EXTRA-CURRICULARS AND OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE

While reassuring, a recent Guardian feature on the Cambridge admissions process has also left some students confused. After observing admissions tutors from (very state school-oriented)  Churchill College pick natural science students, the paper’s reporter felt that “there is far less interest than is popularly thought in extra-curricular activity”. However, when medical dons from various colleges were choosing future doctors, extra-curriculars did seem to matter: what swung it for one able student was that he was not just working in a care home, but had also, uniquely, trained as a special constable.

So, is it OK to focus on school work alone? Well, it depends. Cambridge does not offer points for extra-curriculars as such (and Oxford says they won’t “compensate for lower academic potential”). Also, colleges keen to attract more good state schoolers tend to care less about them. No maths tutor at Cambridge or Oxford is likely to be swayed by an applicant’s sporting, artistic or even charitable activities. The outstanding mathematical ability she seeks is not enhanced by playing cricket. Your time is far better spent solving maths problems. Other science applicants, though, can benefit from a science-linked hobby. @oxbridgentrance.


As for medicine, a willingness to engage with needy people while cramming for top science A-levels does help. Medicine is a dirtier, more gut-wrenching and exhausting business than suggested by “Scrubs”.  So, if you want to be a doctor, step into the tough, real world, but relax:  not all medical dons want a trainee special constable. For more detailed medicine advice, see chapter 15 of OXBRIDGE ENTRANCE: THE REAL RULES.