Official Imperial Applicants Thread (2012 Entry)

I hope to get A* and A for Math and Further Math respectively, A for Econ too.
Should I take another AS subject?

I'll be applying for Imperial for Maths and Computer Science, I reckon. This, at the moment, seems like suicide.

Me too!

I like the number of mathmos in this thread.

Is work experience essential if I want to study Chemical Engineering? So far I've volunteered at Oxfam and worked at Argos, would I need experience more related to Chem Eng?

My AS results is as follow
Math A
Econ A
Phys E (dropping this)
I'm taking Further Math in A2 year and maybe one more AS subject.
Should I apply for Imperial Computer Science course? Is the E in Physics gonna be a big minus for the University?

I only did 3 A-levels, dropped chemistry after AS.

I suggest you to take EPQ which would look better on your personal statement.

During my interview I spent 15 minutes talking about it and my interviewer was genuinely interested.

Oh very precarious! Computing at Imperial is oversubscribed and their offers are ridiculous. Mine was A*AAA. The E will definitely disadvantage you unfortunately because Imperial respects Physics a lot. However, if you are planning to drop it, I recommend you take the full Further Maths A2. Imperial really does respect a Further Maths A Level. Your position is iffy tbh, because you're doing 3 A Levels out of which 1 is very weak and you're going to swap it for further maths, and there isn't a predicted grade in FM for Imperial to go on. I'd make Imperial your highest 'take a punt' university if I were you because in terms of grades, it's a bit iffy.

Have you had previous computing/programming work experience or any interests in certain computer science concepts? Also, what are your GCSEs like?

Hey,

GCSE Grades (12 GCSEs - 5 A*, 3 A, 4 B ): A*A*A*A*A*AAABBBB

Currently Studying:
Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Computing, Extended Project Qualification

Achieved:
Mathematics A-level: A*
Physics AS: A
Computing AS: A
Further Mathematics A-level: Doing in Year 13

I will be continuing all 4 subjects and will be applying for Aeronautical Engineering. Firstly, would I be a good candidate? I realise Aeronautical Engineering has a 2A*1A requirement suggesting that a lot of very intelligent people will be applying. Secondly, finding work experience is always tough for Aeronautical Engineering as I've read around, would not having any work experience(other than being given the experience to fly 2 lightweight planes at an Aerodrome) hold me down? What else can I do to add some credit to my Personal Statement?

Thanks!

Well done on your A* at Maths! Those results look good too...

Alright. Work exp for engineering might be difficult to obtain, that's no lie (I don't have any); but if you can prove your interest in the field and how the other ECs you do help boost your ability to cope with an engineering course/project, you'll be fine - you'll need to make sure your PS covers that. I'm hoping that your EPQ is on something related to Aero Eng, because that -would- be a very good talking point to cover in your PS (and your interview later on, if all goes well!)

External reading is also always a boon. And yes, do mention the Aerodrome stint; not just in a "work experience" mindset but what you loved about the experience (and how it's spurring you to want to do Aero Eng even more at Imperial, etc.)

So a recap of what to do for your PS:
- Don't fret about the lack of work exp, it's hard to come by (although try if you can!) Look at what ECs you have, list them down in there, and say how they'll help you cope with the course. I'm a musician and performing artist and I've worked on loads of productions, as well as done homework help with junior schoolers - may not seem like EC activities "perfect" for engineering; but trust me, those things taught me more on how to delegate tasks in a team and have helped hone my interpersonal skills. I went from nooby stagehand to Audio Engineer in 5+ months at school, which I was pretty chuffed about because I started backstage tech from scratch - that kind of thing shows unis that you're a quick learner. But you'll have to "argue" it nicely in your PS.

- External reading around the subject is a good idea: you might find an area that you're quite intrigued about, and may want to bring it up in your PS as well. I did something slightly different: I talked about an experience I had with vaccinations and wanting to know more about medical technology after that experience. Look out for new key developments in the field you'll be studying. School doesn't teach me about stem cells made from bacterium and using Green Fluorescent Protein from jellyfish cells to diagnose cancer...it's stuff I found in the news. You might not have to know everything about how this new development works, but if you get asked about it in the interview ("so what new exciting things have you heard about?"), you'll be ready. And you'll even get to ask them how it works.

- That Aerodrome experience...don't veto a mention of it from your PS. I bet it'll also be a talking point at interview. You do want the admissions tutor to look at your PS and go "wow, what an engaging, talented person - I want to know more!"

Good luck with your app, and buzz me when you're in the final stages of your PS. If there's something I can help out with the best, that's probably it. :P

I'm going to be applying for maths !!
GCSE's: 6A*s 5A's
AS: AAAA (Maths, further maths, biology and chemistry)
I am dropping biology this year

eep can't believe its time to apply to uni

2012 applicants already??? really??? People calm down I haven't even started uni yet and you make me feel old.

Well. I am going to take the full Further Math A2 and convince my tutor for a good predicted grade.
I am currently learning Objective C and C++ via books and internet articles. I took IGCSE, which was
Physics A*
Math A
Business A
Econ A
ICT B
English C (got an 8.0 for IELTS though )

I'm going to be applying for maths !!
GCSE's: 6A*s 5A's
AS: AAAA (Maths, further maths, biology and chemistry)
I am dropping biology this year

eep can't believe its time to apply to uni

*chuckles sheepishly*

Uh... well you know we TSRians have a reputation for being keen...

In my defence, UCL already have a thread up and running. Oxbridge had threads since May.

Are you saying that Oxbridge folks had 2012 applicants thread since may?

/facepalm

....another mathmo! I think there's going to be plenty of competition for us all

Right everyone, there are quite a few people here and I am beginning to lose track of everyone, so I'm going to start compiling an official list of applicants (and put it in the first post)

So if you want to be on "The List" quote this post with:

Username: [your username]
Subject: [the subject you're applying for]

(If you do change your mind and want to be taken off "The List", let me know!)

Strong set of academia, make sure you do some external maths reading (often if you look on the departmental website, they give you some recommended reading books and stuff). Also make sure you have a strong PS and reference (details are in my post on page 1 of this thread).

Do all that, you're in with a healthy shot

Oh, mathmos (I'm going to class myself as one of you), is it worth self-teaching extra modules? I mean, I'm sure if I ask my school about being entered for some extras it won't be too much of a problem.