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Am I cooked for my Aerospace Engineering Personal Statement?

I've been looking for work experience, competitions, university lectures , taster days, camps etc. And I've missed the deadline for every single one. I'm absolutely gutted. Is there anything else I can do because as of now the only thing I've got going for me is RAF Cadets, a model aircraft I've made, reading into the actual syllabus and books about aerospace, and potentially some work experience at my local mechanic (which apparently isn't that strong and worth putting).

Is there anything else I can do? I want to go to the top 10 Universities and after looking at model personal statements they all have at least 3 of the extra curriculum I've mentioned above making mine pale in comparison. Any Insights and experiences would be much appreciated.

Reply 1

Original post
by INSHALLA_PLZ
I've been looking for work experience, competitions, university lectures , taster days, camps etc. And I've missed the deadline for every single one. I'm absolutely gutted. Is there anything else I can do because as of now the only thing I've got going for me is RAF Cadets, a model aircraft I've made, reading into the actual syllabus and books about aerospace, and potentially some work experience at my local mechanic (which apparently isn't that strong and worth putting).

Is there anything else I can do? I want to go to the top 10 Universities and after looking at model personal statements they all have at least 3 of the extra curriculum I've mentioned above making mine pale in comparison. Any Insights and experiences would be much appreciated.

For engineering personal statement is typically not that important, academics & relevant subjects are overwhelmingly the most important factors. You can do some free online work experiences the IMeche (institution of Mechanical Engineers) does a free one on springpod, and so do some other companies, you can also watch engineering lectures from reputable sources including MIT on YouTube and read open access papers all of which is excellent relevant content for engineering… not to mention just talking about why you’re passionate for this field.

Reply 2

Original post
by mnot
For engineering personal statement is typically not that important, academics & relevant subjects are overwhelmingly the most important factors. You can do some free online work experiences the IMeche (institution of Mechanical Engineers) does a free one on springpod, and so do some other companies, you can also watch engineering lectures from reputable sources including MIT on YouTube and read open access papers all of which is excellent relevant content for engineering… not to mention just talking about why you’re passionate for this field.

Would the same apply for a foundation year for engineering? I actually want to do a foundation year but I'm preparing my personal statement to that of a 1st year so It would look much better.

Reply 3

Original post
by INSHALLA_PLZ
Would the same apply for a foundation year for engineering? I actually want to do a foundation year but I'm preparing my personal statement to that of a 1st year so It would look much better.

Why would there be any difference between a personal statement for 1st year or foundation program?

Reply 4

Original post
by mnot
Why would there be any difference between a personal statement for 1st year or foundation program?

I thought that foundation years don't focus as much on academics. For context, I want to do a foundation year because I'm doing a Btec in Engineering which isn't something that isn't good enough for 1st year. So Uni's would know that this isn't a strong academically for uni itself.

Reply 5

Original post
by INSHALLA_PLZ
I thought that foundation years don't focus as much on academics. For context, I want to do a foundation year because I'm doing a Btec in Engineering which isn't something that isn't good enough for 1st year. So Uni's would know that this isn't a strong academically for uni itself.


University is an academic endeavour, the foundation year is typically for students who don’t have suitable background knowledge of the physics & mathematics required for year 1, however the foundation year is still an academic course designed to progress students onto the full degree.
Ultimately you’re still applying to academia, and academic institutions.

Reply 6

When it comes to foundation years, should I talk about which course I'd like to progress to when it comes onto first year?Like for me I'd like to do aerospace engineering with pilot instruction. Sorry I just have no Idea how to prepare for it since my school are so dead set on apprentices. Or maybe you could direct me to resources on how to prepare?

Reply 7

Original post
by INSHALLA_PLZ
When it comes to foundation years, should I talk about which course I'd like to progress to when it comes onto first year?Like for me I'd like to do aerospace engineering with pilot instruction. Sorry I just have no Idea how to prepare for it since my school are so dead set on apprentices. Or maybe you could direct me to resources on how to prepare?


Yes if the aerospace industry is the motivation behind your interests in engineering and is a fundamental motivation for next steps then yes this is sensible content. Writing the personal statement is mostly common sense, why are you good candidate for this course, why do you want to do this course, what evidence of your interests do you have, what relevant achievements do you have…

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