A guide to completing the University of Cambridge’s MyCApp (SAQ)
If you’re applying to the University of Cambridge, you must complete My Cambridge Application (MyCApp). This used to be referred to as the Supplementary Application Questionnaire (SAQ). You’ll be required to submit your MyCApp soon after handing in your standard UCAS application. In this blog post, we’re going to break down step-by-step what My Cambridge Application is and how you can complete it.
Insider tip: MyCapp is often massively overlooked as it is misunderstood as a minor data collection form, however, it can significantly impact your application outcome so it’s very important and certainly not a throwaway step in the admissions process.
How is MyCApp different to a UCAS application?
Like UCAS, MyCApp is also an online application. However, MyCApp is completely separate from the UCAS form and is unique to Cambridge admission. My Cambridge Application is supplementary to a UCAS application. You still need to apply through UCAS to Cambridge University, however, at Cambridge, the process begins earlier to allow enough time to collect and consider all of the application information.
MyCApp is styled like an assessment questionnaire, so it’s more detailed than the UCAS application. Its objective is to help gather more information than what is typically extrapolated from the UCAS forms, such as the specific subjects covered in your A-level courses.
Whilst Cambridge will read the personal statement you provided on UCAS, they offer you the chance to add an additional personal statement that addresses Cambridge University directly. This is because your UCAS application is read by all your top choices, and you might have additional comments to make for Cambridge.
What is My Cambridge Application?
Within 48 hours of submitting your UCAS application, you’ll be emailed with a request to complete your My Cambridge Application. Ensure that you monitor the inbox and spam folder of the email account used in your UCAS application.
My Cambridge Application is submitted through an online portal run by Cambridge University itself. This system allows applicants to complete and manage their applications, including uploading documents and tracking their application progress.
MyCApp is used to ensure that Cambridge University has complete and consistent information about all its applicants. It helps to collect information that’s not in the UCAS application but is useful for assessing applications. This can help Cambridge’s interviewers decide on what questions to ask. Further details on MyCApp can be found here.
When should I complete My Cambridge Application?
If you want your application to the University of Cambridge to be considered, you must submit MyCApp by the appointed deadline. Typically this will be a week after your UCAS deadline. This year (2023), the estimated deadline is 6pm on the 23rd of October.
Please note: You might have a different deadline so it is important to check this for yourself. If you have a disability or extenuating circumstances that might impact your ability to meet the deadline you can request an extension. More information on this can be found here.
How to complete MyCApp: A guide to completing your My Cambridge Application
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the process of completing your application step by step. You don’t have to complete MyCApp in one go. You’re able to save whatever you’ve completed and come back to it later. Here are some application guidelines:
Create an account
As previously mentioned, you’ll first need to finish your UCAS application and submit this to your chosen universities, including Cambridge. After receiving your invite to create your MyCApp, you’ll need to create an account on the My Cambridge Application portal. You’ll be asked for your UCAS personal ID and email address. Make sure that you provide a valid email address, as this will be the primary method of communication throughout your application process.
Choose your Application type
This part of the application will ask some general questions about your application, and you might be able to select your chosen course. Once selected, a list of course options might also be available. If this section is not applicable to you or Cambridge does not require this information, then you will be able to select “not applicable.”
Cambridge offers a wide variety of courses, and it’s essential to pick one that aligns with your interests and future goals. You can peruse the courses that Cambridge has to offer on the University of Cambridge website to make an informed decision.
However, once you’re at the stage of choosing your application type on MyCApp, you’ll have already decided and indicated on UCAS what course you would like to study at Cambridge. So, this section carries no pressure. It’s just there to make sure your application gets processed correctly.
If you’d like a visual breakdown of what to expect from your MyCapp, check out this video.
Complete the Application Form
Now comes the part where you’ll need to provide details about yourself, your education, and your achievements. You will need your academic records and other relevant documents handy. Remember, any misinformation could be discovered and you could be penalised, so be truthful and accurate when filling out the form.
Take a look at what MyCApp will ask from you:
- A passport-style digital photograph of yourself
- Personal details: your name, country of residence, and dates you are unavailable for an interview
- Details regarding funding if you are an international student
- Education: information about your educational institutions (high school studies, educational experience, higher education), subjects, and academic performance from GCSE onwards. This might include providing academic transcripts where applicable. If you’re unsure whether you need to provide a transcript, have a look at this guide.
- Qualifications: you will be asked to enter your subject, qualification level, and awarding body, and score for AS/A-Levels and equivalent qualifications. You might also be asked to provide similar details regarding an English language qualification if applicable. The Cambridge College you selected in your UCAS application will require evidence of your qualifications once your MyCApp is received.
- Interview.
- Additional information.
There is also a guide provided by Cambridge with a clear overview of everything you will be asked about.
Insider tip: Cambridge does not offer official contextual entry requirements however, they seek to lift up their applicants who lack support. If you intend to use an ECF as part of your application, you should indicate that in your MyCapp. Contact the college you’re applying to or the university admissions office for more details. The ECF is for students to mention any disruption, disadvantage, health issue or disability that impacted their education or exams. This is an opportunity for Cambridge to put any necessary reasonable adjustments in place. Cambridge wants to be as accessible as possible. Hence, you should declare your circumstances as Cambridge may offer you the tools or support to help you achieve your predicted grades or conditions to an offer.
Submit your Personal Statement
After completing all of the above, you will be given the option to provide an additional personal statement to your existing UCAS one. This is because your UCAS personal statement is directed to all the universities you’re applying to and there may be things you want to say to Cambridge specifically. This is your chance to showcase why you’d be a great fit for Cambridge. This is especially pertinent if you are applying to a few different courses or multiple versions of one course so that you can write specifically about your chosen course at Cambridge.
In short, you don’t have to write an additional personal statement for MyCApp. The university even stresses that not including an additional personal statement will not disadvantage your application. So, you should only write a statement if you’ve got relevant things to say, not just for the sake of it! Remember that Cambridge will see your UCAS personal statement, so it’s best to only write something that is separate or adds to what you’ve already mentioned.
Writing a personal statement for MyCApp is your opportunity to include any information specific to studying your course at Cambridge University. Cambridge is especially interested in hearing what it is about this specific course that you’re applying to that drew you to the university, and why it may stand out from other comparable courses.
MyCApp’s personal statement has a limit of 1,200 characters and there will be another box asking whether you have anything else to tell Cambridge with a limit of 600 characters.
Put time and effort into what you write. Here at the Profs, we have experts dedicated to helping students with their Cambridge applications who are happy to help you through this daunting process.
Insider tip: This step can showcase your talents in a manner that is purposefully geared towards Cambridge. Your UCAS application is sent to all your university choices and cannot be personal to Cambridge, whereas your MyCapp can be. You can demonstrate to Cambridge that you have great rationale related to your subject. Use this chance to speak directly to your department at Cambridge and explain why you’re suited to Cambridge specifically. You want to do the work to stand out here, especially if you’re lacking in any areas of your application.
Pay the application fee
Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll need to pay the application fee, which is typically £60. This can be done online through the My Cambridge Application portal using a credit or debit card. Make sure to keep a record of the payment confirmation.
Please note: You can check whether you’re eligible for the application fee waiver here.
Submit your application
This is the final step. Once you complete this last bit you will not be able to alter your answers, so make sure you’re thorough in double-checking your application for accuracy and completeness. Then, it’s time to hit that ‘Submit’ button. Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed your My Cambridge Application!
How can we help?
Applying to the University of Cambridge is undoubtedly an exciting yet challenging experience. The Profs Tuition are here to help you every step of the way. Check out our previous blog on How to Get into Cambridge if you’re seeking further advice.
Still unclear about anything in this article, or just feeling worried about submitting your best possible MyCApp? At The Profs, we have admissions consultants and tutors who can guide you through the process of applying to Cambridge. Oxbridge applicants are over 3 times more likely to receive an offer when working with the Profs’ experts, and 95% of our applicants receive an offer from their first or second-choice universities!
We can even support you in your wider degree-level education, helping you with everything from writing your dissertation to applying for postgraduate courses.
Reach out to our friendly team today to access our dedicated support.
FAQs
What is the application process for the University of Cambridge?
Undergraduates should apply through UCAS and will also need to submit a My Cambridge Application (SAQ). Postgraduates apply directly to the university. Depending on the course, applicants might need to complete an assessment, such as an interview, test, proposal or portfolio.
Check the university website for specific requirements. If any of this sounds overwhelming to you, our team at the Profs specialise in Oxbridge admissions and can walk you through the process.
How can I apply to a Cambridge College?
If you’re an undergraduate, you’ll need to apply through UCAS when you submit your university choices. For postgraduates, apply directly through the university when you are completing your course application.
What Cambridge College should I apply to?
Apply to a college that offers your desired course. Research the colleges to find one that suits your interests and needs. Consider location, size, accommodation, and other factors. Your chances of admission can depend partly on how well you fit into a particular college.
Cambridge has 31 colleges, so you will need to do some research before making your decision. At the Profs, we have dedicated experts who specialise in admission to Cambridge. So, reach out to our team today if you need any help making the best decision for you.
Do I have to write another personal statement for My Cambridge Application (SAQ)?
Technically, no. As this article mentions, providing another statement is optional and will be supplementary to your UCAS personal statement.
However, My Cambridge Application (SAQ) offers the chance to provide a personal statement focused specifically on your interest in Cambridge. This will supply more detail than your UCAS statement. If you’re worried about how to write a great personal statement that’s tailored to Cambridge, the Profs are here to help.
What is the Cambridge acceptance rate?
The average Cambridge University acceptance rate is 17.5%. College acceptance rates range from 10-30% depending on the college and course. Admission is very competitive. Achieving high grades and a strong application is important but this does not guarantee admission.
See our top tips on how to get into Cambridge for more information.
How do I write a My Cambridge Application for Medicine?
For medicine, emphasise relevant academic preparation, healthcare experience, skills, and interest in the field. Discuss related extracurricular activities, volunteer work, summer programs, books you have read, physicians you have shadowed, etc. Use your MyCApp personal statement to explain your future goals and interest in Cambridge’s medical course. Submit predicted top grades in Chemistry, Biology and Maths.
How do I check the status of My Cambridge Application (SAQ)?
Log in to your Cambridge applicant portal to view the status of your MyCApp and see if it has been received and processed.
Allow 2 weeks after the deadline before inquiring about the status of your application. Do not contact the university unless it has been longer than 2 weeks with no confirmation. Check the admission website for key dates when decisions will be released. Applicants who are rejected or accepted may be notified at different times.
