Cambridge University presents varying acceptance rates across its subjects. Competitive courses such as Computer Science and the Graduate Medicine programme have low acceptance rates, at 7.6% and 7.3% respectively, indicating high levels of competition. STEM courses generally experience lower acceptance rates compared to humanities, with a noticeable difference in applicant success rates. Engineering, for instance, has a relatively competitive acceptance rate of 13.8%, while humanities subjects like Modern & Medieval Languages offer better odds for applicants. Further exploration will provide additional insights into the admissions landscape.
Key Points
- Computer Science at Cambridge has a low acceptance rate of 7.6%, making it highly competitive.
- The Medicine Graduate Course showcases rigorous selectivity with a 7.3% acceptance rate.
- Engineering courses have a 13.8% acceptance rate, reflecting significant competition.
- Humanities subjects like Music and Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic have higher acceptance rates of 36.4% and 30.6%.
- Modern & Medieval Languages offer a relatively higher acceptance rate of 50.4%, indicating less competition.
Understanding Cambridge's Competitive Courses
While it can be intimidating to navigate the competitive landscape of Cambridge's undergraduate programs, understanding which courses are the most selective can provide valuable insights for prospective students.
Acceptance rates for competitive courses like BSc Computer Science and the Medicine Graduate Course are particularly low, at 7.6% and 7.3% respectively, reflecting high demand and rigorous standards.
STEM fields generally exhibit lower acceptance rates compared to Humanities, emphasizing the intense academic requirements within these subjects.
Although the application process is challenging, knowing the acceptance rates and varying selectivity across colleges can guide applicants in choosing programs aligned with their academic aspirations and service-oriented goals.
A Closer Look at STEM Vs Humanities Acceptance Rates
When considering the acceptance rates at Cambridge, a significant distinction emerges between STEM and humanities courses, offering prospective students valuable insights into the admissions landscape.
In 2023, STEM applicants faced a rigorous 15.0% acceptance rate, while humanities applicants experienced a slightly more favorable 18.5%. The number of STEM applicants, totaling 11,924, reflects the intense competition within these fields, with Computer Science significantly having a 7.6% acceptance rate.
Humanities, with 9,521 applicants, showed less competition. Despite rising demand for STEM courses, higher education statistics reveal these remain harder to access than humanities.
This information serves those seeking strategic application choices.
Course-Specific Acceptance Rates: The Top Contenders
Maneuvering the landscape of course-specific acceptance rates at Cambridge reveals intriguing insights into the competitive nature of various programs.
In 2023, the BSc Computer Science program stood out with a remarkably low acceptance rate of 7.6%, underscoring its status as one of Cambridge's most competitive programs. Likewise, the Graduate Medicine course boasted an impressive selectivity with a 7.3% acceptance rate.
While Engineering attracted 2,410 applicants, only 370 offers were extended, resulting in a 13.8% acceptance rate.
Conversely, subjects like Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, and Music had higher acceptance rates of 30.6% and 36.4%, respectively, illustrating the diverse admissions process.
Comparing Cambridge's Offer Rates Across Disciplines
Analyzing Cambridge's offer rates across various disciplines reveals the diverse levels of competition prospective students engage themselves in.
The acceptance rate for 2023 was 21.2%, yet certain subjects presented varying challenges. Remarkably, Computer Science had a remarkably low offer rate of 9.3%, indicating a highly competitive application process.
Likewise, Medicine and Engineering maintained rigorous standards, with offer rates of 16.4% and 15.4%, respectively.
Curiously, Natural Sciences offered a more encouraging acceptance rate at 25.6%.
In stark contrast, Modern & Medieval Languages saw a higher offer rate of 50.4%, suggesting less competitive pressures for applicants in these areas.
International Vs Domestic Applicant Success Rates
Although both international and domestic applicants face challenges when applying to Cambridge, the success rates between these groups reveal distinct disparities. International applicants, comprising 35.3% of total applications, encounter a competitive nature in admissions, with an acceptance rate of 10.9%. In contrast, the emphasis on domestic students results in higher success rates. Significantly, applicants from the South East of England achieve greater success compared to other UK regions. The data underscores Cambridge's selective admission process and its preference for domestic applicants.
| Category | Applications (%) | Total Acceptances (%) |
|---|---|---|
| International | 35.3 | 23.1 |
| Domestic | 64.7 | 76.9 |
| New Zealand | - | 24.6 |
| USA | - | 6.6 |
| Pakistan | - | 1.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Easiest Subject to Get Into Cambridge?
The easiest subject to gain admission to at Cambridge is Modern and Medieval Languages, with a 50.4% acceptance rate. Applicants interested in serving others through language and cultural understanding may find this field particularly rewarding.
What Is the Hardest Subject to Get Into at Cambridge?
The hardest subject to gain admission to at Cambridge is BSc Computer Science, with a 7.6% acceptance rate. This competitive environment challenges students, fostering a community where dedication and academic excellence drive impactful contributions to society.
Which Is the Easiest Cambridge College to Get Into?
Murray Edwards, Robinson, and Girton are among the easier Cambridge colleges to gain admission, with higher acceptance rates. Applicants should consider these options while maintaining focus on personal growth, community service, and meeting Cambridge's academic standards.
What Is the Most Popular Degree at Cambridge?
The Natural Sciences program is currently the most popular degree at Cambridge. It attracted 2,444 applicants in 2023, reflecting a strong interest in understanding the natural world, driven by a desire to contribute positively to society.
Final Thoughts
In summary, understanding Cambridge's acceptance rates by subject requires a nuanced look at various factors influencing admissions. STEM courses often exhibit more competitive rates compared to humanities, reflecting broader academic trends. Course-specific acceptance rates highlight the intense competition for certain programs, necessitating strong applications. Additionally, international applicants face different acceptance challenges compared to domestic peers. Prospective students should research specific courses, consider their strengths, and tailor their applications to improve their chances of success at this prestigious institution.
