Cracking University Admissions: Lessons from My Journey

By: Chin Tong - University of Cambridge

I still remember the moment I decided to apply to Cambridge. It felt like aiming for the impossible—something only the absolute best students could achieve. I had heard countless myths: "You need to be a genius," "You must have perfect grades," and "Only Olympiad winners get in." But as I navigated the process, I realized that Oxbridge admissions are not about being the smartest person in the room but about having the right strategy and preparation.

Through careful planning, I successfully gained admission to Cambridge University (Robinson College) for Mathematics. In this article, I’ll debunk common misconceptions about Oxbridge admissions and share practical insights to help future applicants increase their chances of success.

My Academic & Admissions Profile

University Offers & Admissions Success

• Cambridge University (Robinson College) – Mathematics (2025 Entry)

• TMUA Score 8.9

• 5A* in A-Level

• Secured fully-funded Scholarship by achieving 10A+ in SPM 2022 (IGCSE equivalent in Malaysia)

Challenges I Faced

One of the biggest challenges I encountered during my university application journey was the lack of resources provided by my school. Finding reliable resources was crucial in preparing for the admissions process.

For STEM subjects, here are a few excellent resources that helped me:

• Engineering/Natural Science – I Want to Study Engineering

• Mathematics – TBO Problem Solving Booklet

These resources provided valuable insights and structured guidance, making up for the lack of official support at my school. 

Understanding the Admissions Process

UK university admissions, particularly for Oxbridge, are heavily academic rather than holistic. While grades, admission tests, and interviews are the primary factors, several myths often mislead applicants. Let’s clarify them one by one!

1. The Role of Personal Statements – Do They Really Matter?

Myth: A perfectly crafted personal statement will make or break your application.Reality: For STEM subjects, especially at Oxbridge, the personal statement is not a major deciding factor. As long as it effectively showcases your passion for the subject, that is sufficient. Admissions tutors focus more on other components, such as standardized tests and interviews.

2. Cambridge Admissions for A-Levels – Are Top Grades Enough?

Myth: Getting "Top in the World" in A-levels guarantees a Cambridge offer.Reality: While A-levels are important, Cambridge does not select students based on the highest marks alone. Instead, prioritize:

• AS scores – Cambridge prefers students with at least 93%+ in all subjects.

• Admissions tests – Scoring in the top 10 percentile significantly boosts your chances.

• Interviews – These play the most crucial role (80% of the final decision).Rather than obsessing over minor grade improvements, allocate time efficiently to admissions test preparation and interview readiness.

3. Extracurricular Activities – Do They Matter?

Myth: Leadership roles, volunteering, and competition titles will boost your chances of getting into a UK university.Reality: UK universities, especially for STEM subjects, do not care about extracurriculars like leadership or volunteering. What matters is the knowledge and skills gained from these experiences:

• Competition titles don’t matter – The academic exposure gained from participation is what counts.

• Depth over breadth – Focus on meaningful activities that enhance your subject knowledge.

4. The Truth About Oxbridge Interviews – What Really Matters?

Myth: You need exceptional communication skills to pass the interview.Reality: The interview is the most decisive factor in Cambridge admissions (80% weight).

• It’s like a supervision/tutorial – It assesses how you think and learn, not how much you know.

• Being teachable is crucial – You don’t need perfect answers, but you must take hints from interviewers and build upon them.

• They won’t ask about your personal statement – The focus is on academic ability, not extracurriculars.

• It’s okay to struggle – The questions are challenging by design. What matters is how you respond and adapt.

Final Takeaways – Busting the Myths

University applications require more than just academic excellence. A well-crafted strategy involving strong test scores, targeted preparation, and a solid interview performance can make all the difference. Here are the key takeaways:

✔ Personal statements aren’t as crucial for STEM subjects 

– Focus on expressing your passion concisely.

✔ Cambridge interviews play the biggest role (80% of the decision) 

– Be teachable and responsive.

✔ Scoring highly in AS and admissions tests is key

 – Prioritize these over minor grade improvements.

✔ Getting "Top in the World" is impressive but not a guarantee 

– Focus on acing the admissions test.

✔ Start early, plan ahead, and trust in your preparation.

With the right approach, you can navigate the admissions process successfully and secure a place at your dream university. Good luck!