should I reapply to Cambridge, law, or just let life move on???
Hey Guys.
Basically I applied for Cambridge Law and got rejected after the interviews, of which the second one did went badly I have to say.
Now I've got offers from the other unis, like Kings, UCL and Durham to do law. I know these are all fantastically good law schools in the UK, but it was truly hard for me to move on. As an international, to do law at Cambridge was more or less why I came to the UK to do A-levels two years ago and i've never even imagined that the opposite could have happened. Please believe me, liking cambridge and wanting to study there is not only about its superb reputation and rankings and stuff, though they are one of the reasons, but it's more of a personal thing. For me it's more like falling in love with an individual. The nurturing effect of the natural landscape, the feeling of home (since i do my A-levels here), its role in defining the Britishness and British people, and inextricable link with my own culture too.
I got 6 A s in the AS, i.e. Double Mathematics, English literature, Physics, Economics and History and predicted 5 As for A2. I got 22 in LNAT and with loads of extra-curriculum stuff, like music, church volunteering and active participation in debates, public speaking etc.
Well i do know it's never gonna be good enough for cam, and i've been asking myself maybe i hadn't tried hard enough, or maybe i am simply not good enough for them. If so I will try to let it go and enjoy the jolly nice law schools waiting for me. Or is it a narrow miss, that if I did stick to the very end and perform truly well until the last moment of the interview maybe i could have made it...Then i really would like to take a gap year and re-apply, though this means a hugh opportunity cost and sort of going through the mental stress and nightmare once again... I know it's been half a year by now and i am still tormented by the conflict of realism/idealism. I hate myself for the indecision but I've never really lost an important intellectual game in my life before, and that may be why when the rejection came, i couldn't possibly believe it or take it.
My apologies for any inapproriateness or controvercy above and I mean no disrespect in any way. Just would appreciate sincere advice from anyone who's been there, whatever the choice, who's now happy with what they chose.
Cheers. x.
Basically I applied for Cambridge Law and got rejected after the interviews, of which the second one did went badly I have to say.
Now I've got offers from the other unis, like Kings, UCL and Durham to do law. I know these are all fantastically good law schools in the UK, but it was truly hard for me to move on. As an international, to do law at Cambridge was more or less why I came to the UK to do A-levels two years ago and i've never even imagined that the opposite could have happened. Please believe me, liking cambridge and wanting to study there is not only about its superb reputation and rankings and stuff, though they are one of the reasons, but it's more of a personal thing. For me it's more like falling in love with an individual. The nurturing effect of the natural landscape, the feeling of home (since i do my A-levels here), its role in defining the Britishness and British people, and inextricable link with my own culture too.
I got 6 A s in the AS, i.e. Double Mathematics, English literature, Physics, Economics and History and predicted 5 As for A2. I got 22 in LNAT and with loads of extra-curriculum stuff, like music, church volunteering and active participation in debates, public speaking etc.
Well i do know it's never gonna be good enough for cam, and i've been asking myself maybe i hadn't tried hard enough, or maybe i am simply not good enough for them. If so I will try to let it go and enjoy the jolly nice law schools waiting for me. Or is it a narrow miss, that if I did stick to the very end and perform truly well until the last moment of the interview maybe i could have made it...Then i really would like to take a gap year and re-apply, though this means a hugh opportunity cost and sort of going through the mental stress and nightmare once again... I know it's been half a year by now and i am still tormented by the conflict of realism/idealism. I hate myself for the indecision but I've never really lost an important intellectual game in my life before, and that may be why when the rejection came, i couldn't possibly believe it or take it.
My apologies for any inapproriateness or controvercy above and I mean no disrespect in any way. Just would appreciate sincere advice from anyone who's been there, whatever the choice, who's now happy with what they chose.
Cheers. x.
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I think them rejecting you is lifes way of them telling you to move on
Personally I would have accepted one of the other offers
Personally I would have accepted one of the other offers
Dude get over it. I promise you as soon as you get to London or Durham (I would personally go for UCL out of your remaining offers) Cambridge will be a million miles from your thoughts. I understand that as a 6th former Cambridge and Oxford seem like the be all and end all of everything but they are really not. All 3 uni's you have offers for are fantastic schools and it seems stupid to set yourself up for more disappointment next year should you be rejected. It hurts now but in a years time, trust me, you won't give a flying ****.
Flip a coin.
I agree with Dannyboy123. No use dwelling over something you cannot possibly change. Look on the bright side, you now have 3 fantastic offers on the table for you and you can't go wrong with either of them. Personally though, I would go for UCL.
Mahatma Gandhi went to UCL
Think about your decision carefully. The Uni you go to will determine many things down the line. However you will need to move on eventually, and you may get rejected again...
I think you should reapply but have a second uni that you are happy with prepared and 'fall in love' with that one too so that you can accept yourself going there too.
Good luck!
I think you should reapply but have a second uni that you are happy with prepared and 'fall in love' with that one too so that you can accept yourself going there too.
Good luck!
Stop right there.
I got an offer from Oxford last year. I fell in love with the place- even now, I'd do anything to go back there- beautiful city, wonderful people, and... Heck- something about Oxford makes things feel so much brighter. Even now- if I end up going for postgrad, Oxford's the top choice, if my grades hold up through my course.
I missed the final A in my offer by a couple of marks in Chemistry. I couldn't bear to move on- my parents strongarmed me into reapplying, since I got the offer the first time round, and being the idiot I was, I decided to do so.
Result? Bam- rejection! And a wasted year.
Don't underestimate the effect that a wasted year out will have on your soul. Depression's a genuine possibility. It's a long time.
In any case, though- UCL? Durham? You have offers from there? They're just as steeped in history as Oxbridge. Grab Durham if you must have the Oxbridgesque feel- but don't throw a year onto the pyre of your ambitions.
Take it from somebody who didn't make it- Durham/UCL/Kings are fantastic. Don't waste your time unless you absolutely know you can do better next time.
Your grades are up to scratch. If you want to gamble that year, nobody can stop you. They do reconsider you the second time round- and if you significantly strengthen your application in the interim, you have a shot. But really- don't tell yourself that you'll be the same at the other end of the gap year if you don't make it. It's soul-crushing.
I got an offer from Oxford last year. I fell in love with the place- even now, I'd do anything to go back there- beautiful city, wonderful people, and... Heck- something about Oxford makes things feel so much brighter. Even now- if I end up going for postgrad, Oxford's the top choice, if my grades hold up through my course.
I missed the final A in my offer by a couple of marks in Chemistry. I couldn't bear to move on- my parents strongarmed me into reapplying, since I got the offer the first time round, and being the idiot I was, I decided to do so.
Result? Bam- rejection! And a wasted year.
Don't underestimate the effect that a wasted year out will have on your soul. Depression's a genuine possibility. It's a long time.
In any case, though- UCL? Durham? You have offers from there? They're just as steeped in history as Oxbridge. Grab Durham if you must have the Oxbridgesque feel- but don't throw a year onto the pyre of your ambitions.
Take it from somebody who didn't make it- Durham/UCL/Kings are fantastic. Don't waste your time unless you absolutely know you can do better next time.
Your grades are up to scratch. If you want to gamble that year, nobody can stop you. They do reconsider you the second time round- and if you significantly strengthen your application in the interim, you have a shot. But really- don't tell yourself that you'll be the same at the other end of the gap year if you don't make it. It's soul-crushing.
There's more to life than Oxbridge. Most of the work you do for law you do by yourself anyway - you will have the chance to do very well at Durham/UCL just as you would at Oxbridge. Durham in particular is just as stepped in History as Oxford/Cambridge are.
If you would consider taking a gap year anyway, then it might be worth reapplying. Only do this if you have the means and the inclination to do some travelling etc., a gap year can be a great opportunity. If you aren't ready for a gap year yet though, don't waste a year just to re-apply.
If you would consider taking a gap year anyway, then it might be worth reapplying. Only do this if you have the means and the inclination to do some travelling etc., a gap year can be a great opportunity. If you aren't ready for a gap year yet though, don't waste a year just to re-apply.
Reapplication for the win. Go for it. 
Edit: My two-cents.
Edit: My two-cents.
I applied to Oxford. I'd had my heart set on it for many many years. Didn't get in (didn't even get interviewed!). Was fairly gutted.
HOWEVER, accepted my offer at UCL and since then have had by far the most enjoyable two years of my life. Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
I'd also like to direct your attention to this:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8727
(don't forget to select 'Law')
Oxbridge is not the be all and end all, though it may feel like it.
Another thing to bear in mind is, despite the small increase in kudos you will gain for going to Oxbridge, you'll work about 300% harder. I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
Go to UCL.
All that said, if you really think your heart is dead set on it - go for it.. I'd hate for you to spend your whole life wondering 'what if..'. I guess my point is, move on. I did. I'm alright.
HOWEVER, accepted my offer at UCL and since then have had by far the most enjoyable two years of my life. Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
I'd also like to direct your attention to this:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8727
(don't forget to select 'Law')
Oxbridge is not the be all and end all, though it may feel like it.
Another thing to bear in mind is, despite the small increase in kudos you will gain for going to Oxbridge, you'll work about 300% harder. I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
Go to UCL.
All that said, if you really think your heart is dead set on it - go for it.. I'd hate for you to spend your whole life wondering 'what if..'. I guess my point is, move on. I did. I'm alright.
Ryands
I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
I'm a Cambridge lawyer. During the Xmas/Lent terms I generally have to write two 2,000 word essays weekly, not just one
You do get used to it though, it doesn't take me all that long to churn out an essay anymore even if its a subject I'm not familiar with
Ryands
I applied to Oxford. I'd had my heart set on it for many many years. Didn't get in (didn't even get interviewed!). Was fairly gutted.
HOWEVER, accepted my offer at UCL and since then have had by far the most enjoyable two years of my life. Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
I'd also like to direct your attention to this:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8727
(don't forget to select 'Law')
Oxbridge is not the be all and end all, though it may feel like it.
Another thing to bear in mind is, despite the small increase in kudos you will gain for going to Oxbridge, you'll work about 300% harder. I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
Go to UCL.
All that said, if you really think your heart is dead set on it - go for it.. I'd hate for you to spend your whole life wondering 'what if..'. I guess my point is, move on. I did. I'm alright.
HOWEVER, accepted my offer at UCL and since then have had by far the most enjoyable two years of my life. Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
I'd also like to direct your attention to this:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8727
(don't forget to select 'Law')
Oxbridge is not the be all and end all, though it may feel like it.
Another thing to bear in mind is, despite the small increase in kudos you will gain for going to Oxbridge, you'll work about 300% harder. I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
Go to UCL.
All that said, if you really think your heart is dead set on it - go for it.. I'd hate for you to spend your whole life wondering 'what if..'. I guess my point is, move on. I did. I'm alright.
I find the supervision system at Cambridge quite mind-numbingly dull. I did 2 essays a week this year, and I realised very soon that the only way to make this tolerable was to blag as much as possible and not actually learn things properly, because if you actually put your maximum effort into learning two completely new topics a week and writing a 2000-2500 word essay into it you would drive yourself crazy.
Essentially I don't think I've benefited for having to do so much work. I'm only starting to appreciate my course now that it's exam term and there's no more teaching.
The West Wing
Essentially I don't think I've benefited for having to do so much work. I'm only starting to appreciate my course now that it's exam term and there's no more teaching.
Essentially I don't think I've benefited for having to do so much work. I'm only starting to appreciate my course now that it's exam term and there's no more teaching.
I've found exactly the same thing at LSE.
Ryands
I applied to Oxford. I'd had my heart set on it for many many years. Didn't get in (didn't even get interviewed!). Was fairly gutted.
HOWEVER, accepted my offer at UCL and since then have had by far the most enjoyable two years of my life. Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
I'd also like to direct your attention to this:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8727
(don't forget to select 'Law')
Oxbridge is not the be all and end all, though it may feel like it.
Another thing to bear in mind is, despite the small increase in kudos you will gain for going to Oxbridge, you'll work about 300% harder. I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
Go to UCL.
All that said, if you really think your heart is dead set on it - go for it.. I'd hate for you to spend your whole life wondering 'what if..'. I guess my point is, move on. I did. I'm alright.
HOWEVER, accepted my offer at UCL and since then have had by far the most enjoyable two years of my life. Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
I'd also like to direct your attention to this:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8727
(don't forget to select 'Law')
Oxbridge is not the be all and end all, though it may feel like it.
Another thing to bear in mind is, despite the small increase in kudos you will gain for going to Oxbridge, you'll work about 300% harder. I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
Go to UCL.
All that said, if you really think your heart is dead set on it - go for it.. I'd hate for you to spend your whole life wondering 'what if..'. I guess my point is, move on. I did. I'm alright.
"Things happen for a reason."
Couldn't agree more, really. Throughout my life I've held this strong conviction of fatalism, though I believed in the opposite before, like I was destined to get in and stuff. and this is why when the personal triumphalism was destroyed by harsh reality, was just too furious to accept this fate. But I am somehow still believing in that destined fate, and some part of me has been thinking that maybe this is what is meant to be and what I should learn from, and two years later I may have a completely different perspective.
Thank you for the link and everything. I indeed had made UCl as my firm a while ago and still feeling fortunate in being offered a place at this institution. As for "the getting over cam" sentiments, I think though the process is tremendously painful for a perfectionist like me, in time I will.
So have you been studying at UCl for the past two years? Could you tell me if you are familiar with the LLB/JD programme with Columbia? Is it really as not so competitive as the website claims? (like a 2:1 and active role in mooting will be enough)
Good luck in the coming exams(if applicable) and thank you again for your time and help.
Ryands
I applied to Oxford. I'd had my heart set on it for many many years. Didn't get in (didn't even get interviewed!). Was fairly gutted.
HOWEVER, accepted my offer at UCL and since then have had by far the most enjoyable two years of my life. Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
I'd also like to direct your attention to this:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8727
(don't forget to select 'Law')
Oxbridge is not the be all and end all, though it may feel like it.
Another thing to bear in mind is, despite the small increase in kudos you will gain for going to Oxbridge, you'll work about 300% harder. I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
Go to UCL.
All that said, if you really think your heart is dead set on it - go for it.. I'd hate for you to spend your whole life wondering 'what if..'. I guess my point is, move on. I did. I'm alright.
HOWEVER, accepted my offer at UCL and since then have had by far the most enjoyable two years of my life. Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
I'd also like to direct your attention to this:
http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/single.htm?ipg=8727
(don't forget to select 'Law')
Oxbridge is not the be all and end all, though it may feel like it.
Another thing to bear in mind is, despite the small increase in kudos you will gain for going to Oxbridge, you'll work about 300% harder. I know Oxford lawyers who have had to write (allegedly) 2,000 word essays weekly. Not something I'd particularly relish.
Go to UCL.
All that said, if you really think your heart is dead set on it - go for it.. I'd hate for you to spend your whole life wondering 'what if..'. I guess my point is, move on. I did. I'm alright.
Thank you for the link and everything. "Things happen for a reason." Couldn't agree more really, though the previous me believed in the opposite that "I am destined to get in" and stuff. That may be why when the personal triumphalism is destroyed by harsh reality, it all seemed unbelievable and intolerable. But i still, helplessly believe in the fate and some part of me has been reflecting that may be this what is meant to be and what I should learn from and what I would ultimately benefit the most from, say, in two years' time. As for the somehow childish and irrational sentiments for Cam, I guess though the process is ultimately painful for any perfectionist, in time I will. and i've made UCL as my firm out of the four offers some while ago.
So have you been reading law at UCL in the past two years? Could you tell me if u r familiar with the LLB/JD programme with columbia? Is it as "not so competitive" as the website claims and a 2:1 and mooting would be enough? Thank you again for your time and help. Good luck with any coming exams this term.
Ryands
Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
Things happen for a reason. Imagine how silly you'll feel if you wait a year and still don't get in.
Thank you for the link and everything. "Things happen for a reason." Couldn't agree more really, though the previous me believed in the opposite that "I am destined to get in" and stuff. That may be why when the personal triumphalism is destroyed by harsh reality, it all seemed unbelievable and intolerable. But i still, helplessly believe in the fate and some part of me has been reflecting that may be this what is meant to be and what I should learn from and what I would ultimately benefit the most from, say, in two years' time. As for the somehow childish and irrational sentiments for Cam, I guess though the process is ultimately painful for any perfectionist, in time I will. and i've made UCL as my firm out of the four offers some while ago.
So have you been reading law at UCL in the past two years? Could you tell me if u r familiar with the LLB/JD programme with columbia? Is it as "not so competitive" as the website claims and a 2:1 and mooting would be enough? Thank you again for your time and help. Good luck with any coming exams this term.
tiansQC
and thank you everyone for the kind replies. U have been persuasive one way or the other. For me one year does seem long , the supposedly good may not be as wonderfully good as i thought, and there may be no harm in leaving some regret in life.
In three years time, if not sooner, you might find that you don't regret it at all.
Good luck and well done on your offer from UCL
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