Should I take a gap year or reapply while at university? (Cambridge & Imperial)
Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate some advice on a tough decision I’m facing.
This year, I applied to both Cambridge (for Natural Sciences – Physics pathway) and Imperial College (Physics with Theoretical physics), but unfortunately didn’t receive an offer from either. I’ve accepted an offer to study Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Manchester this autumn.
That said, a few of my teachers told me I was very close to getting into Cambridge this year, and I’ve been seriously thinking about reapplying. But I’m torn between three options:
1. Reapply while studying at Manchester – I’ll start my course and apply again during my first year.
2. Take a gap year and reapply with more time and focus on ESAT and interview preparation.
3. Not reapply at all, and continue my degree at Manchester.
I’m not sure which path gives me the best chance. I know that Cambridge and Imperial can be cautious about students who are already studying at another UK university. But I don’t want to take a gap year because I think I could learn more in the university. I had some health issues that affected my ESAT last year, which I think hurt my chances.
If anyone has gone through a similar situation or has any insight into how reapplications are viewed, or what helped make a reapplication successful, I’d love to hear from you. Also, if you know how Cambridge colleges view students reapplying from another UK university, that would help too.
Thanks so much for reading—I’d really value your perspective!
I’d really appreciate some advice on a tough decision I’m facing.
This year, I applied to both Cambridge (for Natural Sciences – Physics pathway) and Imperial College (Physics with Theoretical physics), but unfortunately didn’t receive an offer from either. I’ve accepted an offer to study Physics with Astrophysics at the University of Manchester this autumn.
That said, a few of my teachers told me I was very close to getting into Cambridge this year, and I’ve been seriously thinking about reapplying. But I’m torn between three options:
1. Reapply while studying at Manchester – I’ll start my course and apply again during my first year.
2. Take a gap year and reapply with more time and focus on ESAT and interview preparation.
3. Not reapply at all, and continue my degree at Manchester.
I’m not sure which path gives me the best chance. I know that Cambridge and Imperial can be cautious about students who are already studying at another UK university. But I don’t want to take a gap year because I think I could learn more in the university. I had some health issues that affected my ESAT last year, which I think hurt my chances.
If anyone has gone through a similar situation or has any insight into how reapplications are viewed, or what helped make a reapplication successful, I’d love to hear from you. Also, if you know how Cambridge colleges view students reapplying from another UK university, that would help too.
Thanks so much for reading—I’d really value your perspective!
Reply 1
One thing you might want to consider is funding. If you get SFE, check if they will give loans for the whole course if you accept Cambridge or Imperial after doing a year at Manchester. I'm guessing they might only give loans for 2 years at Cambridge/Imperial after getting a loan for 1 year at Manchester. However, I could be wrong and you should check with SFE. I'm just saying this as it can be a factor that goes towards your decision.
Reply 2
4
Original post
by AnonymousOne thing you might want to consider is funding. If you get SFE, check if they will give loans for the whole course if you accept Cambridge or Imperial after doing a year at Manchester. I'm guessing they might only give loans for 2 years at Cambridge/Imperial after getting a loan for 1 year at Manchester. However, I could be wrong and you should check with SFE. I'm just saying this as it can be a factor that goes towards your decision.
I’m not quite sure about the funding and i’m an international student so they might not give me loans……however I will check this. Thank you very much for providing this aspect
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