“Why Cambridge?” The question ranks among the most challenging questions you will face when applying to study engineering at the University of Cambridge. Admissions interviews remain highly competitive, with roughly six applications per place across all subjects (Undergraduate Study at Cambridge).
Your response to “Why Cambridge?” carries weight comparable to your academic record and test results.
Do you want to craft a persuasive answer? This guide offers real, anonymised examples from successful candidates, expert strategies to highlight your fit, and a clear roadmap to preparation. It’s an essential read to help you succeed.
Whether drafting your personal statement or prepping for interview day, it helps you stand out confidently.
Why This Question Matters
Interviewers ask this question to understand a few key elements before nominating you for an offer:
- Your motivation — Why have you chosen Cambridge specifically?
- Course fit — Do your interests and goals align well with what Cambridge Engineering offers?
- Potential — Are you prepared to thrive in Cambridge’s challenging academic environment? (Undergraduate Study at Cambridge)
However, this question isn’t just a checklist. To stand out, you should focus on particular features of Cambridge’s engineering course that genuinely excite you:
- Evidence of your intellectual curiosity and relevant experience
- How will you engage actively with Cambridge’s academic community
Such responses help interviewers envision you as an engaged, contributing student.
Key Facts on Engineering Admissions at Cambridge
| Year | Applicants | Interviews | Acceptance Rate (%) | Offers |
| 2023 | 2,500 | 800 | 15 | 375 |
| 2024 | 2,700 | 850 | 14.8 | 400 |
The acceptance rate for Engineering in 2023/24 stood at roughly 15%. This competitiveness demands that your “Why Cambridge?” answer is
- Focused
- Sincere
- Personally distinctive
Strong grades and test results may secure an interview, but your answer often seals the deal.
Real Cambridge Interview Examples
To demonstrate effective ways to approach the question, “Why Cambridge?”, we have below two anonymised examples from successful candidates:
Example 1 – Lina (Offer-holder 2024)
- Academic interest: “I am fascinated by how fluid dynamics underpins sustainable energy.”
- Cambridge link: She referred to research on tidal turbines at Cambridge’s Department of Engineering.
- Personal connection: She spoke of her A-Level further maths studies and of the summer workshop focused on renewable energy.
- Future engagement: “At Cambridge, I value the supervision system — the perfect place to debate different design ideas and challenge my thinking.”
Example 2 – Jacob (Offer-holder 2023)
- Personal project: “My EPQ involved building a drone frame to explore weight reduction.”
- Cambridge experience: He spoke of his composite material work and highlighted first-year lab projects.
- Engagement intention: “Cambridge will allow me to test ideas and engage in discussions with supervisors.”
Use these examples as templates for structuring your answer, rather than copying the exact words:
Context → Cambridge link → Your fit → Future contribution
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Answer
- Research Cambridge Engineering Features
Identify at least one specific aspect of the engineering course that excites you — for example, the supervision system, lab facilities, or specific research groups. Use official sources such as Cambridge Engineering Admissions.
- Reflect on Your Own Journey
Think of what sparked your passion for engineering. Continue to consider how you have nurtured that interest. Move forward to connect your experience to what Cambridge offers.
- Link Cambridge to You
Show what Cambridge enables you to achieve with phrases like:
- “At Cambridge, I will…”
- “The supervision system allows me to…”
The aim should be to strike a balance between Cambridge’s strengths and your own abilities.
- Demonstrate Future Engagement
Explain how you plan to contribute academically or socially through research, projects, or student societies.
- Be Concise and Authentic
Keep your answer natural and within two to three minutes. See Cambridge Interview Preparation for tips.
- Practice Using Real Examples
Familiarise yourself with published Cambridge interview questions and practise answering them out loud.
- Checklist for a Strong Engineering Answer
- Don’t use questions in the engineering feature
- Explain personal relevance
- Highlight relevant experience
- Describe future engagement
| Step | Description | Example Phrase |
| 1 Context | What sparked your interest? | “I am fascinated by fluid dynamics.” |
| 2 Cambridge Link | Link to Cambridge offerings | “Cambridge’s supervision system…” |
| 3 Your Fit | How you match Cambridge strengths | “I will benefit from hands-on labs.” |
| 4 Contribution | How you will engage and contribute | “I hope to join the student society.” |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Avoid generic praise like “Cambridge is prestigious”. Such sentences are useless unless you connect them personally to your interests.
- Don’t just list achievements; explain how they relate to Cambridge and your passion for engineering.
- Don’t rely on memorised answers lacking natural reasoning and flow.
- Treat the interview as an academic conversation, not a marketing pitch.
Preparation Tips for Interview Day
One effective way to “tackle the interview question, ‘Why Cambridge?” on the big day is to be well prepared. Here are some straightforward tips to help you:
- Re-read your personal statement and submitted work (Cambridge Interview Prep)
- Practice explaining your “Why Cambridge?” answer and engineering projects aloud.
- Simulate realistic interviews with follow-up questions (e.g., “What if your design changed?”)
- Remember: interviews vary by course and college and are academic discussions.
These strategies help you to face the Cambridge engineering interview feeling confident and prepared. Such a preparation will get you ready to engage in meaningful conversation.
Master the “Why Cambridge?” Interview Question
Here’s your chance to show genuine depth, curiosity, and future potential — by answering the “Why Cambridge?” question right!
Use the structure we explored: research, personal fit, future engagement, and authentic delivery.
Professors seek curious, capable, and contributing minds. Show them not why you want Cambridge, but why Cambridge should want you.
Prepare to Succeed: Book Expert Coaching for Your Cambridge Engineering Interview
Ready to refine your answer and ace your Cambridge engineering interview?
Book a personalised session with a Cambridge interview coach specialising in engineering applicants.
Expert Cambridge Engineering Interview Coaching
FAQs
What answers the “Why Cambridge?” interview question well?
A strong answer links a specific Cambridge offering to your experience and ambitions, avoiding generic praise.
How can I stand out in my Cambridge engineering interview?
Showcase recent projects, demonstrate genuine curiosity, and connect everything clearly to Cambridge’s opportunities.
Do Cambridge interviewers expect perfect answers?
No. Interviews are academic conversations. Tutors value how you think, respond, and explore ideas (Undergraduate Study at Cambridge).
What qualities do Cambridge interviewers look for beyond academic knowledge?
Curiosity, creativity, resilience, and a genuine passion for engineering are what the Cambridge interviewers seek. They appreciate candidates who can think critically, communicate clearly, and engage thoughtfully with challenging questions.
How important is knowing about Cambridge’s research facilities for the interview?
When the student knows Cambridge’s research facilities, such as the Whittle Laboratory or the supervision system, it shows genuine interest. It helps demonstrate how their goals align with what the university offers. Such insight makes the answer more compelling and memorable.
