Colleges organise their assessment procedures in slightly different ways, but, in broad terms, all are looking for students who show:
A sound knowledge base and confidence in a range of skills. This includes not just the capacity to do well at A Levels, but the potential to go beyond the A Level syllabus and to use this knowledge in less familiar situations;
A wider engagement with the subject, expressed through an interest in new ideas and an enthusiasm for reading round the subject;
Self-discipline, self-motivation and commitment;
Capacity to learn.
For Engineering, evidence of motivation and commitment might be shown in a number of ways that could include:
Relevant hobbies and interests;
Participation in
STEMNET events and activities,
Engineering Education Scheme projects,
a Headstart course,
the Arkwright Scholarship scheme,
Smallpeice Trust courses,
Young Engineers activities,
and other similar courses or activities;
Relevant work experience placements;
Applying for deferred entry in order to participate in schemes such as the Year In Industry;
The seeking of industrial sponsorship.

Compared to Oxford, Cambridge’s description is more detailed, but the requirements are generally similar:

First, the grades must be good; only learning A Level is far from enough; students need to explore knowledge beyond the A Level syllabus extensively.

Second, students need to read more advanced and recent content related to engineering extensively.

Third, students should have a strong sense of self-drive and responsibility, which can be demonstrated by participating in various engineering-related extracurricular activities.

Fourth, students should have strong learning abilities and talents.

Key data provided by the Cambridge Engineering Department

Typical Engineering entrants
(A Level and IB)
For 2017, 2018 and 2019 entry, the majority of entrants from an A Level background achieved at least grades A*A*A* (87% of entrants). All of these successful applicants took Mathematics, 95% took Further Mathematics, 98% took Physics and 62% took Chemistry. For the same period, the majority of IB entrants achieved at least 43 points overall and/or grades 777 at Higher Level.
This information is intended to give you a sense of the academic standard of our typical A Level entrants. We welcome applicants from a range of qualification backgrounds.

The conclusion of the above data is as follows:

87% of students studying A Level achieved A*A*A* or above. The percentage of students taking respective courses is 100% for Mathematics, 95% for Further Mathematics, 98% for Physics, and 62% for Chemistry. Meanwhile, the majority of IB students scored at least 43 points (HL 777) or above.

Therefore, it is recommended and essential to look at the statistics and information provided by the Univerisity of Cambridge rather than relying on general admission requirements.

Which is easier to apply for, engineering at Oxford or Cambridge? Let’s analyze the admission statistics from previous years.