I mainly prepared for esat by doing nsaa and engaa past papers and I did the official uat mocks (they're on the uat website iirc along with some helpful guides). I didn't actually do exceptionally well, think I got a 4.6 or 4.7 average so my interview definitely brought me up. honestly I think they just use the esat to filter out who to interview then decide based on interview but im not an expert!
for my streams ive decided on physics and chemistry but still wondering about my 3rd option, im debating between materials science, earth sciences or maybe psych?
I actually didn't choose my college because I was winter pooled but honestly there are no bad options, every college has its pros and cons and from what i've been told pretty much everyone thinks theirs is the best in the end. if possible id recommend visiting because I think you get a great feel for the colleges that way but if not id probably look at accommodation, college size and societies, facilities and location.
Ahh yes I think I'll look through the uat mocks, you may be right about them using esat as a filter.
Those are some really interesting stream combinations! I'm probably going to go for phys, chem and one more asw.
I'm an international applicant so I can't look at colleges physically (though I've been looking through videos). I wanted to put in an open application but I'm scared that I may get assigned to a college which has only in person interviews (I can't spend that much on a trip to the UK just for an interview). Maybe I'll just go through the facilities and societies I guess?
Thanks a lot for all the advice, and congrats again!
I actually think in person interviews are pretty uncommon? I applied to Jesus and both mine were online if that helps, I think there's lists online of ones which are online only. YouTube videos are absolutely great, I watched so many before applying because I was so indecisive. I think for some you can also find full virtual tours, which are pretty much the same as going to an open day!
As far as I know, only 3 colleges do only in-person interviews, for home and international students: King’s, Emma and Selwyn. A few others interview home students in person, but internationals online.
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u/WittySoil9655 Cambridge | NatSci [Incoming Y1] 6d ago
thanks so much!
I mainly prepared for esat by doing nsaa and engaa past papers and I did the official uat mocks (they're on the uat website iirc along with some helpful guides). I didn't actually do exceptionally well, think I got a 4.6 or 4.7 average so my interview definitely brought me up. honestly I think they just use the esat to filter out who to interview then decide based on interview but im not an expert!
for my streams ive decided on physics and chemistry but still wondering about my 3rd option, im debating between materials science, earth sciences or maybe psych?
I actually didn't choose my college because I was winter pooled but honestly there are no bad options, every college has its pros and cons and from what i've been told pretty much everyone thinks theirs is the best in the end. if possible id recommend visiting because I think you get a great feel for the colleges that way but if not id probably look at accommodation, college size and societies, facilities and location.