All applicants for Mathematics will be expected to be taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics up to A2-level and two STEP papers (Mathematics II and III), or to be following an equivalent course of mathematical study.
In line with Faculty policy, we would only take a student without Further Maths to at least AS level in exceptional circumstances. For such candidates we may be willing to accept STEP papers I and II, together with A-level Mathematics and one or two other A-level subjects.
Candidates are normally given two interviews, one of which aims to test their ability to think about unfamiliar mathematical problems. No special preparation is necessary.
Although most applicants are understandably nervous about interviews and STEP Mathematics, we believe they are a better indicator of mathematical potential than A-level results alone. The Mathematical Tripos is a rigorous one and insufficiently able candidates sometimes experience severe difficulties. STEP, on which the College places great emphasis, has the following advantages: (i) we can see the exact marks and even the scripts; (ii) it compares, reasonably fairly, candidates with different backgrounds, providing a common exam for all candidates who may be taking A-levels from different examining boards or, indeed, other kinds of sixth-form examination and (iii), most importantly, we believe that it tests the mathematical ingenuity and potential of a candidate better than the rather standard A-level questions. We do not expect candidates to receive extensive additional teaching for STEP. The papers contain a wide range of questions so that candidates who have taken different A-level syllabuses should be able to find sufficient questions on material which they have covered. However, the papers are designed to be substantially more challenging than A-levels. Candidates are advised to obtain past papers for practice, and it is hoped they will be able to obtain assistance from their teachers. The College can also submit candidates with conditional offers which include STEP to a STEP Easter course run by the Cambridge Mathematics Faculty if they attend a maintained school where extra teaching is unavailable.
We assess every candidate on the basis of their application form, referees’ reports and interviews. We aim to give all applicants the best possible opportunity to demonstrate their ability and potential. The principal aim of the admissions process is to identify applicants who will thrive intellectually at Cambridge.
The College will complete its selection of successful applicants by early January. Offers are then made by letter, and are normally conditional upon candidates’ performance at A2 or equivalent. Our standard, minimum conditional offer is A*AA at A2, plus a STEP offer tailored to the individual student, usually 1,1 or 1,2. IB offers are usually for a minimum of 38-42 points, to include 7, 7, 6 at Higher level in relevant subjects, plus similar STEP grades. Offers are designed to be realistic, taking into account individual circumstances, and to reflect potential and likely levels of achievement. Most of those who receive offers will attain the grades required.
Although most applications will be made before applicants have completed their sixth-form studies, it may sometimes be appropriate for candidates to apply after they have left school. Much the same range of evidence will be used in assessing such applications as in the case of pre-A-level candidates, although extra breadth of knowledge and intellectual maturity will naturally be expected. STEP is still likely to be a requirement for these candidates, so it may be worth entering for this paper in your final year at school if you know you would like to apply during your gap year.
There are two further Tripos options, Mathematics with Physics and Mathematics with Computer Science, which may be taken after the study of Mathematics in the first year. Candidates who intend to take these options are expected to indicate this when they apply, but a final decision does not have to be made at that stage. For more information see the Faculty Tripos guide.
Visits to the College and Contacts
All correspondence should be addressed to the Tutor for Admissions at the address below. Sixth-formers or Year 12s are encouraged to visit the College on one of our Open Days, when they can meet current undergraduates and a Mathematics Fellow. It may be possible to arrange to meet either an Admissions Tutor or a member of teaching staff at times other than advertised Open Days. To arrange this or to ask any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Co-ordinator, as detailed below:
The Admissions Office, Peterhouse, Cambridge, CB2 1RD, United Kingdom.
Email: admissions@pet.cam.ac.uk
Telephone: 01223 338223/768877
Further information can be found on the University Undergraduate Admissions website, as well as the Faculty of Mathematics website.
A Faculty Reading List, aimed at sixth-formers, is available. Candidates for admission may find it beneficial to have looked at one or two of these books.
The Faculty of Mathematics Open Days will take place on 7 and 14 May, 2011.
