Medicine at Cambridge?

Perhaps this is the inherent differences in the colleges' philosophies showing through.

Well, that's your opinion, and I'll stick to mine. Though I note you only selectively quoted me and what I actually said was "not to focus on it TOO MUCH."

I suspect it rather depends on whether you really really only want to go to Cambridge, or you really really want to do medicine, would quite like to go to Cambridge but would be happy with another place if you didn't make it. Yes, there are Cambridge-specific things you can do which will help, but I would not advise someone to focus on these to the detriment of the rest of their application. Just as there are probably other things that will get you brownie points for other places but I think you'd be silly to aim your entire application at any one place regardless of whether it's Oxbridge or anywhere else.

Perhaps this is the inherent differences in the colleges' philosophies showing through.

Anyone else looking to do medicine at Cambridge? Cambridge's hard enough to get into . . .medicine makes it no easier . . .I don't know if I can meet the A*AA offer. Besides I have like no extra curricula stuff. Do you think that reduces my chances? Or do you think that academic flair makes up for it? I have talked to so many teachers and they have all given me different opinions!! Please help??!!

You don't do any extra curric? You serious? It's good to have a life, you know. Not just for the cambridge thing, but in general. Try to start some hobbies and stuff because you'll probs need it

going out, drinking, playing football = life
ballet lessons = extra curric

Cambridge upgraded its requirement to A*AA already?!

In light of this the standard A level conditional offer made by the Cambridge Colleges for 2010 entry will be A*AA. The subject in which the A* is to be achieved is unlikely to be specified in most cases

.I'm going to this Medsim Medical workshop this Summer but some people say the Unis don't think anything of it . . . Anyway, which college you looking to apply for?

Don't knock ballet! That was my great ambition in life until I realised that a)I was already too tall at the grand age of 11, b)I was rubbish at it and c)Medicine seemed more interesting and a slightly more reliable career.

Cambridge colleges vary in how much they care about extra-curriculars etc, and some people will say they're not important at all, but do bear in mind that most people will have done a reasonable amount of stuff, and again, you HAVE to consider your other applications. I think the most obvious thing missing from what you've listed is any kind of long-term volunteering, whether it's with a youth group, in a hospice or a nursing home etc. That might be worthwhile, and is certainly cheaper than a World Challenge expedition!

How long term is long term?

I'm going to start volunteering at my local hospital feeding patients on the weekend. I applied in March and will begin next month. I intend to continue with it until I reach Uni. Will they understand? As I applied early but because the system is inefficient I'll only have a few months experience by the time of the interview, if I get an interview.

Im just wondering,

When people say Cambridge want "Good UMS scores" --> What UMS scores are regarded as "good" in that situation?

Thanks!

Usually 90% or better (270/300) at AS Level. Varies from college to college though.

EDIT: These days, in other words just A*s.

Usually 90% or better (270/300) at AS Level. Varies from college to college though.

EDIT: These days, in other words just A*s.

You don't HAVE to have D of E or any of those very expensive world challenge thingies. If you can learn something useful from them then they're good, but if it's just because you think you need to tick that box, there's no point. And you are right to think that most unis don't have a very high opinion of Medsim/Medlink, though again, if you can demonstrate how they helped you understand more about what it is to be a doctor, it might be useful.

My first piece of advice to anyone applying to Cambridge (and others may disagree with me but that's up to them) is NOT to focus too much on Cambridge. Statistically you are likely to be rejected, and if your entire medicine application is Cambridge (or Oxford) focussed, you have immediately screwed yourself over for getting into any other med school. Concentrate on getting a)good grades in everything, b)a good BMAT and c)a good all-round medicine application for all 4 places you apply to.

Cambridge colleges vary in how much they care about extra-curriculars etc, and some people will say they're not important at all, but do bear in mind that most people will have done a reasonable amount of stuff, and again, you HAVE to consider your other applications. I think the most obvious thing missing from what you've listed is any kind of long-term volunteering, whether it's with a youth group, in a hospice or a nursing home etc. That might be worthwhile, and is certainly cheaper than a World Challenge expedition!

I think that is pretty much expected for medicine, good is >290 imo

It seems to vary between exam board how easy it is to get such a very high mark though.

What have you based that on?