Cambridge - A level Maths

I seem to remember Cambridge doesn’t like students to take their Maths A level in year 12 … have I got that wrong?

Reply 1

The issue isn't with doing maths in year 12 per se, it's with students who only take 3 A-levels and do one in year 12 and then only two in year 13 and thus at no point actually do a full set of three A-level exams in a single session.

If you're doing e.g. 4 A-levels including maths, and doing maths in year 12, but still are going to do your remaining 3 A-levels in year 13, that usually shouldn't be an issue I believe?

Reply 2

davros

Original post

by artful_lounger

If you're doing e.g. 4 A-levels including maths, and doing maths in year 12, but still are going to do your remaining 3 A-levels in year 13, that usually shouldn't be an issue I believe?

They can't regard that as an issue because in many schools where FM is taught, pupils sit Maths in Year 12 and FM in Year 13, so they wouldn't be able to discriminate. On the other hand, sitting Maths a year early and getting a sub-optimal grade would definitely be an issue.

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by davros

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/entry-requirements

They specifically say:

"In some cases you’ll receive a higher or more challenging offer. Colleges set higher offer requirements for a number of reasons. This could be because:..you have taken some exams early. We need to ensure you will achieve the highest grades in your remaining exams. This helps us to assess whether you will be able to manage the academic challenge of sitting exams in a single exam period, which is how we assess students at Cambridge..."

Individual colleges of course have the final say - see for example what Downing say https://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate-study/admissions-faqs :

"Q: Is it possible to take exams early or stagger A Level exams?

A: We generally discourage applicants from taking exams early. Downing strongly advises that candidates to sit three A Levels simultaneously, as this demonstrates their ability to manage the workload effectively. Offers are typically made based on qualifications taken in Year 13 (or equivalent). If an additional A Level was taken early, and the undergraduate course has specified essential A Level subjects, we would expect these subjects to be sat together, with the fourth A Level a preferred or additional subject. For example, for Economics, Mathematics at A Level should be taken with two other subjects, and not earlier. Please note that not all courses have essential A Level subjects, so please check the relevant course webpage for more information."

Obviously some colleges and/or courses may have less of an issue than others but this trend may be in part why many people doing maths and FM applying to Cambridge who are successful often are taking 4 subjects, simply because of how their school teaches them vs what Cambridge expect (thus ensuring they are taking at least 3 subjects in one year at some point).

Reply 4

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by FrsDdd

I seem to remember Cambridge doesn’t like students to take their Maths A level in year 12 … have I got that wrong?

They will consider Maths taken in Year 12 and Further Maths + one other subject taken in Year 13 if that's how your school teaches it. They may still set a higher offer, e.g. A*A* on top of the achieved A*. Other staggered A-Levels may be more scrutinised if they're worried about your capacity to handle the workload. Email your preferred college for clarity.

"For courses where A level Mathematics is required by all Colleges, we'll consider applicants who take:
> A level Mathematics in Year 12
> Further Mathematics and only one other A level in Year 13
In these cases, we'll also look at:
> your individual circumstances
> your combination of A level subjects
> the grade you achieve in the early A level
We recommend that you contact your chosen College for advice and consider applying to other universities."

Source: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/accepted-qualifications

Reply 5

Muttley79

Original post

by FrsDdd

I seem to remember Cambridge doesn’t like students to take their Maths A level in year 12 … have I got that wrong?

How many A levels are you doing? It's not a problem if you are doing 4 and do Maths in Year 12 as some schools do this.

Reply 6

thedudewholives

You should check with the colleges specifically. It may not be a problem either case. I did 2 A levels early outside of school (Y11/Y12) and then did another 2 in sixth form (Chem/Phys) and was fine. I also know others who did 1-2 A Levels early.

I contacted Cambridge colleges prior to applying to confirm, so hit up a few colleges and ask them if it's fine. In particular, if your school does Maths Y12 and Y13 FM (and then just 2 A levels during Y13), this is also fine but may lead to slightly harsher offers in some cases. There's no fixed rule.