Should I apply to cambridge or apply elsewhere and strengthen my application?

Should I apply to cambridge economics?

Here’s my stats:
GCSE: 9988887766
9 In maths ( I sat in year 10 )
A Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Physics
Predicted: A*A*A*A
Achieved: A in AS further maths (highest grade possible)
Im set on applying to LSE, Warwick, Imperial and Leeds for economics. I’ve visited Cambridge and I thought it was okay but just very different we’re im from (midlands).
So essentially should I apply to cambridge if i have a decent chance of getting in or should I hold on and improve my predicteds, personal statement etc instead of having to apply before 14th October

Reply 1

thegeek888

Original post by lilmaka

Should I apply to cambridge economics?
Here’s my stats:
GCSE: 9988887766
9 In maths ( I sat in year 10 )
A Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Physics
Predicted: A*A*A*A
Achieved: A in AS further maths (highest grade possible)
Im set on applying to LSE, Warwick, Imperial and Leeds for economics. I’ve visited Cambridge and I thought it was okay but just very different we’re im from (midlands).
So essentially should I apply to cambridge if i have a decent chance of getting in or should I hold on and improve my predicteds, personal statement etc instead of having to apply before 14th October

Yes apply!!! 🙂 Girton, Homerton and St. Catharine's get a lot of "Open" applications.

Reply 2

bibachu

Original post by lilmaka

Should I apply to cambridge economics?
Here’s my stats:
GCSE: 9988887766
9 In maths ( I sat in year 10 )
A Levels: Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Physics
Predicted: A*A*A*A
Achieved: A in AS further maths (highest grade possible)
Im set on applying to LSE, Warwick, Imperial and Leeds for economics. I’ve visited Cambridge and I thought it was okay but just very different we’re im from (midlands).
So essentially should I apply to cambridge if i have a decent chance of getting in or should I hold on and improve my predicteds, personal statement etc instead of having to apply before 14th October

Your stats are not an issue, but you shouldn’t just apply because you have the grades. Cambridge will be looking for committed applicants who can demonstrate a passion for their course and, more importantly, want to go to Cambridge. The supervision system at Cambridge is just one of many unique qualities the university has. I would recommend doing some more research on Cambridge, as it sounds like you weren’t fully convinced when visiting (which may in itself be a sign). Hold off on applying for now while you conduct your research and use this time to focus on your application. Your personal statement will be a major factor for LSE, but Cambridge and your other universities will also look at your personal statement and it should demonstrate your passion for economics well (or at least well enough to meet Oxbridge standards). You already have very good predicted grades and ultimately, having overinflated predictions may do more harm than good in the end. Teachers are judged for their accuracy when making predictions, so if you feel as though your predictions are fair, I don’t think it will make much of a difference to your application, as you already meet the minimum requirements. I’m also applying to Cambridge this year for law - good luck with your applications :smile:

Reply 3

bibachu

Also note that applying to a college strategically is usually never a good idea, but there are a few exceptions (e.g. maths at Trinity is one to be avoided, unless you rank top at a national or international level in maths olympiads). I don’t believe there are any particular red flags for economics, although Trinity received the most applications in the 2024 admissions cycle.