Rhianna from Skegness was one of 60 school students from across the UK to attend the Women in Maths Residential from 23-25 March to find out more about applying to and studying at university. The event was jointly hosted by Christ’s College and Trinity College.
Rhianna said:
“At the beginning I didn't know anyone, but someone set up board games for us which helped to settle us in. It's been really nice to meet women with different aspirations and passions. Everyone is from different backgrounds, but we are all interested in maths and help each other in lectures.”
The annual three-day residential is open to women in Year 12 in England/Wales, Year 13 in Northern Ireland and S5 in Scotland who are interested in studying Maths and related subjects such as Engineering and Economics.
The event also targets students with little or no family tradition of higher education, students at schools with few applicants to Cambridge University and students who have spent time in care.
Dr Emily Tomlinson, Director of Admissions for Christ’s College and Dr Glen Rangwala, Director of Admissions at Trinity College welcomed the students on the first full day and held a Q&A.
Participant Katherine said:
“I found it so useful to gain an insight into the process of applying to Cambridge as well as student life and perspectives of Cambridge. Also it definitely cleared up some of the misconceptions I had before arriving.”
Vered said:
“I gained so much invaluable information and this experience has given me so much confidence.”
Students attended lectures and classes taught by Cambridge academics including Dr Ems Lord of NRICH, the University’s maths outreach programme; Dr Robert Hunt, Fellow and Director of Studies for Mathematics at Christ’s; and Christ’s Fellow Dr Henry Bradford who spoke about prime numbers.
Helena from Somerset said:
“In maths I like simplifying problems and coming up with new ideas and during the residential it's been really interesting to see how maths can be applied in such a huge range of topics, like in medical research.”
Participants also met current students and admissions staff for the opportunity to tour the two colleges and to learn about student life, the city, and the application process.
Dr Tomlinson said:
"The Women in Maths Residential has been a flagship event at Christ's for the past five years and has had a transformative impact on undergraduate admissions in Mathematics and other STEM subjects. I am delighted to see it go from strength to strength."
Ellie Wood, Admissions and Outreach Officer said:
“There are so many young women who would thrive on highly mathematical courses at top universities, and we hope this residential opportunity shows the students that mathematics and Cambridge are very much open to them.”
Students in Year 11 in England/Wales, Year 12 in Northern Ireland and S4 students in Scotland can now register their interest in the 2024 course.
