Transfer to Cambridge from U.S.?

supindy · 05-05-2008, 06:21 AM

Hi all, I thought the people in this forum might know a bit more about UK universities so thats why i'm posting here.

I am a student in the U.S. about to attend another college here. I looked into Cambridge and absolutley love it! What does Cambridge look for in U.S. applicants?

Further since I am already attending another U.S. college if I want to apply to Cambridge next year do I apply as a 1st year or is there a seperate process for people attending other universities? If the latter, then does Cambridge look at my college transcript or high school transcript?

Thanks for your help!

lOngbOWmeN · 05-05-2008, 11:17 AM

Cambridge does not practise a transfer-policy

Quote:

Please note that those nationals attending or committed to attend universities in their home country will not normally be considered for admission to study a full degree programme in the same or a very similar subject as an undergraduate at Cambridge whilst committed to another university

You could however apply to read for a 2nd degree (2 years) after completing your current one as an Affiliated Applicant.

Cambridge does not require transcripts, you just need to fill in your grades and a brief list of the topics/stuff that you covered in school on the application form.

-From this place we gain enlightenment and knowledge-

supindy · 05-05-2008, 11:30 AM

that means that I can't even apply as a 1st year?

lOngbOWmeN · 05-05-2008, 11:41 AM

unless you have a compelling reason to do so, chances are you wont be admitted

cupcake · 05-05-2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

that means that I can't even apply as a 1st year?

Yes, of course you can. That is the normal route for US students. it's extremely unusual to be admitted straight out of a US high school, because UK students have already specialised in a narrower range of subjects for two years, and hence they're ahead. Most US students do exactly as you propose and apply at the start of their first year of attending a US coolege (i.e. they will start at Cambridge after completing a year at a US college. The application deadine is early - 20th Sept-ish if you want to interview in the US)

Cambridge "How to apply" page
Applying from overseas

You must apply through UCAS
UCAS Home Page

lOngbOWmeN · 05-05-2008, 08:14 PM

theres this concept of a gap-year in the UK, where high schoolers take a year off after graduating to teach, do voluntary work, travel, pursue other interests (e.g. emma watson) or attend another college or course....so i guess its alright to apply as a 1st year, but i'm not an US applicant so i wouldnt noe the admission stats

cupcake · 05-06-2008, 10:55 AM

yes, definitely. It's the norm in the UK to take a gap year (no-one takes extra study courses though! it's supposed to be a break from study. Most volunteer/work.travel) so you would still be the same age as most starting students 19-20.

The Visionary · 05-19-2008, 06:11 AM

"...because UK students have already specialised in a narrower range of subjects for two years, and hence they're ahead."
Unless US students have not taken AP/IB/College courses, we can't say UK students are far ahead. Go to UCAS and you can see that AP/IB and A Level are almost equivalent! In fact, IB is 10 points higher than A Level (If I remember it correctly).

The Visionary · 05-19-2008, 06:21 AM

In fact, the best students in US have done graduate-level research (just look at the researches done by Intel STS finalists/Siemens Westinghouse winners) and/or study at a much higher level (such as Graduate-level Math) than any other students in the world. The opportunities are limitless in US (I hope my country gives me that. :-( )