Magdalene College hosts Science Residential

Divided into two streams, one for physical sciences and one for biological sciences, lectures and seminars delivered by Cambridge academics took the students beyond their A-Level courses and into the first year Natural Sciences syllabus.

The students also explored some of the University’s specialist museums and collections, including the Cavendish Museum which houses historic apparatus used in some of the Faculty’s most significant discoveries, and in their spare time studied and socialised with each other and with Magdalene science undergraduates and Fellows.

“I applied for a place on the residential so that I could go deeper than my school course,” said Jessica Prince, from Hemel Hempstead. “It’s been brilliant to meet other people who love science – we’ve been asking questions all day."

“We’ve gone far beyond the school syllabus. People here are passionate and want to learn, and to find out things that haven’t been discovered before. It’s just amazing.”

Murray Hawthorne, from Brighton, found the enthusiasm of the Cambridge scientists inspired him. “It’s been good to see how genuine and passionate everyone is, they want to teach you, they love what they do,” he said.

“If you love your subject, this is the place to come. It’s five weeks to my exams, I’m going home to study.”

Current Magdalene Sciences undergraduates played a big part in the Residential’s success, answering questions about their courses, their interviews, and life at Cambridge.

Wahidur Rahman, a second year Physics student, volunteered to take part in the Sciences Residential because a similar event helped give him the confidence to apply to Cambridge as a sixth former.

“The biggest part for me was meeting undergraduates - my preconceptions were shattered when I met actual Cambridge students.  I regularly volunteer on access events so that I can give back.”

“People ask a lot about grades. It’s reassuring for them to know that not everyone here has fantastic grades. They also like to know that it’s not a crazy workload. We’re just normal people!”

Sophie Duffield is in her third year studying Chemical Engineering. “I think it’s really important to show people that Cambridge isn’t like its stereotype,” she said.

“When I was at school it was difficult to find out about Chemical Engineering, so I’m also hoping to encourage potential applicants and answer any questions they have about the course and about student life.”

Dr Richard Roebuck, Sciences Admissions Tutor for Magdalene College, took part in two sessions offering advice on applying to Cambridge.  He answered questions on how to show enthusiasm for your subject in a personal statement; the biggest mistakes made by applicants; and what to expect at an interview.

Becki Nunn, from Bradford, enjoyed the insight into university life and felt that the Residential had boosted her confidence. “On an open day everyone is on their best behaviour – this is different.  I did worry that I might find it intimidating but everyone here is really normal – they just love what they do, and the lecturers don’t mind you asking questions.

“I’m definitely going to apply. I feel that I’ve definitely got a chance. As long as you work hard, it’s not out of reach.”

Rosie Sharkey, Magdalene College’s School Liaison Officer and co-ordinator of the Residentials, said “By living in College, going to lectures and supervisions, and socialising in the evening with each other and with our undergraduate volunteers, we hope that we’ve helped show the participants how much fun they can have studying science at university, and encouraged them to consider applying to Cambridge.”