Should you make an open application?

Typically, most students will apply through a particular college. This is your chance to choose which college you think is best suited to you. But what if you don’t know which college would be best? Or if they all look amazing? Or if you simply can’t decide?

You also have the option to submit an “open application”. This means that you don’t indicate a college preference.

Because all admissions are handled by the individual colleges, if you make an open application, your application file will be assigned to a college. This is done just after the October 15 deadline, using an algorithm that determines which colleges have gaps, in order to optimise the process for both you and the colleges.

Once your open application has been assigned to a college, it is treated exactly like a direct application. The college you have been assigned to will read your application, assess you, and possibly invite you to interview and ultimately extend you an offer to Cambridge.

Because any open application looks just like a direct application once it has been assigned to a college, it will make no difference to your chances if you choose to make an open application. An open application can even be submitted to the Winter Pool, the University’s system to ensure that any strong Cambridge applicant has an equal chance of getting in, regardless of the college that is processing their application.

However, if you have any particular requirements, including access requirements or special housing needs, we recommend you choose a specific college and contact the college admissions staff directly about your requirements and your application.

Finally, although an open application can be a great option if you really feel that you would be happy at any of the Cambridge colleges, you should remember that choosing a college is your chance to preference which community you would most like to be a part of at Cambridge. Thanks to the University’s Winter Pool, whether you apply to a college or through an open application, your chances of being admitted are the same. This means that you should NOT choose an open application simply because you don’t want to narrow your choices or in some way offend other colleges by not picking them. Just worry about what’s best for you!