Hear this out loud: Because of its reputation as a research university in the UK and globally, Cambridge Medical School is highly selective in its admissions policy. On average, there are six students applying per available spot, most of whom have excellent academic backgrounds.
University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine
Being one of the most popular universities in the world (I mean, who has not heard of Cambridge? ), you may be surprised to find that the medical school at the University of Cambridge has made it onto the list of the ‘easiest medical schools’ to get into.
The acceptance rate is 21.8%, which is higher than other medical schools. However, there are some important other factors to consider when looking at admissions for Cambridge University.
You could say that it is easy to get into Cambridge medical school because there is less competition for places. However, the entry requirements and standards expected are set much, much higher to start with, so it is tougher in that respect.
On the bright side, it means that if you apply to Cambridge for medicine and meet the entry requirements well enough, you will have a good chance of acceptance. If you are curious to find out, the full list of entry requirements can be found right here.
A downside is that Cambridge medical courses are more difficult than other universities, so students should only apply if they are sure they will have enough strength and motivation to keep up. Students at Cambridge write far more essays and have far less free time than students at other universities, so it is important to keep factors like these in mind.
The application process for Cambridge also tends to be very tough, to determine which applicants are good enough for the hard work that the courses require. I am by no means saying that it is an easy task to get into Cambridge University!
cambridge medicine acceptance rate
It’s a dream for every child to secure a place at the University of Cambridge. Applications pour in from every corner of the world. But to dream is not all, it requires hard work, mental preparation and skills.Students who are well qualified, making both open applications or applying directly to a college does not affect from getting a chance of getting into the college. The main reason is that the University of Cambridge has a very rigorous procedure, they compare all applicants for each subject before the selection decision is finalised. Strong meritorious students who could not make it into the college due to high competition can be made an offer via the pool. Colleges prefer and admit strong applicants through the pool than weaker applicants who had applied directly to the college.
Everyone aspiring for getting admitted under the University of Cambridge, always thinks about the acceptance rate of the university. The university and colleges under the university always try to select students of the highest academic ability and potential. There is a strong element of cross college moderation.
Admissions at the University of Cambridge, is solely on academic criteria i.e., a student’s ability and their potential. At the University of Cambridge every individual is assessed on different things in different people for different courses. There is no magical formula that will open gates of University of Cambridge for students, but academic ability and potential will surely create difference.
The University of Cambridge looks for signs in students the ability to think critically and independently. Students should logically prove their thoughts and have an open mind to absorb new ideas. Self-motivation, self-discipline, commitment, and the desire and potential to fly and shine above all.
The University of Cambridge looks for students who are really aspiring and are interested in the subjects that they have opted. The university looks for students who are not just chasing after their degrees. The University is focused on the quality of education, and not making students study for their degree.
Application Assessment at University of Cambridge
The University does not prepare any special design or formula for choosing a student to be a part of the Cambridge family. The university tries to give maximum opportunities to students to show their strengths and potential. Each student is considered individually according the following grounds:
- Academic record
- School/college reference
- Personal statement
- Written works
- Contextual data
- Interview
All parts of students data is taken into consideration. Most recent academic record carries the most weight, but the relative importance of each element varies as every student is different. No part of this is isolatedly considered.
Undergraduate Studies
The University of Cambridge has increased the acceptance rate. Number of applications is increasing, and since the acceptance rate is increasing the number of applications accepted by the University of Cambridge is increasing.
Graph depicting the number of Applications received vs the number of offers accepted by the University of Cambridge. The trend shows that with the passage of time, applications have increased and the acceptance has been increasing too. It will be a great opportunity for students across the globe to give their best and apply at the University of Cambridge to reach cloud nine.
Table Showing Subject-wise acceptance rate of UG programs offered at the University of Cambridge.
| Studies | Applications Received | Application Accepted | University of Cambridge Acceptance rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineering via Engineering | 149 | 18 | 12.08% |
| Computer Science | 1465 | 140 | 9.56% |
| Economics | 1364 | 187 | 13.71% |
| Engineering | 2364 | 396 | 16.75% |
| English | 729 | 246 | 33.74% |
| Geography | 350 | 131 | 37.43% |
| Law | 1537 | 287 | 18.67% |
| Mathematics | 1633 | 548 | 33.56% |
| Medicine | 1817 | 306 | 16.84% |
Postgraduate Studies
The statistical data extracted from the Postgraduate Admissions Office. It has been charted to provide a statistical analysis of the admission process for matriculated postgraduate programmes. It is based on CamSIS data. Reports on acceptance till 2019-20 academic year onwards are the data provided by the Faculty of Education, Postgraduate Admissions Office, Institute of Continuing Education, Judge Business school.
At the University of Cambridge a vast library of subjects are lectured. Some of the most popular are below. A comparison of acceptance rate at the university of the basis of various subjects.
| School | Number of Applications | Number of Acceptance | University of Cambridge Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & humanities | 2739 | 1116 | 40.74% |
| Biological Sciences | 1579 | 480 | 30.40% |
| Clinical Medicine | 2275 | 430 | 18.90% |
| Humanities & Social Sciences | 9665 | 3512 | 36.34% |
| Physical Sciences | 3137 | 1079 | 34.40% |
| Technology | 5634 | 1890 | 33.55% |
The University of Cambridge has several admitting authorities, they have various acceptance rates as they have their own criteria.
cambridge medicine graduate entry
The Graduate Course in Medicine is open only to applicants who qualify for home fee status. Due to the competitive nature of the course, it is important that you make sure you meet / will meet the below pre-medical requirements and that you have appropriate healthcare experience before you apply for the course.
Pre-medical Requirements:
The regulations below are the minimum requirements for beginning the Graduate Course in Medicine. Applicants must obtain the following examination passes (or their equivalents) from an approved examination board:
GCSE requirement
GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above.
GCSE English Language at grade C or above.
AS and A level requirement
Applicants must have A Level Chemistry (normally passed at grade A or above within seven years of entry) and one of Biology/Human Biology, Physics, Mathematics (at A or AS level).
Degree requirement
At least an upper second-class honors degree in any discipline.
International Baccalaureate
The GCSE and AS/A Level subject requirements also apply to the IB.
- Individual Middle Years Programme subject results validated by the IB at grade 4 or above will satisfy the GCSE requirements.
- Standard Level subjects will satisfy AS Level subject requirements, and Higher Level subjects will satisfy A Level subject requirements.
Other examination systems
If you are taking/have taken a different examination system (such as overseas qualifications), you will need to provide evidence that you have reached the equivalent standard in Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Biology. You should discuss your position with an Admissions Tutor from one of the three participating Colleges.
Competitive applications
Academically competitive applicants will generally have at least AAA at A level or equivalent, including an A or A* at Chemistry. Those who do not hold these grades should be aware that their application will be in direct competition with those who do.
The BMAT test is not a required condition of entry onto the Graduate Course in Medicine.
Healthcare experience
We strongly advise obtaining medical/healthcare experience as a paid or volunteer worker in the private or public healthcare industry and the shadowing of medical professionals in hospital/GP practice. We look for varied and consistent hands-on patient care along with experience working within an NHS environment.
Selection requirements
Applications from students who have failed at or been excluded from another medical school will not normally be considered for entry to Medicine at Cambridge.
cambridge medical school requirements for international students
Studying Medicine at a UK university is highly competitive, with between 1 and 34 international students applying for each university place (Medical Schools Council Selection Alliance, 2019). Preparing an outstanding UCAS application that demonstrates your skills and commitment is essential.
George Casley, Academic Director of CATS Colleges, has over 20 years’ experience advising international students on applying to university. Read his advice to help you prepare for the challenging but rewarding subject.
1. Showcase your commitment through work experience
Work experience is an essential part of any aspiring medical student’s university application. Universities are looking for students with a commitment to the profession. Healthcare is about people. Typical opportunities include volunteering in a care home, supporting a healthcare charity, working with people who are unwell or working as a hospital porter.
2. Reflect on your healthcare experiences
After completing your work experience, a good medical school applicant will be able to reflect on their experiences. One of the best personal statements for medicine I have ever read was a student reflecting on whether, as a hospital porter, she should take a patient suffering with dementia to an operation he said he did not wish to go to. In addition, read research relating to our work experience; scientific journals such as the New Scientist are a good source of information.
3. Be an excellent scientist
Medicine is applied science. To be a doctor you need to be an excellent scientist. Your personal statement needs to reflect scientific method as well as scientific research. Choosing the relevant subjects at A level or International Baccalaureate is important. All medical schools require Chemistry, some also require Biology. I recommend that anyone applying for healthcare-related courses take Chemistry and Biology. Mathematics and Physics are often recommended as a third option. Successful CATS Colleges’ applicants have also taken Physics, Psychology, Sociology and Government & Politics. Most medical school offers are based on A*AA or higher. However, university entrance requirements vary.
4. Practice for the medical entrance exams UKCAT and BMAT
Most medical schools require one of two tests – the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT). These tests are used in collaboration with the UCAS application and interviews. These tests are difficult. To succeed you need to practice. Work through past questions – again – and again – and again!
5. Take advantage of higher education support
To be successful, you need the best help and advice. Every CATS College has a dedicated Higher Education Officer who provides one-to-one advice and guidance on selecting degree programmes and universities to suit you. As a CATS student you can also access our Key Professions Programme for aspiring medics. It includes:
- One-to-one higher education advice including interview practice, and personal statement support
- UKCAT and BMAT exam preparation classes
- Seminars on healthcare topics such as ethics from medical and research professionals
- Visits to medical schools
- Dedicated A level subject lessons in Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry (a tuition supplement applies)
- Guaranteed progression to St George’s University, Medical School, Grenada subject to meeting entry requirements.
And finally…
The sooner you start preparing your application for Medical school, the better. However, as part of the planning you must consider…what if you do not succeed? What is your ‘plan B?’ What will you do instead?
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