Emma vs Clare for MML Cambridge

I am going into Y13, and I'm applying to Cambridge for MML (German and ab initio Russian) in October. I am trying to decide whether to apply to Emmanuel college or Clare college. I have been around both, and I can see myself in both environments. I study German, English lit and Psychology at A-level, with all A* predicted. I did an EPQ last year, which I am still waiting to receive a mark from, and I received 11 9s at GCSE (which was not particularly usual for my school) - so I'm not too worried about strategic application, although that comes into play in my decision-making.

Here are my factors for each college:

Emma:
I love the college itself
The location is good in general
It has an okay acceptance rate for my course (4/10 in 2024)
It is a good size
I would get an in-person interview

Clare:
I might love this college even more
It is right next to the MMLL faculty
It is also a good size
It has better choral music than Emma (a big part of my decision)
I think it has a similar percentage of acceptances as Emma, but obviously with more applicants
I have talked to the Russian fellow and the admissions officer, and I really liked them both

The main part of my indecision is due to the interview process. I would much rather do an in-person interview, and Emmanuel offers this, whilst for Clare I would have to do an online one, which would really impair my experience.

Do you think I am overthinking this? I feel like if it weren't for the interview structure I would instantly apply for Clare, but it makes quite a big difference to me. Also I am technically more likely to get pooled if I apply to Clare, but that would be ok (depending on which college I were to be pooled to!). I would really appreciate some advice on this! Thank you!

Reply 1

Saracen's Fez

Volunteer Section Leader

It's a difficult one, because on the one hand the interviews are an hour, compared to spending three years in a place. That said, it's a very important hour in determining whether you get to spend those three years there!

What is it about an online interview that is putting you off? (Especially given all other Clare applicants would be in the same situation?)

Reply 2

marthajlight

Thanks for the response! To be honest, I’m not that bothered about the online interview - I’ve done a lot of academic zoom stuff, so I’ve had decent practice, and I understand that it’s only an hour for three (four including year abroad) years of my life. I think I’ve convinced myself in Clare’s favour through this post, although part of me wishes all the colleges had an in-person option.

Reply 3

Saracen's Fez

Volunteer Section Leader

Original post by marthajlight

Yes it's not been uncontroversial that a lot of colleges never returned to interviewing in person post-covid. On the one hand, it makes it easier to not have the logistics of people travelling to Cambridge, colleges needing to put interviewees up in accommodation etc. On the other hand, none of these things are quite the same online and it means applicants miss out on a change to get to Cambridge and experience what it's like to sit in an interview (which is very similar to an actual supervision).

But moaning aside, it's great that you've come to a decision! :h: