cambridge tutors college
Help in saying why I want to study in Cambridge?

I have an Interview at Cambridge in mid-December, to study history.
I have so many academic history questions prepared, and have read ‘What is history?’ by E.H. carr.
But I don’t know exactly how to answer them when they’ll ask me ‘why have you applied to Cambridge?”
well:
1) I wanted to apply to a top university because I past the entrance requirements for another university; I wanted to compete with myself more.
2) Cambridge has a good reputation for its Social Sciences. and unlike most UK universities, they tutor the students. not that they only give lectures and make them read random books with no support.
3) I visited the college in the summer, and liked the place a lot. and when I was told that I have an interview, I was so much happier then when I got an unconditional offer from Liverpool University.
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These are some reasons I came up with, but how can I make them sound convincing? and what other things would you add?

Thanks!!

You have to remember that the panel will be interviewing many candidates with stellar academic/extra-curricular CV like yourself. If they do ask you this question, you might want to think through carefully all your responses:

1. Your response here suggests that Cambridge is just a ‘try-out’ and a ‘bonus’ since you have secured a place elsewhere. I will suggest you think through about saying this.

2. Ok this is a legitimate reason but still not a particularly strong one because I will imagine loads of other candidates will mention that too – how is this tutelage system particularly helpful for yourself? As a history scholar for instance?

3. Again you are making comparison with another option. Focus on the college that you want to be admitted rather than on your unconditional offer.

Chances are the questions will be totally random. The key thing is your responses should always be genuine, uniquely-you and if possible, thought-provoking (rather than just a 'standard' one) that will make you stand out from the crowd.

All e best