Christ's College (Cambridge) Students and Applicants

Hi i'm interesting in applying to Christ's for Engineering, i'm looking at the various interview assesments that Cambridge have got going, for example on their website they have a list of colleges, with various interview conditions (TSA,Test at interview, STEP) and Christ's only say "interview only"...well what does that exactly mean? Does anyone know what there is to expect from an interview to study engineering at Christ's?

Reply 921

kpatb

2

Original post by hockeyjoe

...

Well if it says interview only, they mean interview only and that there's no other assessment such as college admissions tests or TSA etc.
You will probably have at 2 interviews - One with the director of Studies for Engineering at Christ's and one with a General Tutor of the college (or at least that was the case last year).

Christ's are very proud of their ability to hand pick who they believe are the best students through interview.The tests may or may not go to your advantage. If you're someone who gets very nervous speaking to someone or aren't entriely confident about your ability to speak about your subject, then a solid score on an admissions test can really boost your chances. Conversely, if the admissions test isnt your strong point, then it's probably a good thing that they dont have any admissions test.

You can probably expect the content of the interviews to be similar to what most other colleges do - one general interview and one subjects based interview (on mathematics and physics mainly)

Unfortunately, having not been an engineering applicant myself, I can't tell you more, I'm sorry!

Note: Last year, Engineering students at Christ's were expected to do the TSA. I don't know if their policy has changed since then so I advise that if you're seriously thinking about Christ's to email the Admissions Tutor and ask.

My interview experience with Christ's was very positive (although I didn't get interviewed for Engineering, I got interviewed for NatSci) :smile:

The admissions tutor was always happy to answer any questions about the admissions process, so if you have any worries, you could always email her and ask her - she's a lovely lady :smile:

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 922

gethsemane342

11

Yeah, if you're not sure, you should ask. Especially if they have changed the policy since no one on here would be able to answer you. The admissions tutor is absolutely lovely and will be happy to answer any questions you have :smile:

Reply 923

hockeyjoe

15

Original post by kpatb

Well if it says interview only, they mean interview only and that there's no other assessment such as college admissions tests or TSA etc.
You will probably have at 2 interviews - One with the director of Studies for Engineering at Christ's and one with a General Tutor of the college (or at least that was the case last year).

Christ's are very proud of their ability to hand pick who they believe are the best students through interview.The tests may or may not go to your advantage. If you're someone who gets very nervous speaking to someone or aren't entriely confident about your ability to speak about your subject, then a solid score on an admissions test can really boost your chances. Conversely, if the admissions test isnt your strong point, then it's probably a good thing that they dont have any admissions test.

You can probably expect the content of the interviews to be similar to what most other colleges do - one general interview and one subjects based interview (on mathematics and physics mainly)

Unfortunately, having not been an engineering applicant myself, I can't tell you more, I'm sorry!

Note: Last year, Engineering students at Christ's were expected to do the TSA. I don't know if their policy has changed since then so I advise that if you're seriously thinking about Christ's to email the Admissions Tutor and ask.

My interview experience with Christ's was very positive (although I didn't get interviewed for Engineering, I got interviewed for NatSci) :smile:

The admissions tutor was always happy to answer any questions about the admissions process, so if you have any worries, you could always email her and ask her - she's a lovely lady :smile:

Well yer I mean, I've been through plenty of interviews in my time and feel that the interview would be best for me, however i confess that i am trying to apply tactically in a way, being that there's no formal admissions test, what would you say to that? thanks alot for your help by the way, i gave you ++++++++++++

Reply 924

kpatb

2

Original post by hockeyjoe

Well yer I mean, I've been through plenty of interviews in my time and feel that the interview would be best for me, however i confess that i am trying to apply tactically in a way, being that there's no formal admissions test, what would you say to that? thanks alot for your help by the way, i gave you ++++++++++++

Well I can't really say anything because it's a totally personal choice.
Remember, that though applying in a tactical way may be advatangeous to the admissions process, you will be living at the college for 3 or 4 years, so you've got to like the college as a place too.

Secondly, are you certain there are no admissions tests? As far as I remember, last year there definitely was.

I have an offer for entry in 2011, and from what I've seen and heard of Christ's it's a lovely place to be :smile:

Thank you for the rep and good luck!

Reply 925

hockeyjoe

15

Original post by kpatb

Well I can't really say anything because it's a totally personal choice.
Remember, that though applying in a tactical way may be advatangeous to the admissions process, you will be living at the college for 3 or 4 years, so you've got to like the college as a place too.

Secondly, are you certain there are no admissions tests? As far as I remember, last year there definitely was.

I have an offer for entry in 2011, and from what I've seen and heard of Christ's it's a lovely place to be :smile:

Thank you for the rep and good luck!

it says so on the cambridge website so :/ i don't know, i'll have to email the university, but yer of course, i wouldn't dream of applying to a college i didn't like :smile:

thanks for your help

Reply 926

defender90

3

I applied for engineering at Christ's last year if it helps and you have any questions? PM if you want

Reply 927

indifferencepersonified

8

This might sound like a very pre-emptitive question since I haven't even finished my exams yet, but when do people at Christ's move in? I'm asking so that my folks can get their holidays from work sorted. Thanks :smile:

Reply 928

around

13

Your rent normally starts on the first Saturday of October, but some subjects at some colleges have pre-weeks so you may have to move in a week or so earlier.

Reply 929

vlad_x2

2

Date of Arrival
Sunday 3rd October is the date of arrival for most undergraduates. All students must be in Cambridge and available to see Tutors etc. by 3.00pm on Sunday 2nd October. [...]

From here. I guess that's when you'll move in as well.
Also note that Sunday 3rd is a typo, it's 2nd actually.

Reply 930

indifferencepersonified

8

Thanks to both of you.

Reply 931

gethsemane342

11

It'll be the Sunday unless you're an overseas students or you do a course requiring a week beforehand.

Reply 932

indifferencepersonified

8

On a totally unrelated point to mine about moving in, what's the standard of the college tennis team(s) like? Are there a lot of county standard players around?