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Decoding the Cambridge Admissions Process

2025-10-23 original

Decoding the Cambridge Admissions Process

Dr. Peter Bolgar

· Director of Studies, Natural Sciences, University of Cambridge

· Head of Teaching and Lecturer, Magdalene College, University of Cambridge

· Bye-Fellow and Summer Programme Director, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge

· Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University College London (UCL)

· Member of the UK Chemistry Olympiad (UKCho) Committee

· International Chemistry Olympiad Mentor

On 23rd October, Dr. Peter Bolgar from Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, visited our school and delivered an insightful lecture on the Cambridge University application process and academic planning. The session, which drew an engaged audience of students and teachers, focused on Cambridge's distinctive educational system, the undergraduate application process, assessment criteria, and university admission guidance, providing reliable advice for students aiming for top universities.

Cambridge's Unique Educational Model

Dr. Peter Bolgar began by explaining Cambridge's unique collegiate system and its small-group teaching sessions (supervisions). He outlined how, within this centuries-old academic structure, students receive comprehensive support and personalised academic development from the college community.

Application Process and Core Assessment Criteria

Dr. Peter Bolgar broke down the application process into eight essential steps. These range from choosing courses and colleges based on personal interests, to submitting application materials, taking entrance exams, and attending interviews (in 2025, most interviews will be conducted online; with about 75% of students receiving interview invitations. Each interview will consist of 20 to 25 minutes of academic discussion. Students are expected to be well-prepared, with a solid understanding of their personal statement and subject knowledge). He stressed that every step is essential, forming a complete chain for evaluating an applicant's overall strengths. From an interviewer's perspective, he noted that interviews are fundamentally academic conversations designed to reveal a student's thinking process and analytical ability. He therefore encouraged students not only to master subject content but also to practise articulating their thought processes clearly, especially when discussing academic experiences referenced in their personal statements.

Regarding assessment standards, Dr. Bolgar explained that interviewers focus on three key areas: academic ability and potential, subject interest, and course fit. Strong academic results are a baseline expectation, but personal statements, written work, recommendation letters, entrance exams, and interview performance are what truly demonstrate academic qualities. Targeted academic activities—those extending beyond the school curriculum—are more effective than general extracurriculars in highlighting a student's strengths. In such a competitive admissions environment, consistent and in-depth academic engagement has become increasingly important.

Professional Exploration Beyond the Standard Curriculum

Dr. Bolgar highlighted the value of "super-curricular" activities—learning experiences that go beyond the standard curriculum and align closely with a prospective area of study. These may include taking part in university-run summer programmes, conducting research projects, reading academic literature, or completing preparatory courses. Such activities deepen subject interest and develop independent learning and research skills, making them particularly compelling elements in an application.

Q&A Session

The lecture concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which Dr. Bolgar addressed students' questions about course selection, interview preparation, and summer school applications. Students took an active role, creating a lively and thoughtful atmosphere. Dr. Bolgar also introduced the official summer programme at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, which he personally oversees. The programme provides students with a valuable opportunity to experience the Cambridge academic environment, engage in small-group supervisions, and develop academic thinking under the guidance of current Cambridge academics.

Author: INC College Counselling

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