Application Requirements

In order to make a valid application to St John's, certain forms must be submitted, fees are required from some applicants, and there are academic and linguistic requirements. Read the information on this page carefully to ensure that you make a timely and correct application.

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Applying

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Offer Levels »

Our standard, minimum conditional offer is A*AA at A2 (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking).

There are no hard & fast rules as such, but, as a general guide, for an applicant sitting four or more A levels (excluding General Studies) we would normally expect them to achieve an A grade in all those A levels to meet their offer. However, this does not imply that we expect all applicants to be taking 4 or more A levels and applicants are also encouraged to ask about offer levels in relation to individual circumstances.

We do, of course, receive many applications from people taking qualifications other than A Levels, whether Pre-Us, IB, French Bacc, Irish Leaving Certificate, Advanced Highers, Abitur, Erettsegi or examinations in other European or International systems. We are happy to discuss the level at which we are likely to set an offer on an individual basis, depending upon your subject interests. The University website details information for comparable examination requirements.

It is vitally important that applicants refer to Tripos information for specific subject requirements at A Level.

Links

Cambridge University Entrance and Course Requirements

UCAS Form »

Applications to UCAS are made online using 'Apply' (www.ucas.ac.uk/apply/), the web-based application package. In order to apply to Cambridge for 2012 entry (or deferred entry in 2013) you must submit a UCAS application by 15 October 2011; the deadline may be earlier for applicants who wish to be interviewed overseas. Applications to UCAS are made online using 'Apply' (www.ucas.ac.uk/apply/), the web-based application package.

Personal Statements »

Your personal statement is your opportunity to impart specific information about yourself and that you feel it is important that we know. This could be detailed reasons why you wish to study your chosen course at Cambridge, what motivated your interest in this subject, your hobbies and interests outside school, or your future aspirations, to name but a few.

It is important to remember that the person conducting the general interview at St John's will not be a Teaching Fellow in the subject you have applied for, and may therefore rely heavily on your personal statement in order to engage you in discussion of subjects about which you feel comfortable talking at length and in some depth. Therefore, if you have just watched your brother abseiling once or twice, you don’t want to list it as one of your hobbies! Equally, it is not a good idea to list as “favourites” books that you have every intention of reading, or quote as a favourite author someone who has published 20 books, but you’ve only managed to read one so far!

In general, we find that the majority of personal statements are made up of two-thirds information of a more academic nature, and one-third information about extra-curricular interests. However, that being said, the whole idea of a personal statement is that it is personal to you… it is your statement and your chance to communicate to us the things about you that you would like us to know.

The Supplementary Application Questionnaire »

Cambridge University requires all applicants to complete and submit an SAQ shortly after submitting their UCAS form.

The SAQ (Supplementary Application Questionnaire) was developed to ensure that we have complete and consistent information about all applicants. It also enables us to collect information that is not part of the UCAS application but is helpful when assessing applications. The SAQ will ask for details such as UMS marks obtained on AS and A2 units, information about topics already covered as part of your AS/A level (or equivalent) courses (which helps our interviewers decide which questions to ask), and registration numbers for admissions tests (if applicable).

Cambridge is not alone in asking applicants to complete supplementary questionnaires. A number of other leading universities have developed similar questionnaires.

Please remember that your application to St John's College is only valid once you have successfully submitted your SAQ by the specified deadline.

Further information about the SAQ (including deadline information) can be found on the University Website.

Links

University information about the SAQ

COPA »

The Cambridge Online Preliminary Application (COPA) is a required part of the application process for applicants from outside the European Union, or for anyone wishing to be considered for a Choral Award or Organ Scholarship. The COPA allows us to collect information that is not part of your UCAS application, and to make arrangements for overseas interviews and the Choral and Organ Trials. The COPA should be completed in addition to a UCAS application, and your application will not be valid unless both are received by the relevant deadline.

Details of deadlines and further information about the COPA can be found on the Cambridge University website.

English Language Requirements »

It is essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake an intensive and challenging academic course that is taught and examined in English. Therefore, if your first language is not English, you may be asked to achieve one of the following formal qualifications as part of the conditions of your offer*:

IELTS - normally a minimum overall grade of 7.0, usually with 7.0 in each element
EU students - a high grade in English taken as part of a leaving examination (eg the European/French Baccalaureate, Abitur etc) may be acceptable
GCSE in English Language / IGCSE English Language (as a first language) - grade C or above
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English - grade A
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English - grade A or B

The University Language Centre runs an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programme for students who aren't native English speakers. Designed to help improve English language and academic skills relevant to your course through workshops and individual supervisions, attendance on the programme may be included as a condition of entry to the University.