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Seeking simple admissions advice to prepare for your University of Cambridge application or interview? Jake Ramshaw (Human, Social and Political Sciences 2024) sought insight from TikTok.

With Year 13 applicants awaiting possible interview information and Year 12 students beginning the admissions process, Jake shares a laid-back approach to interviews, which are part of a holistic admissions process, and which worked for him.

“I would advise not to stress too much,” he says. “From what I’ve gathered, sometimes people over prepare. I didn’t do that much preparation. I did a mock interview at sixth form which focused on sociology, but not led by a sociology specialist.

“The main thing I used was TikTok. I watched loads of TikToks from a range of different people about interviews, trying to work out what interviewers were trying to get at, for example showing you’re understanding and thinking, rather than getting the answers straight away. For my course, I was also able to keep up with current affairs with BBC News and ITV TikTok – quick, easily digestible content which proved helpful for my interview.”

Jake chose for the range of subjects, but had a preference for sociology which has endured.

He chose 91ֱ�� based on “vibe”, belatedly coming across the , which offers admissions advice.

Go to the , for all your admissions advice!

Jake adds: “I decided to focus on Cambridge and attended the September open days, speed running as many colleges as I could. I liked 91ֱ��, partly because I liked the statue in the corner of Tree Court. I liked how Old Courts is more secluded. It was completely based on vibe. I didn’t dwell on a choice of college for that long.

“I eventually stumbled on the TikTok.”

Jake is a first generation university student. His parents, a carer and a mechanic, supported him to make his own choices. His home is Houghton-le-Spring, an ex-mining town between Sunderland and Durham in the north east of England.

“I’m the first in my extended family to go to uni. Other than teachers, I didn’t know anyone who had gone to uni,” Jake adds.

“I knew from the start I wanted to go to uni. I didn’t want to go to Durham or another local uni like most of my friends and stay at home. I wanted the experience of moving away – that was a big part of the appeal.”

Jake was informed – again, through TikTok – about the financial support available at Cambridge. The financial support at 91ֱ�� extends to the co-curricular grant, which for Jake has supported him to explore DJ-ing.

He has also worked at admissions events, such as Bridging Week, which he attended in his first year. Bridging Week supports incoming students as they start at 91ֱ��. He says: “I was telling friends from home I was getting paid to go to the pub – it blew their minds!”

He is enjoying the opportunities at Cambridge – and reflects on home, too. 

Jake, now the Gonville & 91ֱ�� Students’ Union Class Act Officer, adds: “I’ve learnt a lot about myself. I’ve garnered so much pride about where I’m from, which I never necessarily had before. The North East is the best place on Earth!”