A Mature student is defined by the University of Cambridge as one over the age of 21. At St John’s College we take only a small number of such students each year, typically four or five in a total undergraduate intake of about 170.

There is no specific quota of places for mature applicants, and they are judged individually on their merits, alongside our more conventional school-leaver applicants. Because of the intense competition for places at Cambridge (with about five well-qualified candidates for every undergraduate place) we demand high academic standards from our mature students. You will be asked to produce evidence of high academic ability and recent study (e.g. educational qualifications achieved within the last three years). Many mature students prepare for entry by taking two or more A-levels, Open University credits, an Access Course or other qualifications at a higher level. You should also bear in mind that whilst an Access Course, for example, is likely to satisfy the minimum University Matriculation requirements, we would usually look for evidence of higher-than-average achievement on the course, and some element of assessment by examination. This is because end-of-year exams play such an important part in the Cambridge Tripos.

Applications will be considered from mature students in all subjects. However, in Medicine and Veterinary Medicine the length of the course and of subsequent professional training, together with the particularly intense competition for a rigidly controlled quota of undergraduate places, mean that places can only exceptionally be found for mature students. 

In judging an application from a mature student, we are concerned mainly with three questions:

• Is the applicant someone who would find it easy to fit into the College community, who would benefit from it and contribute to it?
• Has the applicant the intellectual capacity and preparation not merely to cope with, but also to make a success of, the course here?
• How does the applicant compare with other applicants this year?

In considering the first two points, we are guided by references from the applicant’s recent employers and/or teachers, by the results of any examinations taken recently or in the past, and by interviews with the Admissions Tutor, the Tutor handling the applications in the subject concerned, and with the relevant Director of Studies. We also find it helpful to see written work prepared in the course of the applicant’s employment or part-time study. 

Although formal application involves submitting application forms to both the College of first preference and to UCAS by the usual application deadline

of 15 October for a place in the following year, we encourage those thinking of applying as mature students to discuss their plans with us informally well before this closing date. We may also be able to offer advice on possible further study that many strengthen your application. It is important that mature applicants appreciate fully that Cambridge is a residential university, and that the University Statutes require all undergraduates to live in Cambridge for the whole of each Full Term in order to qualify for a degree. It is also important to consider the full costs of the proposed course, and to explore possible sources of finance.

Choral Scholars are undergraduates who sing in the College's Choir. There are normally vacancies for all voice parts, however candidates are strongly advised to check with the Director of Music before applying and he is always happy to meet candidates on an informal basis before the voice trials. The Choral studentships are open to all offer holders, the College is also keen for candidates to apply for deferred entry.

St John's (in common with all Cambridge Colleges) has high academic standards and will not admit students who will find it difficult to read successfully for an Honours degree.