Which options are you taking? Maths B, physics, chemistry & materials
Which college do you go to? I’ve decided not to publicly say which college I attend for safety/ privacy reasons
What super curriculars did you do? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OmA4najpKeA.html
GCSE advice/ how I got all 9s and A*s ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-NAi0hzQtwNg.html
Why did you choose Cambridge rather than Oxford? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Sm6rJCygNtc.html
Help applying to Oxford or Cambridge ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Dlm3ajtMQSk.html ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-341IhFEC5vI.html
How to write your personal statement ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-_9NKLqWQTB8.html
I wish the hints on isaac physics were more specific to the actual question. Information, diagrams and equations are useful, but the videos are usually generic "how to solve this type of problem" videos, which might be useful but often if you get that far then you just want to know specifically what to do.
I have got the book 'Introducing Quantum Statistical Mechanics' by Dr Bogolubov and Dr Bogolubov Jr. I think I have about as much chance of climbing K2 than understanding the book! I haven't got the brains to do a degree in physics!
You have honestly helped so many people including me with this video, I have been feeling very misguided and confused and this video helped a lot and kept me glued from beginning till the end. Thank you so much !
No worries, I was told lots of things by my school that were wrong/ outdated because they just didn’t know so hopefully this clears things up and provides some inspiration/ examples of actual things you can do.
I keep seeing masters programmes where it says physics is an undergraduate qualification, would specialising in physics in a natural sciences course be an equivalent?
Doing 3 years of NatSci specialising in physics here at Cambridge is equivalent to a BA physics degree. You can stay for 4 years and get a masters too but this is an integrated masters which because it’s just a continuation of your degree, same dept, same ppl etc you are essentially considered an undergraduate. However, if you were to leave and do your physics masters somewhere else you would be a post grad. Alternatively if you did your undergrad degree somewhere else and came to Cambridge to do a physics masters (ie just 4th yr physics/ part iii as we call it) despite you being in the same classes/ cohort as the people who have been here for 3years already (who are still considered undergrads), you would be considered a postgrad. For Cambridge physics 3 years = bachelor’s degree 4 years = masters degree (you will also get a bachelors)
Hi Soph, I just would like to ask was there any specific resources that you used for Further maths and Physics? How did you study for Further maths and physics?
Hi, im a year 12 Student and I recently went to the Cambridge open day looking at studying Natural Sciences. Since the Covid restrictions have been eased how have you found studying at Cambridge?
You made the best choice for the right reasons. Cambridge has always been academically stronger. The fact that Cambridge is the richest University in the UK and Europe, with an endowment of over 7 billion is important for students, especially those who need financial support. There's always money to spend on students. This is important and part of the reason why Cambridge is spending more money on racial and social inclusion and "diversity".
Would you say you're heavily disadvantaged when applying to physical natsci without further maths a level - would you recommend doing an as level in FM?
Personally my DoS says he only considers people with further maths. However, I know people at other colleges who got in without it. That being said the physical sciences are very maths based especially physics so I’d very strongly recommend you take it. I’d do it to A2 as well. For reference my A levels were maths, FM, physics and chemistry all to A2. I got 4 As at AS (A* not available) and 4 A*s at A2. I feel had I not done one of these (ie only done 3) I’d be disadvantaged now that I’m at Cam as there is a sort of expectation that you’ve done them as most people have. Given I’m doing physics if I absolutely had to drop one of my A levels then I’d drop chemistry as it’s been the least useful but I’d really try to do all 4 if you’re serious about Phys NatSci at cam.
@@sciencewithsoph3620 So, I heard it's better to do 4 STEM A-levels because that would enable people to pick more options? and FM would be very helpful with the maths part of natsci?
@@kenzahcarstairs5417 Yeah 4 STEM is probably best. You can do bio options without A level bio so the most facilitating choice is going to be what I did
If only I had seen this video earlier 😭😭 Your experience was basically the same as mine... I also got an interview and now I'm in that horrible period between the interview and decisions coming out
Hi, I am applying to study only for NatSci at Cambridge like you have, and physics elsewhere. Was your personal statement a physics one, and was there any non maths/physics content in interviews?
My personal statement was all physics with a tiny bit of maths. At interview I had 2 physics questions, 1 chemistry and 1 materials (no prior knowledge was expected of materials tho). Most colleges ask a bit of maths, a bit of physics and a bit of chemistry. If you havent done chem A level they'll just ask you more maths or physics instead.
I am slightly confused about some parts of the application process. For example, what happens to supercurriculars that you don’t mention in your personal statement? Do you submit all your relevant supercurriculars in Ucas and only mention some of them in your personal statement, or is that personal statement the only way they know which supercurriculars you did (in which case you should only focus on some)? Also, do you have to provide prof of the supercurriculars you did wherever applicable (such as awards, certificates)?
It’s incredibly unlikely you’d be asked to prove anything besides GCSEs, A levels, EPQ (ie exams/ qualifications received at school). I did loads of super curriculars that were never mentioned on my PS, reference, UCAS or at interview but I loved doing it so whilst annoying I don’t regret it. Your opportunities to show off super curriculars: personal statement, SAQ (Cambridge only), teacher reference, there’s a section on ucas where you can put up to 2 summer schools (I think). In theory you may be able to talk about others at interview but it’s unlikely as they tend to focus on asking academic questions and if they do ask anything else it will probably be something from your personal statement.
@@sciencewithsoph3620 Thank you so much for your detailed answers. I now have a clearer idea about the application process. Will you be making a video on your personal statement?
No, the summer school at Selwyn was at the same time and I did the Selwyn one which was great and having spoken to people who did the Isaac one I think the Selwyn one suited me better
I’d recommend an EPQ. I didn’t do a crest nor do I know a lot about them so I can’t really comment. I suppose anything you do is good although quality > quantity
Hi, I do maths, further maths, physics and computer science. I was wondering whether I can study natural sciences at Cambridge? Even if I can does it restrict me from some of the modules? Could you also let me know what choices I'll be able to make in the NatSci? I'm very interested in physics and computer science.
Hi, I know people here with maths, further maths and physics so you definitely can with your A levels. The computer science module was removed last year. Usually people with your A level combo will take maths, physics, materials and Earth. The requirements for each module are on the Cambridge website. By 2nd yr you’ll probably just be taking maths and physics but there’s no CS option
@@sciencewithsoph3620 Thank you so much for the information. I'm still struggling with what to choose between natural sciences and computer science at Cambridge. I'll probably go with computer science as I'm already kinda preparing for it :)
Can i still join the Year 12 Mentoring Scheme even though its almost half way through the year? I really want to improve in Physics even though im already getting A/A*'s.
It is so interesting to hear! My Oxford experience was pretty similar, and I agree the pace is absolutely mental! For chemistry, physics A-level isn't required, and we have already covered all of it. We were told we are supposed to do 80 hrs a week, so it is really good you are able to stick to 8 hrs a day. Good luck for the remainder of the term/year.
80hrs a week! I definitely couldn’t do that much. I’m surprised you’ve done so much physics. We haven’t done anything physics related in chemistry yet. It’s definitely interesting to compare ox and cam so please keep me updated :)
I remember the feeling! They moved the date back last year so I ended up getting my offer on my 18th birthday... definitely won’t forget that! I know my DoS is v busy rn making sure he’s picked the right people/ getting ready to send offers etc. Good luck :)
I was going to apply for physics at oxford however your arguments are very convincing, do you think its worth applying to (phys)natsci at Cambridge without a level chemistry? Since the only physical natural sciences i could do in first year is physics and materials science (and earth sciences but idk about that lol). Im doing maths fm phys and computer science
You can definitely apply without A level chemistry I know at least 2 people in my year at my college doing phys NatSci without A level chem. Most people would then take earth as their last option but you could also take either physiology of organisms or evolution and behaviour (this is something your dos would discuss with you before you start).
You don’t have to cycle. I did bring a bike which I’ll typically use if I’m going to west Cam, want to be quick or am doing a supermarket shop. Otherwise I’ll walk and admire all the pretty scenery. Initially social distancing was ok (with the rule of 6) just 2m + masks. Most people were being quite sensible too and numbers of cases stayed low. Now it’s really hard especially if you want to see a friend in a different household as it has to be 1:1, outside (it’s too cold!), 2m and masked. I think it’d be much easier if we could meet 1 person inside but at least for now that’s not allowed. I’m so glad that we did get a few weeks with the rule of 6 + restaurants otherwise it’d be pretty miserable. Hopefully we’ll be back to rule of 6 or better for next term 🤞
I’m so glad you found it helpful!!! Almost all my videos are typed as it saves me from camera shyness and improves accessibility. I suppose you could also screenshot them as reminder notes of what I covered. Best of luck with your application
I did the EPQ, and it worked perfectly for my Personal statement and I Believe that’s the purpose for it. I talked about the human rights of indigenous peoples on Latin America. I loved seeing your opinions on this qualification there are some very good reasons to do it even though it drained the life out of me 😂
I actually didn’t talk about it much on my PS mostly because I had lots of other things to talk about which for STEM I felt worked better. Having said that it could be great in a humanities PS as you can really develop it.
@@sciencewithsoph3620 exactly i lumber to to some academic lectures and wider readings that I had done and The sutton trust + some work experience and it all worked really well together x
Thank you Soph! Just what I needed! I’m currently struggling with picking out my topic, but I’ve got a few vague ideas. I am one of 2 students in my school doing an EPQ, so it’s quite uncommon here. Do you have any recommended resources you could direct me to? Also, what exam board did you do your EPQ for?
Initially I was also 1 of 2 and then a few friends decided to do it too. I did AQA tbh generally the spec is the only resource you need. After that you want to be looking at academic papers. If you google the topic there should be a Wikipedia page on it, if you scroll to the references that’s a good place to start reading.
Hi, I didn't realise there was a personal statement we had to fill in for the SAQ, so hadn't done many more supercirriculars than what I've mentioned in my personal statement. I'm applying for bio natsci but am really struggling with what to write in the extra personal statement. Do you have any advice? Thank you!
@@sciencewithsoph3620 Thanks! However, I have applied for natsci at other unis, so I've mentioned that in my PS. Should I say how this is different from other unis with natsci or just from a straight bio degree? Tbh I'm not too sure how Cambridge is better in terms of natsci apart from the depth it goes into.
