Yumi Yang

Grammar school, London

Third-year Economics student

Why Clare?

Clare ranks amongst the best colleges for facilities, accommodation, academic results, location and above all its people. It is the second oldest college in the University, centrally located with heaps of character.

The Test/Interviews

(NB In the most recent admissions round, there was no test.  Instead, all candidates were given

30 minutes to read a text before one of the two interviews, and this was used as a basis for discussion in that interview.)

The interview process for economics is usually spread over two days. You'll have the opportunity to spend a night in our first year accommodation. The written test will be taken before the interview and in my year consisted of two short essay questions, which may be discussed at some length at the interview (this was not true in my case). Both the written test and the interview are challenging, but that's the whole point of a Cambridge selection process, it is supposed to be challenging. You can't really prepare for the written test and to some extent the interview because the style of questions posed will be unfamiliar to those taking A-levels. Stay relaxed and allow your interest for the subject help you to answer the questions. The interviewers aren't looking for the ability to regurgitate a whole textbook or to catch you out. They are looking for the potential to construct an argument, learn and understand the subject.

Studying economics

Broadly speaking in the first year, you have an average of 12 lectures a week, usually in the mornings, with 3 supervisions (small group tuitions) for which you have to submit an essay or a question set. All modules are compulsory in the first year as their purpose is to give you grounding in the basic tools for economic analysis [Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Mathematics, History, Politics]. Having A-level Maths and Economics are REALLY useful, but if you don't, it isn't the end of the world. The college is really supportive and will offer additional tuition to students who require it. My first year experience is perhaps not the most representative. I was extremely ill in my first term, which made work and keeping up particularly hard. The 8-week Cambridge term is extremely short and therefore very intense. Yet it is definitely possible to have a life and manage work. The economists in Clare do a variety of extra curricular activity including singing, rowing, dancing, May Ball, ISOC, art, hockey, pool, football, badminton, table tennis etc (and that is just between 6 economists in my year).

Final thoughts

Your decision to apply to Cambridge determines the contents of your academic degree, your decision on which college determines the environment in which you'll develop. Clare, with its stunning gardens, grade 1* listed building, supportive staff, central location, great bar and varied people has a great deal to offer. Go for it, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

 

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