> anonymous 35
Application
Cambridge
Emmanuel (open application, allocated college)
Medicine
2001
rejected
Applicant
A-levels
pre-qualification
N/A
N/A
FE College
yes (9 A*,1 A,1 B)
A-levels
(NA at AS)
(NA at AS; predicted A; gained NA at A2)
(NA at AS; predicted A; gained NA at A2)
(NA at AS; predicted A; gained NA at A2)
(NA at AS; predicted A; gained NA at A2)
(NA at AS; predicted A; gained NA at A2)
Other universities
N/A
Received offers from 3 other medical schools
Decisions about the application
An Oxbridge education provides more opportunities in later life, and also the chance to recieve top quality teaching from experts in their field.
Went to look at both; preferred the atmosphere and environment of Cambridge and the course structure.
I liked the college when looking round. Medium sized college; very good reputation for Medicine (not that the others don't). Difficult decision as all colleges were excellent, but also a high ratio of applicants and I liked the challenge.
Preparation
no
A mock interview and advice from previous students.
Read the papers, make sure you know the science (especially if you don't take A level Biology like me). Be yourself on the day.
Interview
yes
Yes the MVAT. Looked at a previous paper. Would advise applicants to prepare well for this and try and answer the questions under exam conditions.
no
no
2 Interviews, very informal on a sofa. Had a discussion with the interviewers rather than being asked direct questions.
About Medicine and the MVAT. Science questions about DNA and Genetics.
A suit, probably expected for all male applicants. Felt most suitably dressed in this.
Impressions
All excellent faclities, appear to be loaded!
Best quality accomodation compared to other universities.
Good
Most friendly especially the director of studies. Interviers in science interview not as friendly.
Excellent
Final stage
At first I was disappointed, but soon get over it. Oxbridge is not the end of the world, but if you feel it is you can reapply next year. For Medicine I don't think it is all that superior to other universities.
Looking back
Yes, interview was really interesting and good to see how the system operated. I could have been offered a place and Oxbridge are cheap universities to study in.
Don't expect it to be easy no matter how intelligent you are. Almost everyone who applies is excellently qualified and if you're not successful don't let it get to you.
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