Applying to least popular Cambridge colleges: Pros and Cons

Bit stressed about college admissions, guys. I've been contemplating applying to less popular Cambridge colleges to perhaps increase my chances of getting in? Has anyone done this before? What are some pros and cons I should consider?

Applying to lesser-known colleges within Cambridge University can indeed come with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. While it may initially seem like a strategy to improve your chances of acceptance, you must understand that Cambridge maintains a Pool system, which means that strong candidates who aren't accepted by their initial college choice are often moved and considered by other colleges. This somewhat neutralizes the overall admission competitiveness across colleges.

Let's talk about the Pros:

1. Less Competitive: Less popular colleges might have fewer applicants per spot, leading to lower competition.

2. Unique Character: These colleges often have unique aspects to them – perhaps they're newer, smaller, more eclectic, or more specialized. This can provide opportunities for a more personalized and intimate educational journey.

3. Less Overcrowded: With fewer students, facilities like the library, gym, labs, and clubs could be less crowded, which means you may have better access to them.

Now let's look at the Cons:

1. Reputation and Prestige: Some of the more well-known colleges of Cambridge carry a stronger reputation and prestige, which may impact future opportunities and perceptions.

2. Networking: More popular colleges might tend to have more alumni and connections in various industries, potentially providing stronger networking opportunities.

3. Variety of Supervisors: Larger colleges may have a larger variety of supervisors available for each subject, giving you the chance to work with a supervisor whose interests align closely with yours.

Remember, the "popularity" of a college can be subjective and can vary between different courses. It's important to look at other factors like course requirements, location, facilities, accommodation, support services, and culture. Visit the colleges if you can, or at least do a virtual tour or chat with current students or alumni to see where you feel you'd fit in best.