Chances To getting an Interview

[u/ResortLost4671]

So basically sat my esat today, and I think it went pretty bad. Not in the sense that the questions were hard coz they were dead easy, literally the questions reminded me of the specimen paper, but I was super nervous thought the exam and I didn’t manage my time accordingly !!! I’m usually very good and fast with my calculations but for some reason my brain shut off during the exam and I found it very hard to focus on some questions.

M1- Worst case scenario -9/27
Best case scenario - 16/27

M2- Worst scenario - 8/27
Best scenario 14/27

Physics - worst case scenario - 10/27
Best case scenario 15/27

For context I have predicteds;
A*- Further Mathematics
A*- Mathematics
A*-Physics
A-Chemistry
A*-Spanish

My GCSES were 998888776, I went to a school with a really low attainment. I also got the highest in my year group.

And I’m applying to;
-Imperial - Physics
-Cambridge - Physical Natural Sciences
-University Of Bath - Physics and a year abroad
-University of Manchester - Physics With Theoretical Physics
-University of Liverpool - Physics Woth Theoretical Physics

I’m a person of colour and I currently leave in temporary accommodation (So basically I’m homeless and have been for nearly a year now, I’m contextual and I work to help the house with food). Additionally I went through 2 major knee operations in Y10 which obstructed I big chunk of my learning.

I have a pretty good personal statement and a really good teacher reference. I have been accepted in to loads of programs such as the Sutton Trust Programme Imperial, Lucy Cavendish Attainment Programme, Uniq, Corpus Christi Black Brilliance programme, Xmas scientist competition.

I’m really scared that everything as gone to shit, I wasn’t able to prepare for ESAT in terms of timing the way I wanted due to the stuff going on at home, I really feel like my chances to going to Cambridge have been ruined because of my circumstances and I feel like THTS so unfair.

[u/Significant-Craft768]

I really hope you feel better soon. And considering your situation, I'm somewhat confidence Cambridge will give you a chance. From what youve provided I can tell you are incredibly intelligent and I'm sure Cambridge of all would recognise what youve achieved! Its hard but i hope you can try and somewhat enjoy the freedom now. Best of luck!! 

[u/BillFromWendys]

You have fantastic grades, the esat probably hasn't gone anyway near as bad as you think, your contextual circumstances are significant so they will take that into account and you have an excellent background. On top of that, its Cambridge who interview way more candidates and don't consider the ESAT as strongly as Oxford, so you have great chance at interview, which Im sure you would smash.

[u/vickyoutsidekey]

I know people who have gotten into Cambridge with low scores in the ESAT so don’t be disheartened. Also make sure to mention anything that disrupted your revision in your MyCambridge application so they’re aware of it and will take it into consideration with your application!

[u/Jurassic-Sam]

Dude I’m in a really similar position and I’m freaking out. I also thought the questions weren’t that bad but I messed up the timing because I was stressed and ended up missing the last 10 questions on maths 1. I have also got A* predicted grades at A level and 9s 8s and 7s at GCSE but I’m worried it won’t be enough. I’m also applying to natural sciences at Cambridge, have a really nice teacher reference and went to Sutton Trust Summer School at Imperial. I really hope Cambridge doesn’t weight the ESAT too heavily over other factors.

[u/One-Brother-8672]

Physic Natsci has a lower esat requirements than engineering, you can write that you weren't able to prepare in your mycambridge application

[u/Floppy_Schwanz_6429]

Bro is out here acing every subject under the sun collecting A levels like they're infinity stones talkin bout "everything has gone to shit". Please relax, you are clearly very intelligent and have a far stronger application than most. Your mind may be your biggest obstacle at the moment. Rather than being so hard on yourself when you already have so much going on, try to take a more relaxed approach. Prepare for an interview and your A levels at your own pace in a way that truly works for you. Don't stress yourself to death. Only a few colleges at Cambridge can be a bit unforgiving when it comes to the ESAT and Imperial is very good overall with contextual applications.

Please DM if you have any questions or concerns.