FAQs

Where do I find more information about disability support at Cambridge?

Disability Support

Visit the University of Cambridge Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre (ADRC) and Support for Disabled students page on the University website.

Who do I contact about accommodation for disabled students?

Disability Support

Email St John’s Accommodation Office in the first instance if you have any questions or concerns relating to accommodation arrangements for disabled students.

How do I find out more about University and College support for disabled students applying for undergraduate study?

Disability Support

Learn more about applying for undergraduate study at St John’s and Cambridge as a disabled student on the University website

My name is spelled incorrectly on my degree certificate – what should I do?

Graduation & Congregations

Unfortunately certificates cannot be reprinted if you did not inform us of any errors before the registration deadline passed. It is therefore essential that you check your name is spelled correctly at the time of registration.

Will my degree certificate be issued in a frame?

Graduation & Congregations

No, the certificate you receive will not be framed. Jet Photographic offers College-specific certificate frames, which you may wish to purchase/order direct from the company ahead of receiving your certificate.

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Can I access my degree certificate and transcripts digitally?

Graduation & Congregations

Degree certificates and transcripts are available digitally via your CamSIS Self-Service or via the subscription-based Parchment Digitary Service, which allows you to share documents such as your official transcript online with other organisations such as employers or other educational institutions.

Further information is available on the University website.

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Can bags/luggage be brought into the Senate House?

Graduation & Congregations

Rucksacks, holdalls, shopping bags or bags larger than 35cm x 25cm are not currently allowed inside the Senate House or the surrounding grounds. If you bring these to the Congregation/Honorary Degree Ceremony you will be asked to make alternative arrangements for their storage or may be denied entry to the event. If you need to keep your bag with you, you must seek assistance from a Proctor/Constable who will check the contents prior to your entry to the Senate House. Please allow sufficient time for the delays this may cause.

Graduands are asked not to bring any bags to the ceremony. A phone can be brought in as a means of payment for items within the Senate House so long as it can be concealed.

Can guests take photographs at the graduation ceremony?

Graduation & Congregations

Photography is not allowed inside the Senate House, though photos may be taken outside. A professional photographer will take photos inside the Senate House and in the Combination Room, and there is also the opportunity throughout the day to have a professional group photograph taken with your guests with a Senate House backdrop. Graduands must not take professional photographers as their guests into the grounds of the Senate House.

Is the ceremony accessible to disabled guests?

Graduation & Congregations

Downstairs seating is available in the Senate House, and the Proctors/Constables can ensure a suitable space is allocated to anyone with a disability. (Please note however that only one carer/family member can be guaranteed an adjacent seat on the ground floor, so group members may be seated in different places.) Unfortunately there is no parking near the Senate House, and on arrival at the Senate House it is usual for guests to have to wait outside before being seated.

Please contact the Praelector's Secretary if any graduand/guest has a disability and we will do our best to ensure suitable arrangements are made.

Can I bring children to my graduation?

Graduation & Congregations

Children are allowed into the Senate House as long as they have a ticket to enter. If you alert the marshals on the day they can try to seat guests with younger children near the door for a quick exit if required.

Children are also allowed to attend the College lunch as long as they have their own ticket, which is taken from the graduand’s allowance of guest tickets.

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Is College parking available for guests on graduation day?

Graduation & Congregations

Car parking is available at the Playing Fields Car Park for all Congregations, space permitting.

Is College accommodation available for graduands/guests?

Graduation & Congregations

All graduands may normally remain in College until 10am on the Thursday after General Admission. A limited amount of Bed and Breakfast accommodation is available for guests in College rooms the night prior to and/orthe night of General Admissions. Rooms are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and are limited to two guests per student. Graduands will be sent a link to the accommodation booking as part of their invitation.

How many guests can I bring to my graduation?

Graduation & Congregations

Graduands can request tickets for a maximum of two guests toattend the ceremony in the Senate House.

For the College lunch, graduands attending a Normal Congregation or General Admission can request tickets for a maximum of two guests, and graduands attending an MA Congregation can request tickets for one guest. This is a strict College policy, and no more tickets can be requested under any circumstances. Ticket requests for the College lunch are made via CamSIS.

What happens at the graduation ceremony?

Graduation & Congregations

Detailed information about the ceremony can be found on the University website.

What should my guests wear to my graduation?

Graduation & Congregations

Guests are advised to dress smartly.

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Can I wear national dress and/or the colours of my country or a uniform at my graduation ceremony?

Graduation & Congregations

If you want to wear national dress you will need to contact the Praelector'sSecretary in advance, as dispensation may be required to allow this.

Can I wear a cap (also known as a mortarboard)?

Graduation & Congregations

Yes, if you want to. The cap (mortarboard) is optional for Cambridge graduands. If you do decide to wear one on the day then you will be asked to take it off and carry it in your left hand once inside the Senate House, so please bear this in mind when making your decision.

Can I wear a dinner suit/tuxedo under my graduation gown?

Graduation & Congregations

Yes, but it must be a dark suit, with no silk adornments. Cufflinks may be worn.

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How do I pin a hood onto a gown?

Graduation & Congregations

Practical guidance on how to do this can be found on the University website.

Which gown should I wear for my graduation?

Graduation & Congregations

Detailed information regarding academical dress, including contact details for suppliers, can be found on the University website.

The general rule for graduands of Cambridge University is to wear the gown and hood of the highest degree you already hold. For example, if you are taking both your MA and MB degrees then you should wear the BChir gown and hood, not the BA gown and hood. If you are taking your MA and hold a MEng or MSci on the basis of doing Part III Engineering, ChemEng orNatural Sciences, you should wear the MEng or MSci gown and hood.

Anyone who does not hold a Cambridge degree (eg an undergraduate) when being admitted to a degree wears their undergraduate, BA status or MA status gown (graduates over 24 years old should wear the MA gown)as appropriate, and the hood of the degree (or the higher of the degrees) they are to receive.

All gowns and hoods can be purchased or hired. If you have your own gown (from Matriculation) you can wear it at General Admission, though it is advisable to have it dry cleaned in advance.

Whether you plan to buy or hire a gown and hood, it is important to order these well in advance.

Can I use my ‘title’ before the relevant degree has been conferred on me?

Graduation & Congregations

No. Your degree must be conferred on you at a ceremony before you can use the title.

Can I request the omission of religious wording from my degree ceremony?

Graduation & Congregations

Yes. At the ceremony the Vice Chancellor usually says the following (in Latin) as you kneel in front of them: "By the authority committed to me, I admit you to the degree of [name of degree] in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." If you do not wish for the Trinitarian formula to be used you can indicate this when you register for the Congregation.

Other optional aspects of the ceremony are detailed on the University website.

When will I receive confirmation of my registration for the Congregation?

Graduation & Congregations

Following registration on CamSIS, graduands should expect to receive a confirmation letter within one week of the application deadline. (Please note that letters are not sent out before the application deadline has passed.) If you haven’t received a confirmation letter two weeks before the ceremony is due to take place, you should contact the Praelector's Secretary as soon as possible so they can check that you are still included in the proceedings.

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Am I guaranteed a place at my chosen Congregation?

Graduation & Congregations

The University aims to accommodate as many graduands and their guests as possible during each Congregation, but there are practical limitations. Confirmation emails are sent out by the Praelector's Secretary soon after the registration deadline for each Congregation has passed, so please wait for confirmation before making any travel/accommodation arrangements. Congregations take place throughout the year, and if there is no space at a particular ceremony you will have the opportunity to attend on a subsequent occasion.

Which Congregation can I register for?

Graduation & Congregations

The June Congregation is set aside for ‘General Admission’ to degrees, which is when most undergraduates proceed to their first degrees at the end of their final term.

The May Congregation is a much larger event, as this is when most newly eligible alumni return to receive their MA degrees. Any non-MA graduands wishing to attend this Congregation should be aware that it will mostly be attended by those accepting an MA only.

Other Congregations take place throughout the year. The College calendar entry for each Congregation contains more information about who may register for that ceremony. For more information see the Graduation and Congregations page.

I’m a postgraduate. Can I apply to the degree ceremony before I’ve received approval for my degree from the Board of Graduate Studies?

Graduation & Congregations

Yes. It is advisable to apply to your chosen ceremony in advance, whether or not you have been approved, to avoid disappointment. It is important to note that no applications will be accepted after the College deadline. If you submit an application but your degree is not approved in time you can be removed from the ceremony proceedings.

I’m an undergraduate finalist. When should I register for my graduation?

Graduation & Congregations

Undergraduate finalists will receive an email at the startof the Easter Term with details on how to register for General Admission.

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When am I eligible for the MA?

Graduation & Congregations

Those with a BA become eligible for the MA six years and a term after matriculation, providing the BA has been conferred. If you qualified for the BA but never had it conferred, you cannot be entered for the MA until the BA has been conferred, even if the necessary time has elapsed.

Affiliated students (those who are deemed to have kept three terms before they officially begin their first term of residence in Cambridge) become eligible for the MA five years after their matriculation, as long as the BA has been conferred.

Those who meet the eligibility requirements will receive an invitation via email to register for the next MA Congregation.

How do I apply to study an MBA?

Postgraduate study

Please contact the Judge Business School for all MBA related information.

How do I apply to study a PGCE?

Postgraduate study

Please contact the The Faculty of Education for all PGCE related information.

Do you have postgraduate accommodation?

Live & Study

Postgraduates

St John's College has a variety of competitively-priced accommodation options for postgraduate students, such as shared properties, bedsits, flats and housing for postgraduates with a family or long-term partner.

Is childcare available for postgraduate students at St John's College?

Live & Study

Postgraduates

St John’s students with children aged three months to five years old are eligible for places at Wolfson Court Day Nursery and Preschool, managed by Bright Horizons.

Childcare grants are available: contact St John’s College Postgraduate Office for more information.

Can postgraduates live in private rented accommodation?

Postgraduates

Live & Study

Postgraduates wishing to seek private housing in Cambridge should contact the University of Cambridge Accommodation Service.

Note that private accommodation of a similar standard to College properties is scarce and liable to be expensive.

Is there wi-fi in the Buttery, Café and Bar?

Food & Drink

College members’ computers, tablets and phones are connected to eduroam, which is a secure wireless network for education and research used by the University of Cambridge. Once connected, you will have access to wi-fi throughout St John’s and around Cambridge and other educational institutions worldwide.

I have food allergies, can I still eat in College?

Food & Drink

Anyone with food allergies should inform the Catering and Hospitality Manager and the College Nurse before coming into residence. All diners with a food allergy should inform the serving staff each time they dine in College. The Catering Department has a Food Allergy Policy and legal responsibility to identify and highlight where food it serves contains any of the 14 allergens specified in the EU Food Information for Consumers Regulation No 1169/2011 and make this information available to diners.

Are dietary needs catered for?

Food & Drink

Most dietary needs are catered for. Every day vegetarian, vegan and meat or fish options are available in the Buttery, at College dinners and Formal Hall. The Buttery serves Halal meat at five meals a week. The Catering Department will endeavour to cater for other specific dietary requests when informed reasonably in advance and where this is practical and financially viable for the event the request is made for.

Can I reproduce or request images from the Library’s collections?

Library

You can request the College’s permission for the reproduction of materials from the Special Collections in any publication, website, or public presentation by emailing special.collections@joh.cam.ac.uk. Depending on the source material, reproductions can be supplied in a variety of formats, from reading copies for private research to high-resolution images for publication.

How do I make an appointment to view Special Collections Archive material?

Library

To consult Special Collections material, email special.collections@joh.cam.ac.uk or phone 01223 339393, indicating the material you wish to consult and the proposed dates of your visit. Special Collections material can only be consulted in the Rare Books Reading Room under the supervision of Library staff (Monday to Friday).

To consult material in the College Archive, email archivist@joh.cam.ac.uk or phone 01223 338631 to make an appointment. The Archive Centre is open to researchers on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Is the Old Library open to the public?

Library

The 17th-century Upper Library is open to the public on specific days during the year for specially curated exhibitions to coincide with the Cambridge Festival (March/April) and Open Cambridge (September), see the Events and services page for more details.

It is also open to members of St John’s every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm during Full Term.

Members of College who wish to bring guests to see the Upper Library at other times should contact special.collections@joh.cam.ac.uk in advance.

Visits to the Old Library for school groups and for individuals or groups with a specialist/research interest in the history of the building or its collections can be arranged throughout the year.

The Rare Books Reading Room, where researchers can consult items from the Library’s Special Collections, is open 9am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Monday to Friday. Researchers should make an appointment in advance by emailing special.collections@joh.cam.ac.uk.

When is the Library open?

Library

The Working Library is open to members of St John’s 24/7, all year round.

The Library Exhibition Area, which is accessed via the Working Library, is open to the public 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

The 17th-century Upper Library is open to members of St John’s every Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm during Full Term. Members of College who wish to bring guests to see the Upper Library at other times should contact special.collections@joh.cam.ac.uk in advance. The Upper Library also opens to the public on specific days during the year for specially curated exhibitions to coincide with the Cambridge Festival (March/April) and Open Cambridge (September). Details will be available on the Events and services page.

Can I donate my books to the Library?

Library

Donations of books, manuscripts, archival materials, photographs and other items are welcomed in principle, particularly where they add to the Library’s well-established collections of works by or about Johnians. However, donations sent without prior arrangement are rarely accepted, so before sending any items please read our Donations Policy and email library@joh.cam.ac.uk with the full details of your proposed donation for the Librarian to consider.

How do I receive my mail while living in College accommodation?

Live & Study

Offer Holders

Postgraduates

Undergraduates

Every student is provided with a pigeonhole for external and internal mail and parcels can be collected from the Great Gate Porters’ Lodge. Cambridge Students’ Union also operates a free internal post service for students that delivers to all 31 University colleges.

Do I need to buy a television licence if I live in College accommodation?

Live & Study

Offer Holders

Postgraduates

Undergraduates

It is students’ responsibility to obtain a TV licence where required as there is no College-wide cover. You will need a licence if you bring a television and when viewing a BBC television programme online live or on demand on BBC iPlayer.

Find out more from the TV Licensing website.

Do I have to pay Council Tax?

Live & Study

Offer Holders

Postgraduates

Undergraduates

No, student rooms in College and in our shared houses are exempt from Council Tax.

Will my personal belongings be insured at College?

Live & Study

Offer Holders

Postgraduates

Undergraduates

There is free contents insurance for all students staying in our College accommodation through Endsleigh Insurance. You may be required to take out extra insurance for specific possessions.

Is College accommodation accredited?

Live & Study

Offer Holders

Postgraduates

Undergraduates

Yes, the College has adopted the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK) Code of Practice for the management of student housing.

Are student rooms catered?

Live & Study

Offer Holders

Postgraduates

Undergraduates

Student accommodation is not catered, however basic kitchen facilities are provided at St John's and the College provides heavily-subsidised meals, sandwiches, soups, salads and snacks in the Buttery and Café that cater for most dietary needs. Our students can also enjoy regular candlelit Formal Hall dinners - a wonderful Cambridge tradition - at a heavily-discounted price.

What is included in my rent?

Live & Study

Undergraduates

Offer Holders

All our rooms are furnished and include a high-speed internet connection, and access to a kitchen and free laundry facilities. Housekeeping is included too, with individual undergraduate rooms cleaned fortnightly, and communal areas such as kitchens and bathrooms cleaned daily. Basic contents insurance is also included in your rent. Room licences cover from October to June so our undergraduates only have to move belongings out for the long summer vacation.

Where do undergraduates live?

Live & Study

Offer Holders

Undergraduates

Many first years live in the Cripps Building, Chapel Court or North Court so you can get to know each other easily. In Cripps, typically, you will have a single room, sharing a bathroom and kitchen with up to three other undergraduates. The North and Chapel Court rooms consist of two student bedrooms (with the smaller room priced at a lower rent), with a shared bathroom and small kitchen for up to four people. After the first year, you can opt for a single room, share with friends, or live in a shared College house.

How can I find out more about faith and spirituality?

Chapel and Choir

If you want to explore more about faith and spirituality the Chapel team runs a termly programme of events and activities each term. We seek to ensure that the Chapel is a space in which students, staff and visitors can encounter the life of faith in all its beauty, wonder and creativity, whatever their background.

What is Choral Evensong?

Chapel and Choir

Choral Evensong is sung by The Choir of St John's six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, at 6.30pm. This is a beautiful service drawn from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and sung in colleges, chapels and cathedrals around the country. The poetic language and music create an atmosphere of contemplation at the end of the day. The services are open to the public and all are welcome.

How can I access pastoral care if I want to talk to someone?

Chapel and Choir

Live & Study

The College Chaplain is a visible presence around College as an open, approachable and non-judgemental listener to anyone, of any faith or none, and to ensure the Chapel is a place where all are welcome.

I am not religious, can I still come to Chapel?

Chapel and Choir

Live & Study

The Chapel is open to everyone of all faiths and none. It is usually open during the day for quiet contemplation and everyone is welcome at all of our services. We are here for everyone in College, whatever your beliefs, experience or background and we are committed to being an inclusive Christian community.

What time will my undergraduate admissions interview be?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

Interviews typically start between 8am and 6.30pm UTC for UK-based candidates, but that is not always guaranteed. If you have been invited to interview, please read your invitation email carefully as it contains important information about session start times, as you may be required in advance of your interview.

What online platform will my undergraduate admissions interview be held on?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

For applicants applying in 2025, St John's will interview all applicants online using Zoom. If you are an applicant for future years, check closer to the time to see what format interviews are being held in for the year you are applying. Monitor the Undergraduate Interviews page to receive the most up-to-date information.

Can I transfer to St John’s from another university and continue my studies?

Applying

It is not possible to transfer to St John’s or the University of Cambridge when you are already partway through a degree course elsewhere. All students are required to start at Year 1 of their course.

How do I make an admissions appeal or complaint?

Applying

There is information about how to make an admissions appeal or complaint on the University’s admissions appeals and complaints page. When making an appeal, please ensure you have read the accompanying guidance that your appeal meets the necessary criteria.

Can I move my place from another Cambridge college to St John’s?

Applying

It is not possible to transfer your offer or place from another college to St John’s. Please ensure you are happy with your choice of college before you submit your application.

Does St John’s accept students for the Cambridge University Foundation Year?

Applying

No, we do not consider applicants on the Cambridge University Foundation Year.

Is there an age requirement to study Medicine?

Applying

Applicants for Medicine must reach 18 years of age by 1 November of their first year. This is a statutory requirement.

Do you accept undergraduate applications from affiliated students?

Applying

St John's accepts applications from affiliate students in all subjects that admit affiliate students, except for Veterinary Medicine (which is only available at the Mature Age Colleges).

Visit Applying for a second undergraduate degree

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Do I need to use a Zoom whiteboard in my undergraduate admissions interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

Different subjects have different equipment requirements for interviews. Please read your interview invitation email carefully for details.

Is there a dress code for the interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

There is no formal dress code, and interview candidates should attend interview in clothing they feel comfortable in.

When will I hear about how I did in my undergraduate interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

Applicants will be contacted about the outcome of their application at the end of January. All colleges release outcomes on the same day, so please see the University's application timeline for further details.

Am I allowed pen and paper with me at my undergraduate admissions interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

This can vary by subject – please see your subject course page for more information. If you are invited to interview you will receive full instructions on what you need for your interview.

Can I have notes with me at my undergraduate admissions interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

Unless specified as part of a pre-interview task, notes are discouraged at interview and some subjects will ask you to perform a 'room sweep' to ensure you do not have any notes either on your desk or on your computer desktop.

Will my personal statements be discussed at my undergraduate admissions interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

Interviewers may use your personal statement as a discussion starter, though this may vary between interviewers and subject. You will not be quizzed on the content of your personal statement.

Should I ask questions about my interviewers’ research interests?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

No, the interview is about you and your interests, not the interviewers'.

Will I be expected to have knowledge outside of what I’ve learned from school in my undergraduate interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

You won’t be required to know anything outside of what you have learned from school, but you may be asked to think about how you apply this knowledge in different ways to how you may have encountered them at school.

How can I prepare for my undergraduate admissions interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

The best way to prepare for a Cambridge interview is to revise content you have covered in relevant school subjects. Ensure you are comfortable talking about your subject interests - interviewers are interested in how you think and what you are interested in.

Will my written work be discussed at my undergraduate admissions interview?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

This may vary between subjects, interviewers, and how your interview may progress. Interviewers do generally aim to discuss your written work with you at interview, so you should be prepared to talk about what you submit.

Does written work for undergraduate interviews have to be handwritten or typed?

Applying

Undergraduate Interviews

Either is acceptable, and there is no preference as long as you ensure your handwriting is legible. Please check your subject course page for further requirements.

Does the written work I submit for my undergraduate application have a word limit?

Applying

Please consult the relevant subject course page for details, but we recommend essays between 1,500 and 2,000 words in length.

What written work should I hand in for my undergraduate application?

Applying

You should send samples of your schoolwork in subjects relevant to your course and marked by a teacher. This can be an extract from an EPQ, but a self-contained essay is usually preferred. Ideally, this should be reflective of your abilities and a piece of work you are interested in talking about in your interview should you be invited.

Do I have to take an assessment as part of my Cambridge application?

Applying

Subjects

Some subjects will require you to take an admissions assessment or submit a sample of your work as part of the admissions process. For more details, please see the subject page of your chosen course.

What extracurriculars do you recommend for a Mathematics/Natural Sciences/Engineering applicant?

Applying

Subjects

Competitions and Olympiads, such as those led by UK Maths Trust (UKMT), are a good way of stretching your skills beyond the classroom. Engagement with activities and opportunities that will introduce you to subjects beyond your curriculum are also helpful.

Is work experience required for my Cambridge application to be considered to study Medicine?

Applying

Work experience is strongly encouraged by the Department of Medicine to understand the demands of the profession. Further details are available on the University's course page.

What kinds of activities should I mention on my personal statement?

Applying

Activities that show wider engagement with your chosen subject, or activities that have helped you develop transferable skills that will be useful on your course.

Do I need work experience to apply for an undergraduate degree at St John’s?

Applying

For most courses work experience can be beneficial if it helps you develop skills that will be useful on your course, such as time management, but is not a requirement.

If you are applying to Medicine or Veterinary Medicine, please see the relevant course pages on the University website for further details.

Who can translate my transcript for my application to study for an undergraduate degree at St John’s?

Applying

If your school does not provide an English transcript as standard, then an official translation service should translate, sign, and stamp your transcript. Please upload the original alongside the translated transcript on My Cambridge Application.

My transcript won’t upload on My Cambridge Application, what can I do?

Applying

Check the Undergraduate Study: Providing a transcript page on the University website for more information.

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Do I need to upload a transcript on My Cambridge Application?

Applying

You will be required to submit a High School Transcript unless you’ve taken IGCSEs/GCSEs and modular A/AS-Levels or CIE A-Levels where you're provided with Percentage Uniform Marks (PUMs).

View see the transcripts flowchart for more information

Will I be disadvantaged if I don’t write a personal statement on My Cambridge Application?

Applying

No, the additional personal statement is entirely optional, and so you should not feel that you are required to add information solely for the purposes of completing it.

What should I write in the additional personal statement on My Cambridge Application?

Applying

This is an opportunity to make any comments particularly relevant to your Cambridge application, such as to highlight features of your chosen course that interest you. Do not repeat information you’ve provided in your UCAS personal statement. This section is of particular relevance to applicants to courses that are only available to Cambridge, such as Land Economy.

Should I write about my extracurricular activities on my personal statement when applying to do an undergraduate degree?

Applying

At Cambridge, all admissions decisions are based solely on academic criteria. When it comes to extra- (or rather super-) curricular activities, we want to see how you’ve pursued your subject interests in your own time.

What makes a good UCAS reference?

Applying

A good UCAS reference tells us how applicants perform in comparison to their cohort, any disruption to an applicant's education, and provides evidence of how an applicant has engaged with a subject beyond the curriculum. Subject-specific information is particularly useful so we can see where applicants’ strengths lie.

Who can write my UCAS reference if I don’t have a school referee?

Applying

In this case, we would normally require a reference from someone who is independent (ie not normally a family member) and who has had recent contact with the applicant in an academic context. We are unable to accept applications without a reference.

Can I apply for an undergraduate degree with an Access to HE diploma?

Applying

Depending on subject covered, an Access to Higher Education diploma can be appropriate preparation for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences and most arts courses, but are considered less appropriate preparation for Economics and the sciences. You will need to achieve distinction grades in all relevant subject units. Some subjects may also have additional requirements. You should always consult with your shortlisted colleges before making an application.

What are my options during my application for undergraduate study if I have experienced educational disruption?

Applying

Applicants with exceptional circumstances that may have negatively impacted their education are able to mention these circumstances in their application. A relevant professional (eg teacher or medical professional) should fill out an Extenuating Circumstances Form (ECF) as part of the application.

Can I apply from a foundation year?

Applying

Foundation years can be appropriate preparation for most Arts courses, but at St John's are not considered appropriate preparation for the Sciences.

What if my chosen undergraduate degree course has no subject requirements?

Applying

Subjects

We will expect high grades in the subjects most relevant to the course you’re applying for. For example, humanities subjects may look for high performance in essay-based subjects. You will also be expected to demonstrate how you have pursued your interest in that subject outside of schoolwork.

Are some subjects more important to do well in than others when applying for undergraduate study at St John’s?

Applying

Subjects

Depending on the subject, applicants may be required to achieve an A* in one or more specific subject(s). Please see the relevant subject course page for more information.

Can I take Maths in Y12 and Further Maths in Y13 if I want to apply for undergraduate study at St John’s?

Applying

For courses where A-Level Mathematics is required by all colleges (Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Natural Sciences), students taking A-Level Mathematics in Year 12, and A-Level Further Mathematics and only one other A-Level in Year 13 will be considered.

Can I take A-Levels early if I want to apply to study for an undergraduate degree at St John’s?

Applying

Applications are considered in their context and according to individual academic merit. Both St John's College and the University of Cambridge have targets for widening participation, but not quotas.

Can I take A-levels early?

Applying

We discourage students from taking public examinations early unless top grades will be obtained. The exception is when an applicant is studying A level Mathematics in Year 12 and A level Further Mathematics in Year 13. Demonstrating that you are able to cope with multiple demanding subjects at the same time is an essential part of showing you are suitably prepared for study at Cambridge.

Should I do three or four A-Levels if I want to apply to study for an undergraduate degree at St John’s?

Applying

Generally, you are expected to do very well in three A-Levels. Applicants are advised to develop broader and deeper knowledge of relevant subjects rather than accumulate additional A-Levels. However, applicants to science and Engineering subjects may find taking four A-levels in Mathematics and science subjects helpful for managing the transition to University. If you are taking more than three A-Levels, St John's College will typically expect you to complete these to a high standard.

What subject should I choose if I want to apply to study as an undergraduate at St John’s?

Applying

Subjects

Choose a subject you enjoy and feel you will do well in. Check course pages for the subjects you’re interested in and speak to your teachers about your options. For more information, see the College's subject pages or the University's Subject Matters information.

Can I reapply to St John’s for undergraduate study if my application is unsuccessful?

Applying

If you want to reapply, we recommend that you apply to a different college so that your application can be seen with fresh eyes. Before making a re-application to Cambridge you should always check with your shortlisted colleges that they are happy to accept a reapplication.

Can I apply to Cambridge from a university overseas?

Applying

You can apply if attending another university outside the UK. We would typically ask for a reference from a member of your institution and a current transcript. You will undergo the same application process as the wider field and will enter the course at Year 1. Transfers are not possible.

Can I apply to Cambridge from another UK university?

Applying

St John's only considers applications from students currently enrolled at other UK universities in exceptional circumstances or where there is a meaningful change of subject. Those applying from other UK universities must undergo the same application process as the wider field and will enter the course at Year 1. Transfers are not possible. Please be aware that your eligibility for student finance and/or a student visa may be affected by your having previously studied at another university.

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FAQs

Where do I find more information about disability support at Cambridge?

Who do I contact about accommodation for disabled students?

How do I find out more about University and College support for disabled students applying for undergraduate study?

My name is spelled incorrectly on my degree certificate – what should I do?

Will my degree certificate be issued in a frame?

Can I access my degree certificate and transcripts digitally?

Can bags/luggage be brought into the Senate House?

Can guests take photographs at the graduation ceremony?

Is the ceremony accessible to disabled guests?

Can I bring children to my graduation?

Is College parking available for guests on graduation day?

Is College accommodation available for graduands/guests?

How many guests can I bring to my graduation?

What happens at the graduation ceremony?

What should my guests wear to my graduation?

Can I wear national dress and/or the colours of my country or a uniform at my graduation ceremony?

Can I wear a cap (also known as a mortarboard)?

Can I wear a dinner suit/tuxedo under my graduation gown?

How do I pin a hood onto a gown?

Which gown should I wear for my graduation?

Can I use my ‘title’ before the relevant degree has been conferred on me?

Can I request the omission of religious wording from my degree ceremony?

When will I receive confirmation of my registration for the Congregation?

Am I guaranteed a place at my chosen Congregation?

Which Congregation can I register for?

I’m a postgraduate. Can I apply to the degree ceremony before I’ve received approval for my degree from the Board of Graduate Studies?

I’m an undergraduate finalist. When should I register for my graduation?

When am I eligible for the MA?

How do I apply to study an MBA?

How do I apply to study a PGCE?

Do you have postgraduate accommodation?

Is childcare available for postgraduate students at St John's College?

Can postgraduates live in private rented accommodation?

Is there wi-fi in the Buttery, Café and Bar?

I have food allergies, can I still eat in College?

Are dietary needs catered for?

Can I reproduce or request images from the Library’s collections?

How do I make an appointment to view Special Collections Archive material?

Is the Old Library open to the public?

When is the Library open?

Can I donate my books to the Library?

How do I receive my mail while living in College accommodation?

Do I need to buy a television licence if I live in College accommodation?

Do I have to pay Council Tax?

Will my personal belongings be insured at College?

Is College accommodation accredited?

Are student rooms catered?

What is included in my rent?

Where do undergraduates live?

How can I find out more about faith and spirituality?

What is Choral Evensong?

How can I access pastoral care if I want to talk to someone?

I am not religious, can I still come to Chapel?

What time will my undergraduate admissions interview be?

What online platform will my undergraduate admissions interview be held on?

Can I transfer to St John’s from another university and continue my studies?

How do I make an admissions appeal or complaint?

Can I move my place from another Cambridge college to St John’s?

Does St John’s accept students for the Cambridge University Foundation Year?

Is there an age requirement to study Medicine?

Do you accept undergraduate applications from affiliated students?

Do I need to use a Zoom whiteboard in my undergraduate admissions interview?

Is there a dress code for the interview?

When will I hear about how I did in my undergraduate interview?

Am I allowed pen and paper with me at my undergraduate admissions interview?

Can I have notes with me at my undergraduate admissions interview?

Will my personal statements be discussed at my undergraduate admissions interview?