When choosing the right college at the University of Cambridge, there are a few factors to take into account – including acceptance rates. While all colleges uphold the university’s rigorous academic standards, acceptance rates vary.

Read on to find out what are the easiest and hardest colleges to get into at Cambridge and make an informed decision.

Cambridge College Acceptance Rates

For the 2023 undergraduate admissions cycle, the University of Cambridge received 21,445 applications and made 4,553 offers, resulting in 3,557 acceptances (overall offer rate ~21.2% and acceptance rate ~16.6%)​. The table below provides a breakdown by college, including the number of applicants, offers, offer rate, acceptances, and acceptance rate for each Cambridge college (most recent official figures)​

CollegeApplicantsOffersOffer Rate (%)AcceptancesAcceptance Rate (%)
Christ’s College81315819.4%12114.9%
Churchill College78117922.9%13517.3%
Clare College90817519.3%14215.6%
Corpus Christi College54111922.0%8215.2%
Downing College1,03216215.7%12812.4%
Emmanuel College86016218.8%13916.2%
Fitzwilliam College78718423.4%14318.2%
Girton College64718027.8%13921.5%
Gonville & Caius College82219323.5%14717.9%
Homerton College95021222.3%17118.0%
Hughes Hall3247322.5%5416.7%
Jesus College96414715.3%14114.6%
King’s College92115616.9%12613.7%
Lucy Cavendish College68919027.6%14621.2%
Magdalene College53912222.6%10018.6%
Murray Edwards College41716339.1%11026.4%
Newnham College65116825.8%12118.6%
Pembroke College1,04316215.5%12612.1%
Peterhouse43810323.5%8419.2%
Queens’ College89419121.4%14816.5%
Robinson College55314125.5%12021.7%
St Catharine’s College75417022.6%14118.7%
St Edmund’s College2957425.1%5418.3%
St John’s College1,18821818.4%15913.4%
Selwyn College76516221.2%12115.8%
Sidney Sussex College59113723.2%10718.1%
Trinity College1,39726118.7%19714.1%
Trinity Hall59013322.5%10517.8%
Wolfson College2915819.9%5017.2%

Source: Official Cambridge Undergraduate Admissions Statistics, 2023 cycle​

Each college’s “offer rate” is the percentage of applicants who received an offer, and the “acceptance rate” is the percentage of applicants who were ultimately admitted (confirmed places). These figures are updated annually by Cambridge and provide an official comparison of admissions selectivity across the colleges.

What’s the Easiest Cambridge College to get into?

Based on the data above, Murray Edwards College has the highest offer rate (39.1%) and acceptance rate (26.4%), making it statistically the easiest college to get into. Lucy Cavendish College and Girton College also have relatively high acceptance rates of 21.2% and 21.5%, respectively. These colleges tend to receive fewer applicants per place, increasing the chances of receiving an offer.

However, Cambridge operates a pooling system, meaning strong applicants rejected by one college may still receive an offer from another. Also, there are many other factors – such as the subjects offered, college facilities, and environment – that should also influence your choice, rather than just the acceptance rate alone.

Factors Influencing Acceptance Rates

Several elements can impact a college’s acceptance rate, including:

Course Popularity

Some colleges may specialise in specific subjects, attracting more applicants for those specific courses.

College Size

Larger colleges might have more available spots, therefore influencing their acceptance rates.

Applicant Pool

The overall strength of the applicant pool can vary yearly, affecting acceptance statistics.

Choosing the Right College for You

Academic Focus

Does the college have strengths in your intended subject area?

Each Cambridge college has its own academic traditions and strengths. So, some colleges may have a strong focus on specific disciplines and offer specialised resources and support. For instance, Churchill College is renowned for science and engineering.  

Location

Proximity to university departments, city centre, or other amenities.

Location is quite important, as it can influence your daily life. Colleges closer to the city centre, such as Trinity College, offer immediate access to university departments, libraries, and social venues. In contrast, Girton College is situated about 2.5 miles from the city centre, and would appeal to students looking for a more tranquil environment.

Facilities

Availability of accommodation, libraries, sports facilities, etc.

The facilities offered by a college can greatly enhance your university experience. For example, St John’s College provides on-site accommodation for all undergraduate and graduate students, along with extensive gardens, sports grounds, and a well-stocked library. Similarly, Girton College boasts sports pitches, a gym, and an indoor swimming pool, catering to a variety of athletic interests. ​

Community and Culture

Each college has its unique atmosphere; attending open days or virtual tours can provide a sense of this.

The social environment and traditions of a college will be a significant part of your student life. Trinity College, for instance, is known for its academic excellence and competitive atmosphere. Girton College, on the other hand, is recognized for its inclusive community and active engagement in arts and sports, offering a balanced and supportive environment.

Conclusion

When selecting a Cambridge college, it’s crucial to look beyond acceptance rates and consider factors that align with your academic goals, lifestyle preferences, and personal values. Thorough research and, if possible, visiting the colleges can provide deeper insights, helping you choose a college where you will thrive both academically and personally.

Speak to an Expert

Speak to an Expert

To find out how Dukes Plus can help you get into Cambridge, book a free consultation today.

Book a Free Consultation