Application
Cambridge
Pembroke
Mathematics
2000
offer made
Applicant
A-levels
pre-qualification
N/A
N/A
Grammar School
yes (3 A*,7 A,1 B)
A-levels
(A at AS; predicted A; gained B at A2)
(A at AS; predicted A; gained A at A2)
(A at AS; predicted A; gained A at A2)
(A at AS; predicted A; gained A at A2)
(A at AS; predicted A; gained A at A2)
(A at AS; predicted A; gained A at A2)
Advanced Extension Awards
(predicted NA; gained Distinction)
Cambridge STEP Maths
(predicted NA; gained 1)
(predicted NA; gained 2)
Details about the offer
conditional
A in Mathematics, A in Mathematics (Further), B in Physics, 2 in STEP II, 2 in STEP III
yes
N/A
offer met
Decisions about the application
Told it was the best place to study maths and so I thought I might as well try and apply.
Differences between the courses on offer, and just heard that Cambridge had a better reputation for maths.
fter a look through the prospectus I went for an open day there, seemed a nice place.
Preparation
yes
There were several meetings for oxbridge applicants telling us about the various things, and a mock interview was arranged. We’d already covered maths questions etc. in maths lessons.
A mock interview really helps, and just generally practice your maths!
Interview
no
no
yes
I had a short 30 minutes test with 2 questions.
The first question on the test was very easy, I think it was just to put you at ease. I didn’t quite finish the second one.Then I went through the questions with the maths tutor who helped me with ideas etc. to finish the other question, then went through another one with me. Supposedly like the supervisions for students.
The second interview was with the admissions tutor, who talked more about my other subjects and related maths to them. Was very interested in critical thinking.
The test questions are the same every year I think… The other interview I was asked about how maths fitted in with my other subjects, and talked about how ‘pure’ I considered maths.
Smart trousers/shirt. I was told not to bother with a suit, and just to wear something I was comfortable in.
Impressions
Nice and fairly quiet, everyone seemed pleasant and helpful.
Good
Friendly, did their best to put me at my ease.
Final stage
I was away at the time, so I got the news via my parents and a mobile phone!
Looking back
Yes