Law at Cambridge
Cambridge state that maths as an a level is recommended as one of your a levels for law. I do bio, chem, maths although there is no specific subject requirement for law unis, will my a levels put me at a disadvantage compared to ppl with essay based subjects when applying to top law unis??
Original post by Anonymous_Fly
Cambridge state that maths as an a level is recommended as one of your a levels for law. I do bio, chem, maths although there is no specific subject requirement for law unis, will my a levels put me at a disadvantage compared to ppl with essay based subjects when applying to top law unis??
This is what Cambridge actually say:
Subject requirements
While we don't ask for any specific subjects to apply to Law, we would recommend certain subjects for a strong application:
•
English (language or literature)
•
History
•
Languages (ancient or modern)
and "Most had usually studied at least one of the subjects recommended above."
Therefore yes, you may be at a disadvantage. Also, if not taking an essay subject means that your essay writing skills aren't as developed, this may result in a worse LNAT essay score, which will also reflect poorly in your application.
From what i heard from a professor, the subject preferences are largely based on what the college master wants... take my words with a grain of salt though
Original post by makotoyuuki
From what i heard from a professor, the subject preferences are largely based on what the college master wants... take my words with a grain of salt though
It is very unlikely that the college master / equivalent title would have any relevance.
Original post by Anonymous_Fly
Cambridge state that maths as an a level is recommended as one of your a levels for law. I do bio, chem, maths although there is no specific subject requirement for law unis, will my a levels put me at a disadvantage compared to ppl with essay based subjects when applying to top law unis??
You won’t be at a disadvantage for not taking any recommended subjects, however, you may be at a disadvantage if your LNAT essay is not up to par with Cambridge’s standards as a result of not taking any essay based subjects at A level. If you haven’t already sat your LNAT, I would recommend sharpening up your essay skills to present the best possible image of your abilities to them. The same goes for your personal statement; make sure it is well written with correct grammar and spelling. Don’t faff about with complex language if it’s not necessary, but make sure that it’s not dull or concerningly simplistic (e.g. “I want to study law because I like to argue” or some other basic cliche). This is assuming you haven’t yet submitted your application. If you have applied or do end up applying - good luck! I’m a fellow Cambridge law applicant this year, so wishing you all the best with your application
Original post by Anonymous_Fly
Cambridge state that maths as an a level is recommended as one of your a levels for law. I do bio, chem, maths although there is no specific subject requirement for law unis, will my a levels put me at a disadvantage compared to ppl with essay based subjects when applying to top law unis??
I am not sure why you have taken STEM subjects but want to study a non-STEM course. I am not criticising your options but simply observing it.
If you have your LNAT and other materials, please carry on. Else, i would suggest that you consider studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge.
Original post by Wired_1800
I am not sure why you have taken STEM subjects but want to study a non-STEM course. I am not criticising your options but simply observing it.
If you have your LNAT and other materials, please carry on. Else, i would suggest that you consider studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge.
If you have your LNAT and other materials, please carry on. Else, i would suggest that you consider studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge.
It’s bc I am driven towards medicine/dentistry, but I still rlly like Law.
Original post by Anonymous_Fly
It’s bc I am driven towards medicine/dentistry, but I still rlly like Law.
You need to get things clear in your mind, so you don't regret making the wrong move.
If you want to do Law, great.
Original post by Anonymous_Fly
Cambridge state that maths as an a level is recommended as one of your a levels for law. I do bio, chem, maths although there is no specific subject requirement for law unis, will my a levels put me at a disadvantage compared to ppl with essay based subjects when applying to top law unis??
I’m in a similar position to you (STEM A Levels, Y13 applicant) and I’ve been told by the college I’m applying to that they prefer my subjects because they’re more “academically rigorous” than other conventional “law A Levels” like politics, law, RS, etc. and that they find applicants with STEM subjects to perform better at interviews, etc.
In regards to essay writing, I’ve never found myself at disadvantage because I don’t do essay subjects. If anything, I think it gave me an advantage in essay competitions. However, that does mean you need to practice for the LNAT essay section, but then again, so does everyone.
However, they did advise not to apply to colleges like Downing that do have a preference for essay subjects, so I think it does depend on college a bit.
I was also told by the law faculty ignore people who say that doing STEM A Levels will disadvantage you, because frankly speaking, it won’t as law is an interdisciplinary subject and very very different to any subject you can study at A Level. They’re looking for logical thought, and other similar skills.
Original post by Wired_1800
I am not sure why you have taken STEM subjects but want to study a non-STEM course. I am not criticising your options but simply observing it.
If you have your LNAT and other materials, please carry on. Else, i would suggest that you consider studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge.
If you have your LNAT and other materials, please carry on. Else, i would suggest that you consider studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge.
Changing from Law to Natural Sciences just because of A Level choices is wild. Law has no specific subject requirements!
Original post by nwar
Changing from Law to Natural Sciences just because of A Level choices is wild. Law has no specific subject requirements!
Yes, it does not have specific subject requirements but there are recommended subjects that the OP is not studying. Natural Sciences is the more apt course based on their current subjects
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Wired_1800
Yes, it does not have specific subject requirements but there are recommended subjects that the OP is not studying. Natural Sciences is the more apt course based on their current subjects
Many have said to take the "recommended" subjects on the law page with a pinch of salt. I guess it does depend on the college, and perhaps I'm speaking too anecdotally - I do further maths A Level and can't even imagine doing a maths degree! Some colleegs say that A Level in a subject like further maths is equally as relevant to the degree as a subject like French. I suppose this concept is rather difficult for people who don't do STEM subjects to comprehend though, and to be fair, most people who apply for Law don't take STEM subjects. But regardless, doing STEM A Levels does not equal an aptitude for a Natural Sciences course, etc. at all!
Original post by Wired_1800
Yes, it does not have specific subject requirements but there are recommended subjects that the OP is not studying. Natural Sciences is the more apt course based on their current subjects
You appear to have overlooked the points made above about candidates with STEM A levels, and also the point that the OP wishes to read law, not Natural Sciences.
People with scientific educations can make very good law students and practising lawyers.
Original post by nwar
Many have said to take the "recommended" subjects on the law page with a pinch of salt. I guess it does depend on the college, and perhaps I'm speaking too anecdotally - I do further maths A Level and can't even imagine doing a maths degree! Some colleegs say that A Level in a subject like further maths is equally as relevant to the degree as a subject like French. I suppose this concept is rather difficult for people who don't do STEM subjects to comprehend though, and to be fair, most people who apply for Law don't take STEM subjects. But regardless, doing STEM A Levels does not equal an aptitude for a Natural Sciences course, etc. at all!
I agree that it does not equal to an aptitude for natural sciences but the subject combination would be more aligned to a natural sciences or engineering course in my opinion.
The OP said that they are driven towards medicine/dentistry but also likes law which are two very different fields. I was simply pointing out that it would be more convenient to follow the most reasonable trajectory.
Personally, i am from the camp of people who would expect that one would study subjects close to the recommendations for their subject, but I understand that some do have random combinations too
PS: I studied STEM subjects at A levels and went on to study Engineering at uni, so i am familiar with your point.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
You appear to have overlooked the points made above about candidates with STEM A levels, and also the point that the OP wishes to read law, not Natural Sciences.
People with scientific educations can make very good law students and practising lawyers.
People with scientific educations can make very good law students and practising lawyers.
I did not overlook the points, i simply added a different take. It is fine to provide a different view as it is an open thread.
Original post by Wired_1800
I agree that it does not equal to an aptitude for natural sciences but the subject combination would be more aligned to a natural sciences or engineering course in my opinion.
The OP said that they are driven towards medicine/dentistry but also likes law which are two very different fields. I was simply pointing out that it would be more convenient to follow the most reasonable trajectory.
Personally, i am from the camp of people who would expect that one would study subjects close to the recommendations for their subject, but I understand that some do have random combinations too
PS: I studied STEM subjects at A levels and went on to study Engineering at uni, so i am familiar with your point.
The OP said that they are driven towards medicine/dentistry but also likes law which are two very different fields. I was simply pointing out that it would be more convenient to follow the most reasonable trajectory.
Personally, i am from the camp of people who would expect that one would study subjects close to the recommendations for their subject, but I understand that some do have random combinations too
PS: I studied STEM subjects at A levels and went on to study Engineering at uni, so i am familiar with your point.
A Level to degree progression is much more straightforward (in terms of subject choices) for STEM courses. I took the meaning of OP's statement to mean that perhaps they were initially pushed towards medicine but then found law more interesting (but it's early in the morning and I could have misinterpreted this completely, of course).
Sorry for presuming you didn't do STEM! I (wrongly) assumed that you fell into the category of prospective law applicants who study the more "conventional" subjects and give unsolicited advice on STEM subjects to other law applicants, my apologies.
Original post by nwar
A Level to degree progression is much more straightforward (in terms of subject choices) for STEM courses. I took the meaning of OP's statement to mean that perhaps they were initially pushed towards medicine but then found law more interesting (but it's early in the morning and I could have misinterpreted this completely, of course).
Sorry for presuming you didn't do STEM! I (wrongly) assumed that you fell into the category of prospective law applicants who study the more "conventional" subjects and give unsolicited advice on STEM subjects to other law applicants, my apologies.
Sorry for presuming you didn't do STEM! I (wrongly) assumed that you fell into the category of prospective law applicants who study the more "conventional" subjects and give unsolicited advice on STEM subjects to other law applicants, my apologies.
I did not take it in the same way. The OP wrote to me: “It’s bc I am driven towards medicine/dentistry, but I still rily like Law.”
Sorry for presuming you didn't do STEM! I (wrongly)assumed that you fell into the category of prospective lawapplicants who study the more "conventional" subjectsand give unsolicited advice on STEM subjects to otherlaw applicants, my apologies.
No problem. Most people are engaging in good faith, so we should give them the chance to engage.
Original post by Wired_1800
I did not overlook the points, i simply added a different take. It is fine to provide a different view as it is an open thread.
Nobody has suggested otherwise.
Original post by Stiffy Byng
Nobody has suggested otherwise.
Ok
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