Applying to Cambridge Maths/Mathematics Undergraduate Degree with 3 or 4 Levels

81 replies

Cratos · 14/06/2025 19:44

My DS is currently studying Further Maths, Maths, Physics and Economics A Levels (Year 12). He decided to apply for Cambridge Maths this October that require a Step exams next Summer during the period that he will also have his A level exams. He is considering dropping Economics to focus on Maths admission test papers. We are wondering if this is a good idea or not. They always say 3 A Levels is enough. But what if one of the 3 A Levels is Further Maths? I should probably add that he is probably going to get good predicted grades for all. Either A s or A stars. Thanks

OP posts:

Escapefrom1984 · 28/05/2026 20:11

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 28/05/2026 18:30

@Dearover Yes, but different rules applied to your DC - as you must know. Context is all. If they had been to a top
private school they probably would not have had an interview. It’s just how it is now!

This is really not right. Oxford is clear that their offer is based on 3 A levels: maths, further maths and any 3rd A level. If your school doesn’t offer FM, it’s possible to still apply but very very few such applicants ever get a place. They very specifically say that you don’t need physics as your 3rd A level.

They take into account your school when contextualising your GCSE results but this is done on a positive basis not a negative basis. So if you outperformed your school cohort you will get extra credit when they score your GCSEs.

Maths is a very very competitive subject and many very able applicants are rejected.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 29/05/2026 21:25

@Escapefrom1984I didn’t mention physics. There’s not much point in having contextual info if you don’t look at it! So if a school gets poor GCSE results, and dc outperforms this, they are more likely to get an interview than a dc at a top independent school which gets top results. GCSEs are considered but of course other tests and results matter too.

Dearover · 29/05/2026 21:44

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 28/05/2026 18:30

Exactly. Thank goodness Oxford looks at potential rather than identikit 4 x A* applicants from such a small pool of schools these days.

MeetMeOnTheCorner · 30/05/2026 09:19

@Dearover Yes, it’s about looking at all the info about a student. The state pupil out performing the school/area will be better placed to get an interview.

lanthanum · 30/05/2026 10:39

Cratos · 23/06/2025 10:49

Good morning ! Thank you very much for your valuable contributions. My DS is still indecisive about what would be the best approach. He talked to his school's career department but although they were helpful, they were not very clear about 4 vs 3 A levels either. They advised him to talk to colleges but he has not decided which college he wants to apply to yet. He clarified that the big majority of the students in his College are doing 3 A levels. He will also talk to his head of Maths.

We were debating that perhaps it would be good to show that he has done Econ in Year 12 as a 4th subject on UCAS since this may help him to get an interview. He has not done any Math challenges etc. He will get either A or A Star predicted grade from Econ. He may still be rejected by Cambridge of course since we know that many candidates will have A Star predicted grades .
After his application if he is lucky enough to get an interview and if this follows an offer then at this stage he can evaluate the situation. If the 4th A level is included in the offer I guess he would have to do it. If not, perhaps he can call the college and ask if he can drop it or he can find out his other options.

I was thinking that maybe the students offering 3 A Levels from specialist math colleges have other things to show on their applications such as math competitions etc. He is doing a few Super curriculars but nothing too impressive to show really.

Another option, once the offer is through, is to choose how much time to put in.
I did M, FM Ph, Ec, and my offer was specifically on the first three. I told my economics teacher that his subject was now my bottom priority. I attended lessons, and did all the classwork but not the homework (and he didn't even mention it). As it turned out, I got an A anyway (pre Astar days), but it would not have mattered if I'd got a C.

maturemummy · 01/06/2026 16:37

DS attends an Independent school where three A’Levels is the norm & as far as I know only those students studying FMaths sit 4. His subjects are Ma, FMa, Phys & Chemistry. He applied to Oxford & sat MAT & TMUA in the Autumn (obviously less stressful than STEP in June) & considered dropping Chemistry but the school were adamant that he should continue.
Good luck to your DS!

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