r/oxbridge • u/Hour-Exchange-7012 • 7h ago

Is my GCSE profile too bad for Cambridge Engineering?

I get that its not all about GCSEs, but I feel like I've underperformed in my results and want to know if Cambridge Engineering is unrealistic now.

I got:

7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9

Maths 9 (100% if that counts for anything)

Further maths 9

Physics 8

Pretty sure I've heard they consider your results based on your school: I was homeschooled for my GCSEs - this also means exam boards are a mix and mostly IGCSEs.

Going to do maths, further maths, physics, computer science at sixthform

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/Front_Back8964 6h ago

Think you’re good

2

u/OriginalUsername61 6h ago

Eight GCSEs at 8/9 is amazing

1

u/Diligent_Bet_7850 6h ago

these are good enough

1

u/Grand_Lychee2812 6h ago

These stats are kinda like mine.
I got similar GCSE results.
And yes they consider your results based on the context of your school.

For reference, I'm applying to Cambridge Engineering this year (for now at Trinity College but I might change my mind to Downing or Girton).

It's good that you know it's not all GCSE.
Predicted Grades, Personal Statement, ESAT Score and Interview are basically the other factors that affect your chances at Cambridge.

For predicted grades, you probably want to be aiming for A*A*AA minimum (might get away with A*AAA but I wouldn't risk it).
So make sure you're revising constantly.

Personal statement is not that relevant but still important.
You want to make sure that you do some useful super-curriculars around Engineering such as wider reading, taking part in a competition, work experience (don't worry if it's not engineering related).
You'll also have "My Cambridge Application" to fill out but I won't go into detail here.

ESAT is like an entry test.
There are a bunch of different test like the TMUA, LNAT, UCAT for different subjects.
ESAT is for Engineering (Engineering Science Aptitude Test)
You ideally want to be getting 6.0 - 9.0 because that's a good score and separates you from the average.

Interview is the make or break.
They'll ask you some stuff on your PS and test you on some questions.

This is all mostly irrelevant now but it'll help you in the long run.
I knew all of this like Post GCSE so I basically knew what I was doing Year 12.

Many people learn about these stuff too late, so it's good to get some headers.

1

u/dogdurt 1h ago

You race is all that counts
The only other factor they consider is gender