University of Cambridge applicants' thread for 2026 entry
For Cambridge applicants applying in 2025 for 2026 entry and 2027 deferred entry.
Parents, you are free to comment on this thread to provide words of encouragement and guidance to the applicants, but you also have your own thread for parental debates -> https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6325348
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge.
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
NOTE: Unless posting about something particularly sensitive, you are generally expected to post on this thread with your username rather than anonymous, as it makes it easier for contributors to provide guidance to help you through your journey.
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A tracking form has been created so that you can see when interviews are being given out.
This is the link to this year's form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQJr7K1L47KZcE-nMD5Zk3JPsEJyLTMFoSABbYaQ2f51aNog/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Please be aware you will need your TSR user ID to complete the form. If you don't know how to find this, click here.
This is the link for the spreadsheet containing 2026 form responses:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1U6K415ot2Daa02HqV40x8CiTVJlMnYWMhGkV7YHqk14/edit?usp=sharing
Note: All data you share is at your own risk, the forms and resources linked here are not controlled by The Student Room Group Ltd. If you have any issues, please tag a member of the Universities Volunteer Team. For more information please click here.
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Reply 1
For Cambridge applicants applying in 2025 for 2026 entry and 2027 deferred entry.
Parents, you are free to comment on this thread to provide words of encouragement and guidance to the applicants, but you also have your own thread for parental debates -> https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6325348
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge.
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
NOTE: Unless posting about something particularly sensitive, you are generally expected to post on this thread with your username rather than anonymous, as it makes it easier for contributors to provide guidance to help you through your journey.
I study maths, further maths, cs, and politics and i want to apply for computer science. My gcses werent good at all (2 failed, majority 5's and nothing above a 7), but my predicteds are A*A*AA. Do you guys think i can get in if i get a good tmua and is anyone in the same or similar position as me?
Reply 2
1) English Literature, History, Politics
2) Education - brings together so many disciplines and allows a broad understanding of human society and behaviour.
3) 99999998888
4) Oxford doesn’t do HSPS
5) No admissions test
6) Wider reading and podcasts to find what specific areas interest me. Lucy Cavendish Academic Attainment programme.
7) Not sure yet - maybe a social researcher?
8: Probably Lucy Cavendish but I am not 100% sure yet.
Reply 3
Reply 4
For Cambridge applicants applying in 2025 for 2026 entry and 2027 deferred entry.Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge.
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
NOTE: Unless posting about something particularly sensitive, you are generally expected to post on this thread with your username rather than anonymous, as it makes it easier for contributors to provide guidance to help you through your journey.
1.
I am doing A level Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry. I also did my EPQ, and I am considering taking a relevant AS in Year 13.
2.
I want to do Biological Natural Sciences Msci, but if I do, then I want to focus on Chemical and Geological routes more. The modules and individual requirements for each allow me to do that. While chemistry is my absolute favourite, I enjoy exploring various sciences, so this is definitely a course for me.
3.
45556667779, with 7 in Maths and Combined Science. They are not particularly high, yes, but within context, I achieved above average grades in my GCSE school, and I have background reasons for my grades – sudden immigration, coming in in the kiddle of GCSE course and missing out on content, and the time it took to properly learn English language during my GCSE course.
4.
Oxford doesn't have Natural Sciences specifically, if I recall that correctly. Moreover, I like the curriculum in Cambridge a lot.
5.
ESAT. I am planning to start preparing for it during the summer holidays, but I might start earlier if I'll have more time after my Year 12 finals. I already found the specification for each module, and familiarised myself with what topics do I need for the test.
6.
Webinars and online masterclasses is what I do the most, as it's not time consuming and allows me to expand my knowledge easily. Additionally, I do some further reading, personal research, and have some physical extracurriculars planned for summer.
7.
If I get my integrated Master's degree in NatSci, I want to try and get a PhD in Geochemistry, and then either become a university researcher, or try to find geochemistry jobs in Antarctica.
8.
Girton College appears to be quite nice! It is fairly far from the centre, yes, but my current school takes even longer to travel to that Girton–>Centre, so distance doesn't bother me too much. I've heard that the college is more 'secluded' and people there tend to keep more grounded within the college, so, as a person who prefers to keep to themselves, I reckon I would fit in fairly well. They also have a swimming pool, and as I am not a very sporty person, this would be a nice way to keep up my exercises without too much effort, and even relax after intense study. Lastly, I think it looks nice, and I think the dining hall is prettier than in other colleges (personal opinion). The library isn't bad either. I'll explore more during my University Open Day though. I've been to Clare College as well, and it is also beautiful, and close to the main Library, but I still prefer Girton atm.
I also thought that sharing my concerns regarding the application is also worth it in this megathread. GCSEs don't bother me too much as they look at GCSEs contextually, but it took me some time to fix my academic record in the Sixth Form, and currently I am getting Bs and As on my tests. Since they look at our academic record, is it good enough at this point? My ultimate goal for mocks is A*A*A*, and I know that I have good individual study skills and I am able to achieve that if I push myself hard enough. My poor academic record at the beginning of year can be justified with the fact that I am still getting used to living in a new society and that I felt a bit nervous around new teachers, and that my outgoing summer extracurriculars help me familiarise myself with working around new people, so I am getting this issue resolved before going to a university – and I can improve my academic record further at the end of year 12/beginning of Y13. Still, I am quite worried whether this would be acceptable and justified enough for Cambridge. Relatively, I can definitely see improvements in my A level course versus my GCSE course and my progress in studying in the UK, and I always had a perfect academic record in my home country, but this is still bothering me.
Reply 5
Realistically, a slim chance but more of a chance than if you don't apply.
Reply 6
Yes, they put an emphasis on different entrance criteria and you are a year older and wiser (also luck plays a factor).
Reply 7
For Cambridge applicants applying in 2025 for 2026 entry and 2027 deferred entry.
Parents, you are free to comment on this thread to provide words of encouragement and guidance to the applicants, but you also have your own thread for parental debates -> https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6325348
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge.
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
NOTE: Unless posting about something particularly sensitive, you are generally expected to post on this thread with your username rather than anonymous, as it makes it easier for contributors to provide guidance to help you through your journey.
1.
im doing further maths, maths, physics and chemistry
2.
engineering - "scientists that which already is; engineers create that which as never been", a quote by albert einstein which basically explains why
3.
i got nine 9s and 2 8s at gcse, and im predicted 4 A*s
4.
i just like the location better and the colleges look nicer
5.
ESAT, preparing now
6.
watching videos, reading, work experience etc
7.
hopefully work for NASA one day or a super profitable engineering company
8.
i wanna apply trinity but im scared so maybe downing or kings idk
Reply 8
Hi
This is the thread for people who are thinking of applying to Cambridge for 2026!
Meet and chat to other people applying here.
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge!
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE and Sixth Form?
4) Why Cambridge specifically?
5) Will you be attending any Open Days?
6) How are you feeling about starting University?
7) Other unis you're interested in?
You can find a directory linking to all of the other university applicant threads here
Website:
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Reply 9
For Cambridge applicants applying in 2025 for 2026 entry and 2027 deferred entry.
Parents, you are free to comment on this thread to provide words of encouragement and guidance to the applicants, but you also have your own thread for parental debates -> https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6325348
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge.
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
NOTE: Unless posting about something particularly sensitive, you are generally expected to post on this thread with your username rather than anonymous, as it makes it easier for contributors to provide guidance to help you through your journey.
Hi everyone!
1.
I take English Lit, History, French and Theatre Studies at A Level
2.
I'd like to apply for the English BA - English has always been my best + favourite subject, and A levels have definitely confirmed it's what I want to do.
3.
At GCSE I got 9999999998 (with the 8 unfortunately being in English Lit as I panicked in the exam). At A level I have 4A* predicteds, though I don't know if I'll actually get an A* in French (or History tbh).
4.
I chose Cambridge partially bc the two others who want to do English at my school are applying for Oxford and I want to maximise all our chances of receiving offers, plus I prefer the Cambridge course as it's somewhat more lit focused rather than lang. I also love the city of Cambridge, I thought it was beautiful on the open day!
5.
If I am invited to interview, I will have to sit the CELAT. I'm going to start preparing in September/October as right now I have a lot of coursework (4 NEAs) that I want to get finished before the end of summer to minimise stress at the start of year 13!
6.
So far I: do the Lucy Cavendish AAP, have sent off essays to the Mary Renault Classical Reception Competition and Trinity Gould and a poem for Foyle Young Writers, plus have been reading a lot as I think that's the most important thing for an English PS.
7.
I would like to do the Globe Theatre/KCL masters in Shakespeare Studies, but otherwise any masters would be awesome, I'd love to eventually get a PhD though they're quite expensive. As a career I want to be a writer/critic though I'm aware job prospects are slim, and am definitely not opposed to teaching.
8.
I'm currently thinking Lucy Cavendish as it was definitely the friendliest, most welcoming college I visited on the open day, though I do have a soft spot for the gorgeous old colleges like Kings, Corpus Christi or St Johns. (Still kinda conflicted if anyone has advice!)
Reply 10
For Cambridge applicants applying in 2025 for 2026 entry and 2027 deferred entry.
Parents, you are free to comment on this thread to provide words of encouragement and guidance to the applicants, but you also have your own thread for parental debates -> https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6325348
Here are a few suggested opening questions, but ask whatever you want regarding Cambridge.
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
NOTE: Unless posting about something particularly sensitive, you are generally expected to post on this thread with your username rather than anonymous, as it makes it easier for contributors to provide guidance to help you through your journey.
1.
Studying Maths, further maths, Economics and Computer science
2.
Applyinng for a master is computer science, because I like money :P
3.
I got 9999988887 at GCSE (kinda mid for cambridge) and predicted A*A*A*A
4.
I really like the choirs at cambridge over oxford so i will apply to one of those along side applying for CS
5.
I need to Sit TMUA and have alr started preparing and I need a REALLY good score like 7.5+ because my predicteds arent perfect
6.
ive alr done most of my supercurriculars apart from a couple or programming projects i need to finish
7.
try to break into finance
8.
the two I have in mind are Gonville and Caius and King's, both have good choirs and are beautiful, especially king's
Reply 11
1.
I'm studying maths, French and Spanish A Levels
2.
I'm hoping to study French and Spanish in MML, or possibly Spanish and an ab initio lanuage, I keep switching between the two!
3.
At GCSE I got 99999888888, and am currently predicted A*AA at A level, with an A* in Spanish, though my maths should move up to an A* too before applications are sent off
4.
I prefer the Cambridge course for languages, especially with the options in medieval languages, and the option to study another language from scratch in year 2
5.
I will have to sit the MLAT, although it isn't one that you have to sign up for beforehand, which I have looked at papers for and will be preparing for on my mentoring programmes
6.
To help with my application I am reading books in French and Spanish and doing further reading about the topics that interest me, as well as travelling over the summer to hopefully improve my speaking
7.
I'd love to either go into research or work as an interpreter
8.
I am applying to Newnham, because even though I wasn't originally considering it, we went on the open day since it was so close to the languages faculty and I absolutely loved it, we got shown around by a French and Spanish student too which was really good
Reply 12
Reply 13
I’ve been to loads of outreach programs and they like to stress that hope this helps Reply 14
I’ve been to loads of outreach programs and they like to stress that hope this helps Reply 15
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
I'm a Scottish student and,I'm doing SQA Advanced Highers in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and Accounting next year
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
I'm looking at applying for economics or maybe land economy (to avoid the TMUA although I'd need to read more about law), and I'm applying for econ because I'm interested in the historical/cultrual factors, human behaviour and policy that influences the economic realities of everyone.
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
At National 5 (similar to gcse) I got 8 A band 1s (band1s are the same as A*) and at Higher (gcse<Higher<A level)I got 5 A band 1s in Economics, English, Maths, Accounting and Business management
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
The collegiate system gives it a really nice feel and why not oxford is a couple of reasons, I'm closer to my brother by being in Cambridge and Oxford does econ and management instead of pure economics and I have no interest in management what so ever.
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
I've got to sit the tmua, I think it might be over tbh because I have attempted to start prep but I'm missing content because higher doesn't cover AS level maths. I've tried self teaching aswell, although it seems ineffective (I'm not that good at maths + higher is not really comparable to this entrance exam even if it's supposed to be a relativly easy entrance exam). I'll try to no life the next 2 months at school but if I get part of the way through and realise I'm not going to hit even a 4.0 or above, I'll not apply.
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
I've read lots books, attended lectures, received a small scholarship, been to webinals, I work for a non-profit which promotes financial literacy,gold ukmt ,listened to some podacts, news articles ect
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
I think working on the MPC sounds really great although it's a bit early to tell what I want to do.
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
Jesus college is the college I'll apply for if I do decide to put in an application
If anyone has any tips, I'd really appreciate it
Reply 16
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
I'm a Scottish student and,I'm doing SQA Advanced Highers in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and Accounting next year
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
I'm looking at applying for economics or maybe land economy (to avoid the TMUA although I'd need to read more about law), and I'm applying for econ because I'm interested in the historical/cultrual factors, human behaviour and policy that influences the economic realities of everyone.
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
At National 5 (similar to gcse) I got 8 A band 1s (band1s are the same as A*) and at Higher (gcse<Higher<A level)I got 5 A band 1s in Economics, English, Maths, Accounting and Business management
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
The collegiate system gives it a really nice feel and why not oxford is a couple of reasons, I'm closer to my brother by being in Cambridge and Oxford does econ and management instead of pure economics and I have no interest in management what so ever.
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
I've got to sit the tmua, I think it might be over tbh because I have attempted to start prep but I'm missing content because higher doesn't cover AS level maths. I've tried self teaching aswell, although it seems ineffective (I'm not that good at maths + higher is not really comparable to this entrance exam even if it's supposed to be a relativly easy entrance exam). I'll try to no life the next 2 months at school but if I get part of the way through and realise I'm not going to hit even a 4.0 or above, I'll not apply.
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
I've read lots books, attended lectures, received a small scholarship, been to webinals, I work for a non-profit which promotes financial literacy,gold ukmt ,listened to some webinars aswell as podacts, news articles ect
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
I think working on the MPC sounds really great although it's a bit early to tell what I want to do.
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
Jesus college is the college I'll apply for if I do decide to put in an application
If anyone has any tips, I'd really appreciate it
The Tmua is a real challenge since, as you say, it goes beyond the courses you’re being taught and also the timing of them. The solution is to get hold of a tutor and quickly! There’s plenty of portals out there with oxbridge maths graduates offering this tuition at relatively low cost.
Also worth contacting camscot.org who offer support to various levels, depending on your circumstances, to Scottish applicants. They’re a society of Scottish Cambridge alumni and they know much about all things Cambridge.
Good luck!
Reply 17
1) What A Levels are you doing (or other eligible qualifications)?
I'm a Scottish student and,I'm doing SQA Advanced Highers in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics and Accounting next year
2) What course at Cambridge do you have your eyes on? And why?
I'm looking at applying for economics or maybe land economy (to avoid the TMUA although I'd need to read more about law), and I'm applying for econ because I'm interested in the historical/cultrual factors, human behaviour and policy that influences the economic realities of everyone.
3) What grades did you get/are you predicted to get at GCSE?
At National 5 (similar to gcse) I got 8 A band 1s (band1s are the same as A*) and at Higher (gcse<Higher<A level)I got 5 A band 1s in Economics, English, Maths, Accounting and Business management
4) Why Cambridge specifically? and why not Oxford?
The collegiate system gives it a really nice feel and why not oxford is a couple of reasons, I'm closer to my brother by being in Cambridge and Oxford does econ and management instead of pure economics and I have no interest in management what so ever.
5) Which admissions tests do you have to sit, and when will you start preparing for them?
I've got to sit the tmua, I think it might be over tbh because I have attempted to start prep but I'm missing content because higher doesn't cover AS level maths. I've tried self teaching aswell, although it seems ineffective (I'm not that good at maths + higher is not really comparable to this entrance exam even if it's supposed to be a relativly easy entrance exam). I'll try to no life the next 2 months at school but if I get part of the way through and realise I'm not going to hit even a 4.0 or above, I'll not apply.
6) What are you doing to help your studies and potentially your application to Cambridge?
I've read lots books, attended lectures, received a small scholarship, been to webinals, I work for a non-profit which promotes financial literacy,gold ukmt ,listened to some webinars aswell as podacts, news articles ect
7) What do you want to do with your degree from Cambridge?
I think working on the MPC sounds really great although it's a bit early to tell what I want to do.
8) Have you decided which college you're applying to?
Jesus college is the college I'll apply for if I do decide to put in an application
If anyone has any tips, I'd really appreciate it
Lol we might be applying for the same course 😀
1) I'm studying Further Maths, Maths, Economics, Geography and also doing an EPQ (A level).
2) Land Economy because I quite enjoy an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the current economic landscape. Although Economics might also be a good choice because there are more places on offer and it's a strong point for me as I am slightly unfamiliar with Law.
3) I'm Predicted A*A*A*A* and I need to wait for my EPQ back (hopefully an A* fingers crossed)
4) I went to the open day for Cambridge and I really enjoyed it, I feel as though location wise Cambridge is more appealing to me. Also Oxford don't offer Land Econ lol.
5) None phew but I have to send some written work I believe.
6) Just reading more books + some lectures + IEA podcasts + won an econ essay competition which always helps.
7) Probably do something financey or do a masters at the university.
8) I'm deciding between Homerton or Trinity Hall.
Reply 18
Reply 19
1.
Studying Maths, further maths, Economics and Computer science
2.
Applyinng for a master is computer science, because I like money :P
3.
I got 9999988887 at GCSE (kinda mid for cambridge) and predicted A*A*A*A
4.
I really like the choirs at cambridge over oxford so i will apply to one of those along side applying for CS
5.
I need to Sit TMUA and have alr started preparing and I need a REALLY good score like 7.5+ because my predicteds arent perfect
6.
ive alr done most of my supercurriculars apart from a couple or programming projects i need to finish
7.
try to break into finance
8.
the two I have in mind are Gonville and Caius and King's, both have good choirs and are beautiful, especially king's
cambridge are not gonna like that u want to do cs for money. this is one of the things i've heard personally from a cambridge admissions tutor. they want to see passion for the course and genuine interest and they know cs is 1 of the few courses where people apply for reasons other than interest (also medicine, engineering, econ) so will be looking out for that especially
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