Cambridge hopeful?

Chance Me / Match Me!
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<p>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. </p>

<p>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. =/ </p>

<p>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. </p>

<pre><code> 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!
</code></pre>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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did take TOK/Philosophy SL and Bio HL, got 5 in both (although they had asked for a 7 in bio, so I might have my offer rescinded; I'll see how it works out).</p>

<p>Best of luck to you!</p>

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<p>Your test scores are REALLY good. Thanks for the help! =)</p>

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<p>I did natural Scienes at cambridge. I am now doing a PhD at Oxford.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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)</p>

<p>I recommend you visit a UK version of this board.</p>

<p><a href="http://www"&gt;www&lt;/a>. the student room .co.uk</p>

<p>remove the spaces for the link to work.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

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<p>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!</p>

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<p>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!</p>

<p>Anyway, I want to be an English major.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<p>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".</p>

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<p>
[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.

[/QUOTE]

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</a> University</p>

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<p>Well, I've looked at Durham and it does seem like a good school but, somehow doesn't seem the carry the same flair as Cambridge - at least, in my opinion.</p>

<p>I was looking through the Cambridge website and I read that they are looking for students 'passionate' about the subjects they wish to study; Which is the way I am towards science. I don't think my grades will be a problem. I'm in the IB program and have predicted high scores on my exams. </p>

<p>I have not taken the SATs yet - I'm a rising junior but, I'm sure my score will be fine. I've looked at statistics for the university, and I know it is not easy getting in as an international student, but maybe if I were to really express the enthusiasm I feel towards science in the interview that might give me a chance. </p>

<p>My counselor will want me to stay in my home state and will probably try to persuade me out of applying to an international school due to the tuition costs. But, I have my heart set on Cambridge and even if it isn't the only school I am applying to, I know I want to study and live in the UK.</p>

<p>Cupcake, when did you start your year at Cambridge? If you can brief me about how your interview went I would appreciate it. The interview portion of the admission has made me a bit nervous. Hopefully, by the end of this year I'm well prepared for it. </p>

<p>There is one more worry that I have about attending a international college is the cost. I come from a very low-income family, my father is handicap with a permanent disease, and my mother is a struggling artist. I am in great need of some financial assistence and I need a scholarship or some other funding of some sort so that I can attend the university. </p>

<p>Most people say that I should just stay in the US if I'm so financially deprived, and I know that may be a wiser decision but, my heart is already at Cambridge. Going there has always been my dream and I will work hard to be admitted there. So even with my financial issue, I'm hoping scholarships will cover that.</p>

<p>Although, I still have a lot of other colleges in mind that I will apply to. So even if I don't gain acceptance into Cambridge, which I hope is not the case, I will not deprive myself of the best education I can get at another good school. Even if it has to be in the US.</p>

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<p>I looked into Oxford a few years back. The biggest issue I ran into is that they don't admit many "freshman" from the US. Supposedly, the UK students finish school at a higher level than we do in the US. In effect, we need 1 year of college to compete on the same level. Their program was a 3 year program...but I so loved Oxford! Thinking of applying to St. Andrews for fall of 09 due to the closer lineup to the US colleges but worried the area will be too small. Yes, Britain is wonderful.</p>

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<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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

<p>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.</p>

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

<p>Good Luck!!</p>

<p>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...?</p>

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<p>
[QUOTE]
Cupcake, when did you start your year at Cambridge? If you can brief me about how your interview went I would appreciate it. The interview portion of the admission has made me a bit nervous. Hopefully, by the end of this year I'm well prepared for it.

[/QUOTE]

Not year, whole 3 years. I graduated, did a masters at York and am now doing a PhD at Oxford.</p>

<p>If you go to the Cambridge web-site you will see there are videos of interviews. The interview is very much like the supervisions/tutorials you get once you are actually enrolled. You don't need to know the answer to every question. Just show you know how tot work it out, or say why you made an educated guess. I actually interviewed at Caius as my first choice college, and was "pooled" to New Hall (now suddenly re-maned Murray Edwards college because someone gave them £50 million).</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
There is one more worry that I have about attending a international college is the cost. I come from a very low-income family, my father is handicap with a permanent disease, and my mother is a struggling artist. I am in great need of some financial assistence and I need a scholarship or some other funding of some sort so that I can attend the university.

[/QUOTE]

well you'd better get finding it because you're not going to get anything from Cambridge. Think of it as like a US public school. You're out of state. If you (or rather your parents) don't pay taxes in the UK, you get nothing. Many internationals have scholarships from their own countries (especially Asian countries) but not from Cambridge or any UK school. That's they way it works. You have never paid into the UK system so why should they pay for you?</p>

<p>
[QUOTE]
Most people say that I should just stay in the US if I'm so financially deprived,

[/QUOTE]

Yes! ITA. I loved Cambridge but it's not worth getting into that much debt for. You could always come here for graduate school (where there are many more scholarships availabe for internationals). I totally agree with bv123's post above.</p>

<p>I also agree about the Chemistry. It's usually compulsory for Chem/Bio subjects. You'd have to be genius, or have some strong reason for not have taken it, to get in without. UK schools think US high schools are very weak in science (before someone posts saying my high school isn't, that's not the point. Cambridge admissions people are not going to investigate every US high school. Their perception is that US high schools do not teach up to A-level standard science and you can't change this) and therefore very rarely admit US students to science courses. In fact the majority of US undergraduates have already completed a year at a US college before applying to Oxbridge.</p>

<p>Perhaps for the OP the best way would be to apply to US colleges which offer a study abroad scheme in Cambridge? There are many and this may make it an affordable option for you.</p>