Meeting Cambridge qualifications?

collegemom3717
Tue, 12 Apr 2016 21:06:34 +0000

Cambridge does not adust offers in the way that you are describing. They are a UK university, and they set their requirements for the UK system. A UK student must have 3 A levels (which are roughly comparable to a college 101 course in the US), in at least 2 and preferably 3 science/math subjects,with grades of AAA. Cambridge basically translates UK requirements into other systems. In their view, 5 5’s on Group A APs is an acceptable approximation. They would never ask somebody for more than that- though they might specify, say Micro+Macro Econ (2 ‘B’ group APs) to be equivalent to 1 ‘A’ AP.

But here’s the thing you need to think about seriously: for UK unis in general, and Oxbridge in particular, it’s not just about getting in- it’s about being able to do the work when you get there. It is kind of like skipping a grade in school: the school still expects you to know that material even if you haven’t taken that grade. Those APs aren’t just about ticking a box- they are the building blocks for the work you are going to do, and the assurance that you can work at that level. Your future classmates will have done all of this and more.

The weaker your preparation the tougher the transition is going to be, and to be very very clear: I know a LOT of Oxbridge students and all of them say they were overwhelmed by both the level and pace of work the first year. It’s not just about being smart- I am sure you are plenty smart. It’s about being ready and able for the work- which is intense in a way that it is very unlikely that you can appreciate at this point.

Actually, if you can take 5 APs next spring- including 2 sciences- and get 5s on them that will speak well to your ability to step up to the level of work required at Cambridge.