what supercurriculars should I be doing?
10
Hey guys,
I am in y12 studying maths, fm, physics, chemistry and I am looking to study engineering at cambridge to specialise in information/electrical engineering. I am also thinking of applying to Imperial for either Computing(software engineering) or Electrical Information Engineering. I know about the importance of the entrance exam but what stuff should I be doing that would really boost my application/personal statement. Plz be specific.
Thanks!
I am in y12 studying maths, fm, physics, chemistry and I am looking to study engineering at cambridge to specialise in information/electrical engineering. I am also thinking of applying to Imperial for either Computing(software engineering) or Electrical Information Engineering. I know about the importance of the entrance exam but what stuff should I be doing that would really boost my application/personal statement. Plz be specific.
Thanks!
Reply 1
i would suggest a personal project of sorts, where you collect your own data and draw your own results. do some research about what you're interested in and see if you can plan and do a project at home. something you can talk about in an interview that someone else probably hasn't done. it's the best and easiest way to stand out from other applicants. imperial and cambridge are extremely competitive- you also need to show you're academically competent. do some olympiads, maths challenges, courses etc. work experience would also be helpful for your course- make sure it is specific to your preferred course though.
Reply 2
akashDTV
OP
10
Original post
by fictitious-wateri would suggest a personal project of sorts, where you collect your own data and draw your own results. do some research about what you're interested in and see if you can plan and do a project at home. something you can talk about in an interview that someone else probably hasn't done. it's the best and easiest way to stand out from other applicants. imperial and cambridge are extremely competitive- you also need to show you're academically competent. do some olympiads, maths challenges, courses etc. work experience would also be helpful for your course- make sure it is specific to your preferred course though.
Hi thanks for the response, I have a few questions in response.
1.
I am quite passionate about fuels /sustainable fuels used in cars and motorsport/formula 1 as well as formula 1 cars as a whole and have done some research/gone to some lectures about this topic, what kinds of projects could I do for this? I want to somehow incorporate programming/ data organisation into this area as I want to specialise into software/information engineering.
2.
How many challenges would be a good amount?
3.
By courses do you mean online courses?
Reply 3
21
Original post
by akashDTVHey guys,
I am in y12 studying maths, fm, physics, chemistry and I am looking to study engineering at cambridge to specialise in information/electrical engineering. I am also thinking of applying to Imperial for either Computing(software engineering) or Electrical Information Engineering. I know about the importance of the entrance exam but what stuff should I be doing that would really boost my application/personal statement. Plz be specific.
Thanks!
I am in y12 studying maths, fm, physics, chemistry and I am looking to study engineering at cambridge to specialise in information/electrical engineering. I am also thinking of applying to Imperial for either Computing(software engineering) or Electrical Information Engineering. I know about the importance of the entrance exam but what stuff should I be doing that would really boost my application/personal statement. Plz be specific.
Thanks!
https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf
https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/improve-application
Are "core" stuff that theyd generally expect.
Reply 4
akashDTV
OP
10
Original post
by mqb2766https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/files/publications/super-curricular_suggestions.pdf
https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/improve-application
Are "core" stuff that theyd generally expect.
https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/improve-application
Are "core" stuff that theyd generally expect.
Ok thanks
Reply 5
Arkwright engineering scholarship (think deadline is soon) and also look at Smallpeice Trust events
Reply 6
21
Original post
by akashDTVOk thanks
It would be worth thinking about the stuff that you do in terms of
•
esat test and interview (so maths/physics beyond a level)
•
doing engineering projects that interest you
•
Find out about current / popular engineering
I think @mosaurlodon has done the esat this year and they may be able to offer a bit more specific/current advice about what they did / what Ive said.
Reply 7
the stuff that I did and would recommend
youre only really gonna have space for 2-3 projects in your statement, so focus on a few that interest you the most and excel in them rather than spreading too thin.
also if youre applying to cambridge you only apply to general engineering and for your other 4 choices you will probably be applying to some specific type like electrical or information engineering etc so your statement will be more geared towards the specific type, so to talk about engineering more generally you can make an optional statement called the MyCambridge Application (1200 characters), where you talk about the other types of engineering that interest you like civil or mechanical etc.
dont stress too much about the personal statement stuff, like mqb said, the esat/interview is way way more important, so hone in on practicing problem solving so ukmt, isaac physics (and engaa past papers when youre close to esat deadline), focusing on what youre bad at, and ask for advice in the math/physic threads if youre stuck.
•
cansat competition (basically where you make a satellite, that is launched with a rocket (supplied to you) to ~400m to collect atmospheric info and plus the finals are an awesome experience - more details in their website where you basically have to make 3 design reports. I also have some useful stuff for this if youre interested).
•
isaac physics (they have a summer sch where youre invited if you answer the most qs in your sch, and plus answering the qs improve your problem solving, more details on their website).
•
arkwright is useful but im pretty sure that deadline has passed for yr12?
youre only really gonna have space for 2-3 projects in your statement, so focus on a few that interest you the most and excel in them rather than spreading too thin.
also if youre applying to cambridge you only apply to general engineering and for your other 4 choices you will probably be applying to some specific type like electrical or information engineering etc so your statement will be more geared towards the specific type, so to talk about engineering more generally you can make an optional statement called the MyCambridge Application (1200 characters), where you talk about the other types of engineering that interest you like civil or mechanical etc.
dont stress too much about the personal statement stuff, like mqb said, the esat/interview is way way more important, so hone in on practicing problem solving so ukmt, isaac physics (and engaa past papers when youre close to esat deadline), focusing on what youre bad at, and ask for advice in the math/physic threads if youre stuck.
Reply 8
akashDTV
OP
10
Original post
by mosaurlodonthe stuff that I did and would recommend
youre only really gonna have space for 2-3 projects in your statement, so focus on a few that interest you the most and excel in them rather than spreading too thin.
also if youre applying to cambridge you only apply to general engineering and for your other 4 choices you will probably be applying to some specific type like electrical or information engineering etc so your statement will be more geared towards the specific type, so to talk about engineering more generally you can make an optional statement called the MyCambridge Application (1200 characters), where you talk about the other types of engineering that interest you like civil or mechanical etc.
dont stress too much about the personal statement stuff, like mqb said, the esat/interview is way way more important, so hone in on practicing problem solving so ukmt, isaac physics (and engaa past papers when youre close to esat deadline), focusing on what youre bad at, and ask for advice in the math/physic threads if youre stuck.
•
cansat competition (basically where you make a satellite, that is launched with a rocket (supplied to you) to ~400m to collect atmospheric info and plus the finals are an awesome experience - more details in their website where you basically have to make 3 design reports. I also have some useful stuff for this if youre interested).
•
isaac physics (they have a summer sch where youre invited if you answer the most qs in your sch, and plus answering the qs improve your problem solving, more details on their website).
•
arkwright is useful but im pretty sure that deadline has passed for yr12?
youre only really gonna have space for 2-3 projects in your statement, so focus on a few that interest you the most and excel in them rather than spreading too thin.
also if youre applying to cambridge you only apply to general engineering and for your other 4 choices you will probably be applying to some specific type like electrical or information engineering etc so your statement will be more geared towards the specific type, so to talk about engineering more generally you can make an optional statement called the MyCambridge Application (1200 characters), where you talk about the other types of engineering that interest you like civil or mechanical etc.
dont stress too much about the personal statement stuff, like mqb said, the esat/interview is way way more important, so hone in on practicing problem solving so ukmt, isaac physics (and engaa past papers when youre close to esat deadline), focusing on what youre bad at, and ask for advice in the math/physic threads if youre stuck.
@mosaurlodon thanks for the response.
some projects I have in mind are things like 3D modelling using a software called blender as well as maybe creating a blog about a topic I am passionate about. Additionally in the past I have also had experience using breadboards and stripboards to build electrical circuits and had in fact made a custom timer (for timing my rubiks cube solves). Would you say these three projects would be enough. (not taking into account work experience, online courses, wider reading and competitions etc.)
Reply 9
It depends. In the personal statement, especially for engineering, really you wanna be talking about problems that you solved, and how you overcame them, even problems you didnt solve, writing about the successes is great and all but dont just focus on that.
So if you think those 3 have enough challenges and solutions overcoming those challenges then you should be good (although id say dont talk too much about the blog, i dont think it would be that relevant to the engineering that you want to do and it can distract valuable characters away from the actual physical projects you made), but the 3d modelling and timer program sound good
So if you think those 3 have enough challenges and solutions overcoming those challenges then you should be good (although id say dont talk too much about the blog, i dont think it would be that relevant to the engineering that you want to do and it can distract valuable characters away from the actual physical projects you made), but the 3d modelling and timer program sound good
Reply 10
Original post
by akashDTVHi thanks for the response, I have a few questions in response.
Thanks
1.
I am quite passionate about fuels /sustainable fuels used in cars and motorsport/formula 1 as well as formula 1 cars as a whole and have done some research/gone to some lectures about this topic, what kinds of projects could I do for this? I want to somehow incorporate programming/ data organisation into this area as I want to specialise into software/information engineering.
2.
How many challenges would be a good amount?
3.
By courses do you mean online courses?
If you’re interested in fuels you’re probably better off looking at either chemical engineering (if you’re interested in the development of these fuels) or mechanical if you’re interested in the application and utility of renewable fuels.
Additionally id note Oxford has a (very) well respected engines group and they have some top supervisors for this kind of stuff (and i know the academics involved in that group support undergraduate dissertations).
As for extra curricular stuff:
- as strong on the maths as possible, honestly PS and this stuff is generally far less important (for engineering) as having strong A-levels and at Oxbridge the admissions tests & interviews
- self taught python particularly model building and data analysis would be a nice tool
- other than this just pursue your interests ie reading articles or papers on topics that you want to
Reply 11
akashDTV
OP
10
Original post
by mnotIf you’re interested in fuels you’re probably better off looking at either chemical engineering (if you’re interested in the development of these fuels) or mechanical if you’re interested in the application and utility of renewable fuels.
Additionally id note Oxford has a (very) well respected engines group and they have some top supervisors for this kind of stuff (and i know the academics involved in that group support undergraduate dissertations).
As for extra curricular stuff:
- as strong on the maths as possible, honestly PS and this stuff is generally far less important (for engineering) as having strong A-levels and at Oxbridge the admissions tests & interviews
- self taught python particularly model building and data analysis would be a nice tool
- other than this just pursue your interests ie reading articles or papers on topics that you want to
Additionally id note Oxford has a (very) well respected engines group and they have some top supervisors for this kind of stuff (and i know the academics involved in that group support undergraduate dissertations).
As for extra curricular stuff:
- as strong on the maths as possible, honestly PS and this stuff is generally far less important (for engineering) as having strong A-levels and at Oxbridge the admissions tests & interviews
- self taught python particularly model building and data analysis would be a nice tool
- other than this just pursue your interests ie reading articles or papers on topics that you want to
What kind of projects can I do that integrates data analysis / python (at a relatively amateur level)?
Or is it just taking a few online courses on things like python? I know Codeacademy has a few good ones.
Reply 12
Original post
by akashDTVWhat kind of projects can I do that integrates data analysis / python (at a relatively amateur level)?
Or is it just taking a few online courses on things like python? I know Codeacademy has a few good ones.
Or is it just taking a few online courses on things like python? I know Codeacademy has a few good ones.
The online courses are a good starting point, id also familiarise yourself with something like visual studio or pycharm.
And you can make a project about almost anything there must be hundreds of examples on google and YouTube. Once you’ve done one or teo simple ones you can then just invent your own projects.
Reply 13
Original post
by akashDTVHey guys,
I am in y12 studying maths, fm, physics, chemistry and I am looking to study engineering at cambridge to specialise in information/electrical engineering. I am also thinking of applying to Imperial for either Computing(software engineering) or Electrical Information Engineering. I know about the importance of the entrance exam but what stuff should I be doing that would really boost my application/personal statement. Plz be specific.
Thanks!
I am in y12 studying maths, fm, physics, chemistry and I am looking to study engineering at cambridge to specialise in information/electrical engineering. I am also thinking of applying to Imperial for either Computing(software engineering) or Electrical Information Engineering. I know about the importance of the entrance exam but what stuff should I be doing that would really boost my application/personal statement. Plz be specific.
Thanks!
Good luck!
Reply 14
akashDTV
OP
10
Original post
by idkwhatXD_lolhii i am also in y12 and doing same a levels as you. I also want to study engineering at cambridge/EEE at imperial. Currently, i am learning python and also doing a crest award project related to engineering
Good luck!
Good luck!
HI, thanks for your response, what is a crest award project?
Reply 15
Original post
by akashDTVHI, thanks for your response, what is a crest award project?
https://www.crestawards.org/
You can do anything you want related to stem. It can be a research paper, practical investigation, or 'design and make'. I am doing 'design and make', and I am doing a new design for wind turbine. One of my friend is making a particle accelerator. Another is doing a research paper on risk factors of heart disease, etc. It's basically like an EPQ(which I will be doing too) but takes lesser time and is more stem focussed. It is offered by my college, but I think you can do it independently too. You can do it at any time of the year. If you want to do this, do the gold level of it.
(edited 1 year ago)
Reply 16
akashDTV
OP
10
Original post
by idkwhatXD_lolhttps://www.crestawards.org/
You can do anything you want related to stem. It can be a research paper, practical investigation, or 'design and make'. I am doing 'design and make', and I am doing a new design for wind turbine. One of my friend is making a particle accelerator. Another is doing a research paper on risk factors of heart disease, etc. It's basically like an EPQ(which I will be doing too) but takes lesser time and is more stem focussed. It is offered by my college, but I think you can do it independently too. You can do it at any time of the year. If you want to do this, do the gold level of it.
You can do anything you want related to stem. It can be a research paper, practical investigation, or 'design and make'. I am doing 'design and make', and I am doing a new design for wind turbine. One of my friend is making a particle accelerator. Another is doing a research paper on risk factors of heart disease, etc. It's basically like an EPQ(which I will be doing too) but takes lesser time and is more stem focussed. It is offered by my college, but I think you can do it independently too. You can do it at any time of the year. If you want to do this, do the gold level of it.
ok thanks
Reply 17
Original post
by akashDTVHey guys,
I am in y12 studying maths, fm, physics, chemistry and I am looking to study engineering at cambridge to specialise in information/electrical engineering. I am also thinking of applying to Imperial for either Computing(software engineering) or Electrical Information Engineering. I know about the importance of the entrance exam but what stuff should I be doing that would really boost my application/personal statement. Plz be specific.
Thanks!
I am in y12 studying maths, fm, physics, chemistry and I am looking to study engineering at cambridge to specialise in information/electrical engineering. I am also thinking of applying to Imperial for either Computing(software engineering) or Electrical Information Engineering. I know about the importance of the entrance exam but what stuff should I be doing that would really boost my application/personal statement. Plz be specific.
Thanks!
Hi im currently studying engineering, If u could do any projects that include coding like play around with an Arduino or raspberry pi. Usually self projects are more useful than following online courses as it shows ur own motivation to create soething fun. But to make it easier im sure there are simple yt videos of people making things with an Arduino step by step. If u dont have access to arduino and cant buy one, i would recommend starting some projects on tinkercad.
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