Shall I put my fastest Rubik's cube solve time in my personal statement?

"why not?".

Hello everyone,

Firstly I am NOT going to put it in because it is too risky. (#clickbait)

But i thought it would make a good controversial debate as i have had quite a few people say i should do it and a few people say I shouldn't.
My head of year thought it was impressive and said "why not?".

So say if you would think it would be a good idea or a bad idea and why

Also give me a shout if you're a fellow cuber

What are you applying for?

Computer Science (and similar mathsy type courses) or Dentistry I can see how it could be relevant depending on the context.

You can tell your teacher the answer is very simple: this information tells the university nothing about your potential to study at university or about why you are interested in the subject you want to apply for. Not being both relevant and positive, it has no place in your PS.

computer science

Talking about solving rubiks cube as a hobby (and the algorithms involved in that) would be relevant then. Mentioning that you've worked to a specific speed of solving as an aside within that isn't going to do any damage (although bear in mind you might find that it isn't as impressive as you think when compared to CompSci admissions staff who grew up in the early 80s )

Talking about solving rubiks cube as a hobby (and the algorithms involved in that) would be relevant then. Mentioning that you've worked to a specific speed of solving as an aside within that isn't going to do any damage (although bear in mind you might find that it isn't as impressive as you think when compared to CompSci admissions staff who grew up in the early 80s )

Very good point, another argument for would be that it isnt an easy thing to do at speed and takes a fair amount of focus and ability to learn multiple sets of moves.
I was also told that if i do put it in i would have to make sure i had a sub 20s average, to secure the impressiveness!

The 80's ones were as stiff as old leather compared to the ones they make now

I'd say the point isn't the speed (or whether it's impressive or not) but to demonstrate something you're interested in that employs algorithmic solutions. And that you're interested enough to spend free time practising and improving....Your PS isn't about boasting about how great you are - it's about giving admissions staff an understanding of your interests and your approach to your subject.

I always cheated and peeled off the stickers

FWIW this isn't that unusual as an inclusion on PSs
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Personal_Statement:Mathematics_36 is from 2011 or earlier
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2872229 from 2014

Hey fellow cuber, I'm also applying to uni in a couple weeks but I'm not mentioning cubing either. I don't think it has much relevance in a personal statement, and there are more impressive things to mention. I guess if you have 100+ algs in your head and are averaging less than 13 seconds, or you can solve blindfolded, then it may look good.