An indepth look into the representation of ethnic minorities at the University of Cambridge by Jon Beard, Director of Undergraduate Recruitment.
Applications and Success Rates By Local Authority
The University of Cambridge works to attract the best students from all regions of the UK, as part of its mission to offer an excellent education to all with the ability and ambition to benefit. It has however been noted by observers that the number of applications received and students admitted by the University varies by local authority. Why should this be?
Whilst there are many factors affecting rates of application and, as a result, on admission, three have a particular bearing on this question:
Widening Participation (WP) at Cambridge
We are often asked what the University of Cambridge does to raise aspirations and widen participation amongst young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. The answer to this cannot be easily captured in a sound-bite – there are such a vast array of outreach activities and initiatives taking place across the University’s colleges, departments and other institutions throughout the year.
Student Living Costs: Cambridge is an affordable place to study
It is sometimes alleged, and often assumed, that studying at Cambridge must be an expensive business. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the University is one of the most cost effective places to be a student in the UK. So how come we are such a cheap place to study, misconceptions notwithstanding?
Representation of Ethnic Minorities at Cambridge: An Update
In December 2010 I wrote a short piece, Representation of Ethnic Minorities at the University of Cambridge, considering the relative admission of students by ethnicity to the University of Cambridge, and I identified three key issues affecting levels of intake: location, prior attainment, and subject choice.
The Importance of AS-Level
The Advanced Subsidiary or AS Level examination was introduced in September 2000 as part of Curriculum 2000. This new stand-alone qualification – not to be confused with the previous Advanced Supplementary Level examination – was to be taken in Year 12 and could be converted into a full A Level by taking A2 units in Year 13.
Lower offers and school background. The Cambridge perspective
In a recent interview I was asked whether students from 'poor' schools should be made lower offers in order to improve their chances of studying at Cambridge or other top Universities
The A* Grade at A Level
Asking offer-holders to achieve the highest available grade in at least one of their A Level subjects explicitly recognises the importance of post-16 public examination performance in our admissions process.
Admissions from Individual Schools and Colleges
A detailed look at admissions from Individual Schools and Colleges by Dr Geoff Parks, Director of Admissions for the Cambridge Colleges.
Why A Level Subject Choices Matter
Cambridge offers academically-focussed undergraduate degree courses, which are mainly assessed by end-of-year written examinations taken each year. As any Cambridge student will tell you, we expect them to work very hard. It is therefore essential that they have the necessary technical skills and knowledge, as well as the academic ability and motivation, to cope with the demands of their course.
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