Cambridge hopeful? - Page 2

CWalker · 07-12-2008, 01:08 PM

I don't think that Stephen Hawking being a fellow of Gonville and Caius influences applications as much as you think since he doesn't teach undergraduates. If having him as a teacher is your primary goal then you're (unfortunately) out of luck. Regardless, if I was into theoretical physics I would just want to be in his presence.

future-scientist · 07-12-2008, 01:57 PM

lol. No, I don't want him as a teacher because he doesn't teach what I want to study. So do you think Gonville and Caius would be easier than I think to get in? By the way, do you go to Cambridge?

Mr Bobo · 07-12-2008, 02:39 PM

I got an offer to study medicine at Cambridge, so if you want I could probably give you some advice on applying.

future-scientist · 07-12-2008, 02:41 PM

Yes, I would definitley love some advice ! What college did you apply to and did you go for an interview?

Mr Bobo · 07-12-2008, 07:02 PM

Yeah, I applied to Sydney Sussex, which is one of the smaller ones in the center of the town. It's not quite as impressive to look at as Gonville & Caius or Trinity, but it's got more of a cozy and friendly feel to it. Plus, it's supposed to serve some of the best food.

As for the interview, I did go (interviews are pretty much mandatory in the UK if you want to study medicine, even for the less reputable universities). I don't know if you would have to do an interview for your subject, but my guess would be that you do. I have heard of some people who managed to get interviews by telephone for Oxford, but you should probably contact someone at Cambridge and see if they do the same.

Also, are there any other universities in the UK you were thinking of applying to if it doesn't work out with Cambridge? Durham and St. Andrew's are also really old and beautiful schools that it might be worth checking out.

future-scientist · 07-12-2008, 09:16 PM

I might also consider St. Andrew's but, I have my heart set on Cambridge. I realize the acceptance rate for international students at Cambridge is about 10%, if I don't (hopefully, this isn't the case) gain acceptance into the university - I'm staying in America to attend college. The reason why is because my parent's DO NOT want me to have to travel half way around the world to attend college. I guess, they don't want me that far away but, I'm in love with England. I think it's such a beautiful place with such a thriving history.

I did look up whether or not I would need to go for an interview and I do, for natural sciences, and I also have to take a test for it. I rather speak to them in person, than on the phone because I want them to actually meet me not just recognize me from my voice. Did you contact someone from Cambridge to ask about the school? I've been thinking of doing that, but I'm a bit nervous. =/

If you don't mind me asking, what was your status in high school? Like SAT scores and GPA or if you were in the IB program? I know even with the best record it's possible I would not get in, but making sure I'm where I should be would help me. -I'm a rising junior so I still have time to get things done before college.

Anyway, thanks for the help! I've looked through the Cambridge website practically through and through (took me two days) and I'm still left unsure about several things. Not to mention very nervous!

Mr Bobo · 07-12-2008, 11:42 PM

When I was applying there I thought Cambridge was an impossibly long shot, so I didn't really bother to do all that much research on it or contact anyone.

My stats: GPA 3.2 UW, 3.6ish weighted (they don't care about GPA at all)
SAT I 2220 with 790 Bio M, 790 USH and 760 Math I for the SAT II's (not sure how much these counted for)
AP's: 5's on Bio, European History, US History, US Gov, Physics B, Environmental Science, and Chemistry, plus a 4 on macroeconomics.
IB: didn't do the full diploma, but I did take TOK/Philosophy SL and Bio HL, got 5 in both (although they had asked for a 7 in bio, so I might have my offer rescinded; I'll see how it works out).

Best of luck to you!

future-scientist · 07-13-2008, 07:29 AM

Your test scores are REALLY good. Thanks for the help! =)

cupcake · 07-14-2008, 03:31 AM

I did natural Scienes at cambridge. I am now doing a PhD at Oxford.

You will have to pay for it all yourself. UK schools don't have any concept of finanacial aid. Foreign students sometimes have scholarships from their home countries, but the number who get money from the UK is about 3 per year.

Cambridge don't do phone interviews unless they have suddently changed their mind this year. You may need to do additional tests such as BMAT (I didn't do this. it didn't come in till after I was admitted)

I recommend you visit a UK version of this board.

www. the student room .co.uk

remove the spaces for the link to work.

Jman21 · 07-14-2008, 03:52 AM

Future-scientist...I have a very good understanding of the English system of education. You will have a difficult chance getting in...most Americans do. There will be a LOT of standardized tests and you must max out on those...and then you gotta interview off the charts. And if money is a concern I would NOT even think about International schools...b/c only ELITE scholars get money.

Jman21 · 07-14-2008, 03:56 AM

Also, I see you noted 10% as the acceptance rate...it's actually probably lower than that. And if you are big into science I would rather study with noted science prof's than mentors. Sorry, but that's just my opinion.

ee33ee · 07-14-2008, 01:11 PM

Eh don't let these people intimidate you. A girl from my school got into Cambridge, even the exact Gonville school, with 3x 5's on AP Tests, not 5 or 6... that's generally what's considered an AAA on A-levels I think. They don't really care too much about SAT's I heard, and they don't even look at your high school transcript or profile. Basically - one straightforward essay, one recommendation, and then AP scores; forget the interview and extra testing even. They aren't mandatory for internationals. You will also get a boost because you are paying full price as an international student. Good luck!

kokakola · 07-14-2008, 03:05 PM

Weeell I'm a bit late answering but I've been looking at Pembroke and St. Catharine's in terms of colleges. They both seem really beautiful campus-wise but they're about the same size and I just don't know what to choose. ): The prospects seem awful for admission to both but, quite honestly, I don't care. I don't expect to get in. It would be very, very nice to have an interview (and even nicer to be accepted) but it would not crush my dreams if I were to be rejected. I have decent grades but they aren't CRAZILY competitive. In fact, my SAT grade kind of sucks, but I'm hoping I can make up for that with a retake...! I'm starting to falter, though, and wonder about Oxford. God I hate college!

Anyway, I want to be an English major.

You say you aren't considering any other UK colleges aside from St. Andrew's, but I think you really ought to reconsider. There are loads of other places that are good or nearly as good as Cambridge and have history just as rich.

oldspc · 07-15-2008, 09:52 AM

Just an aside so you don't put an embarrassed foot in it - Gonville & Caius College is commonly just called Caius, and it's pronounced "Keys".

cupcake · 07-16-2008, 03:03 AM

Quote:

You say you aren't considering any other UK colleges aside from St. Andrew's, but I think you really ought to reconsider. There are loads of other places that are good or nearly as good as Cambridge and have history just as rich.

If you are interested in Oxbridge you should also apply to Durham (remember the UCAS is a common app so no extra charge to apply to 5/6 schools). This is the north-east of England and is of a similar age, made up of colleges etc. Just a lot easier to get in.
Durham University