Is there a realistic chance of getting Cambridge offer with these grades...

Umber2007

Applying to do Theology at Cambridge for 2026 entry. I am likely to be predicted A*A*A at A-level but my GCSE grades are less glowing - 2A*, 6A, 2B.

Does anyone know of applicants in recent years that have got into Cambridge with these sorts of grades? The course is not one that seems overly popular, I think offer rate is at around 40% but I appreciate that the applicants may have had more impressive results.

Reply 1

username7290519

you can defo get in if you perform well in interview and have a good ps. the number one reason people don’t get in is because they don’t apply

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

Original post

by eirufifodoei

you can defo get in if you perform well in interview and have a good ps. the number one reason people don’t get in is because they don’t apply

This!!

Reply 3

Umber2007

Original post

by eirufifodoei

you can defo get in if you perform well in interview and have a good ps. the number one reason people don’t get in is because they don’t apply

Simple but great advice!!

Reply 4

nwar

Study Forum Helper

Original post

by Umber2007

Applying to do Theology at Cambridge for 2026 entry. I am likely to be predicted A*A*A at A-level but my GCSE grades are less glowing - 2A*, 6A, 2B.
Does anyone know of applicants in recent years that have got into Cambridge with these sorts of grades? The course is not one that seems overly popular, I think offer rate is at around 40% but I appreciate that the applicants may have had more impressive results.

Yes, I know people who have got offers for more competitive courses (offer rate ~14%) with lower GCSE grades than you. Well done on your results, they are not bad!

Reply 5

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

If you have such great advice, why not post it here?

To OP, I would advise against DM'ing this person. They won't have access to any resources that aren't freely available online.

Reply 6

nwar

Study Forum Helper

You don’t need to pay £10 for a spreadsheet on how to choose your college OP. There are some brilliant (free) YouTube videos on how to make your decision if you can’t visit on the open days.

Reply 7

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Even if it were free (and not £10), I would suggest ignoring this poster. They have no access to knowledge that isn't freely available online and likely have no real expertise about Cambridge admissions. Apply to the college you like.

Reply 8

Anonymous #2

Hiya. I’m a 2nd year undergrad mature student on the HSPS Politics & Sociology tripos. I applied with predictions of A*AA (i ended up getting A*A*A*) & my gcses were way worse than yours! Literally: 3334446A89. Granted, I took mine years ago & I passed English + Maths but the great thing about oxbridge is that due to the holistic nature of the applications (PS, grades, admissions tests, interviews, lnat/ ucat if applicable) it gives the colleges and tutors a better understanding if you would thrive on the course. Also, Cambridge does not about GCSEs as much as Oxford.

There are also younger people in my cohort who have lower GCSEs but then improved in their A Levels/ IBs. Just make sure you do a lot of reading outside of your course, any sort of experience that you can put into your PS & making sure you stay critical. It’s about what you know, yes, but more so how you respond and engage with new information. Knowledge can be taught but the way that you think cannot, it can only be developed through independent study etc. I hope that makes sense aha.

You definitely have a chance. It’s one of your five choices, definitely go for it so you don’t have any ‘what if’ moments in the future😊