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We are often asked by potential applicants about what we consider a suitable academic record. The answer is not trivial and there is 'no golden bullet' which guarantees an offer; much is to do with your academic record in relation to your personal circumstances (type of school etc) and profile (upward trajectory or continued high achiever). Whilst a strong academic performance at GCSE does not guarantee a place, there is a clear correlation between that and the chances of receiving an offer. In a recent representative year 46% of applicants achieved 7 or more A* grades. Of these nearly 40% received an offer from us. Conversely of the 54% achieving fewer than 7 A* grades about 10% received an offer. The typical minimum expected would be A* grades in subjects relevant to your course (typically 4-5 subjects), though a wider set of A* is not unusual. If you do not have A* grades in relevant subjects, we'd be expecting strong performances at AS level (see below). If your academic performance at GCSE or AS level has been substantially hindered through poor health or long term teaching difficulties at school you might consider applying through CSAS.
Strong candidates will typically achieve high A grades at AS level. A few retakes are not necessarily a problem but larger numbers of retakes may be of concern, particularly if they are in subjects relevant to your chosen field of study. If your GCSE performances in key subjects were not of A* standard, then we would hope to see high module marks (85+%) which might identify you as someone on an 'upward trajectory'.
For candidates doing A2 levels, we typically ask for A*AA and we do not normally make an offer beyond three subjects. However about 2/3 of our offer holders do study 4 or more subjects to A2 level (excluding General Studies). In cases where students are reading more than 3 relevant subjects, we may make an alternative offer as encouragement to continue the wider study as well as to maximise the chance that the offer holder can meet their conditions, e.g. A*AA in History, English plus either French or German.
Candidates are not normally expected to write essays specifically for us. Wherever possible we would prefer a sample of coursework if no essay is available. If there is no suitable coursework then candidates should contact the admissions office who may seek guidance from the Director of studies in the appropriate subject. If you are asked to write an essay specifically for your application, a timed essay is often requested on a specific title. Candidates should not loose sight of the fact that the essay is aimed to show reasoned argument as well as a good grasp of the English language. Essays may also be used as starting points for discussion at interview. Candidates are urged NOT to spend too long researching, preparing and writing an essay specifically to support their application.
If you have previously written an essay in a foreign language but have specifically been asked to submit an essay in English then you should translate the essay into English and request that someone at school sign the translation. Essays professionally translated are not acceptable. It is important that we have a clear assessment of your ability to write an essay in English and assess your ability to form structured arguments in this language.
Post A-Level applicants are required to attach a cover sheet to their essays. If it is not possible for your school teacher to sign the coversheet, then you may ask someone of suitable standing to sign it for you. This might include your doctor, bank manager or other person of professional standing. They should also provide a brief accompanying note on headed paper
Magdalene is able to offer undergraduates accommodation for the duration of their course. In the first year students are arbitrarily assigned a room near the centre of the College. In later years students are able to choose their room through a room ballot system. Room rents vary depending on the type of room required. All rooms typically offer a sink and internet facilities. A number of "sets" comprising a study room and bedroom are available as well as en-suite facilities.
Candidates whose first language is not English will typically be asked for an English language qualification which will ensure that they can cope satisfactorily with both written and spoken English as the primary medium of study. A typical offer is an overall score of 7.0 in the IELTS with a mark of 7.0 in each unit.
Not necessarily. A number of strong applicants whom we are unable to offer a place to will be placed in the Inter-Collegiate Winter Pool for consideration by other Colleges who may be looking for stronger candidates than those they received directly. The Winter Pool is an important part of the moderation process to ensure that the strongest applicants to Cambridge are offered places.
Each year we make slightly more offers than we have places available. The ratio of offers to places is known as a cover ratio. At Magdalene the current cover ratio is ca. 1.1. Candidates who make their offer conditions are automatically offered a place. Any remaining places are considered on an individual basis. Normally we are unable to relax offers unless there are exceptional circumstances. Candidates who do not meet their offer conditions should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their place as soon as they become aware that they have missed their offer conditions.
We typically admit around 105 undergraduates in each year with an approximately 50:50 mix of Arts and Sciences.
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