Engineering supercurriculars help

Hi!
I’m sorry this has a lottt of background. If you can’t be asked to read it all just skip to the dash!
-
I’m 16 and about to go into year 12, just waiting on my (i)GCSE results 🥲
Anyways, I’ve been set on studying mechanical engineering for years now, as I really really REALLY want to work as a performance engineer in Formula 1. Like, a lot. Obviously, I need a really strong foundation to get basically any engineering job in F1, so my dream uni is Imperial.
I know that Imperial really like applicants who have a lot of supercurriculars, alongside the high grades. I honestly have no idea how my GCSEs went, but I’m trying not to focus on that and instead on what I can still do in sixth form to help my application!
Now, my main issue- I go to private school. Obviously its not an issue, it’s a wonderful opportunity that i’m eternally grateful for, but it isn’t helping much in this respect. I also did go to state school for half of my life. Not at all to brag but it’s a pretty prestigious school, and a lot of people there have higher up connections. I am not at all one of those people and am not at all privileged. My parents work multiple jobs to send me there. I’m also a black girl so there is barely any representation in the engineering industry, let alone motorsport but idk if unis will care about that when I apply.
A lot of the work experience/ residential/ outreach programs I’m trying to apply for are strictly for people who go to state school, which I obviously do not. It’s starting to stress me out a bit because I have been looking for work experience all summer but have gotten literally 0 replies (i emailed over 20 places), and all imperial applicants have done so much impressive stuff!! So i am already feeling way behind. It also doesn’t help that I genuinely have so much passion and love for motorsport and the engineering behind it and I am so worried that I won’t be able to reflect that in my application if I don’t get a major headstart, which will showcase my dedication.
-
Does anyone have any ideas for stuff I can do that will still impress on my personal statement? I thought of working on an engine and documenting it but they are sooo expensive. So far i am currently reading newey’s book, i do ukmt annually- last year i got a silver award, and i am currently working on my project for the cambridge aerofoil competition (though its not going great haha)
A little bit more context:
- my engineering interests: motorsport, vehicle dynamics, vehicle performance, aerodynamics
- my a level choices: maths, fm, physics, design and technology engineering branch
- my uni shortlist: imperial, bath, bristol, warwick (?), ?
- if you skipped: i go to private school but am not at all priveleged, it’s a serious sacrifice from my parents
Thank you so much for taking the time to read! You can probably tell it’s really worrying me. Sorry if its all waffle aha
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Hi!
I’m sorry this has a lottt of background. If you can’t be asked to read it all just skip to the dash!
-
I’m 16 and about to go into year 12, just waiting on my (i)GCSE results 🥲
Anyways, I’ve been set on studying mechanical engineering for years now, as I really really REALLY want to work as a performance engineer in Formula 1. Like, a lot. Obviously, I need a really strong foundation to get basically any engineering job in F1, so my dream uni is Imperial.
I know that Imperial really like applicants who have a lot of supercurriculars, alongside the high grades. I honestly have no idea how my GCSEs went, but I’m trying not to focus on that and instead on what I can still do in sixth form to help my application!
Now, my main issue- I go to private school. Obviously its not an issue, it’s a wonderful opportunity that i’m eternally grateful for, but it isn’t helping much in this respect. I also did go to state school for half of my life. Not at all to brag but it’s a pretty prestigious school, and a lot of people there have higher up connections. I am not at all one of those people and am not at all privileged. My parents work multiple jobs to send me there. I’m also a black girl so there is barely any representation in the engineering industry, let alone motorsport but idk if unis will care about that when I apply.
A lot of the work experience/ residential/ outreach programs I’m trying to apply for are strictly for people who go to state school, which I obviously do not. It’s starting to stress me out a bit because I have been looking for work experience all summer but have gotten literally 0 replies (i emailed over 20 places), and all imperial applicants have done so much impressive stuff!! So i am already feeling way behind. It also doesn’t help that I genuinely have so much passion and love for motorsport and the engineering behind it and I am so worried that I won’t be able to reflect that in my application if I don’t get a major headstart, which will showcase my dedication.
-
Does anyone have any ideas for stuff I can do that will still impress on my personal statement? I thought of working on an engine and documenting it but they are sooo expensive. So far i am currently reading newey’s book, i do ukmt annually- last year i got a silver award, and i am currently working on my project for the cambridge aerofoil competition (though its not going great haha)
A little bit more context:
- my engineering interests: motorsport, vehicle dynamics, vehicle performance, aerodynamics
- my a level choices: maths, fm, physics, design and technology engineering branch
- my uni shortlist: imperial, bath, bristol, warwick (?), ?
- if you skipped: i go to private school but am not at all priveleged, it’s a serious sacrifice from my parents
Thank you so much for taking the time to read! You can probably tell it’s really worrying me. Sorry if its all waffle aha
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Hi!
I’m sorry this has a lottt of background. If you can’t be asked to read it all just skip to the dash!
-
I’m 16 and about to go into year 12, just waiting on my (i)GCSE results 🥲
Anyways, I’ve been set on studying mechanical engineering for years now, as I really really REALLY want to work as a performance engineer in Formula 1. Like, a lot. Obviously, I need a really strong foundation to get basically any engineering job in F1, so my dream uni is Imperial.
I know that Imperial really like applicants who have a lot of supercurriculars, alongside the high grades. I honestly have no idea how my GCSEs went, but I’m trying not to focus on that and instead on what I can still do in sixth form to help my application!
Now, my main issue- I go to private school. Obviously its not an issue, it’s a wonderful opportunity that i’m eternally grateful for, but it isn’t helping much in this respect. I also did go to state school for half of my life. Not at all to brag but it’s a pretty prestigious school, and a lot of people there have higher up connections. I am not at all one of those people and am not at all privileged. My parents work multiple jobs to send me there. I’m also a black girl so there is barely any representation in the engineering industry, let alone motorsport but idk if unis will care about that when I apply.
A lot of the work experience/ residential/ outreach programs I’m trying to apply for are strictly for people who go to state school, which I obviously do not. It’s starting to stress me out a bit because I have been looking for work experience all summer but have gotten literally 0 replies (i emailed over 20 places), and all imperial applicants have done so much impressive stuff!! So i am already feeling way behind. It also doesn’t help that I genuinely have so much passion and love for motorsport and the engineering behind it and I am so worried that I won’t be able to reflect that in my application if I don’t get a major headstart, which will showcase my dedication.
-
Does anyone have any ideas for stuff I can do that will still impress on my personal statement? I thought of working on an engine and documenting it but they are sooo expensive. So far i am currently reading newey’s book, i do ukmt annually- last year i got a silver award, and i am currently working on my project for the cambridge aerofoil competition (though its not going great haha)
A little bit more context:
- my engineering interests: motorsport, vehicle dynamics, vehicle performance, aerodynamics
- my a level choices: maths, fm, physics, design and technology engineering branch
- my uni shortlist: imperial, bath, bristol, warwick (?), ?
- if you skipped: i go to private school but am not at all priveleged, it’s a serious sacrifice from my parents
Thank you so much for taking the time to read! You can probably tell it’s really worrying me. Sorry if its all waffle aha
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Hi! I’m about to go into year 13 and I want to do engineering too, although I’m applying for electrical & electronics. My school helped me set up a robotics club that I ran on a weekly basis - maybe your school could do the same or similar?

Hi!
I’m sorry this has a lottt of background. If you can’t be asked to read it all just skip to the dash!
-
I’m 16 and about to go into year 12, just waiting on my (i)GCSE results 🥲
Anyways, I’ve been set on studying mechanical engineering for years now, as I really really REALLY want to work as a performance engineer in Formula 1. Like, a lot. Obviously, I need a really strong foundation to get basically any engineering job in F1, so my dream uni is Imperial.
I know that Imperial really like applicants who have a lot of supercurriculars, alongside the high grades. I honestly have no idea how my GCSEs went, but I’m trying not to focus on that and instead on what I can still do in sixth form to help my application!
Now, my main issue- I go to private school. Obviously its not an issue, it’s a wonderful opportunity that i’m eternally grateful for, but it isn’t helping much in this respect. I also did go to state school for half of my life. Not at all to brag but it’s a pretty prestigious school, and a lot of people there have higher up connections. I am not at all one of those people and am not at all privileged. My parents work multiple jobs to send me there. I’m also a black girl so there is barely any representation in the engineering industry, let alone motorsport but idk if unis will care about that when I apply.
A lot of the work experience/ residential/ outreach programs I’m trying to apply for are strictly for people who go to state school, which I obviously do not. It’s starting to stress me out a bit because I have been looking for work experience all summer but have gotten literally 0 replies (i emailed over 20 places), and all imperial applicants have done so much impressive stuff!! So i am already feeling way behind. It also doesn’t help that I genuinely have so much passion and love for motorsport and the engineering behind it and I am so worried that I won’t be able to reflect that in my application if I don’t get a major headstart, which will showcase my dedication.
-
Does anyone have any ideas for stuff I can do that will still impress on my personal statement? I thought of working on an engine and documenting it but they are sooo expensive. So far i am currently reading newey’s book, i do ukmt annually- last year i got a silver award, and i am currently working on my project for the cambridge aerofoil competition (though its not going great haha)
A little bit more context:
- my engineering interests: motorsport, vehicle dynamics, vehicle performance, aerodynamics
- my a level choices: maths, fm, physics, design and technology engineering branch
- my uni shortlist: imperial, bath, bristol, warwick (?), ?
- if you skipped: i go to private school but am not at all priveleged, it’s a serious sacrifice from my parents
Thank you so much for taking the time to read! You can probably tell it’s really worrying me. Sorry if its all waffle aha
Any help would be greatly appreciated

Hey @un2wardsu 🙂
You sound really conscientious in your research already so you're already ahead of the game!
Is there a Careers team that you could book a little chat with in your school to see if they can highlight anything that could be useful? You could speak to your subject tutors to ask them if there's any projects you could maybe work on too.
You could look at the iMechE webpages too and see which resources are there. It looks like they have a few resources for using including a library/archive. They seem to have some webinars on Youtube that could interest you too - it doesn't look like they're restricted access and could provide some inspo 🙂
Generally I'd advise Engineering applicants to think about their transferrable skills in other ways too. They don't always need to be directly related to Engineering - but if you're able to show examples of your analytical skills, problem solving and communication skills then these can be key for engineers. You could do this by tutoring younger years, having a part time job, volunteering etc. If you're working hard in your studies and showing that you've a keen interest in the area then that's a great start IMO (and it sounds like you are 🙂).
Don't panic - you still have loads of time and it sounds like you're off to a positive start!
Good luck 😀
Caitlin 🎓️
Official University of Strathclyde Rep

Hi! I’m about to go into year 13 and I want to do engineering too, although I’m applying for electrical & electronics. My school helped me set up a robotics club that I ran on a weekly basis - maybe your school could do the same or similar?

You could also do an “artefact” EPQ and build something, if your school runs that

Hey! 😊
First off, your passion for motorsport and engineering really comes across, and honestly, that’s going to be one of your biggest strengths when it comes to your application. I’m in my second year studying Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering at City St George’s, University of London, and while my field’s a bit different, I’ve been through the same “how do I stand out without the right connections” stage. The good news is there’s still plenty you can do to make your application really strong.
Projects at home You don’t need a whole engine to get started. Smaller, cheaper projects can be just as impressive if you document them well. Try designing parts in CAD software like Fusion 360 (it has a free education licence) or using free vehicle/aero simulation tools. You don’t even have to print your designs — showing the concepts and process is enough. Keep track of your work in a portfolio, blog, or even short videos so you can talk about it later.
Competitions and challenges Keep going with the Cambridge Aerofoil Competition and check out others like F1 in Schools, Greenpower, or virtual motorsport engineering challenges that use telemetry or simulation software. Hackathons are also brilliant for experience; they give you a taste of problem-solving in a fast-paced, team environment.
Online learning Platforms like FutureLearn, Coursera, and edX have free courses on aerodynamics, vehicle design, and data analysis. Coding is a valuable skill for engineering too, so consider picking up Python or MATLAB through short online courses and linking your new skills to your motorsport interests.
Networking and outreach You don’t need “connections” to build a network. LinkedIn is a great tool, connect with engineers in motorsport or vehicle design and send polite, specific questions. Use Unibuddy to reach out to current students at your chosen unis, and attend open days to meet them in person. These are also a good chance to talk to professors about extra ways to stand out.
Building your academic edge Keeping up with UKMT, physics challenges, and Isaac Physics. Join organisations like Career Ready (check if your school is partnered) and in2STEM these often have events where you can meet professionals. Professional bodies like the IET and IMechE also run talks, competitions, and networking events, and Eventbrite is useful for finding free STEM events.
Final tip Don’t stress about being behind. Many students only start building their supercurriculars in Year 12. You’re already involved in competitions, reading, and projects, and what really matters is showing consistent interest and reflecting on what you’ve learned from each activity.
Hope that helps, Goodluck!