The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1209. It has 31 self-governing colleges, which have their objectives and constitutions despite carrying the Cambridge brand.
What makes this university stand out is its top-notch teaching. Tens of thousands of students send applications but only a handful get admissions. So, if you’re also planning to get into the world’s elite university, hold tight since we will look into everything you need to know about the admission process at the University of Cambridge.
Admissions Process at the University of Cambridge
Though the University of Cambridge’s acceptance rate is low, this doesn’t imply you should not send in the applications. The application process for admission to the University of Cambridge is straightforward. Students should fill up and submit the applications to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), regardless of their location. If you’re still unsure of the process, here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Register
First, you must register a UCAS account, just like when utilizing any other platform for college applications. When you sign up, it will ask you for your personal information, and then the system will provide you with a username. Then, you need to set up the security questions and password. However, you must include the keyword if your high school has provided it.
Step 2. Fill in the Details
The next step is to respond to all the required questions and you must not skip any of them. As an international student, you must provide information about your circumstances, how you will pay for your education abroad, and your residency status.
Step 3. Add your Educational and Professional History
The system might ask you questions like, “After high school, did you attend a college or university?”. You should answer the questions accordingly and give correct answers whether you failed the courses or completed the program. Even if you’re awaiting additional information like test results and grades, you should still list the qualifications.
Moreover, having a career, doing a side hustle, and studying makes a fantastic extracurricular. UCAS will ask you for details if you’ve held any paid jobs, whether full or part-time. In this section, you can add up to 5 positions and their associated information.
Step 4. Choose Courses
Through UCAS, you can choose up to five desirable courses. However, if you have only two or three in mind while filling in options, you can leave the section empty and add more courses later to fill all five spaces. However, don’t stress about ordering your courses since there isn’t any specific order, and all five undergo equal evaluation.
Step 5. Personalize your Essay
At this stage, you need to invest all your effort and give your best. Since you need to persuade the admissions committee of Cambridge University that you are what they are searching for, you must prepare for it beforehand. The essay should be between 1,000 to 4,000 characters or 47 lines, whichever comes first. However, we suggest writing your essay with Microsoft Word or another program with a spell check since UCAS does not offer one.
Step 6. Obtain References
Most of the time, students must submit recommendation letters while applying to the University of Cambridge. These references include one from a guidance counselor at your high school. You can collect the others from someone familiar with your academic performance, such as a teacher, advisor, or coach.
Step 7. Submit
When you’ve submitted all the relevant information, UCAS will request you to recheck your application and evaluate it for possible errors. Additionally, you will receive a prompt to review the declaration. By clicking the box and agreeing to the declaration, you agree to UCAS processing all the information you have supplied and sending it to the University of Cambridge.
However, clicking on submit will ask you to pay a fee for your application. The application fee is £22.50 for a single option and £27 for multiple. Additionally, you need to pay £60 as the university fee. So, if you plan to get into Cambridge University, send in your applications before its application deadline.
Tips to Get Into The University of Cambridge
Here are some tips to get into the University of Cambridge
Tip 1. Strive to Achieve the Highest Possible Grades
Cambridge University is one of the most competitive universities in the UK, along with Oxford, LSE, and Imperial. Its most competitive programs, including medicine, computer science, and architecture, have A*A*A-A*AA as admittance requirements. Unlike many other colleges, Cambridge considers your prior academic performance when determining who to offer spots to. If you want to apply to Cambridge, your primary goal should be to get the finest marks possible throughout your academic career, from GCSE to A-level coursework and any additional certifications or competitions.
Tip 2. Study Hard for the Admissions Test
The admissions test is a significant step in the University of Cambridge application process. Depending on the degree you’re applying for, you must take one of the admissions tests required by Cambridge. You can take Cambridge’s admissions tests before, during, or after the interview portion of the application process, in contrast to Oxford, where you take all admissions tests before the interview stage.
Tip 3. Put a Lot of Effort Into Crafting your Personal Statement
Since there is a flux of applications in your desired program, a personal statement will differentiate you from others! It makes the weight of your personal statement in the decision-making process substantial. This section of your application should receive much attention because it allows you to highlight your distinctive qualities. Include details about your goals, abilities, and experience, and most importantly, utilize these to demonstrate why you would be a superb candidate for the course you have chosen.
FAQs: Studying at the University of Cambridge
What is the Acceptance Rate of the University of Cambridge?
The University of Cambridge receives over 20,000 applications annually, of which only 4,500 are successful, hence an acceptance rate of 16.25%. In this scenario, if we do the maths, just one application is accepted from a pool of 5. However, in these stats, international applications are not included. Generally, the University of Cambridge has a low admission percentage of international applications, which is 18%.
Moreover, by concentrating on their interests, aspirants might increase their chances. The acceptance rate is only one aspect in determining the success of your admission to Cambridge. Although academics play a strong emphasis, institutions like Cambridge encourage well-rounded students. Therefore, students are advised to have flying colors in academics, be involved in extracurricular activities, and have some personal accomplishments.
The University of Cambridge is a highly prestigious institution with a rich history and top-notch education. It receives thousands of applications annually, making it one of the most competitive universities for admission. However, with the above tips for getting into Cambridge University, you can stand out from the competition and get accepted. But you must ensure you’re working hard and putting in all your efforts. So, start working on your application today and take your first step toward your dream of studying at one of the world’s best universities.
We hope this article on how to get Into the University of Cambridge was helpful. If you’re interested in knowing more, visit our Study in the UK and Available Programs for International Students pages for more information about studying in the UK!
