How to Get Into Cambridge: An Expert Guide
How do I get into Cambridge University?
Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities globally – known for its rigorous education and historic surroundings. Cambridge is also highly selective, with any competitive applicant already having top grades. How can you strengthen your Cambridge university application?
What is Cambridge University’s admissions rate? How hard is it to get into Cambridge University?
Cambridge is generally regarded as a very competitive UK university and one of the best in the world. Cambridge’s average undergraduate admission rate is around 15% and for the most competitive courses Cambridge’s admission rate is around 8%.
While Cambridge admission rates may seem higher than, say, for some US universities, don’t be deceived by Cambridge’s competitiveness. Cambridge sets grade requirements for each course and has a rigorous selection process which can limit the potential application pool and which generally attracts very well-qualified candidates. (See more information on trends and breakdowns at Cambridge’s annual admissions report.)
Having the required grades alone, while usually a prerequisite, is not enough to gain admission to Cambridge. Speak to a specialist UK admissions consultant at J&J Education to build a winning application strategy -- with the right preparation, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
When is the deadline to apply to Cambridge University?
Cambridge, alongside Oxford, has an earlier application deadline than most courses at other UK universities. This is usually in the middle of October. Cambridge’s application deadline, for 2025 enrolment, is 6pm UK time on Tuesday 15th October 2024. (Cambridge graduate applications are later and have their own deadlines).
Are Cambridge interviews online? Where will Cambridge interviews take place?
Depending on which college, Cambridge interviews may be online or in person.
What do I need to apply to Cambridge University? How do I apply to Cambridge?
For undergraduates, students will apply to Cambridge in the first instance through the UCAS application portal. You’ll need to submit a predominantly academic essay around the precise course you’re applying for, demonstrating your excellence, aptitude and dedication to this subject area. This is not a personal essay, but a rigorous academic argument. Cambridge also requires subject admission tests for many courses, selective academic interviews, in some cases written samples, as well as teacher references and predicted grades.
Which Cambridge college should I apply to?
Selecting your Cambridge college is an important part of your application strategy. This is where you would be living and learning and where lots of your teaching would take place. Cambridge has more than 30 colleges, which can have very different atmospheres from one to another, as well as varying admission rates for different courses. It’s best to do lots of research and speak to specialists to make an informed decision on your Cambridge college strategy.
Can I apply to Cambridge and Oxford?
At the undergraduate level, no. You must select one course to apply to, at either Oxford or Cambridge university. At the graduate level, you can apply to both.
How hard is it to apply to Cambridge University from the US? How Do I get into Cambridge applying from the US? How do I apply to Cambridge from the US?
Applying to UK schools like Cambridge from the US requires a very different approach than applying to US schools. The application is primarily and almost exclusively centred around your academic motivations and background for one very specific course to which you’re applying – and demonstrating your aptitude for that course through rigorous tests and interviews. (Selecting your course is a very important part of your strategy, which J&J Education can help with; it will determine your chances, competitiveness and, not least, the subject you’ll be studying if accepted.)
Cambridge will also be looking at your AP grades, SAT/ACT score, references and more. Cambridge requires a minimum of five AP Test scores at Score 5. Usually, these need to have been taken within a two-year period and with your most recent test results achieved within two years of application.Do note: the US High School Diploma by itself (without AP courses) is not sufficient for entry to Cambridge.
What SAT/ACT score do I need for Cambridge? Can I superscore my SAT/ACT for Cambridge? Does Cambridge accept superscoring?
Alongside Advanced Placement examinations or equivalent qualifications, where you have taken the SAT/ACT, Cambridge has minimum score requirements. Cambridge requirements for SAT/ACT differ depending on the course you’re applying for. For SAT Cambridge will require either a minimum combined score of 1,500 with a 750+ in maths or a minimum combined score of 1460 with 730+ in reading and writing. For ACT, Cambridge will require at least 32 for some courses and at least 33 for economics and most science courses.
Can I superscore my SAT/ACT for Cambridge? Does Cambridge accept superscoring?
Superscoring is not allowed for Cambridge; you must declare all SAT/ACT tests taken.
How do I apply to Cambridge University as an international student?
Above you’ll see advice specifically for US applicants to Cambridge – generally students from non-English speaking countries will need to demonstrate their English proficiency through relevant tests. Only certain international qualifications are accepted by Cambridge and requirements differ depending on the precise course.
What should I do to get into Cambridge university?
We’re so excited to hear you’re interested in studying at Cambridge. Nothing can replace working with specialist Cambridge/UK university admissions consultants – to guide you through each step of the application journey and develop a winning strategy.
Join our hundreds of students at leading universities like Cambridge – reach out today to find out more about how our multi-award-winning support can help you gain your dream Cambridge offer. 94% of our applicants are accepted into their top two universities.
Top 5 tips for gaining an offer from Cambridge University
DO: conduct extensive academic enrichment work beyond your syllabus – learning, reading and analysing more about your precise course of study you’ll be applying for. Show an interest — and challenge yourself — well beyond your high school syllabus. That’s what Cambridge admissions tutors will be looking to see.
DO: polish your personal statement over multiple drafts, so it reflects your talents and abilities and prepare thoroughly for any tests and interviews. This is your one chance to shine.
DO: work with J&J’s 1:1 Cambridge admission consultants to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward.
DO: carefully select your Cambridge programme – seemingly similar courses can in fact be very different, with varying requirements and competitiveness levels.
DO: start interview preparation early. Candidates are shortlisted for Oxbridge interviews at very short notice, by which point it is often too late to start preparing for the interviews.
