Cambridge Maths with Physics

Hello, I am in year 12 doing FM, Maths Physics and Chem, as well as an EPQ and STEP Preparation, recently I have been considering my Oxbridge application and swapping from physics at Oxford to Mathematics at Cambridge, so that I can do the Maths with Physics route, alongside other reasons.

However, I will be applying to my four other Universities for Theoretical/Mathematical physics. (ICL Warwick Edinburgh Manchester)

While related, in terms of the personal statement, having not done many purely mathematical experiences, is there anyone else either at Cambridge or in Year 13 who was/is in a similar position.

Thus, my question is, would Cambridge, should they know your interested in Maths (with Physics), be looking for more purely mathematical events, such as participation in UKMT and Olympiads, or would they be equally as happy to see competition in things like the Physics olympiad due to the nature of the course, even though it is Mathematics that I apply for.

Likewise, while I have some plans is there anything that people could recommend (besides competitions) for bolstering their personal statement mathematically.

Thank you!!

Reply 1

Muu9

Have you done any math-y physics ECs, like COMPOS or the quantum club? Or stuff like the maths mentoring scheme? Have yout aken a look at the document with recommended supercurriculars ? https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf

Why do you want to do math phys rather then physics? Do you enjoy the proofs of STEP?

Reply 2

willgeorge

Original post

by Muu9

Have you done any math-y physics ECs, like COMPOS or the quantum club? Or stuff like the maths mentoring scheme? Have yout aken a look at the document with recommended supercurriculars ? https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf
Why do you want to do math phys rather then physics? Do you enjoy the proofs of STEP?

Thank you for all of those attachments, Cambridge only offers Natural Sciences and I would like to specify straight away in my first year, rather than the modules available for first year. And yes I do enjoy the STEP papers a lot to be fair.

Reply 3

Muu9

Original post

by willgeorge

But why mathphys at Cambridge rather than physics at Oxford? The latter would also allow you start right away. I suggest reading "how to think about analysis" and "how to study for a mathematics degree" by Lara Alcock

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 4

mqb2766

Original post

by willgeorge

Cam seem fairly open about saying the maths with physics (first year option) is "caters for students who wish to study physics as a part of the Natural Science Tripos in their second year but also take more mathematics in their first year. It also caters for students who are unsure whether they wish to continue as mathematicians or as physicists."
https://www.caths.cam.ac.uk/subject/mathematics-and-mathematics-physics
so theyd probably expect that a reasonable amount of your ps would be about physics, with a theoretical/mathematical spin.

You can mention your participation/award in maths competitions, but really cam want to see an interest/passion in maths/physics. So what did you do/read to supplement the practice, what did you find interesting, ... Some people may use their step prep as a basis for what maths you found interesting. I cant see it would be a big problem to say what maths (and physics) you found interesting on your ps and the interest/passion is probably more important than worrying too much about the exact content.

Reply 5

willgeorge

Original post

by Muu9

Thank you for the suggestion.

Firstly more personally, having been to Cambridge a couple of times, I have a great affection for Cambridge as a city and institution.

Secondly, and more academically, I will be applying for mathematical physics(/theoretical) for the rest of my university applications where available, so this course at Cambridge stuck out to me more than Oxford's physics. Likewise the option to go into either Natural Sciences or continue with Maths (which is still very physics concept orientated module wise) keeps my options open.

Reply 6

willgeorge

Original post

by mqb2766

Cam seem fairly open about saying the maths with physics (first year option) is "caters for students who wish to study physics as a part of the Natural Science Tripos in their second year but also take more mathematics in their first year. It also caters for students who are unsure whether they wish to continue as mathematicians or as physicists."
https://www.caths.cam.ac.uk/subject/mathematics-and-mathematics-physics
so theyd probably expect that a reasonable amount of your ps would be about physics, with a theoretical/mathematical spin.
You can mention your participation/award in maths competitions, but really cam want to see an interest/passion in maths/physics. So what did you do/read to supplement the practice, what did you find interesting, ... Some people may use their step prep as a basis for what maths you found interesting. I cant see it would be a big problem to say what maths (and physics) you found interesting on your ps and the interest/passion is probably more important than worrying too much about the exact content.

Thank you so much! This has been incredibly useful.

Reply 7

Muu9

I would also recommend against applying to trinity maths. They get so many top tier maths applicants each year that they end up rejecting some excellent applicants pre-interview, some of whom could have succeeded had they applied to another college.

E.g. https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6804758

Reply 8

willgeorge

Original post

by Muu9

I would also recommend against applying to trinity maths. They get so many top tier maths applicants each year that they end up rejecting some excellent applicants pre-interview, some of whom could have succeeded had they applied to another college.
E.g. https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6804758

I will be applying to Downing.