Can I get into Cambridge/ Imperial Maths? I have 3A* achieved and self studying FM

Hello,

I have already applied to Cambridge, Imperial, LSE and UCL for maths 2026 entry after achieving 3A*s in Maths, Physics and Economics and I am now studying Further Maths privately for which I am predicted an A* by my further maths tutor. I attended a mediocre private school that offered further maths, but I found the quality of teaching to be poor and also found that because of that I had to work much harder and spend more time on further maths than any other subject. During all of this, I also developed anxiety as I always felt overwhelmed with work. I did not tell many people that I dropped further maths when I did , my friends have informed me that I may not get into either Cambridge or Imperial as they want someone who can study 4 A level within year 12 and year 13, not separately. Has someone been in a similar situation as their words have induced a considerable amount of anxiety within me and I would love to hear if someone has taken this path and achieved success.

Thank you.

Has your referee explained why you took FM separately?
(linking to the Imperial version of your thread to save people cross-posting advice).

They have mentioned my issues with anxiety

Did they mention it in the context of dropping FM and then restarting it externally?
If so, unis are likely to consider your circumstances, yes. But I don't know that anyone outside of the relevant admissions teams can tell you whether it's a deal breaker or not.
If the apps are submitted all you can do is await a decision.

No they have not mentioned me studying further maths in school at all.

Have you now completed your school education and are you working on FM during a gap year?
You do realise that for Maths at Cambridge you will be required to sit STEP exams (possibly also for Imperial too) - how do you propose to prepare for this?

No they have not mentioned me studying further maths in school at all.

Okay, for anywhere that requires FM they will need to understand why you did not take it alongside your other AL's.
In that case, for Imperial I would use the form at the top of this page to outline your circumstances and see if they require ay evidence. Cambs likely have their own version, (if you search for "Cambridge applying mitigating circumstances").
For the form pick Undergrad > I have Applied > Mitigating Circumstances.
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/apply/contact/

Why not Warwick?

yes my school has mentioned my problems with anxiety and needing to reduce my workload, but will the fact that I've taken FM in my gap year hinder my chances at all?