PhD in Law (Cambridge)


Gobbledygo...

Hi guys! Should those whose status has not been turned to PAO assume that they are unlikely to be considered for the central funding? Thanks!


Nothing is ever certain, but generally, the central funding has nomination deadlines fairly early (around late Jan/early Feb. They rarely have any reason (although I am sure reasons exist) to hold on to an applicant for longer after they have nominated someone, since being nominated already means that you should be among the most desirable candidates among those who will ultimately end up getting an offer (it is not clear how many are nominated for central funding, but it seems to be far less than those who get an offer - you would think they nominate everyone to give them a chance with the secondary Trust reviewers, but nope). This is why they will generally get their admissions first. Holding on to the candidates at this stage won’t really benefit anyone, as it also reduces their college admit chances.  The only thing that is virtually guaranteed is that those who get admitted later than the others will not make it to the most popular colleges, as they tend to fill up very fast.

I wouldn’t emphasise central funding so much though. Barely half of the typical cohort would be centrally funded. 

[Edited by Gobbledygook on Feb 17, 2022]

[quote]Hi guys! Should those whose status has not been turned to PAO assume that they are unlikely to be considered for the central funding? Thanks! [/quote]<br><br>Nothing is ever certain, but generally, the central funding has nomination deadlines fairly early (around late Jan/early Feb. They rarely have any reason (although I am sure reasons exist) to hold on to an applicant for longer after they have nominated someone, since being nominated already means that you should be among the most desirable candidates among those who will ultimately end up getting an offer (it is not clear how many are nominated for central funding, but it seems to be far less than those who get an offer - you would think they nominate everyone to give them a chance with the secondary Trust reviewers, but nope). This is why they will generally get their admissions first. Holding on to the candidates at this stage won’t really benefit anyone, as it also reduces their college admit chances. &nbsp;The only thing that is virtually guaranteed is that those who get admitted later than the others will not make it to the most popular colleges, as they tend to fill up very fast.<br><br>I wouldn’t emphasise central funding so much though. Barely half of the typical cohort would be&nbsp;centrally funded.&nbsp;
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Hi, guys.

Quick question: my portal shows ‘under review by Degree Committee’ (instead of ‘by department’). From what I can see on their website regarding the selection process, this means that it has already been reviewed by the Department, been recommended for further assessment and has gone to the Degree Committee…
I have not been requested to interview. For a bit of background (I am currently enroled in an Advanced Diploma in Research at Cam, did my masters at the LSE and have 5 years of experience in the working sector, including two RA positions; I proposed for supervision a professor that I currently have as informal supervisor at Cam, co-supervising with another prof. whom I do not know).

So… my question would be if this means I passed onto the next stage of assessment or if there might be an error on the portal there… (extra info. - I applied on 30 Nov. and my app. was marked Submitted until a few days ago, when I emailed the admissions office for info. (they replied v quickly but only told me to rest assured that my app. is being considered and that it will be changed at the beginning of this week on the portal to show ‘under review’)).

Thanks in advance and best of luck!


The changes are done manually, so it’s never wise to read too much into anything on the application portal until an offer is sent (perhaps worth the exception of PAO). The degree committee is normally the next stage after department, yes. Most applicants’ portals won’t make it there because it’s an administrative burden to update for every tiny stage. Only thing it definitely means is that you were not rejected at the department stage. 


Thanks so much for replying to our queries here so very carefully! It is much appreciated.

Unfortunately, my application reads ‘unsuccessful’ on the portal as of a few minutes ago, which means it did not get past the degree committee (I will reiterate my background, for those interested: I am currently enroled in an Advanced Diploma in Research at Cam, did my masters at the LSE and have 5 years of experience in the working sector - within the MFA in my home country, as legal advisor and also as RA twice - once for a law professor and the other within a law firm; I proposed for supervision a professor that I currently have as informal supervisor at Cam.).

Best of luck, guys, I hope the ones that really want to will get in!

[quote][quote]Hi, guys.<br><br>Quick question: my portal shows ‘under review by Degree Committee’ (instead of ‘by department’). From what I can see on their website regarding the selection process, this means that it has already been reviewed by the Department, been recommended for further assessment and has gone to the Degree Committee…<br>I have not been requested to interview. For a bit of background (I am currently enroled in an Advanced Diploma in Research at Cam, did my masters at the LSE and have 5 years of experience in the working sector, including two RA positions; I proposed for supervision a professor that I currently have as informal supervisor at Cam, co-supervising with another prof. whom I do not know).<br><br>So… my question would be if this means I passed onto the next stage of assessment or if there might be an error on the portal there… (extra info. - I applied on 30 Nov. and my app. was marked Submitted until a few days ago, when I emailed the admissions office for info. (they replied v quickly but only told me to rest assured that my app. is being considered and that it will be changed at the beginning of this week on the portal to show ‘under review’)).<br><br>Thanks in advance and best of luck! [/quote]<br><br>The changes are done manually, so it’s never wise to read too much into anything on the application portal until an offer is sent (perhaps worth the exception of PAO). The degree committee is normally the next stage after department, yes. Most applicants’ portals won’t make it there because it’s an administrative burden to update for every tiny stage. Only thing it definitely means is that you were not rejected at the department stage.&nbsp;<br> [/quote]<br><br>Thanks so much for replying to our queries here so very carefully! It is much appreciated.<br><br>Unfortunately, my application reads ‘unsuccessful’ on the portal as of a few minutes ago, which means it did not get past the degree committee (I will reiterate my background, for those interested: I am currently enroled in an Advanced Diploma in Research at Cam, did my masters at the LSE and have 5 years of experience in the working sector - within the MFA in my home country, as legal advisor and also as RA twice - once for a law professor and the other within a law firm; I proposed for supervision a professor that I currently have as informal supervisor at Cam.).<br><br>Best of luck, guys, I hope the ones that really want to will get in!
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CV129096

Just got my rejection :/ Good luck guys! I’m rooting for you all. 

Just got my rejection :/ Good luck guys! I’m rooting for you all.&nbsp;
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I'm really sorry to hear that. 

Mine is still 'under review' and I'm losing hope with every passing minute! Looks very daunting at this stage!

I'm really sorry to hear that.&nbsp;
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</div><div bis_skin_checked="1">Mine is still 'under review' and I'm losing hope with every passing minute! Looks very daunting at this stage!</div><div bis_skin_checked="1">
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Just got my rejection :/ Good luck guys! I’m rooting for you all. 


Also, were you interviewed? And if so, when?

[quote]Just got my rejection :/ Good luck guys! I’m rooting for you all.&nbsp; [/quote]<br><br>Also, were you interviewed? And if so, when?
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My application is still under review by the department. Haven’t received a rejection nor an invitation to an interview. I am unsure what to make of that? My application was prepared in a rush and has many flaws so I am expecting a rejection, but just wondering when? Do they send rejections in batches?

My application is still under review by the department. Haven’t received a rejection nor an invitation to an interview. I am unsure what to make of that? My application was prepared in a rush and has many flaws so I am expecting a rejection, but just wondering when? Do they send rejections in batches?
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Gobbledygo...

I wouldn't give up hope yet! They would normally keep on sending a fair bit of acceptances until March or so (but who knows - maybe they’ve become more orderly with the application process for once).

There is also a hidden waitlist in there, and there are some people who get their acceptance really late through that  - like June/July late - but at that point they also get significant funding issues, unfortunately… Funding tends to not work out even at college level if admitted much later than mid-March/April, and at that point there will also only be very few colleges with places left. External funds work fine though.

[Edited by Gobbledygook on Feb 17, 2022]

<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">I wouldn't give up hope yet! They would normally keep on sending a fair bit of acceptances until March or so (but who knows - maybe they’ve become more orderly with the application process for once).</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">There is also a hidden waitlist in there, and there are some people who get their acceptance really late through that &nbsp;- like June/July late - but at that point they also get significant funding issues, unfortunately… Funding tends to not work out even at college level if admitted much later than mid-March/April, and at that point there will also only be very few colleges with places left. External funds work fine though.</span>
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They're responding to interviews etc, on a date-wise pattern is what I have noticed. Those who were interviewed earliest heard back the soonest and those interviewed on 19th-201th heard back 3 or 4 days back. Those with interviews on 21st heard back yesterday. That would mean that those who interviewed later than the 21st of February would hear back either today or on Monday, or later than that.


Its shocking to know that even those interviewed are getting rejected, so its all possible right now, at this stage.  

[Edited by PhD Applicant on Feb 18, 2022]

They're responding to interviews etc, on a date-wise pattern is what I have noticed. Those who were interviewed earliest heard back the soonest and those interviewed on 19th-201th heard back 3 or 4 days back. Those with interviews on 21st heard back yesterday. That would mean that those who interviewed later than the 21st of February would hear back either today or on Monday, or later than that.<br><br><br>Its shocking to know that even those interviewed are getting rejected, so its all possible right now, at this stage.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Inactive User

Just received a rejection email from Gates Cambridge :(

Just received a rejection email from Gates Cambridge :(
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Just received a rejection email from Gates Cambridge :(

Me too. Does this mean, we should anticipate a rejection for the course as well? 

[quote]Just received a rejection email from Gates Cambridge :( [/quote]<br>Me too. Does this mean, we should anticipate a rejection for the course as well?&nbsp;
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Not at all, as the two processes are not interconnected. You might still receive an offer and funding from other bodies - Trust, colleges, etc.  Did either of you have an interview? If so, on which date? What does your portal currently read?

Not at all, as the two processes are not interconnected. You might still receive an offer and funding from other bodies - Trust, colleges, etc.&nbsp; Did either of you have an interview? If so, on which date? What does your portal currently read?
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Inactive User

Not at all, as the two processes are not interconnected. You might still receive an offer and funding from other bodies - Trust, colleges, etc.  Did either of you have an interview? If so, on which date? What does your portal currently read?


Yes I had my interview on 26th January, though I am not very confident about my chances to be honest (not sure if I pitched my proposal well as the interview carried on for a really long time - almost an hour). My portal still reads under review by the department. 

[quote]Not at all, as the two processes are not interconnected. You might still receive an offer and funding from other bodies - Trust, colleges, etc.&nbsp; Did either of you have an interview? If so, on which date? What does your portal currently read? [/quote]<br><br>Yes I had my interview on 26th January, though I am not very confident about my chances to be honest (not sure if I pitched my proposal well as the interview carried on for a really long time - almost an hour). My portal still reads under review by the department.&nbsp;
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Not at all, as the two processes are not interconnected. You might still receive an offer and funding from other bodies - Trust, colleges, etc.  Did either of you have an interview? If so, on which date? What does your portal currently read?

I did not have an interview. My application portal still reads "under review by department"

[quote]Not at all, as the two processes are not interconnected. You might still receive an offer and funding from other bodies - Trust, colleges, etc.&nbsp; Did either of you have an interview? If so, on which date? What does your portal currently read? [/quote]<br>I did not have an interview. My application portal still reads "under review by department"
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They seem to be working on (21st January +) dates at the moment. This means that those who interviewed after will get their results soon and that the others who were not interviewed will get to know in due course. The date is almost completely unpredictable for those not interviewed. Considering that those who had interviews and those who did not, both got offers (PAO), that would mean that anything is possible at this stage. The length of the interview does not matter. A 15 minute interview could have bombed and a longer one could have gone really well and vice-versa. What did your interviewer tell you at the end of it? Did they say anything positive or was it all very generic? 
A shout out and request to all fellow boarders to please keep this thread updated with developments, as and when they do occur. This will benefit everybody and help calm the nerves!

They seem to be working on (21st January +) dates at the moment. This means that those who interviewed after will get their results soon and that the others who were not interviewed will get to know in due course. The date is almost completely unpredictable for those not interviewed. Considering that those who had interviews and those who did not, both got offers (PAO), that would mean that anything is possible at this stage. The length of the interview does not matter. A 15 minute interview could have bombed and a longer one could have gone really well and vice-versa. What did your interviewer tell you at the end of it? Did they say anything positive or was it all very generic?&nbsp;<br>A shout out and request to all fellow boarders to please keep this thread updated with developments, as and when they do occur. This will benefit everybody and help calm the nerves!
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Inactive User

My potential supervisor was really nice, but I am certain that I could have performed much better. I think that my nervousness got the best of me. At the end, I was just told that the final decision would be communicated to me in due course. Not too optimistic 1f60c

My potential supervisor was really nice, but I am certain that I could have performed much better. I think that my nervousness got the best of me. At the end, I was just told that the final decision would be communicated to me in due course. Not too optimistic&nbsp;:satisfied:
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m32641

Hey guys! So everyone received the rejection email from Gates?

Hey guys! So everyone received the rejection email from Gates?
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rofyee

A little update. I got my formal offer today (PAO changed two or so weeks ago). Now comes the nervous wait to hear about funding. Good luck all. 

[Edited by rofyee on Feb 19, 2022]

A little update. I got my formal offer today (PAO changed two or so weeks ago). Now comes the nervous wait to hear about funding. Good luck all.&nbsp;
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Gobbledygo...

They seem to be working on (21st January +) dates at the moment. This means that those who interviewed after will get their results soon and that the others who were not interviewed will get to know in due course. The date is almost completely unpredictable for those not interviewed. Considering that those who had interviews and those who did not, both got offers (PAO), that would mean that anything is possible at this stage. The length of the interview does not matter. A 15 minute interview could have bombed and a longer one could have gone really well and vice-versa. What did your interviewer tell you at the end of it? Did they say anything positive or was it all very generic? 
A shout out and request to all fellow boarders to please keep this thread updated with developments, as and when they do occur. This will benefit everybody and help calm the nerves!


Well, last year the deadline for interviewers to provide a report for central funding nomination was more or less that date (Friday of the second last full week of January), so a cut-off around then sounds more or less reasonable. 

[quote]They seem to be working on (21st January +) dates at the moment. This means that those who interviewed after will get their results soon and that the others who were not interviewed will get to know in due course. The date is almost completely unpredictable for those not interviewed. Considering that those who had interviews and those who did not, both got offers (PAO), that would mean that anything is possible at this stage. The length of the interview does not matter. A 15 minute interview could have bombed and a longer one could have gone really well and vice-versa. What did your interviewer tell you at the end of it? Did they say anything positive or was it all very generic?&nbsp;<br>A shout out and request to all fellow boarders to please keep this thread updated with developments, as and when they do occur. This will benefit everybody and help calm the nerves! [/quote]<br><br>Well, last year the deadline for interviewers to provide a report for central funding nomination was more or less that date (Friday of the second last full week of January), so a cut-off around then sounds more or less reasonable.&nbsp;
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Hi, have the results come in yet?

Hi, have the results come in yet?
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Still under review! I had my interview on 26th Jan

Still under review! I had my interview on 26th Jan
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