How does Cambridge uni work?

[gillybeanz]

Ok, I know you need to get really good A levels, GCSE's etc.
But what happens then, if you are offered a place do they give you a named college and what do they mean, how is each one different.
Do they all accept both sexes are some specific?
I can't seem to fathom it from the website.

The musical opportunities at Cambridge are fabulous even if you aren't studying music or a choral scholar. I studied a totally unrelated subject and still spent the vast majority of my spare time singing in one choir or other. And doing choral society concerts in Kings College chapel is definitely a bonus.

Anyway - if it it remotely feasible for you to travel to Cambridge for the day, I'd recommend an event they run called The Subject Matters. It's aimed at year 10 and 11s and is good for hearing from the horse's mouth about what Cambridge is like and how to try and get there. We went a couple of weeks ago and also enjoyed a very cold morning punting along the river looking at pretty buildings

A choral scholarship doesn't seem to make life any easier now. DD's friend was offered a choral scholarship for King's during the pre-assessments, but didn't get in the college, despite 4 A stars. He took a gap year and reapplied and got into another, less popular college, in the end but continued singing with King's so all is good. I think the academic tutors have more control than the choir masters.

Gosh, you have all been very helpful and I've been quite dim

I didn't need to worry about letting her down gently as it transpires.
The children were given advice about future opportunities and pathways which was quite nice of them really.
However, they only realised after speaking to dd yesterday that she was much younger than the others and hadn't even chosen her GCSE's yet.
She said there is no way she'd ever reach one A* let alone 3 or 4, and found it funny that Cambridge had been suggested when she is so young
Tbh, looking at some of the other uni's that offer what she would like, they are all very good in league tables but ask for such high grades for their excellent facilities.
The conservatoires seem to look for far less ito academic results and she seems happy that the uni's have been taken out of the equation.
I have learned so much about the different colleges now, and how it works.
Thank you all for your honesty, advice and information.
Being able to narrow options when still quite young is marvellous, I know it isn't so easy for many, especially the academic as they have more choice.

I’m glad she’s happy - that’s the main thing!

But do go for a visit, it’s a fabulous place to see

If what she really loves is performing, then maybe concentrate on RCM, Guildhall type possibilities?