differently because I'm on a gap year? In general, what should I be doing specifically for the economics course at Cambridge (if anyone is studying there or knows about admissions)?

Actually no, it won't put you on a level playing field. Part of the challenge of Cambridge is the very fast pace of the course, combined with its intensity, and the fact that most exams are 'one chance only'. The fact that an applicant didn't get the standard grades in one sitting, first time is always going to be something of an issue for admissions teams.
It doesn't mean it is insurmountable - combined perhaps with a very relevant gap year or something else which stands out as a positive, it's not impossible. But simply getting the right grades through multiple attempts isn't a way to achieve a competitive application.

I agree with you that it’s not a level playing field. I have a different perspective on Cambridge's approach to selecting Maths applicants. Cambridge expects applicants to achieve high subject grades and high STEP scores in a single sitting. If a candidate falls short on their STEP grades, they are given a second chance to retake the entrance exam the following year and still secure a place (which many candidates have done). However, if a candidate misses the required subject grades due to the A-level and STEP exams being scheduled in the same week, they aren’t given the same consideration.
I agree that applicants must understand that subject grades hold more weight across the board than any other exams. In this situation, because the STEP exams were scheduled between A-level exams, it seems the candidate prioritized STEP and consequently missed out on achieving an A* in their subjects. This has a considerable impact, as all top universities now require these grades to be obtained in a single sitting, placing the candidate at a disadvantage in their applications.
When Cambridge is willing to accept applicants who spend an entire year preparing solely for the STEP/Entrance exam and then secure a place, why not extend the same consideration to those who, due to focusing on the STEP exam, may have missed achieving top grades in their subject exams? In my humble opinion, this leniency could be extended specifically to Mathematics applicants who have taken the STEP exam in a previous year.
I understand that with so many applicants competing for each seat, it’s challenging to apply this additional consideration. However, I would be interested in hearing the perspectives of others or college representatives on this matter.