Academic counselling
It is really important that you are studying the right subjects for the course you want to take at university. When you first arrive in school you will talk to one of our senior academics who will make sure that you have chosen correctly for what you want to do in the future.
Unlimited support
The friendly CATS Cambridge staff are always on hand to answer your questions and provide advice on the university process. If you are unsure of anything, you can meet with your Personal Tutor or the Higher Education Advisor outside of timetabled lessons and feel confident that you are always supported.
Open days
It is important that you really know about the universities that you are applying to. We encourage you to visit when they have open days so that you can look around and ask questions.
Higher Education Advisor
Our dedicated full-time Higher Education Advisor has years of admissions experience and offers unlimited individual support from day one, helping with each aspect of the university application process. You will have timetabled lessons along with one-toone meetings with them if needed, to get the extensive advice that you need to feel confident in your application. Medics and Oxbridge candidates receive one-to-one advice as standard.
Personal statement
Our Personal Tutors have extensive experience of university admissions and know what will make your application stand out. Your Tutor will dedicate time to getting to know you and your interests to ensure that your personal statement is the best reflection of you.
University visits
Universities from around the world visit CATS regularly throughout the year to tell you about their courses and give you the chance to ask questions.
University application process
| A level year 1 |
A level year 2 or UFP |
| September |
|
Induction week
Introduction to the higher education department and services available
|
Induction week
Oxbridge College advice
Oxbridge open days, USA College day
Personal statements completed
SAT and ACT Tests (USA Colleges Only)
|
| October |
|
Careers fair to begin university and careers thinking
CATS university fair
|
Oxbridge candidate mock interviews
Oxbridge/Medicine application deadline
UKCAT admissions tests for Medics
LNAT admissions tests for Law
USA applications
CATS university fair
|
| November / December |
|
USA applicants identified
Preparation for mock exams
|
BMAT admissions test for Medical Degree
Oxbridge interviews
UCAS workshop
UCAS applications completed (non- Oxbridge applicants)
|
| January / February |
|
Introduction to UCAS* and the application process
Oxbridge students identified
Medic UK work experience
Prospects (matches students’ interests and abilities to courses available) or Stamford Test
|
January start University Foundation Programme students complete UCAS applications
UCAS deadline 15 January Examinations
|
| March / April |
|
Prospects report results and interpretation
Personal tutors work with students on their personal statements
Open days arranged to gain a taste of university life
CATS university fair
|
Students given conditional offers
Confirm university firm and insurance choices
CATS university fair
|
| May / June |
|
Preparation for USA university applications
Examinations Medic UK work experience
|
Examinations
|
| July / August |
|
Medic home country work experience
Oxbridge open days
Internal A level half way exams
|
UFP/IB exam results published
A level exam results published
Confirmation of university plac
Clearing and adjustment
|
| A level year 1 |
A level year 2 or UFP |