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bv123 · 09-01-2008, 04:56 AM

Natural sciences (biology, chem, physics) at Cambridge is pretty tough to get into...
I'm applying this year to read bio, but don't think I have a good chance.

Anyway,
looking at your subject choices, I don't think they'll take you if you apply to read bio/chem.
I've contacted nine colleges, and all but one said you'll need either AP Chemistry or HL Chemistry to read bio/chem.
Queen's College is the exception, but they strongly recommend Chem and said although they'll look at your application, the chance of getting an offer without chem is slim.
Furthermore, many biology courses have a chem prerequisite, so without advanced chem your course selection will be extremely limited too.

Physics might be a more plausible route for you?
But then I think they'll require either AP Calculus BC or HL Math if you want to major in physics.

Their offers are also pretty tough to meet...
Ranging from 38 (7,6,6) to something as crazy as 42 (7,7,7).

As far as ECs go, include only things relevant to your intended major in your personal statement.
I've heard they like people who concentrate on their passion more than people who do everything.

You may want to visit The Student Room, it's like the UK equivalent of CC.
There's an IB forum!

Good Luck!!

Edit:
Just read that you're from a low income family.
You may apply of course, but the chance of getting an undergrad scholarship from Cambridge is really slim.
If you don't have scholarship...
Then the tuition is about 13k, college fee about 3k, and living expense will probably be around 10k (9 months there).
Which adds up to over 50k US$ a year, and about 150k for the whole 3 year program.
Similar to how much it'd cost to go to a regular private school in the States...?

09-01-2008, 04:56 AM	#33
bv123 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 100	Natural sciences (biology, chem, physics) at Cambridge is pretty tough to get into... I'm applying this year to read bio, but don't think I have a good chance. Anyway, looking at your subject choices, I don't think they'll take you if you apply to read bio/chem. I've contacted nine colleges, and all but one said you'll need either AP Chemistry or HL Chemistry to read bio/chem. Queen's College is the exception, but they strongly recommend Chem and said although they'll look at your application, the chance of getting an offer without chem is slim. Furthermore, many biology courses have a chem prerequisite, so without advanced chem your course selection will be extremely limited too. Physics might be a more plausible route for you? But then I think they'll require either AP Calculus BC or HL Math if you want to major in physics. Their offers are also pretty tough to meet... Ranging from 38 (7,6,6) to something as crazy as 42 (7,7,7). As far as ECs go, include only things relevant to your intended major in your personal statement. I've heard they like people who concentrate on their passion more than people who do everything. You may want to visit The Student Room, it's like the UK equivalent of CC. There's an IB forum! Good Luck!! Edit: Just read that you're from a low income family. You may apply of course, but the chance of getting an undergrad scholarship from Cambridge is really slim. If you don't have scholarship... Then the tuition is about 13k, college fee about 3k, and living expense will probably be around 10k (9 months there). Which adds up to over 50k US$ a year, and about 150k for the whole 3 year program. Similar to how much it'd cost to go to a regular private school in the States...? Last edited by bv123; 09-01-2008 at 05:12 AM.