Reapplying to Cambridge for English Lit

Hiii - basically I have a bit of a conundrum which I'd love some opinions on.

I applied to Cambridge for English this year and was rejected. Looking back, I think it was my ELAT (entrance exam) performance which did it. Anyway, I now have offers from UCL and Manchester, and am waiting to hear back from Edinburgh and St.A. Ultimately I'd love to go into academia and I feel like having an undergrad from oxbridge could really help get a foot in the door. Equally, I realise that I'm in a hugely privileged position already with an offer from UCL....

The thing is, the UCAS personal statement is changing next year, and although I'd still have support from my school, I don't know whether or not it's worth the risk to reapply, given the personal statement structure will be different. Althoughhh, I would have more time to prep for the entrance exam. If you have any opinions or personal experiences, please reply!

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

threeportdrift

Careers Forum Helper

Original post by majortomlives

Hiii - basically I have a bit of a conundrum which I'd love some opinions on.
I applied to Cambridge for English this year and was rejected. Looking back, I think it was my ELAT (entrance exam) performance which did it. Anyway, I now have offers from UCL and Manchester, and am waiting to hear back from Edinburgh and St.A. Ultimately I'd love to go into academia and I feel like having an undergrad from oxbridge could really help get a foot in the door. Equally, I realise that I'm in a hugely privileged position already with an offer from UCL....
The thing is, the UCAS personal statement is changing next year, and although I'd still have support from my school, I don't know whether or not it's worth the risk to reapply, given the personal statement structure will be different. Althoughhh, I would have more time to prep for the entrance exam. If you have any opinions or personal experiences, please reply!

Look at how many English (subj) academics have undergrads from Oxbridge v other universities - and realize you've got a very strong set of options there. An Oxbridge degree will not give you that much of an edge over anyone from a competitive university, and all your options are competitive.

To be an academic you will have to do a Masters and a PhD and you can do either of those at Oxbridge. It is often stronger to move uni when going on to PG, so you are in a good position there.

The personal statement is irrelevant - everyone will be in the same position.