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How is this Possible? #Oxbridge

Why does Gonville and Caius, Cambridge claim they allow applicants to resit their A-level exams but St John’s, Cambridge claim they do not allow it all even though they are part of the same university ie University of Cambridge? How is this possible?

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by m_040106

It's because the constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge are, in many ways, independent of each other and are able to specify their own entry requirements and make their own decisions as to which candidates to make offers to.

You can find similar discrepancies at the department / subject level at other universities. A university may (generally) accept A level resits - but not for applicants to medicine or dentistry, for example.

Reply 2

davros

Original post

by m_040106

Colleges are part of the University but are autonomous in many respects, particularly when it comes to admissions criteria. This is why you'll find some Colleges ask for an A* in specific subjects but others don't; why some Colleges ask for STEP e.g. for Engineering; and why some Colleges discourage gap year applicants but others are fairly neutral about them.