How to Apply
'My daughter loved the College, from the grey buildings down to the herb garden and was entranced by the overall atmosphere. [Her visit] was a very valuable eye opener in that she now realises that with the right preparation and application a place at Cambridge is not beyond her' - Mum of visiting student
The Cambridge University Prospectus gives details of entry requirements and selection procedures across the University. Here we give information more specific to Murray Edwards College.
How will I apply to Murray Edwards College?
If you would like to apply to the College in September/October 2013 you will need to do so through UCAS. The deadline for applications is October 15th.
Who applies to Murray Edwards College?
Murray Edwards College warmly welcomes applications from academically outstanding young women whatever their background. Each year we accept students from all parts of the UK, from a number of European Countries and also from more distant countries. Our students value our open and informal atmosphere and the comfortable mix of backgrounds and nationalities that they find here. We think it is very important to ensure that students who have the academic potential to benefit from the Cambridge experience are able to apply and to feel welcomed and at ease in our College.
What offers does the College make?
This College (in line with other Cambridge Colleges) has adopted a standard offer of A*AA for entry for those studying A levels. The subject in which an A* is required will not normally be specified. However, we do not want to deter outstanding students from schools in which results at this level are unlikely, nor those with strong academic potential who have experienced particular problems or disadvantages (eg through family moves or ill health). We might use our discretion to make a lower (AAA offer) in exceptional circumstances.
We regularly make offers to those from other qualification systems and adapt our offers accordingly (for example typically around 40/41 points overall and HL 7,7,6 in IB, 1.3 or above in the German Abitur, 16/20 or above in the French Baccalaureate).
Does the College accept 'non-traditional' A level subjects?
The detailed information about the subjects offered (both on this website and in the main University prospectus ) explains what school subject combinations are essential as a basis for the study of a particular subject here. Some school subjects provide a stronger preparation than others for the sort of academic approaches you will meet at Cambridge. If the information available still leaves you unsure about the acceptability of the subjects you have studied then please ask the College Admissions Office.
How does the College select students?
Far more students with top examination grades apply to Cambridge than can be offered places. In order to help us select from the many strong applicants that apply we use the following information:
- Your examination record to date
- Your predicted performance in exams to come
- Your school reference
- Your personal statement
- Your performance at interview
And for some subjects we will also use
- Written work from your school studies that we ask to see before interview
- Results of certain specific tests (eg the Bio-Medical Admissions Test for clinical courses)
Our aim is to make sure that we learn enough about you to make a good assessment of your potential. This includes a careful assessment of your own particular circumstances, your current knowledge and the extent to which what you can do is outstanding in the context of your own school background.
Can I take a gap year?
Yes,we recognise that a gap year can be very beneficial and now offer Gap Year Scholarships to selected students. We are very happy to consider you for a deferred place if you apply during your last year at school, or to consider you for the next year if you apply during your gap year. If you do apply during a gap year please bear in mind that the interviews (in December) are an important element of the selection process. You should intend to use your gap year in some constructive, relevant or challenging way, even if clear plans are not in place.
March 2012