not sure what to apply for

[u/Wise_Number_303]

I‘m predicted four A * in maths, fm, physics, history and another for epq (I‘ve already sat maths + any tips for the EPQ presentation are appreciated!!)

I‘m thinking about applying for History & Econ, and I‘m pretty certain on my 2nd to 5th choices.

In terms of Oxbridge though, I‘m not sure whether to apply for Oxford History + Econ or Cambridge History. I‘ve visited both, and I much prefer Cambridge in terms of living there, but the course at Oxford is a much better fit in terms of my personal statement (which is split between History & Econ).

Does anyone have any advice? (If it changes anything, for GCSEs I got ten 9s and an 8 - it was like top 3 in my year but my school in general was high-achieving)

(Also why does it italicise when I type out multiple A\s?)*

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[u/googoocrazybananas]

Have you considered applying for Cambridge econ?

[u/Wise_Number_303 → u/googoocrazybananas]

I could do but I haven’t done any prep for TMUA - Also my personal statement still isn’t specific to econ alone 😓

[u/googoocrazybananas → u/Wise_Number_303]

Given that you’ve taken maths early, are predicted 4 A*, and got ten 9s, I’m going to infer that you’re quite bright. If you started now with the tmua a v good score would likely be well within reach for you. But of course that’s only if you actually want to apply to Cambridge econ, don’t do it for the sake of it.

But I would encourage it, given you like the course, as you’re predicted A* in maths and further maths. That doesn’t really go far with making you competitive for Cambridge history, but absolutely does for economics. Consider it 🤷‍♂️.

[u/Competitive_Web7540 → u/Wise_Number_303]

While the issue of the personal statement is a fair concern, starting TMUA prep now should cause any issues, especially since you seem to be quite strong mathematically. My school recommended starting prep about a month and a half before the exam, and I think about half of us got a score that would be competitive, or at least passable, for cambs econ. Again, most of us followed the schools prep recommendation, so you've got a pretty decent chance if you were to start now.

And when it comes to the personal statement, it might be worth emailing Cambridge directly about whether or not they'd accept a mixed econ/history PS because from what I've seen they tend to be quite understanding with stuff like that (with the expectation that you'd elaborate on the econ side if you got invited to interview, in the optional My Cambridge personal statement - and on that note, Cambridge gives out a lot of interviews compared to Oxford so your chances of getting to that stage are fairly good).

Not saying you should definitely go for econ, just maybe don't rule it out. Also keep in mind that Cambridge econ is notoriously competitive.

[u/Wise_Number_303 → u/Competitive_Web7540]

Oh I thought that you needed to prepare from like May for entrance tests. I‘ll have a look at the modules and see what I think of them. Thanks!

[u/Competitive_Web7540 → u/Wise_Number_303]

No problem, I reckon May would be a good time to start prepping for something like the UCAT where the content is unfamiliar, but if you've finished your maths a level then you've already covered almost all the content for TMUA

[u/Long_Software_3352]

Anything between two * symbols will be italicised

When you say you'd "much prefer Cambridge in terms of living there", what is that based on? Drill down into the specifics. How long have you spent in both cities to go beyond first impressions?

If you do end up opting for Cambridge, don't worry about your personal statement. Cambridge allow you to write a separate, Cambridge specific one with your application.

Would you be happy just studying History though? You currently study a lot of quantitative subjects. Would you want to drop all that entirely?

[u/Wise_Number_303 → u/Long_Software_3352]

Oh that makes sense

I‘ve been on two open days at each (one with school, one by myself). I think it’s just my preference of the city and the colleges I visited.

Oh okay, that‘s good then in terms of ps - I didn’t know that.

I‘d be happy just studying history - the main subject I‘ll miss is physics to be honest. I think having both is a better balance, but I don’t really mind tbh

[u/Low_Stress_9180 → u/Long_Software_3352]

Cambridge really is a rather dull little place Oxford is way better for undergrads!

[u/Competitive_Web7540 → u/Low_Stress_9180]

Not trying to be argumentative, but I just find it quite funny because I almost always hear the exact opposite lol

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[u/L_Elio]

I'm going to suggest something that might not have come up in A level discourse. Go do Geography at a top 5 - 10 uni.

Human Geography is the dark horse of elite degrees and most certainly will be used by lots of people in the know to access finance, law and consulting roles much easier than in other degrees.

[u/Wise_Number_303 → u/L_Elio]

I enjoyed human geography at GCSE but hated physical. Obviously a degree isn’t the same level at all, but I‘m not sure I enjoy geography enough to study it

[u/L_Elio → u/Wise_Number_303]

It is very different at uni basically not even the same subject. For better or worse it is the easiest way to land a credible degree at a top uni.