Mac is the first person in his family to come to university and hadn’t even really thought about taking A-Levels, let alone a university degree, until getting good GCSE results.
What myths about Cambridge is it important to dispel?
There are so many myths that surround interviews, the application process and Cambridge as an institution, that are just not true in the 21st century.
In my experience – I went to a secondary modern for GCSEs and moved to a grammar school for sixth form – for example, one of the things I was told would be fatal to my application was that I didn’t do full GCSEs; I did BTEC qualifications. Also, at A Level, I only did three ASs in my first year, rather than the conventional four, and my school told me this would mean that Cambridge wouldn’t consider my application.
All the myths I believed were dispelled at the Land Economy Open Day. Professor Martin Dixon led the talk and afterwards I asked him about it all. He said the prospectus makes clear that Cambridge wants three A2s at A*AA – no more and no less. Don’t believe anything else!
What were your first impressions of Cambridge when you arrived?
I was just overwhelmed by it all, by the grandeur of the place. Within a week of being here I had worn a gown to a dinner, listened to Latin graces and heard the College gong. I remember seeing Stephen Hawking in my first week outside Caius and I couldn’t help but be absolutely blown away.
I feel like Cambridge in many ways is no different to other universities; anywhere you go, you face the same challenges of being on your own for the first time in your life. You need to put yourself out there, keep your door open, make friends, socialise, build friendships right from the start and I don’t think that’s any different to anywhere else. For me, I quite enjoyed the whistles and bells of Cambridge because they were something new and different, but I understand they can also put people off a little bit. But it’s those things that make Cambridge memorable – I always describe this place as quaintly eccentric. There are so many things about it that are strange, but you love them, or I’ve grown to love them, at least.
How did you choose Queens’ and how have you found your three years here?
I didn’t look around Cambridge before I came – that’s how much I didn’t think I would get in! I thought it was a shot to nothing. This is my main theme, actually, for anyone who’s from an under-represented background: what have you got to lose? There is nothing to lose and you don’t have to be perfect, which is probably another myth that should be thrown aside.
If you wanted an answer now, what would I choose a college on, having been here, of course I’d choose Queens’ again because I have had a fantastic experience. My favourite thing about Queens’ is the density of people: you’re here for three years and you have guaranteed accommodation on site. You’re all together. I know at other colleges, students live out or in college-owned accommodation in other parts of town. And that’s a different experience but, for me, I have really enjoyed living in halls and staying on site. We’ve got both sides, modern and old, the best of both worlds.
Choosing my room this year, I was second in the ballot (lucky me!) and I was thinking that Old Court would be lovely, but then I noticed that the showers are in the basement. The character of the rooms is amazing, but I chose to live in Dockett building, which had been recently renovated. It’s a lovely building, and it straddles the old and new styles. Queens’ has got everything!
How did you come to apply to Cambridge?
I got to Year 12 and still didn’t want to go to university – I was going to do an apprenticeship. After GCSEs my teacher sat me down and told me to consider A Levels. I hadn’t got a solid apprenticeship lined up or anything so it bought me two years, at least.
Probably the key person who sowed the seed was a family friend who had some experience of Oxbridge. He told me to have a think about it, have a look and just see what I thought.
Then I found Land Economy, which has been my perfect degree. So it was a combination of factors that led me to apply to Cambridge; it was more good fortune and coincidence than Cambridge having been my dream from day one.
That’s another myth that it’s important to get rid of: that everyone who is at Cambridge has wanted this all their life.
What advice would you give to anyone considering applying to Cambridge?
Firstly, what have you got to lose?
Secondly, you don’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to have been dreaming of Cambridge since day dot. On paper, my application probably didn’t look that great.
Finally, you have to find it out for yourself. Of the people who applied to Oxbridge from my school, I was the only one who had joined for sixth form; all the others had been at the school right through. I experienced a few teachers who asked me if I really thought I could get an A*. At that point, I had no idea what I might be able to achieve. But I just went for it, submitted an application and never could have imagined where it would have led!
Mac got a First class degree in Land Economy and won a half-Blue, representing Cambridge University against Oxford in Clay Pigeon Shooting. He was also President of the Club.
If any prospective students have enquiries about applying to Queens’ College or to Cambridge University more generally, please contact the Admissions Office.
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