I got into Cambridge against odds

When deciding to apply for university, I decided that I wanted to study Law and that I wanted to apply to the top 5 universities for law in England at the time (one being the University of Cambridge). Law is an incredibly competitive subject with many universities receiving many more applicants than places they are able to offer. As such, good grades are important when applying.

At the time that I applied, applicants were always required to sit an additional examination called the "LNAT". This was a test, comprised of multiple choice questions and an essay, taken once by the applicant and the responses and results are sent to every university to which you make your application (note: this is key information for this testimony).

I was studying 4 AS Levels which I intended to carry on at A Level (showing my age lol) in English Literature, History, Politics and French. However, at the time of applying to university, I had 3As and 1C. I was discouraged and apprehensive as (a) the majority of applicants were likely to have strong grades across the board; and (b) the C was in History, which my teachers had suggested was one of the subjects that the university decision makers were likely to be interested in. In addition to this, only one of the universities that I had applied to (Cambridge) offered the opportunity to be interviewed, meaning that 4 out of the 5 universities that I applied to would base their decision on my paper application/grades. Despite this, I trusted God that I would be ok.

Later in the year, I sat my LNAT. Although the multiple choice element wasn't too challenging, I got to the essay component and was struggling to choose an essay to write. I made a decision to write an essay on the first option that they had given us but part way through, decided that I didn't feel as though the essay was good enough so I deleted my work (leaving only about 2/3 sentences (I know, I should have deleted the whole thing but for some reason, I didn't) and quickly wrote another essay on a different topic. The LNAT, like any exam, is time limited too so this was a risky decision but by God's grace I was able to complete the second essay with a few seconds to spare. My LNAT responses and results were then submitted.

Some weeks passed and, fortunately, I was offered an interview at Cambridge. I was delighted and prepared as much as possible for my interview so that I could give myself the best shot of being offered a place to study there. "My grades aren't strong but I can persuade them to give me a chance by showing them how passionate, dedicated and conscientious I am in my interview," I thought to myself.

The day of my interview arrived and I travelled to Cambridge with my parents to attend my interview. It's important context here that Cambridge is a very traditional academic institution. It (along with many other top universities in England) has been widely criticised for being elitist and failing to offer places to candidates from minority backgrounds or state schools. I am from a minority background, working class family and was state school educated and although my secondary school was a high performing one, I statistically stood a relatively slimmer chance of getting in than some of the competition I would have been facing. I was nervous but still quietly confident that I could do a good job. I prayed for favour with the questions that I would be asked, that the interviewers would like me and that I would be successful.

I had two interviews. The first one was focussed on the university getting to know me as an applicant, my interests and achievements to date and how I might fit into university life. The second was a technical interview on Law. I thought my first interview would be fine. I just need to talk about myself. Easy! I've known myself my whole life. I was wrong. It was much tougher than I expected it to be and the interviewer also used a word that I didn't understand. Of course, I didn't let him know that (lol!) but it was intimidating to say the least.

I then went into my second interview and was met by two stern-looking professors from the university. The questions were much more difficult than they had been in my first interview but I felt as though I answered them as well as I could. Then I got to the end of the interview.

"Interviewer 1: We're at the end of the interview now. Do you have any questions for us?

Me: (nervously) No, I think I've had all of my questions answered already. I came early and had a look around with my parents so asked all of my questions then.

Interviewer 1: Ok. Well, we have one more question for you.

Me: Sure.

Interviewer 1: We were having a look at your LNAT and your essay was rather short and was, in fact, incomplete. Did you run out of time?

Me: (starting to panic) Oh my goodness! I think the system must have submitted the wrong essay. I started writing one and then decided that I wanted to answer a different question so stopped writing the first one and went on to complete one of the other questions. I didn't realise that you had been sent the wrong essay. I can try to contact the LNAT co-ordinators and find out if they have a copy of the essay that I completed or I'd be prepared to write another essay for you. I'm really sorry that this happened.

Interviewer 1: (looking unimpressed) Right... Well, thank you for letting us know. It won't be necessary to contact them.

Me: Thanks for your time.

I was dejected. My other concern was that this would be a problem at all of the universities that I applied to. As mentioned, the LNAT results get sent to all universities and none of the others offered an opportunity to interview so I wouldn't even get a chance to explain myself to them. I then looked over to interviewer 2, who could tell that I was concerned, and he gave me a knowing smile as though to say "don't worry". Strangely enough, I felt like this was God reassuring me that I would be ok. I didn't know what that looked like in practice but I decided to trust God.

Every applicant hears back from Cambridge on the same day (i.e. offers and rejections are sent on a particular date in January). I had decided to go to the hairdresser with my mum that day to take my mind off it and, unintentionally, ended up being in the salon for most of the day. As a result, I didn't get to find out my fate until much later in the day. My dad and younger brother were at home at the time and had received my letter. I had instructed them not to open it until I got home. Lots of people were texting me. "So? What's the verdict?". During this time, I had also heard from lots of other friends who had also applied. Some of them who I thought were guaranteed a place because of their strong grades and excellent applications had been rejected. What was going on?! I then heard from a good friend of mine who messaged to say that he had received an offer. I was so pleased for him but immediately after congratulating him, started asking lots of questions about what his letter and envelope looked like. His was A4 size and very thick because it contained all the information about starting in the autumn.

I called my brother.

Me: What does my envelope look like?

My brother: It's really small and very thin.

Me: Oh ok.

My dad shouting in the background: Are you sure you don't want me to open it?

Me: No. Tell dad not to open it. I want to be there.

I assumed that I had been rejected. My letter was small and thin. I was disappointed but reminded myself that God had reassured me that things would be ok. Maybe Cambridge wasn't for me but I'd get into another one of my choices.

A few hours later I finally arrived home. My dad was practically pushing the letter into my hand as I walked through the door. I opened it.

"Congratulations. We are delighted to offer you a place to study Law."

I screamed and couldn't believe it. I didn't have the best results. I had an incomplete LNAT. But GOD!

A few more weeks passed and I found out that not only had a received an offer from Cambridge but I also received offers from all of the other universities that I had applied to. 5 out of 5 offers. God had done exceedingly and abundantly more than I had expected or dreamed of and I am so thankful.

Be encouraged that He is active and can do the same for you!