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Original poster

Help for DS struggling with exams at Cambridge

29 replies

TomeletteswithGreggs · 31/12/2025 12:56

Would really appreciate some help from the wise minds here.
DS, 21, is doing a masters ( Mphil) in Economics at Cambridge. Some background: he's academically very sound, got a first at undergrad. Also is very resilient and generally super calm.
But he's now incredibly stressed about mock exams in January, saying he is bound to fail. He has been promised a grad job in September 2026 in a dream role, conditional on passing his masters. So I guess there is pressure, though not from us. I think he underestimated the difficulty of the course. Almost tearful now which is very unlike him.

I have told him to contact his supervisor for help and he is doing that. Anything else I can do?

OP posts:
fluffythecat1 · 07/01/2026 17:57

I really struggled with Pure Logic in the first year of my English Literature and Philosophy degree and almost failed. Strangely, it all fell into place after intensive revision and on the walk to the final exam when I bizarrely got over 80%.
I’m studying for a PhD in English now and the best ideas come after a period of intensive work and generally when I’m having a break. My point is that he may be becoming locked into analysis paralysis. Taking time away from his computer to have a walk or to go for a run may well help his brain to process complex thoughts and to absorb challenging cognitive concepts.

Ineffable23 · 07/01/2026 18:44

TomeletteswithGreggs · 07/01/2026 07:35

Thanks for your views. @Ineffable23 he has been told that mocks are strongly encouraged, but not compulsory. It's not ideal certainly. But hopefully he can get feedback otherwise. He is in constant touch with his welfare team and supervisor. And he's made a plan to recover. We are lucky to be able to go to Cambridge so I have another trip planned shortly.

I think the short term has caught him by surprise. Plus the high level of work. But I do think he is capable and committed.

I'm glad he's speaking to his supervisor and has a plan. I think the absolute priority is always to be honest with them - once you're in they're really keen to be supportive so make sure he makes the most of that.

I think it's a great idea to keep visiting. I really hope he feels better after some rest and can make the most of the vacations. In the end, his health is the most important thing.

FlappicusSmith · 07/01/2026 18:53

wisbech · 07/01/2026 17:07

Is it high/ advanced maths content? That can be a right pain, as I found I either got advanced maths or didn't and putting more effort in didn't really change things (oxbridge degree in a stem subject). I was good at conceptual/ theoretical maths, but not good at analytical/ applied maths.

The way I did it was to be ruthless in my revision/ preparation for finals. Triaged subjects into what I understood easily. struggled with, and had no clue. Then only focused on the first two categories. Reduced the choice of questions I could answer in finals papers (& increased risk that I would have to answer a tough question) - for example in one paper, I had to answer 5 out of 10, and only revised 5 subjects, so had no choice in which questions to attempt. But it worked for me.

Basically, a mindset change in the lead up to finals. Rather than try and understand everything they meant us to know, focus on ensuring I did as well as possible in finals (the first 2 1/2 years I did try and understand everything - but some just didn't click) Oh yes, and go through the last 10 years of finals papers. I was working very long hours in the end (9-8 in the library)

Edited

This is actually a really good strategy. I did this with my MSc in a stem-related subject. For one stats paper I knew there would be about 20% of the marks on 'proof' questions, which were a bit beyond my rusty maths (unlike you, I'm good at applied maths, less good at conceptual/pure), so I just didn't bother trying to learn them, but made sure I was absolutely solid on the rest of it. I got a distinction on the exam because I got all the other questions right apart from one stupid mistake applying one formula, grrr

So OP, tell him to be strategic. Look at past papers - are there topics he finds hard that he can just swerve completely? Or areas of topics?

eggandonion · 07/01/2026 19:26

I can sympathise and emphasise if it's econometrics. Im still recovering from my daughter and econometrics exams.
Is it just a pass or fail set up as opposed to grades? Just passing is good 😎

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