Quiz counters misconceptions over Cambridge admissions

The quiz is made up of a series of eight questions, aimed at prospective students. Most focus on the cost of studying at the University. For instance, they are asked what the estimated annual cost of living is for a student at Cambridge: (a) £6,000-£7,500, (b) £7,500-£9,000, (c) £9,000-£10,500? Many people think Cambridge is an expensive place to study and this puts them off, but in fact the correct answer is (a), which is low compared to many universities.

Another question asks prospective students how much they think tuition fees are: £5,145, £3,145 or £1,145. The right answer is £3,145, the same as most other universities in England. Research shows many think tuition fees at Cambridge are higher than average.

The test also quizzes students on their eligibility for bursaries. They are asked what the value of a full bursary is [£3,150 per year], whether it needs to be repaid [no], what the maximum household income to receive a full bursary is [£25,000 a year] and whether you will receive any support if your household income is £60,000 [yes]. Cambridge has one of the most extensive bursary programmes in the UK and the University has recently reviewed its provision and eligibility criteria. The number of students who can benefit from a bursary has been substantially increased with a third of all students now qualifying for some form of financial support. The maximum bursary of £3,150 a year is far higher than the minimum £300 a year bursary required by the Office for Fair Access.

The remaining quiz questions cover the likelihood of getting a job six months after leaving Cambridge [higher than average] and whether students can have College-owned accommodation for a three-year undergraduate course [they can, unlike at many other universities where students have to rely on private landlords].

If you get seven or all eight questions right then you are advised to consider applying to the University. If your score is lower than this you are advised to look at the website to find out more about the true costs of studying at Cambridge.

Research published earlier this year by The Sutton Trust shows that many teachers, as well as students, have misconceptions about Cambridge. For instance, a survey of 500 teachers found 56% thought it was more expensive to study at Cambridge or Oxford than at other British universities. Just over half the teachers (54%) reported that they would generally recommend their brightest students to apply to Oxbridge, while 45% said they would never or rarely do so.

Sarah Hannaford, Head of Publications and Information in the Cambridge Admissions Office, said: "There is lots of evidence that many potential applicants and their advisers believe incorrectly that Cambridge is an expensive place to study and underestimate the amount of financial support available to students here. We hope that this will prove an effective and fun way of combating these misconceptions."

To see if you can pass the Cambridge Admissions Test, visit the Undergraduate admissions website (see sidebar) and click on Quicklinks.