Application to the University of Cambridge

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>I am currently a U.S. freshman in high school. For some time, I have been considering applying to the University of Cambridge. I have done some research online, and I know that the general qualification for US students is scoring a 5 on 5 AP exams related to the field of study. I am enrolled in AP Physics B right now. My average in that class is an A+, and outside of Physics, my unweighted GPA is a 4.0 (weighted, I would estimate a 4.3). If I were to attend Cambridge, my field of study would be physical science.</p>

<p>I have a number of questions about applications. First off, which classes would be considered "related" to physical science? I know Physics and Chemistry must count, but what about Biology, Calculus, and Statistics? Secondly, when should I apply to Cambridge? Third, I am aware that candidates applying to Cambridge are almost always required to complete an interview. How does this work if the applicant lives overseas? Fourth, is it true that classes outside of the field of study and extracurriculars are ignored in the admissions process? Lastly, what are my chances of getting in? If Biology, Calculus, and Statistics count, then I am on track to complete 6 AP courses related to physical science (of course, assuming I score a 5 on each exam). I have heard that it is far more probable to be accepted into an Ivy League school than Cambridge. If this is the case, is it at all realistic that I could be accepted?</p>

<p>My apologies if any of these questions seem obvious; I am largely clueless. I appreciate all responses.</p>

2

<p>What’s your backup plan?</p>

3

<p>I’d be interested in Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, Ithaca, Stanford, MIT, or maybe UC Berkeley. I hear these are some of the best colleges for physics. I know acceptance into Cambridge would be close to impossible for me; I’m honestly just curious.</p>

4

<p>^^^ Too early to tell whether or not you’ll get into Cambridge. Interviews for American applicants would be by either an alumnus/alumna or a Cambridge representative who will fly to America on your scheduled interview date. </p>

<p>Cambridge, HYPSM, Berkeley, Caltech are all peer schools. CMU, Cornell and the like are in the league just below theirs’.</p>

5

<p>Thanks much for the information. I was not aware at all of the peer schools. I guess I should wait until I’m a junior to really have any credentials?</p>

6

<p>It’s indeed too early. Nevertheless the course you’re looking for is Natural Sciences and the application deadline is usually around mid October.</p>

7

<p>"“I have a number of questions about applications. First off, which classes would be considered “related” to physical science? I know Physics and Chemistry must count, but what about Biology, Calculus, and Statistics?”" </p>

<p>Answer: all of these. However, understand that Cambridge never sees your transcript. They could care less. They want to see the APs and SAT. Cambridge accepts but doesn’t understand the ACT, so you need to do well on the SAT. You can send your SAT IIs, but these won’t really matter.</p>

<p>"" Secondly, when should I apply to Cambridge?""</p>

<p>Answer: You have to apply by OCT 15. Your school counselor will fill in the recommendation. He/She has to basically say that you are incredible and ONLY focus on academics. Cambridge could care less that you Olympic class, unless that is in rowing (the only sport Cambridge cares about). You will then write an essay, very short, that should focus entirely on why you want that particular course of study and your academic preparation for it.</p>

<p>"" Third, I am aware that candidates applying to Cambridge are almost always required to complete an interview. How does this work if the applicant lives overseas? "</p>

<p>Answer: Cambridge does Skype interviews. If you are invited to interview, you can choose Skype or actually physically go there if you want to. These are tough. If you go there, you will also have to sit for an hour or two and take a test in your chosen field.</p>

<p>"“Fourth, is it true that classes outside of the field of study and extracurriculars are ignored in the admissions process?”"</p>

<p>Answer: Yes, completely and totally ignored. When you apply, you are applying for a definite and particular course of study and they only want to see the APs relevant to that course of study. Remember, they don’t care about or look at transcripts.</p>

<p>"“Lastly, what are my chances of getting in? If Biology, Calculus, and Statistics count, then I am on track to complete 6 AP courses related to physical science (of course, assuming I score a 5 on each exam).”"</p>

<p>Answer: Yes, this is the right track.</p>

<p>"“I have heard that it is far more probable to be accepted into an Ivy League school than Cambridge. If this is the case, is it at all realistic that I could be accepted?”"</p>

<p>Answer: This assumption is false. You are probably looking at the web sites that show, in certain fields, perhaps 15% - 20% (or even more) get accepted, versus the 6% or so at Harvard. Pretend that Harvard threw out all applications (without even looking at them) that had less than 3 APs or had 3APs but one was less than 5 AND had SATs less than 2100. Pretend that people know this and so don’t even apply unless they cross that threshold. The 30,000 odd applications would quickly drop to about 15,000 or less and the admit rate would increase mathematically. This is your situation with Cambridge. They simply don’t even read the crappy academic applications, and do people who think they can throw a football, or who are legacies, etc. with crappy academics simply know better than to waste their time. All that “holistic” stuff that seems to matter to the Ivies is totally snubbed by Cambridge. It’s all Politically Correct hokum to them. Academic strength is all they care about. Period.</p>