The Aspiring Medics
3 min
The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest universities in the world.
As one of the most prestigious in the UK and notable alumni, teaching places a heavy emphasis on biomedical research with the hope that graduates will become world-leaders and embrace scientific advancement throughout their careers.
Studying at Cambridge is a unique experience based on tradition and the traditional experiences. Patient-centred learning remains at the heart of modern medical education.
The interviewers care less about difficult scientific concepts; they are far more interested in the basic concepts that you learn at GCSE, and how you can apply them. Know the basics.
Unlike other medical schools, the Cambridge interview will focus almost entirely on your scientific aptitude, rather than your personal qualities, extracurricular activities or work experience. Interviewers can ask you anything related to the modules you have completed for A-level; generally, this is one Biology-based question, a Chemistry-based question and a Statistics-based question.
In addition to scientific aptitude, the Cambridge will have a few questions regarding your personal statement, BMAT essay and work experience, ensure that you are comfortable talking about these at length and can demonstrate that you have reflected adequately on these.
A peculiarity of the Cambridge interview experience is that it varies greatly between colleges, so make sure you research the interview format at your particular college.
The interviewer is there to guide you back to the right path, but they can only do this if you let them know what you are thinking so say something even if it’s wrong or sounds silly. Speak your thoughts!
Check out our Medicine Interview Course!
Cambridge is a collegiate university so students benefit to membership to one of the 31 colleges. Cambridge takes a traditional approach teaching the medical sciences first before beginning clinical placements from Year 4 onwards. The course offers intercalation in the third year of the course at BA level. Anatomy is taught by full body dissection. Supervisions in the form of small group teaching are truly an amazing opportunity to ask questions and better your understanding of course content. Fully written lecture notes and slides helps save time during the revision process.
Cambridge is a vibrant city in the heart of the countryside in Cambridgeshire. The city is steeped in history and provides students with a beautiful setting to study at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The city is relatively small with most colleges located in the city centre and easy reach of lecture theatres. Each college differs in terms of accommodation, but it is mostly just a short walk from the city centre. Cambridge only has three 8 week terms a year which are intense, therefore, but it means you have plenty of time to explore your other interests outside of term time. The colleges also provide accommodation and other facilities including dining halls, study rooms and libraries.
The university offers a unique social life to its students. The collegiate system provides something like a second, huge, supportive and not-completely-med-student "family" within the university, providing social events through the JCR. This includes weekly formal dinners, music societies and sports teams. The famous May Balls (actually held in June!) take place shortly after exams and are the highlight of the social calendar with everything from circus acts to famous bands in attendance. Cambridge offers a huge amount of societies and extra-curricular activities. Cambridge itself is quite a small city, but this definitely does not stop it from being busy! There are regular high-street stores and restaurants, as well as smaller cafes and shops more targeted at tourists.
Cambridge Medical Society has been in place since 1784 and is one of the largest societies at the university. It gives its members an opportunity to attend talks organised by world-class speakers free of charge. It promises to support any member in academic or financial difficulties through extensive welfare and monetary grants. It provides advice on things like how to get the most out of the first and second year medical courses. Medsoc at Cambridge also offers MedSoc sports teams where you can meet new people.
Click on the icons below to learn more about Interviews!