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| Downing College > Admissions > Undergraduate Admissions > Mathematics |
Mathematics at Downing College
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Mathematics at Cambridge enjoys a reputation as a rigorous and intellectually demanding course. The approach to Mathematics here is very different from that in schools. There is a much greater emphasis on the logical development of general theories and abstract concepts. However, it is also applied to the physical world, for example in the study of fluid mechanics and quantum mechanics, and to statistics.
In recent years, Downing undergraduates have acquitted themselves with distinction in the Mathematical Tripos. Several have gone on to undertake higher degrees, leading to research careers in industry and in academic institutions. Our graduates are much sought after by employers in a wide range of satisfying and rewarding jobs. The College is involved in an intercollegiate mathematical society which holds meetings several times each term.
Whilst the majority of those admitted to read Mathematics do so for three years, the College also welcomes applications from Mathematics candidates intending to change to some other Tripos at the end of their first or second year. It is possible to read Mathematics with Computer Science in the first year, from which students may continue with either the Mathematical or Computer Science Tripos in the second and third year. Similarly, the study of Mathematics with Physics in the first year enables the choice between Mathematics and Physics to be kept open.
Applicants should note that students wishing to continue to a fourth year studying Part III mathematics will normally be expected to have obtained a first in Part II or have first class potential
The Directors of Studies for Mathematics are Dr Adriana Pesci who specialises in Applied Mathematics; and Dr Sophia Demoulini, who specialises in Pure Mathematics.
Over the previous three years, the ratio of the average number of applicants to the average number of offers made in Mathematics has been 29:10.
Entry requirements
Downing’s entry requirements for candidates taking A Level Examinations will normally be based on three subjects studied to A Level standard. The likelihood of gaining admission to Downing is not normally increased by taking more than three subjects at A2 level. Breadth of study at AS Level is viewed in a positive light, though it is recognised that there may be good reasons why a candidate might wish to specialise. Grades in AS exams will not normally form part of a conditional offer from Downing.
The standard conditional offer for candidates in Mathematics at Downing is A*AA at A2 level, in scientific or mathematical subjects plus appropriate grades in STEP. These Sixth Term Entry Papers are designed to test mathematical knowledge more searchingly than A levels. Click for more information.
The Tripos is periodically reviewed so that the course is accessible to bright students who have only taken single-subject Mathematics at A2 Level. Consequently, while the College still welcomes applications from students with double Mathematics, which will continue to provide the best preparation for the Tripos, we wish to encourage applications from students who have been restricted to single-subject Mathematics. If more than three scientific or mathematical subjects are being taken at A2 Level, then A*AA grades in any three of them will be taken as satisfying the offer, though there is also a further requirement for specified grades to be achieved in STEP Mathematics papers.
Offers for Downing applicants taking the International Baccalaureate are normally made at the level of 40 points overall (including Theory of Knowledge) and 20 points from three subjects being taking at Higher Level. The guidelines given above as to required subjects and STEP papers also apply to IB candidates.
Candidates taking alternative qualifications will be expected to have studied to a level equivalent to that of the English and Welsh GCE Advanced Level examinations, and to gain top grades in these qualifications. Guidelines as to which subjects are required or preferred at this level are given above in the notes for A Level Students. We are happy to advise those in this situation and encourage them to contact the Admissions Tutor well in advance of the application deadline of 15 October.
There may occasionally be circumstances in which the final grades an applicant achieves are not an accurate reflection of his or her abilities. Normally, however, Downing College will not accept applications based on re-sitting A levels to gain improved grades.
In previous years, the University has had minimum entrance requirements for all applicants, known as matriculation requirements. These included the need for a qualification in English, a language other than English, and a mathematical/scientific subject. These requirements have been abolished from 2009 entry onwards.
There is no age requirement for admission to Downing, although the large majority of undergraduates are 18 years or older when they come into residence. All applicants will need to demonstrate that they have the maturity and personal skills to cope with university level study. A student who will be over 21 on commencing a course is classified as a mature student.
Deferred Entry or Post A Level application
With the exception of Mathematics, Downing has a neutral stance on the advisability of a gap year for candidates. It is expected that any candidate planning to take a gap year will already have a clear plan for the year and will be ready to discuss this at interview.
Re-application to Cambridge
We advise those who have not been made an offer of a place that, if they wish to re-apply to Cambridge, they should make their application to another College. This is because, in our experience, applying to a different college and being assessed by a fresh admissions team significantly increases the chances of receiving an offer. Applications to Downing from candidates previously rejected by other Cambridge or Oxford colleges will receive careful consideration.
Interviews
General information
The great majority of applicants to Downing are offered interviews. The College does not normally offer undergraduate places to candidates who are unavailable for interview.
Interviews are held in late November or early December. The dates for interviews in each subject will be posted on the Downing website as soon as they are available. If you are planning to apply to Downing and are unable to make one or more of the days specified for your subject, please let the Admissions Secretary know as soon as possible. If enough notice is given, it may be possible to avoid scheduling your interviews on those days. It is not possible to make any changes after you have been notified of your interview times.
- The interview and interview dates at Downing College.
- Interviews at Cambridge - the University of Cambridge website information.
Interviews for Mathematics
At present, Mathematics applicants receive two 20-30 minute interviews on the same day, each with one or two interviewers. Before the interviews the students will be given 45 minutes to work on 10 written questions. The questions will cover a variety of subjects at A level (or equivalent) Mathematics in order to give the candidates an opportunity to think about typical interview topics beforehand. All the candidates who have been assigned morning interviews will work on the written questions at the same time and in the same room, just prior to the start of the morning interviews. Candidates with afternoon interviews will work on their written questions in the same manner, just prior to the start of afternoon interviews.
Decisions on which candidates are to receive offers of places are made on the basis of a combination of performance in interviews, the school or college reference, actual and predicted exam results, and any other relevant factors concerning the application. So far as possible, both intellectual achievement and potential are taken into consideration. Our aim is to choose students of high ability who have a keen interest in Mathematics, and who are likely to benefit most from the unique opportunities in this field of education at Cambridge.
Introductory reading for students
The titles listed in the link below are given as a guide to help prospective students gain some background to the subject-matter that will be covered in detail in texts and references provided in the first first-year courses. They are not intended to be preparatory reading for applicants and interviewers will not expect candidates necessarily to have read any of these titles.
Mathematics introductory reading.
Further details
Click for further details about the Mathematics course at the University of Cambridge
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