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Introduction

Introduction What is a Sidney Student? Admissions Criteria Contact Us

Do you have any students who should consider applying to Cambridge? This section has been put together by a group of teachers who were formerly students at Sidney Sussex College (with some assistance from Sidney Fellows) in the hope of helping other teachers, perhaps less familiar with Cambridge, who are advising their ablest students about applying to the University.

A view of the River Cam early one winter morning from Victoria Avenue.

Although some schools have a long tradition of sending students to Cambridge, and are well versed in helping their students choose a course and a college, we know that for others this can be a daunting task, even where both teachers and students have ready access to relatively detailed information. What follows is aimed in particular at teachers who are responsible for sixth-form students, and is intended to supplement other admissions information produced both by Sidney and the University. Teachers play a vital role in encouraging students to look beyond misconceptions they may have about Cambridge. Our chief aim is to encourage them, their students and the College to talk to one another about the applications and admissions processes. We know that such contact is of real benefit to all the parties involved.

Detailed information about Sidney's entrance requirements is contained in the Cambridge University Undergraduate Prospectus (a copy of which should be available in the careers or higher education departments of every school and college) and in the College's Applying to Sidney guide. If you do not have these, they are available, together with the College's Prospectus and Student Guide, from the Sidney Admissions Office. A general statement about Admissions Criteria follows below, but, in short, the College seeks applications from students with a very strong academic record and good A Level predictions, and also values students who are likely to contribute in other ways to college and university life. It should be emphasised at this point that the number of applicants per place is not nearly as high as teachers and students often suppose: in recent years Sidney has received around four applicants per place, a ratio slightly under the average for Cambridge colleges, and far lower than that at some other universities.

Sidney It is our view that Sidney Sussex College (almost always known simply as 'Sidney') is a very special place to work and live. It occupies a central site in Cambridge, amidst the bustle of high-street stores, banks and bookshops, yet behind its walls lie beautiful and peaceful gardens. Its atmosphere is remarkably relaxed and friendly, despite the rigour and excellence of the teaching and study that goes on there. In recent years over 90% of Sidney students have graduated with first or upper second class degrees, a figure well above the Cambridge University average.

A view of the College clock which can be seen from Sidney Street, one of the main shopping areas in Cambridge.

Sidney really wants to admit students from as broad a range of backgrounds as possible; teachers should stress that under no circumstances will it discriminate on the grounds of school type, social origin, race, gender, sexual orientation or disability, and that it particularly encourages applications from groups traditionally under-represented at Cambridge, such as those from state schools or the regions. All applicants are dealt with on the basis of merit alone. This approach is right. The performance of Sidney undergraduates in examinations makes it clear that examination performance is not background sensitive (see the Statistics).

The College is fostering links with as many schools as possible and welcomes informal contact from them. Our aim in producing this guide is to facilitate this by encouraging teachers and students to get in touch with Sidney, its Admissions Office and especially its Directors of Studies (who direct tuition in particular subjects) at any time to discuss applications. These informal contacts allow valuable information to be exchanged: it is our experience that the better informed all parties are, the better admissions work. We also believe it is useful, especially for schools that have relatively few Oxbridge applicants, for teachers in the same local area to get in touch with one another so that they can share their knowledge and experience of Cambridge. Sidney is very willing to assist in putting teachers in touch with one another where it can.

The College's current undergraduates are involved in fostering applications. Sidney's students have produced a Student Guide that addresses many of the issues that potential candidates are concerned with from a student perspective; students also take part in Open Days and are available to talk to applicants at other times. Open days are undoubtedly the best way for applicants to get a feel for the College, and on those days the Admissions Tutors and Directors of Studies will be available to talk to prospective students, and indeed to any teachers who might accompany them. The dates of official Open Days are published in the Cambridge University Prospectus and on the College website, and further details are available from the Admissions Office at the College. However, we understand that schools may have to limit the number of Open Days that their students attend, and we therefore encourage potential candidates to contact the Admissions Office to arrange informal visits to Sidney in the school holidays or at the weekend; students have increasingly done this in recent years. For those for whom visiting Sidney is difficult, we emphasise that the College is keen to talk with potential applicants by letter, telephone or email. Contact information is provided elsewhere in this website.

Choosing a college

Applicants to Cambridge do not have to choose a college (some submit 'open' applications that do not specify a particular college), but most do. Whichever college a student chooses, he or she will have to submit a UCAS application by the 15 October, as Cambridge operates somewhat ahead of the main UCAS timetable. Normally, all those who choose Sidney have two interviews in the College at the beginning of December. They are told of the outcome of the admissions process in early January. Sidney always places strong candidates to whom it has not been able to make an offer in the Cambridge admissions 'pool'. There they are considered by other colleges who may be short of good applicants in specific subjects that year. All these processes are outlined in detail in the College's Applying Guide.

Inevitably, some excellent candidates do not receive offers. We encourage teachers to contact the Admissions Office if they do not understand why their candidates have been rejected. Some candidates may wish to re-apply after A Level if they feel their applications will be stronger at that stage. Failure to gain a place at Cambridge should under no circumstances be seen as a disaster. Unsuccessful candidates usually go on to do very well at university.

We hope that the above and what follows is useful to teachers, and we encourage you again to get in touch with Sidney to discuss any matter relating to applications and admissions.