Should I Apply?

The Questions

• I've heard Downing is male-dominated/full of public school kids/all white. Is this true? Answer
• I am an international student. What is Downing like for me? Answer
• I have a disability, will Downing be accessible? Answer
• I'm a gay man or lesbian, is Downing homophobic? Answer
• These are my results, are they good enough? Answer
• I don't know how to punt! Answer

The Answers

I've heard Downing is male-dominated/full of public school kids/all white. Is this true?

Definitely not.

The male-female ratio is now 50 male/50 female. This is better than average for a Cambridge college (see here), but remember that there are two all-female colleges.

The private/state school split is about 50/50. Once you're here it's practically impossible to tell what kind of school someone went to. Everyone mixes in really well, and someone's sense of humour is far more important than the pattern of stripes on their school tie.

Downing is a cultural melting pot: we get international students from all over the world, and students from every corner of the UK . Everyone integrates really well no matter where they're from.

There are lots of University societies for students of different nationalities and religions which organise lots of social events, so no matter who you are or where you're from, you're likely to find similar people, and meet some people who are very different from you. This is what makes studying at Cambridge so memorable.

I am an international student. What is Downing like for me?

If you are applying as an undergraduate, you will find the student body to be quite English. A small percentage of all the undergraduates on Downing College does come from abroad. There are students from many different backgrounds, however, ranging from ethnic groups to students educated in English abroad, or that have lived outside of the United Kingdom . This makes for a rather diverse mix of students. There are also exchange programs with many institutions, most notably MIT in Cambridge , Massachusetts , in the USA .

Within Cambridge itself, you will also find a very wide variety of nationalities. From every corner of the earth, students flock to Cambridge . And although Downing College and Cambridge University are undoubtedly English institutions, they are world-renowned and attract the best scholars of the current generations. There are many active societies of certain countries, such as the German, French, and Indian societies. Furthermore, there is the International Society and the European society, which are trying to combine all the international students.

I have a disability, will Downing be accessible?

Yes, over the last few years the College has invested a lot of money 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 or bisexual, is Downing homophobic?

Ben, Downing's LBG Officer: "No, not at all. We are a very friendly and open-minded community here in college, and the university as a whole mirrors this attitude. There is an LBG Officer in college who provides a link to the university-wide events that take place regularly, so you are kept informed. They are also there to answer any questions or help with any worries that you might have, in complete confidence. On a broader scale, there is a dedicated welfare team at CUSU to provide support too, and this all means that you have the freedom to be who you want to be without any fears."

These are my results, are they good enough?

Academic standards at Downing are of course high, and you'll be expected to get very good A-level grades, AAA for Natural sciences, Maths of Medicine, or AAB for an Arts subject. There's a reason for these high requirements: you're taught by the best in the world, and they want to know that you're keen and capable before they let you in! If you have unusual grades for whatever reason, contact the Admissions Office (admissions@dow.cam.ac.uk) for more advice.

I don't know how to punt!

Nor do I. Instructions available here .

Based on FAQ originally compiled by Matt Mayer, Revised by Krystyna Larkham
Page last updated 23 Apr 2004 (twh23)