Myth-Busting: Your Essential Guide to Cambridge University Myths, with Mimi Kyprianou
Alumna Mimi Kyprianou (Robinson, m. 2011), an Associate at Clifford Chance with a specialisation in Tax law, uses her own experience to expel the myths and assumptions about studying Law at Cambridge.
We all love a good story, because stories are fun — they capture our imagination. Over time, stories can turn into myths, and as an 800-year-old institution, you can be certain that there are more than a few myths about Cambridge University.
Where these myths become problematic, however, is when they give rise to the idea that studying Law (or any other subject) at Cambridge requires some mythical ability that only superhumans possess, which can deter students from applying. I clearly remember that I almost didn’t apply to Cambridge for this very reason — I had heard so many stories, that I convinced myself there was no chance I would actually be accepted.
Obviously, you can probably guess that this is not how my story unfolded — otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this blog! I applied and was accepted into Cambridge University to study Law — proving myself completely wrong, I ended up graduating with a First class degree and now work as a solicitor. Having been through the experience of studying at Cambridge, and having come out the other end, I can assure you that there is no mythical formula: all it takes is hard work, and a genuine interest in Law.
If you are thinking of applying to Cambridge University to study Law, I hope that this information, borne from my own experience, can put you at ease about some of the prevalent Cambridge “myths”.
So — let’s get on with some myth-busting!
Myth 1: Studying Law as an A-level is a prerequisite
It is certainly true that the Law A-level can offer you an insight into the subject, which could be helpful if you are unsure as to whether you would enjoy it at university. That being said, it is not compulsory to have any legal knowledge before you embark on your journey as a Law student. Nor does the absence of legal knowledge put you at a disadvantage when it comes to the admissions interviews. I did not study Law as one of my A-levels, and neither did many of my peers at Cambridge.
With the interviews, what the interviewers will be most interested in is how you approach a hypothetical scenario and how you express your views — and definitely not whether you can already use legal jargon or refer to case law. There will be plenty of time to learn these during your studies!
This brings me to the next, and perhaps most popular, myth regarding Cambridge University interviews.
Myth 2: Interviewers at Cambridge University will try to “catch you out”
This was the myth that I found the most daunting before applying — I had heard stories (in hindsight, almost certainly untrue) about interviewers asking strange questions to throw off the candidates, which made me apprehensive about the interviews. In fact, my interviews were nothing like that. There were certainly questions that I found challenging, but the interviewers were nice and even helped me when I initially got an answer wrong! This is not just my experience, but is also reflected in anecdotes from my fellow Law students and Cambridge students from other subjects.
It is worth remembering that the point of the interviews is to help interviewers understand how you think, and how they would work with you as a student if you were accepted into Cambridge. What is required is not pre-existing knowledge of the Law (see myth 1 above), but rather a logical and methodical way of thinking — and of course a commitment to studying Law.
As a top tip, if you get stuck during an interview, I would strongly recommend explaining your reasoning out loud, and where it is that you got stuck. This way interviewers can help you out — they are more interested in how you “show your working” than in the answer you arrive at.
Myth 3: Cambridge students look a certain way or come from a certain place
As an elite university, there are inevitably stereotypes about what kind of student can get into Cambridge to study Law — that you must have studied at certain schools, or have a certain background, race, religion, and so on.
I am a dual Greek and Cypriot national, grew up hundreds of miles away in Cyprus and had never lived in the UK until the day that I arrived at Cambridge as a first-year student. By definition, I therefore fell outside most of the stereotypes of a “successful Cambridge candidate”.
To my surprise — and relief — I discovered that my cohort of students in Robinson College came from all over the UK, and the world. There were students who had studied in state schools and private schools, students who had grown up in the UK and abroad, students who were Christian, Muslim, Hindu or atheist. If there is one thing for sure, is that there wasn’t a “typical” Cambridge student.
Myth 4: Your social life ends when you start studying at Cambridge
After I had been accepted into Cambridge, as I was preparing to move to the UK, my classmates jokingly (and not so jokingly) told me how I would “never have time to do anything” — other than studying, of course.
But that is simply not true! I will not tell you that a Cambridge Law degree isn’t demanding, or that it doesn’t require work and commitment — because it does. However, provided that you are organised, there is still plenty of time to get involved with countless activities and societies that a bustling university life offers. In my time as a student, I joined the Robison College Student Council as the “Overseas Officer”, to support the new generation of international students. I also organised events at the Cambridge Union, and regularly trained for the 400 metres discipline with the outstanding Cambridge University Athletics Club — just to give you a few examples!
Once you start your studies at Cambridge, there are countless activities to choose from. Just make sure that you have a plan to fit it all in!
Life after Cambridge University
So what about life after Cambridge? As a Law graduate, there are countless options to choose from — you could become a barrister, a solicitor, go into academia, or even do something completely different. The skills you acquire while studying at Cambridge are invaluable. In my case, I decided that the work of a solicitor most suited my personality. While I was still a student, I secured a training contract with Clifford Chance, where I completed my training and currently work as an Associate specialising in Tax.
If there is one thing to take from this myth-busting exercise, don’t exclude yourself on the basis of who you think that Cambridge University is looking for. In order to be accepted, you need to apply in the first place! I really hope you do, and that you enjoy your time there as much as I did.
The Faculty of Law is grateful to acknowledge Clifford Chance as one of our Access and Widening Participation Partner firms. Their support allows us to do access work to encourage bright, young students from underrepresented backgrounds, broadly defined, to come to Cambridge. For more on their commitment to inclusion and diversity, please visit https://www.cliffordchance.com/about_us/responsible-business/inclusion-and-diversity.html
