OFFICIAL: Cambridge doesn&#x27;t care about non-academic ECs - and other things!

Grades get you an interview, interview gets you a place... nothing else to say.

Reply 2

OP

LearningMath

Grades get you an interview, interview gets you a place... nothing else to say.

You could say that... :smile:

Reply 3

username138106

3 Minutes Ago: 25th December 2008 14:42
... OFFICIAL: Cambridge doesn't care about ECs - and other things!

Why - it's Christmas Day, sir!

Reply 4

LearningMath

Grades get you an interview, interview gets you a place... nothing else to say.

This really isn't true, even after the interview it can be argued (and I would care to argue) that grades are still the most important factor.

Reply 5

OP

The West Wing

This really isn't true, even after the interview it can be argued (and I would care to argue) that grades are still the most important factor.

No it isn't. No from the Cambridge podcast. They say that "there is no silver bullet..." I.e. there is no one single factor in deciding a Cambridge place. Have you even read my post?

Reply 6

im so academic

No it isn't. No from theCambridge podcast. They say that "there is no silver bullet..." I.e. there is no one single factor in deciding a Cambridge place. Have you even read my post?

I said they can be argued to be the most important factor, not the "one single factor" :rolleyes:

Reply 7

The West Wing

This really isn't true, even after the interview it can be argued (and I would care to argue) that grades are still the most important factor.

If you're going to cambridge, 'A' grades are easy to achieve. Trust me, the interview is the most important factor by miles

Reply 8

LUFCsuperstar

I won't say the interviewer's name but I was asked at my PPS interview about what I do outside the classroom. If that's not EC's what is?

Reply 9

OP

The West Wing

I said they can be argued to be the most important factor, not the "one single factor" :rolleyes:

Cambridge still said that "there is not one important factor". At the (4) podcast, they mention they take a "holistic" approach to dealing with one's application, i.e. EVERYTHING counts.

Reply 10

LearningMath

If you're going to cambridge, 'A' grades are easy to achieve. Trust me, the interview is the most important factor by miles

A grades may be easy to achieve, but outstanding performances at AS level and GCSE grades are still the only empirical "evidence" success at passing exams, which unfortunately is still the main reason you go to Cambridge.

Old news

im so academic

*passion for their subjects
*passion for learning
*enthusiasm for difficult and complex ideas
*the ablility to think for themselves
*go beyong what it expected of them
*seek out the difficult, complex ideas
*get further into the subject
*motivated, committed and organised
*intectually flexible (?)

A lot of these things can be demonstrated by ECs. Particularly the parts "passion for learning", "the ability to think for themselves" and "motivated, committed and organised". I would think committment to, for instance, a sports team would demonstrate the ability to manage time effectively, committment and organisation.
ECs very obviously come under "PS", "reference" and "interview", given that they are asked about at interview.

I really don't see how any of this supports your assertion that "Cambridge doesn't care about ECs". There is no evidence for this. They are clearly subsidiary to showing ability in and passion for the subject, but they can demonstrate all sorts of desirable personal qualities and are certainly relevant.

You are right to say that its not all about interview though. Pretty much anyone who meets the minimum standard gets an interview - but theres an awful lot more that goes into deciding whether a candidate is suitable than just the interview.
Off-topic, People also seem to be under the impression sometimes that the interview is about luck. It really really isn't. If you are well prepared, have done your background reading and know why you are applying than you stand a great chance. Being slick, charismatic and bull****ing your way through the interview won't get you in no matter how well you do it.

Reply 13

LUFCsuperstar

I won't say the interviewer's name but I was asked at my PPS interview about what I do outside the classroom. If that's not EC's what is?

Yes, i think the OP post is rubbish to be honest, all my friends who are at oxbridge had questions about outside interests...

Reply 14

OP

LUFCsuperstar

I won't say the interviewer's name but I was asked at my PPS interview about what I do outside the classroom. If that's not EC's what is?

I bet they are asking like how do you go beyond the A-Level curriculum, i.e. do you do other things that show enthusiasm and passion for your degree course? Do you read around the subject etc?

Reply 15

im so academic

Cambridge still said that "there is not one important factor". At the (4) podcast, they mention they take a "holistic" approach to dealing with one's application, i.e. EVERYTHING counts.

I didn't imply that you should separate the factors, or that admissions tutors did so. They clearly take each factor in reference to others, but this doesn't mean you cannot talk in terms of relative importance of factors in their contribution to such a "holistic" approach.

Reply 16

The West Wing

A grades may be easy to achieve, but outstanding performances at AS level and GCSE grades are still the only empirical "evidence" success at passing exams, which unfortunately is still the main reason you go to Cambridge.

Not at all, they're actively looking for talent, even if that talent isnt backed by motivation. EE offers are still given out you know.

Reply 17

Greatleysteg

19

You sound surprised.

This is nothing new, and it's nothing we haven't been saying for aeons on here.

Reply 18

Prudy