Reapply to Cambridge?

[nervousspeaker]

DC got their A level results and got 3 A stars and an A (chemistry, physics, maths & FM) and A star in EPQ and previously got rejected for natural sciences at Cambridge. Currently starting a gap year but considering whether to reapply - has anyone done this? We need to decide soon! Not sure what to suggest. Will also talk to 6th form college to see what they suggest. Have accepted a deferred place at another RG university. Thanks in advance

Thank you everyone for such incredibly useful and insightful responses. DC likes current university offer so I’m wondering if better to stick with current option….Taking a gap year to focus on their sport (compete at a high level) so although a good reason, it’s probably not from a Cambridge point of view re not doing more maths this year.

I don’t want to influence decision as it’s their life so will support whatever they choose! It’s been very helpful to get views I hadn’t thought of so I can support DC more easily now so thank you all

@nervousspeaker what course?
Engineering needed an A* in FM too this year.
Was the deferred place in clearing this year?
Starting a fresh application including the current offer should just get her another offer from there.
Is it worth the huge time investment though for Cambridge?
Will they need to redo ESATetc?

She said in the OP, Natural Sciences.

If they like the course they’ve been offered it does seem like a fair bit of extra effort for an uncertain outcome. Two things are true about every Oxbridge application - nothing ventured, nothing gained but otoh the likeliest outcome is always no offer.
I think one aspect in your DCs case is that as the gap year is specifically to focus on their sport at a high level, then going through another round of uni applications might be a distraction from that - are there events/intense training at the same time as entrance exams and interviews?

We are in the same position as you. My DC has now decided to reapply but to Oxford after rejection from them last year. Their results were as predicted, 5A*s in Further Maths, Maths, Chem, Physics and Music. However, they are very aware that it is still a lottery and most students applying will have similar grades. DC has 12 9sin GCSEs, got 89% in the MAT and thought the interviews went well…I think DC is mad to reapply but won’t listen to me. If your DC wants to then they should. Good luck for round two.