Law in UK or Dent in IRE?

Hi guys. I'm currently SUPER conflicted as I'm faced with a big life changing choice.

I recieved an offer from Cambridge to study Law recently and just a few minutes ago, I received an offer from Trinity College Dublin (in my home country Ireland) to study Dentistry.

I'm so grateful for both of these offers but I'm so confused. This choice will impact the rest of my life. I was set on going to Cambridge until a few minutes ago.

One thing that's holding me back is the competition within the legal field. So many people want to do law conversion courses, there are only a few spaces within good law firms etc.etc. I'm also not completely sure if I'm capable of studying law.

On the other hand, dentistry is less competitive, and it may have a higher salary. The syllabus is more about memorising and things like that so I don't think I'll find it extremely difficult. It'll also be closer to home compared to moving countries.

I did Biology and Chemistry in secondary school and as Ireland doesn't offer Law as a subject in school, I have no experience of law as an academic subject apart from what I've done for my super curriculars.

I'm just so very conflicted rn and I have to reply to this offer by the 3rd of September or it's gone. I was also very excited about going to Cambridge as I worked extremely hard for it...but dentistry is a slightly more viable career...

I'll have to sit down and truly think about this. Any help would be appreciated.

Reply 1

AkraeynGlowheart

Original post

by Coeoe

Hi guys. I'm currently SUPER conflicted as I'm faced with a big life changing choice.
I recieved an offer from Cambridge to study Law recently and just a few minutes ago, I received an offer from Trinity College Dublin (in my home country Ireland) to study Dentistry.
I'm so grateful for both of these offers but I'm so confused. This choice will impact the rest of my life. I was set on going to Cambridge until a few minutes ago.
One thing that's holding me back is the competition within the legal field. So many people want to do law conversion courses, there are only a few spaces within good law firms etc.etc. I'm also not completely sure if I'm capable of studying law.
On the other hand, dentistry is less competitive, and it may have a higher salary. The syllabus is more about memorising and things like that so I don't think I'll find it extremely difficult. It'll also be closer to home compared to moving countries.
I did Biology and Chemistry in secondary school and as Ireland doesn't offer Law as a subject in school, I have no experience of law as an academic subject apart from what I've done for my super curriculars.
I'm just so very conflicted rn and I have to reply to this offer by the 3rd of September or it's gone. I was also very excited about going to Cambridge as I worked extremely hard for it...but dentistry is a slightly more viable career...
I'll have to sit down and truly think about this. Any help would be appreciated.

You have no experience of studying either yet right? So which one have you enjoyed super curriculars for the most/ enjoy researching the most?
Also, law can be a lot more versatile in case you decide down the line that you don't like it, but with dentistry you kind of have to stay in healthcare.

Reply 2

Coeoe

Original post

by AkraeynGlowheart

I haven’t done any super curriculars for dentistry as Ireland doesn’t require personal statements like the UK. I believe I can enjoy either as long as I put my mind to it.

The second point is quite true. I’m just worried I may not be able to find a job with a law degree as there are so many people opting to become lawyers nowadays. Also, apparently dentists, orthodontists etc. have pretty good pay.

After receiving many opinions, I think I’m leaning towards Law despite the challenges it brings. We’ll see though. Thanks for the input!

Reply 3

veryclueless

do you have any tips on applying for law in cambridge?xx

Reply 4

Coeoe

Original post

by veryclueless

do you have any tips on applying for law in cambridge?xx

Prepare early, or if you don't have the time left to start early, you have to work really hard in the time you have left. The deadline for submission is so early compared to everything else so you have to be ready.

They want to see academic interest and passion. They want to see growth and confidence. Try express this within your PS (next year it'll be PS questions)

Do relatively well in the LNAT- both sections. You'd want a fairly high section A score (normally around 27+ depending on the average of the year) and you'd want a good solid essay for section B.

In the interview, they want to see if you can pick up on nuances and express yourself clearly. They want to know what YOU think.

Honestly, some part of it boils down to luck, but the more work you put in, the higher chance you have.

If you're from Ireland I would recommend the Irish2Oxbridge organisation. We are an Oxbridge student-led group that are eager to help prospective Irish Oxbridge applicants to succeed. We've all been through the same process, so we are well-equipped to help.