MEng Aeronautics with Spacecraft Engineering Imperial Application (Gap Year Student)

I decided that I wanted to pursue Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering towards the end of year 12. I've moved a lot over the years (been to over 10 schools in different countries) so I never had the chance to participate in any major competitions much less had the time to research about what I really wanted to pursue. Right now I'm doing 2 MOOCs on edX (Introduction to Aeronautical Engineering, etc.) and plan on reading aerospace/general engineering related books. I don't have any in-person engineering work experience as I couldn't find any in time. I did participate in some virtual work experience like the Airbus WEX on SpringPod but I didn't have the time to research and do any major projects. I plan on doing some projects during my gap year and finish 1 or 2 by the time I start my personal statement (mid-december). I would appreciate any advice on what kinds of projects I could work on that could improve my application. My main question is whether I even have a chance at being accepted into imperial or whether I should even apply with experience like this. I would also appreciate any other advice on what I could do in terms of work experience, projects, personal statement, etc. that could possibly improve my odds. Thank you!

Reply 1

soocl

i am in the exact situation as you, fortunately apart from the moving around-
i thought i would undertake computer science in uni until the end of Y12, so i have had little time to undergo projects, and my only relevant work exp has been springpod airbus and CAA
predicted A*AA (very generously) still holds me no success at top aerospace universities, but in the recent weeks i have been obsessed with the Aeronautics and Spacecraft Engineering course at imperial, and here’s my rough idea of how i may get into it

i am planning on taking a gap year, i am aiming for A*A*A* in Maths, Physics, Comp Sci achieved (which is probably the only i can even be considered, given my gcses are like 77666555555, and i have no A level further maths)
IF and only if i achieve these results will i then focus my attention on getting into imperial, else i will probably just keep my offer at sheffield, and either do the Msc Advanced Aerospace Engineering at Imperial, or the Msc Astronautical and Spacecraft Engineering at cranfield.

i am currently planning to do a few projects similar to that guy (Intezgra?) on youtube, making really abstract “jet engines” and similar as projects, and then obviously sitting and preparing hard for the ESAT.

I also believe i may take AS level further maths in my gap year if i achieve these results, or at least somehow show off extra maths abilities (perhaps by signing myself up or training for maths competitions) to make up for that flaw in my application

I hope to join or create some sort of aerospace based research group or something of that sort to mimic like a teamwork based environment around something technical, as this would look crazy good on a statement or in an interview. (i will probably post about it on reddit asking for helpers if i feel like i stand a chance applying.)

when it comes to how much of a chance we have, it starts and ends at A level or equivalent grades i fear, as everyone applying will have the top grades, and if you fall short, then you are instantly dragged to the bottom. but i feel like as long as you have those A*s, you have the foundational chance that then allows your application to rely on your ESAT, extra and super curriculars, and then interview.

good luck to us both, i sincerely hope we both get in.

Reply 2

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post

by soocl

i am in the exact situation as you, fortunately apart from the moving around-
i thought i would undertake computer science in uni until the end of Y12, so i have had little time to undergo projects, and my only relevant work exp has been springpod airbus and CAA
predicted A*AA (very generously) still holds me no success at top aerospace universities, but in the recent weeks i have been obsessed with the Aeronautics and Spacecraft Engineering course at imperial, and here’s my rough idea of how i may get into it
i am planning on taking a gap year, i am aiming for A*A*A* in Maths, Physics, Comp Sci achieved (which is probably the only i can even be considered, given my gcses are like 77666555555, and i have no A level further maths)
IF and only if i achieve these results will i then focus my attention on getting into imperial, else i will probably just keep my offer at sheffield, and either do the Msc Advanced Aerospace Engineering at Imperial, or the Msc Astronautical and Spacecraft Engineering at cranfield.
i am currently planning to do a few projects similar to that guy (Intezgra?) on youtube, making really abstract “jet engines” and similar as projects, and then obviously sitting and preparing hard for the ESAT.
I also believe i may take AS level further maths in my gap year if i achieve these results, or at least somehow show off extra maths abilities (perhaps by signing myself up or training for maths competitions) to make up for that flaw in my application
I hope to join or create some sort of aerospace based research group or something of that sort to mimic like a teamwork based environment around something technical, as this would look crazy good on a statement or in an interview. (i will probably post about it on reddit asking for helpers if i feel like i stand a chance applying.)
when it comes to how much of a chance we have, it starts and ends at A level or equivalent grades i fear, as everyone applying will have the top grades, and if you fall short, then you are instantly dragged to the bottom. but i feel like as long as you have those A*s, you have the foundational chance that then allows your application to rely on your ESAT, extra and super curriculars, and then interview.
good luck to us both, i sincerely hope we both get in.

Hey Soocl, 👋

It's great to hear you are considering an aerospace degree, that sounds so interesting!

I see that you have received an offer from Sheffield (great job btw!).

Do you have any questions about studying in Sheffield (either student life or Sheffield in general)?

Let me know if you'd like any information on anything! 🙂

Best wishes,
Phoebe 😄
(Student ambassador - PhD in English Literature at UoS)