WARNING if considering Cambridge for STEM subjects

Cambridge has a reputation for being one of the best universities in the UK for STEM subjects.

However, even as a Cambridge graduate, I must caution people considering applying about the grading system. A lot of STEM subjects have fairly strict norm referencing (there is some leeway), based on percentages per degree class which were definitely generous when they were set but now are mean compared with degree class inflation that has occurred elsewhere.

If you do go to Cambridge, please bear this in mind and please also bear in mind that many employers anonymise applications (including the name of the university) and as such this relative strictness may not be taken into account if you do get a 2:1 which might be a first elsewhere, or a 2:2 which might be a 2:1 elsewhere.

I have no knowledge of the situation for Oxford. I suspect it is similar.

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