Alongside the suggestions above, you should be aware of some misconceptions that exist about ways of choosing a College.

Based on application statistics - some applicants think, or are advised, that choosing a College that attracts fewer applications or making an open application will increase their chance of getting an offer. In fact, careful analysis of our admissions statistics shows that, for equally well�Cqualified applicants, making an open application or applying directly to a College does not affect your chances of being made an offer of a place. This is because we have rigorous procedures in place to compare all applicants for each subject before selection decisions are finalised. Strong applicants who've been squeezed out by the competition at their original College can be made an offer by another College through the pool. Colleges would rather admit a strong applicant from the pool than a weaker applicant who applied directly to them.

Travelling time - it's worth remembering that Cambridge is a very compact city so, wherever you are, getting between your College and your department - on foot, by bike or by bus - isn't difficult.

Discounting single-sex Colleges - there are many misconceptions about single�Csex Colleges. University teaching, such as lectures, practicals and seminars, is mixed and attended by students from all Colleges, and male friends are welcome in the women's Colleges at all times. Women may apply to any College but the women's Colleges are able to provide an environment focused entirely on the needs and expectations of female students.

Age of the College - Cambridge Colleges range in age from over 700 to 30 years. No matter how old or young a College is, it'll have its own traditions and history. They all provide the facilities that you'd expect to find, together with high quality supervision and support. In other words, the age (or youth!) of a College won't affect your student experience..

Specialisms of a College's Fellows - contrary to what some people believe, the research specialisms of a Colleges Fellows won't dictate what you can study. If a Fellow of your College is an expert in the aspects of the course you've chosen, you may be supervised by them. However, arrangements will be made for you to attend supervisions at other Colleges if that's where the relevant subject expert is based. Teaching is a level playing field across the University and is not determined by the College you attend �C the differences between the Colleges lie in the ambience, not the educational opportunities.

Specialisms of a College's Fellows - contrary to what some people believe, the research specialisms of a Colleges Fellows won't dictate what you can study. If a Fellow of your College is an expert in the aspects of the course you've chosen, you may be supervised by them. However, arrangements will be made for you to attend supervisions at other Colleges if that's where the relevant subject expert is based. Teaching is a level playing field acrosses.