I felt compelled to respond to the letter of Dr MEJ Hughes (April 27), who was essentially denying the use of positive discrimination at Cambridge University.

I would simply state that universities not giving reasons for the rejection of candidates are likely to cause intensive speculation as to why top candidates are being rejected.

I received no explanation or feedback to tell me why I was rejected by any of the universities I applied for, including Cambridge.

Is it any wonder that there is speculation when Universities insist on being so cryptic as to why they reject applicants?

Furthermore, at no point did the articles in The Argus say that it was Magdalene College which told me not to wear certain clothes or speak in a certain way.

The simple fact that I was told to do this at all indicates that there is prejudice against certain backgrounds.

I certainly felt I was having to fight that much harder to prove my worth due to my background. While I will readily admit that positive discrimination is not the only explanation for my rejection, being given no other reasons leaves us all to speculate.

If universities really wish to prove they are not discriminating due to pressure from the Government, perhaps they should send letters of explanation to the candidates rejected.

While a lengthy process, it might mean students are not left feeling confused, deflated and ultimately disappointed.

-Lord Edward Romain Viscount Anijar, Hove