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Oxford Maths+cs or Cambridge Maths

I am year 12 doing maths, fm, comp sci and econ and I am stuck in choosing whether to apply for oxford maths+cs or cambridge maths, probably will take both to a masters degree level. I haven't been to an open day at either yet but just really would like to know which I should do if anybody has any advice. I do a lot of maths in my spare time, I also do a lot of programming and robotics, although I believe that I prefer maths with application in computing and programming. In the future I want to go into computational mathematics / mathematical finance. I feel like the TMUA for oxford is significantly easier than STEP for cambridge, however Cambridge offer far more places and the filter is usually STEP, also a lot more people get interviewed in the first place.

Reply 1

It really does depend on personal preference I think - there isn't really an objective answer to which is best. First thing to consider, probably, is whether you'd prefer to do a joint honours course or not.

Then there's the location. Cambridge and Oxford are pretty similar in that regard, but Cambridge is definitely busier and livelier, so that should factor in. Then again, the collegiate systems make this a little less important.

As for the admissions exams, you're right about tmua being much easier than STEP, but you're also right about Cambridge inviting more applicants to interview. Presumably Oxford looks for very high scores on tmua.

A bit anecdotal, but to provide my experience, 2 kids in my year applied to Oxford maths, and 2 applied to Cambridge (myself included). Both Oxford applicants were rejected without getting an interview, and both me and the other Cambridge applicant did get interviews and we're waiting to see if we get offers - but, to be completely honest, there's a high chance that we don't get an offer, or that we miss our STEP requirements. It might be worth thinking about whether you expect to do well in your interview - if you do, perhaps Cambridge is the better choice given that you'll have a better chance to show off. If, on the other hand, you're very confident about tmua, Oxford might be preferable.

Regardless, don't make any decisions until you attend open days. I was convinced Id be applying to Oxford, until I actually visited them both and completely changed my mind.

Sorry for the essay lol but I hope it's somewhat helpful. How's year 12 been going so far?

Reply 2

Original post
by ConfusedPenguin1
It really does depend on personal preference I think - there isn't really an objective answer to which is best. First thing to consider, probably, is whether you'd prefer to do a joint honours course or not.
Then there's the location. Cambridge and Oxford are pretty similar in that regard, but Cambridge is definitely busier and livelier, so that should factor in. Then again, the collegiate systems make this a little less important.
As for the admissions exams, you're right about tmua being much easier than STEP, but you're also right about Cambridge inviting more applicants to interview. Presumably Oxford looks for very high scores on tmua.
A bit anecdotal, but to provide my experience, 2 kids in my year applied to Oxford maths, and 2 applied to Cambridge (myself included). Both Oxford applicants were rejected without getting an interview, and both me and the other Cambridge applicant did get interviews and we're waiting to see if we get offers - but, to be completely honest, there's a high chance that we don't get an offer, or that we miss our STEP requirements. It might be worth thinking about whether you expect to do well in your interview - if you do, perhaps Cambridge is the better choice given that you'll have a better chance to show off. If, on the other hand, you're very confident about tmua, Oxford might be preferable.
Regardless, don't make any decisions until you attend open days. I was convinced Id be applying to Oxford, until I actually visited them both and completely changed my mind.
Sorry for the essay lol but I hope it's somewhat helpful. How's year 12 been going so far?

In what way is Cambridge 'livelier'? I totally disagree ...

Reply 3

Original post
by Muttley79
In what way is Cambridge 'livelier'? I totally disagree ...

Idk, as someone who has spent a fair bit of time in both towns, Cambridge always just seems consistently busier, louder, etc. There seems to be more people out and about, the market seems more active. The mood also seems a bit more upbeat but of course that's very subjective, hence why I advised them to visit for themselves.

Reply 4

Original post
by 12jheap
I am year 12 doing maths, fm, comp sci and econ and I am stuck in choosing whether to apply for oxford maths+cs or cambridge maths, probably will take both to a masters degree level. I haven't been to an open day at either yet but just really would like to know which I should do if anybody has any advice. I do a lot of maths in my spare time, I also do a lot of programming and robotics, although I believe that I prefer maths with application in computing and programming. In the future I want to go into computational mathematics / mathematical finance. I feel like the TMUA for oxford is significantly easier than STEP for cambridge, however Cambridge offer far more places and the filter is usually STEP, also a lot more people get interviewed in the first place.

I think the main difference students identify is if you get an Oxford offer you are clear what you need to do.

With Cambridge, the offer is also based on STEP and 50% miss that part of the offer.

Reply 5

Original post
by ConfusedPenguin1
Idk, as someone who has spent a fair bit of time in both towns, Cambridge always just seems consistently busier, louder, etc. There seems to be more people out and about, the market seems more active. The mood also seems a bit more upbeat but of course that's very subjective, hence why I advised them to visit for themselves.

I would say the opposite so, yes, it depends on when you go and where you go. For example, in Oxford there's always live music in Cornmarket Street free to just stop and listen.

Reply 6

Original post
by Muttley79
I would say the opposite so, yes, it depends on when you go and where you go. For example, in Oxford there's always live music in Cornmarket Street free to just stop and listen.

Fair enough, Cornmarket Street is lovely to be fair.

Reply 7

Original post
by 12jheap
I am year 12 doing maths, fm, comp sci and econ and I am stuck in choosing whether to apply for oxford maths+cs or cambridge maths, probably will take both to a masters degree level. I haven't been to an open day at either yet but just really would like to know which I should do if anybody has any advice. I do a lot of maths in my spare time, I also do a lot of programming and robotics, although I believe that I prefer maths with application in computing and programming. In the future I want to go into computational mathematics / mathematical finance. I feel like the TMUA for oxford is significantly easier than STEP for cambridge, however Cambridge offer far more places and the filter is usually STEP, also a lot more people get interviewed in the first place.


To be honest, I think you've answered your own question. You said yourself that you prefer maths with application in computing and programming, and that would link more to potential future careers. It sounds like the course at Oxford would allow you to spend more time on what you enjoy most. Have a look at the module information for both courses and imagine that it's your current timetable. Which one would you look forward to more?

Reply 8

I'd think about what course you would rather do if you didn't get into Oxbridge. As in, if you remove Oxbridge/Cambridge from the equation which course would you genuinely enjoy doing more. You only have one personal statement so applying to varying subjects is tricky.

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