Cambridge Engineering - FM requirement

I have just started Y12 and I’m studying maths, further maths, physics and DT at A-level. I got all 9s and 8s in my GCSEs (9s in my A-level subjects).

I am hoping to apply to Cambridge Engineering if my predicted grades allow it.

Do they always make an offer of A*A*A? Or do they give you an offer based on all four A-levels? I know that maths and physics are expected at A* but I read somewhere that people are also getting offers which stipulate an A* in FM. I also remember reading somewhere that certain colleges stipulate you must study FM and therefore your offer is based on three compulsory subjects (maths, FM and physics).

I really love DT and at an outreach thing they said it was a great A-level for prospective engineering students. Just wondering if I end up having to drop a subject, could it be I have to drop DT to stand any chance at Cambridge? To clarify, everyone at my sixth form starts off doing 4 A-levels and most people drop one in the second year. I am hoping to continue with all four.

Reply 1

Dolce Vita

Original post

by Anonymous

I have just started Y12 and I’m studying maths, further maths, physics and DT at A-level. I got all 9s and 8s in my GCSEs (9s in my A-level subjects).
I am hoping to apply to Cambridge Engineering if my predicted grades allow it.
Do they always make an offer of A*A*A? Or do they give you an offer based on all four A-levels? I know that maths and physics are expected at A* but I read somewhere that people are also getting offers which stipulate an A* in FM. I also remember reading somewhere that certain colleges stipulate you must study FM and therefore your offer is based on three compulsory subjects (maths, FM and physics).
I really love DT and at an outreach thing they said it was a great A-level for prospective engineering students. Just wondering if I end up having to drop a subject, could it be I have to drop DT to stand any chance at Cambridge? To clarify, everyone at my sixth form starts off doing 4 A-levels and most people drop one in the second year. I am hoping to continue with all four.

If you apply with four A levels and are successful in achieving an offer then it will be based on the results of the four A levels, with offer conditions requiring you to obtain permission in advance of making any changes to that. So it depends on whether you believe taking four A levels will impact your results. Minimum offer is A* A* A but it’s worth checking out the course page of your preferred college(s) to understand their specific approach, and also bear in mind that last year for sciences 1,025 of 1,217 UK entrants achieved A* A* A* or better. Results matter and competition is stiff.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 2

melancollege

Universities Forum Helper

Some colleges make offers based on all four A-Levels if you apply with four, others will still make them based off of three. It is largely up to the discretion of the admissions directors.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

At this stage I am aiming for four A* but I have literally just started Y12 so trying to not get ahead of myself 😂😂😂

Does anyone know which specific colleges only make an offer on three A-levels? Or is it on a candidate by candidate not college basis?

Just trying to whittle down the number of colleges to go to on open days. The sensible person says aim for those that only offer on three subjects just to take the pressure off!

To add that I would be in a real minority at my sixth form taking four A-levels.