Caius College Cambridge Admissions Presentation Notes

Introduction

• Speaker: Chris Scott, Tutor for Admissions and Outreach at Caius College Cambridge.
• Purpose: Presentation aimed at potential applicants for the 2020 admissions cycle, specifically for Year 13 students.
• Application deadline: October 15, 2020.
• Emphasis on checking the official Cambridge undergraduate study website for the most accurate and current information.

Why Apply to Cambridge?

• Outstanding Academic Reputation

  • Consistently ranked near the top of university league tables.
  • Strong emphasis on research and teaching.

• Broad Range of Academic Courses

  • 27 initial courses with opportunities to specialize later (Tripos system).

• Supervision System

  • Unique teaching format allowing small group or one-on-one sessions with world-leading experts.
  • Provides personalized learning experiences.

• Superb Facilities

  • Excellent extracurricular facilities (sports center, theatre).
  • Comprehensive careers service available for life.

• Collegiate System

  • Blends advantages of campus and city universities.
  • Individual colleges provide a base for students.

The College Experience

• Role of Colleges

  • Mini-campus: dining, accommodation, socializing.
  • Colleges admit students and provide academic and pastoral care.
  • Offer small group teaching (supervisions).

• Caius College Highlights

  • Large college with approximately 160 students per year.
  • Strong community feel due to communal dining and close-knit environment.
  • Excellent accommodation with en-suite rooms and beautiful grounds.

Academic Support at Caius

• Director of Studies and Tutors

  • Director of Studies oversees academic development.
  • Tutors assist with non-academic concerns (mental health, financial issues).

• Pastoral Care

  • College family system and peer support available.
  • Emphasis on mental health and well-being with dedicated college nurses.

Financial Support

• Bursary Scheme
  • Cambridge Bursary Scheme offers financial support based on household income (top-up bursaries for incomes below £40,000).

Extracurricular Opportunities

• Opportunities in music, sport, drama, and more.

Application Process

1. Choose Your Course:
   • Important to select a course that interests you.
2. Select a College or Open Application:
   • Open application randomly assigns a college.
3. Check Admissions Assessment or Test Registration Deadlines:
   • Key dates: 1st October for certain tests.
4. Submit UCAS Application:
   • Including personal statement by October 15.
5. Supplementary Application Questionnaire:
   • Needed for additional context about your application (class sizes, educational disruptions).
6. Interviews and Written Work:
   • May require written work samples and assessments.
7. Decision Notification:
   • Decisions made in January.

Assessment Criteria

• Academic record, personal statement, teacher reference, admissions tests, written work, and contextual information are all considered holistically.

Typical Offers

• Science and Economics: Two A* and one A.
• Mathematics: Two A* one A.
• Arts and Humanities: One A* and two A's.

Conclusion

• Encouragement for students on the fence about applying to take a chance.
• Resources available for further information: college websites, student chats.
• Reminder to always check the undergraduate study website for the most accurate information.