Hello! I'm aiming to study law at Cambridge, and I need help choosing a college. Is there any particular one that's considered 'easier' to get into for law? I'd really appreciate your insights!
It's important to clarify that no Cambridge college is necessarily 'easier' to get into than others for a particular subject, such as law. In fact, colleges essentially look for the same qualities: intellectual curiosity, commitment, and suitability for the chosen course.
That being said, there are aspects you could keep in mind while selecting a college.
Location: Some colleges are closer to Law Faculty than others, reducing travel time.
Size: Larger colleges tend to take more Law students per year than smaller ones.
Support: Colleges vary in the support they offer— some might provide additional funding for books, offer more frequent supervision, or have a welfare system you particularly like.
Atmosphere: Each college has its own unique culture and atmosphere which might be more suitable for you than others.
Graduate Integration: At some colleges, there's a clear divide between undergraduates and postgraduates (which can matter when you think about dining, accommodation, and social events), while at others, it's more mixed.
For example, Trinity College is known for its Law society, large law library, and offering around 10-12 spots for undergraduate students each year, which is higher compared to most other colleges. However, it's also one of the most competitive colleges. Downing College, on the other hand, has fewer places but it's less competitive than Trinity.
It's advised to choose a college considering what feels right to you in terms of size, facilities, location, atmosphere, and, not least, gut instinct, rather than on the basis of slight variations in admissions statistics.
Just a gentle reminder, the final decision on undergraduate admission is made by Cambridge College, not the University. The College is responsible for selecting students, organizing the teaching, and providing social and sporting activities.
Keep in mind that even if you don't get your first-choice college, you could still be pooled and accepted by a different college. This is quite common and doesn't affect your course of study. A good step could be to visit the colleges (in-person or virtually) to get a better idea of where you would feel most comfortable.
Hope this helps and good luck with your application!
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