2024-2025 Applications | Lucy Cavendish

General information

Contacting the Lucy Cavendish Admissions Team

Thank you for applying to Lucy Cavendish College. We hope this page will allow you to progress smoothly through the admissions process.

Over coming weeks (and months) our Admissions Team will contact you via email letting you know next steps. We are here to support you at every stage of the application process so if you have any questions or concerns then please do not hesitate to contact us on admissions@lucy.cam.ac.uk. Please ensure you start all emails with:

Your name (exactly as you wrote it on your UCAS form, with family name in CAPITALS)
The course you have applied for (including 'Biological or Physical' if Natural Sciences)
Your UCAS number (a ten-digit ID number which you can find on your UCAS portal)

E.G. ‘BLOGGS, Joseph, Physical Natural Sciences, 123456789’

Please note that we prefer contact by email in the first instance. If you have not received a reply to your email, please be patient and remember that we are dealing with a lot of applicants, who all have very specific queries. Only if your question is absolutely urgent should you call us; you can do so on +44 (0)1223 330280.

Please understand that, in adherence to UCAS regulations, we are permitted to discuss a current application with the applicant or their UCAS referee only. We are unable to speak to parents, supporters, teachers, doctors, social workers, tutors, or other third parties without the applicant’s explicit permission in writing, and even then it is our right to decline contact with third parties if we feel it is not appropriate.

Submitting documents

At various points of the application process you will need to submit key documentation, such as samples of written work. Please ensure you use admissionsdocuments@lucy.cam.ac.uk for this purpose, ensuring you use start the email in the format detailed above. The subject line of your email should contain all the same information and the type of document, E.G. 'BLOGGS, Joseph, English, 0123456789, Written Work'

Please also be aware that you should receive an autogenerated reply from the admissions documents email address confirming safe submission. We do find, however, that this trigger can sometimes be blocked by email addresses, particularly if you are using a school email. Please do not contact the main email address to check if we have received the document in question if you do not receive an auto response, as we will ensure we get in touch with you should we find any information from you is missing.

Using the current applicants page

We will be updating this page regularly through the whole of the admissions round, so please ensure you continue to check it. Any important updates relating to decisions and deadlines will be posted in this area of the page for easy access, as well as in the relevant sections below. Our page is organised as follows:

Deadlines timeline- please ensure you are aware of everything you need to do and when. Failure to meet deadlines will often result in an application being rendered invalid. We strongly advise you to plan what you need to do at each stage of the process well in advance so you have all relevant documentation available and ready before the deadline. Last minute panics are equally stressful for both you and us! If you need any help, remember to contact us as soon as you can on admissions@lucy.cam.ac.uk.
Stages of the application process and further information- please also ensure that you are aware of when essential aspects of the application process will take place, such as College registered assessments. We will continue to update later sections of the process with further details, such as interviews and decisions.

Please ensure that you continue to keep referring back to this web page at all stages of the application process. If in any doubt, please consult this page before emailing us, as any information you need should be available on here .

Please also ensure that you download and complete our application checklist so that you are aware of the deadlines you must complete throughout the application process. Please note that this document is simply a checklist; you should make sure you read our website thoroughly for full information about each stage of the application process.

Please also ensure that you have read and understood our Admissions Round Policies.

Deadlines timeline

Deadline	What for?	Further information
15th September	Registration for the LNAT admissions test for Law	All applicants for Law must register to sit the LNAT by September 15th, and must sit the exam by October 15th. You must register yourself for this assessment. This is a computer-based test that is taken in an authorised test centre local to you. You can find your nearest test centre when you register for the test online. This assessment is a compulsory part of your application so, if you do not register by the deadlines, your application won’t be valid.
16th September	Registration for the ESAT and TMUA closes.	Subjects which have use these assessments are: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (ESAT) Computer Science (TMUA) Economics (TMUA) Engineering (ESAT) Natural Sciences (ESAT) Veterinary Medicine (ESAT) You must register yourself for these assessment. This is a computer-based test that is taken in an authorised test centre local to you. You can find your nearest test centre when you register for the test online. These assessments are a compulsory part of your application so, if you do not register by the deadlines, your application won’t be valid. You will sit the ESAT on the 15th or 16th October You will sit the TMUA on the 16th or 17th October Booking via phone only* is then available until 1st October 2024. We strongly recommend candidates book their test by the 16th September in order to stand the best chance of a slot in their preferred test centre.*
19th September (12 noon BST)	Registration for the UCAT closes	You must register yourself for these assessment. Online registration for these assessments begins on 18th June 2024 closes on the 12noon (BST) on 19th September 2024. Candidates in financial need can apply for bursary funding to meet the costs of the test. Aim to do this before booking so that you can use your bursary voucher code to pay for your test. It can take up to three working days for evidence to be reviewed. Otherwise, refunds can be applied for up to 25th October, but you must have applied and sent evidence for the bursary by 27th September. For further details, see here.
26th September	Latest date on which you can sit the UCAT admissions test for Medicine.	You must take the test by 26th September 2024. You can sit the test from 8th July 2024. This is a computer-based test that is taken in an authorised test centre local to you. You can find your nearest test centre here.

Deadline	What for?	Further information
15th October 18:00 (UK time)	UCAS application (including your UCAS reference)	See information on the UCAS application here. Please ensure you referee knows about this deadline, as anything submitted even a minute late cannot be accepted.
15th October	Latest date by which you sit the LNAT admissions test for Law	You must sit the test by 15th October 2024 at the latest. You can take the test from 1st September 2024. This is a computer-based test that is taken in an authorised test centre local to you. You can find your nearest test centre here.
15th-16th October	Test window for the ESAT	Subjects which have use the ESAT are: Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering Natural Sciences Veterinary Medicine Your ESAT sitting will be on either the 15th or 16th October. This is a computer-based test that is taken in an authorised test centre local to you. You can find your nearest test centre when you register for the test online. Further information about the ESAT can be found here.
16th-17th October	Test window for the TMUA	Subjects which have use the TMUA are: Computer Science (TMUA) Economics (TMUA) Your TMUA sitting will be on either the 16th or 17th October. This is a computer-based test that is taken in an authorised test centre local to you. You can find your nearest test centre when you register for the test online. Further information about the TMUA can be found here.
22nd October 18:00 (UK time)	My Cambridge Application form and transcript deadline	You will receive a link to the My Cambridge Application form and log-in details by email from the University within 48 hours of submitting your UCAS application. Emails regularly go into spam mailboxes so please check both your inbox and spam mailboxes until you receive your My Cambridge form email. The My Cambridge Application form is a compulsory part of your application – your application is ineligible without it. Guidance and helpdesk contact details can be found here. You may be required to upload a high school transcript with your My Cambridge Application form. Please ensure you check whether you need to do this here. For full guidance on who should complete a transcript and what you should submit please consult our guidance document.
22nd October 23:59 (UK time)	Lucy Cavendish Further Information Form for all applicants	Our further information form is designed to gather important information, such as to do with your planned interview arrangements, which is not fully captured in the UCAS or My Cambridge Application form. The link to the form is as follows: https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6VbnAHs4qnDFBcy
22nd October 23:59 (UK time)	Extenuating Circumstances Form	The ECF should be completed if your education or home life was seriously disrupted owing to health issues, disability, difficulties with schooling or challenging personal or family circumstances. The applicant themselves does not complete the form. Rather it should be completed by your school or college, or by a doctor or social worker if your school/college is not aware of the full picture. Further guidance can be found here here. The link to the form is as follows: https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3eLO4MSoIy0Mvjg
22nd October 23:59 (UK time)	Request for Adjustments form	If you ticked the box on the UCAS form to say you have a disability, neurodiverse condition, mental health condition or long term health condition, then you should fill in the Request for Adjustments form. This includes those who do not wish to ask for any adjustments, as it is just as important we are aware when we do not need to make any arrangements. If you did not make us aware at the point of application of a disability, neurodiverse condition, mental health condition or long term health condition but now wish to do so in order to request adjustments, then you should also fill out the form. Please be assured that disclosure will in no way negatively impact the assessment of your application. Please ensure you read our full guidance document so that you are aware of who needs to submit the form, why we collect this information, and how you should send this information to us. To download the Request for Adjustments Form, please click here .
22nd October 23:59 (UK time)	Transcripts/results breakdowns/curriculum details/any other requested documents	Deadline for applicants required to submit: 1. Academic transcripts from those undertaking foundation courses, Access to HE courses and those in the first year at university. 2. Curriculum details from mature applicants, those taking a foundation course, or those in the first year at university. 3. Results breakdown, from those who have already taken any exams. 4. Any other documents we have requested from you. Please ensure you have read the full guidance document so you are aware if you need to submit a transcript or further academic documentation.

Deadline	What for?	Further information
4th November 23:59 (UK time)	Written work + coversheets	The following subjects require two samples of your written work: Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic Classics (3 and 4 years) Education English History History and Modern Languages History and Politics Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSPS) Modern and Medieval Languages (MML) Psychological and Behavioural Sciences Theology, Religion and Philosophy of Religion The following subjects require one sample of your written work: Archaeology Land Economy Psychological and Behavioural Sciences If you are required to submit written work, then please read this document thoroughly for full details of what you need to do. To download the coversheet for written work, please click here.
4th November 23:59 (UK time)	Six page portfolio for Architecture and Design applicants	All applicants for Architecture and Design are asked to send us a six page portfolio with examples of their work illustrating their interests, experience and ability in the visual and material arts. Full details on what we are looking for, as well as submission instructions, can be found in this document.
4th November 23:59 (UK time)	Eligibility evidence for UK Government Funded Free School Meals or 16-19 Bursary	If you are a UK student at eligible or previously eligible in the last 6 years for Free School Meals, or the 16-19 Bursary, please send an official letter from your school/college confirming this by this deadline to admissionsdocuments@lucy.cam.ac.uk .
4th November 23:59 (UK time)	Certificates for any completed IELTS or TOEFL tests	If you have completed an IELTs or TOEFL test in the last year (i.e. October 2023), then please send us the completed certificate to admissionsdocuments@lucy.cam.ac.uk.

Application stages and further information

How will College registered assessments work this year?

For further details on College admissions assessments see here. The following courses have College registered assessments this year:

The following information is correct for applicants applying this year for 2025 entry (or deferred 2026 entry).

Only applicants who are invited to interview will be asked to sit the relevant College Admissions Assessment.

Applicants to Lucy Cavendish College are required to sit the following assessments:

Course	College Admissions Assessment	Date
Archaeology	All candidates for Archaeology are required to sit the Archaeology Admissions Assessment.	20th November 2024
Architecture	All candidates for Architecture are required to sit the Architecture Admissions Assessment.	21st November 2024
Classics (3-year)	All candidates for Classics (3-year) are required to sit the Classics 3-year course Admissions Assessment.	9th December (TBC)
Classics (4-year)	All candidates for Classics (4-year) are required to sit the Classics 4-year course Admissions Assessment.	9th December (TBC)
Design	All candidates for Architecture are required to sit the Architecture Admissions Assessment.	21st November
English	All candidates for English are required to sit the English Literature Admissions Assessment.	19th November
History and Modern Languages	All candidates for History and Modern Languages are required to sit the Modern Languages Assessment.	21st November
Linguistics	All candidates for Linguistics are required to sit the Linguistics Admissions Assessment.	20th November
Modern and Medieval Languages	All candidates for Modern and Medieval Languages are required to sit the Modern Languages Assessment.	21st November

Practical arrangements

College registered assessment times will be coordinated centrally, meaning you may not sit your assessment on the same day as your interview. Please do not worry if this is the case; it will not affect our decision making in any way. You will also sit the admissions assessment remotely, either at home or in your school/college. More detailed practical information on College registered assessments will be released to candidates invited to interview closer to the time.

Preparing for the assessment

Please see here for full information on each of the assessments, which will include for most subjects a specification and past papers.

When will hear if I've been invited to interview?

We aim to give candidates at least 1 week's notice prior to their interview. This year we currently plan for our interviews to take place largely from the 9th-19th December inclusive, with a minority of subjects taking place either slightly later or earlier of this main interview window.

Our interviews are organised according to an incredibly tight schedule and it is usually extremely difficult to re-arrange an interview. You would therefore be well advised to keep these two weeks as free as you can.

How will interviews work this year?

This year all interviews will take place remotely. Applicants will be interviewed from home, where possible. If applicants prefer, they can ask their school or college to host their interview.

We will be using the platform ZOOM for all our interviews. We will offer support sessions for all shortlisted candidates, so they can familiarise themselves with ZOOM prior to their interview. We will release dates for these support sessions closer to the time. We ask all applicants invited to interview to attend at least one of these support sessions so their interview will run as smoothly as possible.

Although interviews will be conducted remotely, the format and purpose remains essentially unchanged. You can find out more how to prepare for interviews here.

Interview dates 2024

Course	Interview dates	Invitations issued to candidates?
Architecture	18th, 19th December	Yes
Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic	TBC	Yes
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology	10th December, second date TBC	Yes
Computer Science	16th, 17th, 18th December	Yes
Classics (3 and 4 years)	9th December	Yes
Design	18th, 19th December	Yes
Economics	9th, 17th, 18th December	Yes
Education	6th December	Yes
Engineering	16th-20th December	Yes
English	12th, 13th December	Yes
Geography	9th December	Yes
History	9th December	Yes
History and Politics	10th December	Yes
History of Art	13th December	Yes
Human, Social and Political Sciences	10th, 11th, 12th December	Yes
Land Economy	12th, 13th December	Yes
Law	9th, 10th, 11th, 13th December	Yes
Linguistics	10th December	Yes
Mathematics	10th, 11th, 17th and 19th December	Yes
Medicine	12th, 17th, 18th December	Yes
Modern and Medieval Languages	9th December	Yes
Natural Sciences	Chemistry (12th-13th December) Biochemistry (10th-16th December) Biology (17th-18th December) Material Sciences (16th-19th December) Physics (16th-18th December)	Yes
Philosophy	10th, 16th December	Yes
Psychological and Behavioural Sciences	9th, 12th, 13th December	Yes
Theology and Philosophy of Religion	13th December	Yes
Veterinary Medicine	9th, 11th December	Yes

The Winter Pool

The Winter Pool will take place in the middle of January. The Winter Pool is a process by which Colleges make available to each other candidates who they consider to be worthy of a place at Cambridge, but to whom they cannot make an offer as they are oversubscribed in that subject. You do not need to do anything if you are placed in the Winter Pool, and most applicants do not find out if they have been 'pooled' until all decision letters have been released. Once decision letters have been released, you may be made an offer by another College, but being placed in the Winter Pool does not guarantee you will be offered a place.

You may be offered another interview in January by a College who has reviewed your file in the pool, although this is avoided as far as possible.

Decisions

All undergraduate application decisions will be released on 30th January 2024, the date agreed by all Cambridge Colleges. You can read about the different possible outcomes of an application here.

Feedback

Lucy Cavendish College is committed to ensuring that our admissions processes are as transparent and comprehensible as possible. We therefore have the following policy on providing feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

Candidates who have been interviewed by the College, but have failed to secure an offer, either in the first instance from Lucy Cavendish College, or subsequently from a pool College, will have initial information provided at point of rejection to contextualise the outcome. If candidates would then like to request further individual feedback on their application, their referee will be able to request this on their behalf by completing a Feedback Request Form. This will be available from 17-23 February 2025. Such additional feedback will only be provided where the College determines that there is information it would be useful to share.

Individual feedback is provided to the UCAS referee in the first instance because:
1. The referee is well placed to judge the best way to convey the feedback to you so that it is received as a beneficial learning experience;
2. The provision of feedback to your school/college/university informs advisers of future applicants about the standards and requirements for the relevant Cambridge course and is therefore of wider benefit to the admissions process.

If you have any concerns about feedback being provided to the writer of your UCAS reference please contact us at admissions@lucy.cam.ac.uk.

If you have any concerns about feedback being provided to the writer of your UCAS reference please contact us at admissions@lucy.cam.ac.uk.

Our other admissions round policies can be found detailed on this webpage.

Undergraduate Admissions FAQs 24-25

We will continually update this section with frequently asked questions from applicants this year, so do keep checking back to see if your question has been addressed.

Course	Pre-registration required admissions assessment	Test date
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology	Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)	15th or 16th October
Computer Science	Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)	16th or 17th October
Economics	Test of Mathematics for University Admission (TMUA)	16th or 17th October
Engineering	Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)	15th or 16th September
Law	National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT)	1st September-15th October
Medicine	Candidates for Medicine (Standard Course) and the Graduate Course in Medicine are required to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)	8th July-26th September
Natural Sciences	Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)	15th or 16th October
Veterinary Medicine	Engineering and Science Admissions Test (ESAT)	15th or 16th October

General information

Contacting the Lucy Cavendish Admissions Team

Submitting documents

Using the current applicants page

Deadlines timeline

Deadline

What for?

Further information

15th September

16th September

19th September (12 noon BST)

26th September

Deadline

What for?

Further information

15th October

18:00 (UK time)

15th October

15th-16th October

16th-17th October

22nd October

18:00 (UK time)

22nd October

23:59 (UK time)

22nd October

23:59 (UK time)

22nd October

23:59 (UK time)

22nd October

23:59 (UK time)

Deadline

What for?

Further information

4th November

23:59 (UK time)

4th November

23:59 (UK time)

4th November

23:59

(UK time)

4th November

23:59

(UK time)

Application stages and further information

Pre-registration required Assessments

Course

Pre-registration required admissions assessment

Test date

How will College registered assessments work this year?

Course

College Admissions Assessment

Date

Practical arrangements

Preparing for the assessment

When will hear if I've been invited to interview?

How will interviews work this year?

Interview dates 2024

The Winter Pool

Decisions

Feedback

Undergraduate Admissions FAQs 24-25

Applying to study in October 2020?