If you aspire to attend the University of Cambridge, then you should be aware it takes more than ambition to gain entry into the collegiate research institution because to its acceptance rate.
Cambridge is a renowned institution with a reputable background, the third oldest university in the world.
The University of Cambridge is greatly admired by thousands of students worldwide. Many students across the United Kingdom and other countries apply to Cambridge annually, seeking admission to undergraduate and graduate programs.
However, the University of Cambridge is very selective when admitting students. Very few who apply to Cambridge have been successful because of the acceptance rate at the university.
In this article, we will looking at the chances of applicants seeking admission into Cambridge, as well as the academic qualification required for admission.
The History of Cambridge University
The establishment of Cambridge University dates traces back to the 1200s. It was in the 13th century when scholars left the University of Oxford due to a disagreement to establish the University of Cambridge in 1209.
The university is the second oldest in the English-speaking world after Oxford University.
Existing for over 800 years, the University of Cambridge is considered the third oldest university in the world. Cambridge constitutes 31 colleges, 150 departments and several schools.
The student enrolment currently at Cambridge comprises over 24,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
Cambridge is one of the most applied to universities in the world, with thousands of high schoolers and postgraduates applying to the university during admission.
However, the best-qualified student has been successful at Cambridge, and those with aspirations are encouraged to possess excellent academic records.
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Colleges at the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge constitutes several colleges and they operate with their standards and administrations.
The colleges at Cambridge include Christ’s, Churchill, Clare, Claire Hall, Corpus Christi, Darwin, Downing, Emmanuel, Fitzwilliam, Girton, Gonville and Caius, Homerton, Hughes Hall, Jesus, King’s, Lucy Cavendish, and Magdalene.
The rest of the colleges are Murray Edwards, Newnham, Pembroke, Peterhouse, Queen’s, Robinson, Selwyn, Sidney Sussex, St Catherine’s, St Edmunds, St John’s, Trinity, Trinity Hall, and Wolfson.
The University of Cambridge Ranking
Being one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, the University of Cambridge is ranked in the top 10 universities.
According to U.S. News and World Report, the University of Cambridge is ranked 2nd as the best global university in the United Kingdom, 2nd in Europe and 8th in the world.
Times Higher Education ranks the University of Cambridge at #3 among the best universities in the world. Cambridge is also ranked at #2 on the list of the world’s top 100 universities according to recent rankings by QS World University Rankings.
Most Competitive Undergraduate Programs at Cambridge and Admit Rate
The acceptance rate at the University of Cambridge should not be your only concern if you want to study at the university. Most undergraduate programs offered at Cambridge are quite competitive.
Here are some of he most selective undergraduate courses offered at Cambridge and their admit rate.
- BSc Computer Sciences: 10%
- BA Architecture: 15%
- BSc Mathematics: 12%
- BA Psychological Science: 20%
- BA Economics: 16%
- BA Political Science: 21%
- BA Philosophy: 23%
- BA English: 23%
- BA History: 23%
Less Competitive Undergraduate Programs at Cambridge and Admit Rate
These are the less selective undergraduate programs offered at the University of Cambridge.
- BA Linguistics: 40%
- BA Music: 52%
- BA Classics: 51%
- The BA Classics: 60%
- BA Geography: 44%
- The BA Modern and Medieval Languages: 47%
- The BA Archaeology 59%
- BA Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic: 60%
- BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies: 48%
- BA Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion: 47%
The Acceptance Rate at the University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is very selective when it comes to admitting students, whether it’s at the undergraduates or graduates level.
According to admission statistics out of Cambridge, 20,426 applications were received at the university a few years ago. Over 20,000 undergraduate applications were submitted for an available spot of 4,000.
Recently, more than 17,000 applicants applied to a Cambridge college and only 3,400 of those applications were successful. It’s common for the University of Cambridge to receive thousands of applications each year and only a few students gain entry.
The acceptance rate at the University of Cambridge is around 21%. Students seeking admission to Cambridge must earn their place with the best academic qualification.
Admission Requirement at the University of Cambridge
All applicants are encouraged to review the requirements for programs they intend to study at Cambridge. If need be, we will repeatedly tell you how difficult it is to secure a spot at Cambridge.
Admission to Cambridge is strictly dependent on academic qualification and application profile. Yes, you must possess the best grades at the appropriate academic level and subjects required for your desired program.
Now, let us look at the admission requirement for first-year applicants to the University of Cambridge.
Firstly, for students in the United Kingdom who are in Year 12 and Year 13, you are expected to take three to four AS or A-Level classes. Cambridge requires grades of high standards, such as A*AA or A*A*A, which are considerable.
SAT Reasoning Test
We have already discussed the competitive undergraduate programs at Cambridge. Students who want to gain entry to undergraduate science courses will need to present an excellent SAT score composite.
For instance, if you want to get into an undergraduate program such as chemical engineering, mathematics, medicine, computer science, veterinary medicine or natural sciences, you must present an average SAT score of 1500.
If you have an SAT score of 1460, you will be considered for admission to undergraduate courses. Bear in mind that you must achieve a score of 730 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.
ACT
On the ACT, the University of Cambridge requires a composite score of 33 for most science courses or 32 for other courses.
Advanced Placement Test
This is strongly recommended for international students, as secondary school certificates obtained after graduation are not considered competitive for admission to Cambridge. What is needed at the University of Cambridge is a minimum of five Advanced Placement Test scores at grade 5.
On the other hand, completing three Advanced Placement courses satisfies this requirement. Once you complete an AP capstone, AP research or seminar course, you have satisfied the requirement.
GPA
With an average GPA of 3.7, you have a chance of admission to the University of Cambridge.
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How to Apply to Cambridge
The University of Cambridge has a unique application process. Regardless of the selectivity at Cambridge, applying to the university is one step to achieving an academic goal.
For a successful application to Cambridge, kindly follow these simple steps.
Step 1. Select a Course
Firstly, you need to choose the course you want to study at Cambridge. The University of Cambridge offers a variety of courses in different areas of study, and there is plenty for you to choose from.
Step 2. Check Assessment Requirements
Taking a written admission assessment applies to most applicants as part of the process of the application.
Make sure you review the type of assessment required for your course. You need to check the type of assessment for your course early, before the UCAS application deadline in September.
Step 3. Choose a College
Here, you need to decide in your UCAS application where you want to study and live. On the UCAS application, you can apply to any of the Cambridge colleges or make an open application.
Step 4. Submit Your Application
The appropriate date to submit your UCAS application is mid-October. Make sure you submit your application before the October deadline. Cambridge code is CAM CO5.
Once you submit your application online, you will receive an email with a link, and you will need to fill in an additional Cambridge-specific application form.
Lastly, if you have a better chance of receiving an admission offer from Cambridge, you will be invited to attend an interview.
Admission Requirement for International Students
The University of Cambridge shares a diverse community with over 140 countries represented across different colleges.
Cambridge does not consider certificates earned after graduation from secondary school to be suitable or competitive for admission. International students are strongly advised to undertake further study before applying to an undergraduate program at Cambridge.
So, what are the academic qualifications considered suitable or competitive for admission to Cambridge?
As an international student, you will be considered competitive for admission to Cambridge with;
- International Baccalaureate
- A Levels
- Completing five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses
- Already in the first year of an undergraduate degree at an accredited university outside the United Kingdom
English Proficiency Requirement
International students from countries where English is not an official language are required to demonstrate proficiency at Cambridge.
Submitting any of these required test scores meets the English language proficiency requirement
- TOEFL Internet-Based Test: minimum score of 110
- IELTS Academic: minimum band score of 7.5
- Cambridge English C2 Proficiency: minimum score of 185
- Cambridge English C1 Advanced: minimum score of 193
For students in the European Union, Cambridge will accept a high grade in English in the European/ French Baccalaureate, Abitur etc.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for International Students at the University of Cambridge?
Recent events show that Cambridge received over 6,000 applications from international students two years ago. Out of that number, 1,008 international students were admitted, and 743 enrolled at Cambridge.
From all indications, the acceptance rate for international students at the University of Cambridge is estimated at 21%.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for MBA graduates at the University of Cambridge?
The University of Cambridge offers MBA programs with the intent to inculcate the best experiences to build future careers.
The MBA program at Cambridge is a year curriculum. To participate in this program, students must possess at least three years of experience at a professional level.
The acceptance rate for the MBA program at the University of Cambridge is approximately 42%. The selection criteria is an average GPA of 3.3.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for Graduate Students at the University of Cambridge?
The University of Cambridge has a competitive acceptance rate even for most graduate programs. Studying at the graduate level at Cambridge is quite demanding.
Cambridge has a graduate acceptance rate below 50%, and some of the graduate programs offered at the university have single-digit admit rates.
For instance, the admission rate for MPhil in Finance and MPhil in Developmental Biology is 9%. The admission rate for MPhil in Engineering and MPhil in Basic and Translational Neuroscience is 10% and PhD in Philosophy is 11%.
The University of Cambridge Medical School Acceptance Rate
Cambridge Medical School is globally recognized for the discovery of DNA in 1953. Notable alumni such as world-famous paediatrician leuan Hughes and Barbara Sahakian graduated from Cambridge Medical School.
Admission to Cambridge’s Medical School is highly competitive and requires the best academic qualifications.
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The University of Cambridge Faculty of Law Acceptance Rate
The University of Cambridge Faculty of Law has an acceptance rate considerably not too selective. The Faculty of Law at Cambridge is a renowned institution of great standards.
Cambridge faculty of law offers a variety of degree programs, which include Masters of Law, Masters of Corporate Law, Doctorate in Law, BA Tripos Degree in Law, LRL, and IL.
The acceptance rate at the University of Cambridge for Masters of Law is 31%, Master of Corporate Law is 30%, and PhD (Probationary) in Welcome Trust PhD. Clinical Program has an admit rate of 75%.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for Transfer To the University of Cambridge?
It is very challenging to transfer to the University of Cambridge, because of the strict policies set up by the university.
From what we know so far, the University of Cambridge has a transfer acceptance rate of 7%. With the admit rate for transfer admission to Cambridge in the single digits, gaining entry as a transfer student is very competitive.
What Is the Acceptance Rate for USA Students at the University of Cambridge?
American students apply to Cambridge each year during its admission cycle. About two years ago, 401 students from the United States applied for a place at Cambridge. Only 60 students received an admission offer from Cambridge.
This leaves the acceptance rate at the University of Cambridge for American students at 15%. Cambridge requires SAT and ACT scores as admission requirements for American students who want to study at the university.
American students with SAT score composite of 1500 or at least 1460 have a better chance of getting into Cambridge. Remember, the GPA required at Cambridge is an average of 3.7 or higher.
The University of Cambridge Tuition and Fees
The tuition fee at the University of Cambridge for home fee status students commencing their first undergraduate is £9,250.
Below is the estimated tuition for international students at Cambridge.
| Courses | Tuition Fee |
| Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic; Archaeology; Asian and Middle Eastern Studies; Classics; Economics; Education; English; History; History and Modern Languages; History and Politics; History of Art; Human, Social, and Political Sciences; Land Economy; Law; Linguistics; Modern and Medieval Languages; Philosophy; Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion | £23,340 |
| Architecture; Geography; Music | £30,537 |
| Mathematics | £26,031 |
| Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Engineering, Management Studies, Manufacturing Engineering, Natural Sciences, Psychological and Behavioural Sciences | £35,517 |
| Medical and Veterinary Science | £60,942 |
Cambridge Contact Address
- School Address: University of Cambridge Old SchoolsTrinity LaneCambridge CB2 1TN United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 (0)1223 337733
Visit the official website of the University of Cambridge for more information.
The University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate FAQs
Below are the frequently asked questions about the acceptance rate at the University of Cambridge.
What is the average GPA to get into Cambridge?
With an average GPA of 3.7, you will be considered for admission to Cambridge. Having a GPA below 3.7 will hinder your chances of getting into the University of Cambridge.
How difficult is it to get into Cambridge?
The admission rate at the University of Cambridge is 21%, which is considerably competitive. You must have an SAT score composite of 1500 or an ACT score of 33 or above to get into Cambridge.
Is Cambridge comparable to Harvard University?
Harvard University is an Ivy League school in the U.S and a private university. Cambridge is a public university, one of the oldest still in existence to date.
Is it easier to get into Oxford University or Cambridge University?
Based on the acceptance rate, Oxford University is more selective than Cambridge. The admit rate at Oxford University is 14% compared to 21% at Cambridge.
Conclusion
We have seen one of the oldest universities in the world with a reputable background in retaining excellence. For over 800 years, the University of Cambridge has educated the smartest scientist and has had scientific breakthroughs in this modern era.
Cambridge is one of the best in the world and you must earn your place at the university.
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References
- U.S. News & World Report: University of Cambridge
- University of Cambridge: About the University
- Top Universties: University of Cambridge
- Times Higher Education: University of Cambridge
1 comment
It is a great idea. Trust, the Cambridge of University in the UK is one of the great and oldest college for long time. As well as, I want to study there in my life.