Should I Apply?

The Questions

• Is there a ‘typical’ Downing student? Answer
• Are my results good enough? Answer
• Does Downing dominate in any specific subject? Is this significant? Answer
• What support is there on offer for international students? Answer
• I have a disability, will Downing be accessible? Answer
• "I'm a gay man, lesbian, bisexual or identify myself as transgender. How will I fit in to Downing?"Answer

The Answers

Is there a ‘typical’ Downing student?

No and nor is there a ‘typical Cambridge student.’ For this reason Downing is pretty reflective of the Cambridge student population as a whole. Whoever you are, whatever your background, you can feel at home here very quickly.

Are my results good enough?

The standard offer for A-Level candidates is AAA. Downing generally does not make offers on more than three A-Levels; General Studies and Critical Thinking would not be included in that offer.

For IB candidates, the standard offer is 39 points overall (including Theory of Knowledge) with 7, 7, 6 in Higher level subjects (it may be specified in which subjects a 7 is required).

Applicants for Medical and Veterinary Sciences MUST meet the pre-medical requirements that are required by the University:http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/medicine/requirements.html

Candidates who receive an offer to read Maths are also asked to sit STEP and achieve a 1 and a 2.

Some other subjects have specific requirements; for up-to-date information, please see http://www.dow.cam.ac.uk/dow_server/admissions/UG_Courses.html

Regarding GCSE results, it is difficult to make a general comment about them, and they are currently under review by the University – for the most recent information, please see:http://www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/requirements/index.html or get in touch with the Admissions office if you have a specific query.

Please remember that GCSE results are just one of the aspects Downing consider, along with your AS module results, your predicted grades, your personal statement, written work if you are asked to submit it, any tests you may have to sit, and your interviews.

Does Downing dominate in any specific subject? Is this significant?

Downing is often recognised as the ‘law’ college, however there are also a rather significant number of Natural scientists, Engineers and Medics. For this reason, you might feel a bit outnumbered as an arts student, but never disadvantaged.

Arts students are offered just as many opportunities as the lawyers and scientists, with every subject being catered for by a specific social society which will offer annual dinners and parties as well as advertising relevant talks, plays, debates and seminars going on within the university and even around the country.

Colleges are perfect for helping you make friends with a completely wide ranging group of people. If you only want to hang out with the people that study your subject, you can definitely do that and your faculty will put on events which cater purely for your subject group. However, its also nice to get away from studying and meet people who are completely different to you, be it in age, subject, background.

What support is there on offer for international students?

There is a dedicated branch of the Cambridge Student Union for international students. They offer a variety of mixers- great for meeting people from all over the world! In addition, they offer weekly English as a Second Language classes.

Downing also has an International Officer on the JCR who will act as a support system for you. They will have helpful information on international storage facilities around college, and help you with those little tasks when you first arrive such as setting up a bank account, or arranging transport to the airport!

I have a disability, will Downing be accessible?

Yes, over the last few years the College has invested a lot of money into making the College accessible.

Downing has five purpose-built or adapted rooms suitable for students using wheelchairs: three for undergraduate and two for graduate students. Kitchens and bathrooms have also been specially adapted for use from a wheelchair. Students with special requirements are given priority in the allocation of accommodation. Three undergraduate rooms have adapted fire alarms for students with hearing impairment.

Contact the Disability Resource Centre for more information.

"I'm a gay man, lesbian, bisexual or identify myself as transgender. How will I fit in to Downing?"

Cambridge is a very gay-friendly, tolerant place, and the atmosphere in Downing reflects this. The fact is, most people here will not care how you define your sexuality, and you will be treated exactly the same as anyone else by fellow students and by the staff. It is possible to be as private or open about your sexuality as you wish and fit in really well at Downing! Of course, there is support for those who need it. Downing has an LBGT Officer and CUSU has an LBGT campaign to help you with any worries in complete confidence. There are also gay pubs/clubs/events in town (including the CUSU-run Life on Tuesdays!) which gives ample opportunity to meet with others. Your sexuality won't be a barrier to coming to Downing and having an amazing, fun, worry-free time - it won't even be an issue!"

Based on FAQ originally compiled by Matt Mayer, Revised by Hannah Perry
Page last updated September 2008 (bmg31)