Should I reapply to Cambridge or just go to another uni?

1

I was rejected from Cambridge without interview, likely because I was very ill during the ESAT and did significantly worse than I generally had done during practice papers. I am doing maths, further maths, physics, history and an EPQ at A-level and have been predicted A*A*A*AA. I want to do physical natural sciences, and I wonder if I will regret not taking a gap year to take A-level chemistry (which I had really wanted to do but I didn't want to give up any of my other subjects and the most my sixth form allowed any student to do was 4 A-levels and an EPQ) and to do some work experience. If I reapply I will apply to a different college to the one I was rejected from obviously. I have gotten an offer from Edinburgh and am waiting on what other universities will say as they all don't reply until January.
However, I am really torn as there are pros and cons to both reapplying to Cambridge and just doing my undergrad at another uni, but I really fell in love with the Cambridge course and am unsure if I would spend the rest of my life regretting not taking chemistry.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

Frazzzer_Who

6

Original post

by starsandmoons

I was rejected from Cambridge without interview, likely because I was very ill during the ESAT and did significantly worse than I generally had done during practice papers. I am doing maths, further maths, physics, history and an EPQ at A-level and have been predicted A*A*A*AA. I want to do physical natural sciences, and I wonder if I will regret not taking a gap year to take A-level chemistry (which I had really wanted to do but I didn't want to give up any of my other subjects and the most my sixth form allowed any student to do was 4 A-levels and an EPQ) and to do some work experience. If I reapply I will apply to a different college to the one I was rejected from obviously. I have gotten an offer from Edinburgh and am waiting on what other universities will say as they all don't reply until January.
However, I am really torn as there are pros and cons to both reapplying to Cambridge and just doing my undergrad at another uni, but I really fell in love with the Cambridge course and am unsure if I would spend the rest of my life regretting not taking chemistry.

It's obv a personal decision but if you have plans for a gap year and are desperate to take chemistry I'd go for it, just maybe set a limit for how many times you reapply, also if your young for S6/Year 13 theres even less stress as for me if I did go to uni next year I'll miss like the first term socials. Tbh I'm thinking about reapplying next year aswell as I had my interview two days ago for land econ and it was decent/enjoyable but I still don't really think I've done enough to get a place. Good luck whatever remember 1 year isn't that much time compared with 3/4 years at a uni you don't really want to be

Reply 2

CherryBlossoms1

10

I would reapply to Cambridge because it has your dream course

Reply 3

lcigroup

7

Reapplying to Cambridge can work if you’ve significantly improved your profile since last time—stronger grades, relevant experience, or a much better personal statement. But don’t fixate on it; other unis offer great courses, networking, and career prospects too. Think about where you’ll get the support, opportunities, and environment to succeed, rather than just chasing the brand. Many people are very happy and successful at other top unis.

Reply 4

DishPerson :)

13

I think it's one of those things that really depends on you and your personal circumstance. There's some general advice that usually floats around: get your grades and get to results day before making the decision. Also consider what you would do on a gap year- would you enjoy and value the year even if you are rejected again? With a university as competitive as Cambridge, you really can't expect an offer next time. This may come across as harsh, but you still need to think about it: do you really think you can get a better ESAT score next time? In the meantime, also attend offer holder days for your other universities. You may have your heart set on Cambridge now, but maybe seeing the other universities or courses will change your mind? It's definitely worth doing, even if you find nothing is as good to you right now, at least you can say that with some certainty. In general, which would you regret more: going next year and never reapplying or reapply and getting rejected again? This all depends on how much you like the other unis courses, gap year plans - basically the other smaller questions!

I would wait to make any permanent decisions because the rejection will still be too new for you to think of it objectively. It doesn't matter which decision you finally make as long as it's the best for you! But don't rush it. If you can, try and search for similar threads from the past to see other advice. Best of luck either way!

Reply 5

Muttley79

20

Original post

by starsandmoons

I was rejected from Cambridge without interview, likely because I was very ill during the ESAT and did significantly worse than I generally had done during practice papers. I am doing maths, further maths, physics, history and an EPQ at A-level and have been predicted A*A*A*AA. I want to do physical natural sciences, and I wonder if I will regret not taking a gap year to take A-level chemistry (which I had really wanted to do but I didn't want to give up any of my other subjects and the most my sixth form allowed any student to do was 4 A-levels and an EPQ) and to do some work experience. If I reapply I will apply to a different college to the one I was rejected from obviously. I have gotten an offer from Edinburgh and am waiting on what other universities will say as they all don't reply until January.
However, I am really torn as there are pros and cons to both reapplying to Cambridge and just doing my undergrad at another uni, but I really fell in love with the Cambridge course and am unsure if I would spend the rest of my life regretting not taking chemistry.

It will be expensive to take Chemistry as you'll need to find somewhere to do the required practicals.

Reply 6

thegeek888

18

Original post

by Muttley79

It will be expensive to take Chemistry as you'll need to find somewhere to do the required practicals.

Only Cambridge and Ozford require the practicals to be passed and the rest of the universities welcome it but don't require it from private candidates.

Reply 7

Muttley79

20

Original post

by thegeek888

Only Cambridge and Ozford require the practicals to be passed and the rest of the universities welcome it but don't require it from private candidates.

The OP is thinking about Cambridge so my post is VERY relevant.

Reply 8

idkwhatXD_lol

14

Original post

by Muttley79

The OP is thinking about Cambridge so my post is VERY relevant.

Mutty wins :ahee:

Reply 9

Anonymous #1

If you’re really in love with Cambridge and its program, but worried about getting in, it’s never a bad idea to do your undergraduate somewhere else and fixate on going to Cambridge for grad school. You’re still young, so it may be beneficial to go somewhere else, figure out what you like/don’t like, and choose a specialized masters course at Cambridge after you’ve bolstered your resume with accolades the admissions committee can’t help but accept.

Should I reapply to Cambridge or just go to another uni?

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