Working class family genius son
Hi working class dad here, my son is at state school gcse 7 9’s and 3 8’s
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Hey @mesub, could you have a look at this one when you get a chance? 
Original post
by OceanisHi working class dad here, my son is at state school gcse 7 9’s and 3 8’s
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Is he in Year 12 or 13?
Imperial has advice here on what they're looking for: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/apply/undergraduate/process/personal-statement/
They don't routinely interview for the Computing course, but your son will need to sit the TMUA (next and final sittings are early in January next year). This ideally shouldn't be a last-minute thing (https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/computing-beng/#course-entry-1520459).
You mentioned interview - is he looking at Oxbridge? (In which case the ship has long sailed if he's in Yr13)?
You don't need work experience to get onto the course.
If you could give a little more info, it'll help me greatly in providing advice.
Reply 3
14
The most important factor aside from A levels is the TMUA score. Assuming he's in Y12, he should save the more relevant papers like actual TMUA past papers, yotta mocks, Jacqueline Taylor questions on d2drew2 (great channel for TMUA prep) for later so he doesn't run out early.
This notion guide has a lost of papers by increasing relevance to TMUA to work through in order: https://daniyaalanawar.notion.site/How-to-get-a-9-0-in-TMUA-1e327b56e18080f1bb09d567d4c60560
Also see: https://mei.org.uk/course/problem-solving-matters/
This notion guide has a lost of papers by increasing relevance to TMUA to work through in order: https://daniyaalanawar.notion.site/How-to-get-a-9-0-in-TMUA-1e327b56e18080f1bb09d567d4c60560
Also see: https://mei.org.uk/course/problem-solving-matters/
Reply 4
Original post
by OceanisHi working class dad here, my son is at state school gcse 7 9’s and 3 8’s
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Hey there. A couple years back I was in the same spot so I completely understand what your son is going through. If coding club is not for them, perhaps they might want to try some bootcamps relating to cyber, games programming (as you mentioned gaming), AI, robotics or networks? Computer Science at A-levels doesn't touch much on this but University modules go a little more in depth. I did not realise I was so into cyber until I did it at University! Python and C# are brilliant foundational languages.
Do not stress too much if he cannot find work experience at his level in Computing, there are very few out there for Year 12/13, most are offered via external schemes such as ICanYouCanToo, Aspire/UpReach or virtually through Springpod. Some companies offer them directly but over the summer. You need to lookout on their websites for them to come up and quite early on.
My first work experience was as a business analyst at Informa, with my first role in tech only being a placement and later an internship. There are a lot more options at University regarding summer/year work, starting from first year with Spring Insight schemes.
I suggest he has a look at a couple Universities of his choice, read up on the modules they offer for the different tech-based courses and see if anything speaks to him. Computing is not just about software, it carries into many many branches of tech, see example courses here. He may end up finding his niche, to help with that why not also check out example roles here to see if that helps with his choice?
Not every university does interviews, at Staffs I only went through UCAS, many Universities have their own guides for this! Hope this helps.
Let me know if you'd like me to expand on anything,
Aura (Uni of Staffs Rep)
Original post
by OceanisHi working class dad here, my son is at state school gcse 7 9’s and 3 8’s
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Work experience isn't expected nor required for CS. Arguably it's not even that common. Unis are very aware that not all applicants have equal access to work experience opportunities, especially at big name companies and such, and they make a point of ensuring they don't discriminate against applicants who don't have connections to get such things. Should such an opportunity arise naturally he should feel free to pursue it but if not, he will not be disadvantaged as a result.
UK unis also don't really care about generic extracurriculars unrelated to the course on the whole. Things like being head girl/boy, playing instruments, participating in sport, DofE and random volunteering stuff etc - largely irrelevant for most courses. I feel like telling people to not waste lots of their limited character space writing about those things (max 1-2 lines on this stuff is sufficient really for most courses, if any at all) instead of why they actually want to study the course they're applying to and what they've done/read that's actually relevant to it is a lot of the personal statement advice that gets given on here!
If he's doing coding projects himself, getting involved in topics of interest in CS and exploring those with wider reading and other activities, and doing well in maths and CS, he's already doing what he needs to be doing
No need to stress! Reply 6
Original post
by OceanisHi working class dad here, my son is at state school gcse 7 9’s and 3 8’s
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
He should consider Cambridge (Selwyn or Emmanuel College)
Here are some useful materials: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/improve-application
Reply 8
14
Original post
by Wired_1800He should consider Cambridge (Selwyn or Emmanuel College)
Here are some useful materials: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/improve-application
Here are some useful materials: https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/apply/before/improve-application
Why those colleges specifically?
Reply 9
Original post
by Muu9Why those colleges specifically?
Nothing really. I like them.
I do think the OP’s son should consider applying to Cambridge.
Reply 10
Original post
by OceanisHi working class dad here, my son is at state school gcse 7 9’s and 3 8’s
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Take a look at the UNIQ summer school in Oxford if hes in year 12! The applications are still open and its completely free and official to the University unlike other unofficial summer schools that are very pricey. I did it this summer and it was amazing!
Reply 11
Original post
by OceanisHi working class dad here, my son is at state school gcse 7 9’s and 3 8’s
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Hi, I hope someone's responded already - does he know about the TMUA test requirement for Imperial? On the personal statement, they mainly want to see evidence of real sustained interest in the subject beyond just the A level requirements, so he's on the right track. My daughter got in last year so I've been to their lectures on what they look for. Their website is also pretty useful. Since he's at a state school, he may also be able to get onto the all-inclusive free Sutton Trust summer school programme that's only open to state school pupils - https://www.imperial.ac.uk/be-inspired/schools-outreach/secondary-schools/summer-schools/sutton-trust/
Reply 12
Original post
by OceanisHi working class dad here, my son is at state school gcse 7 9’s and 3 8’s
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
Taking maths, further maths, physics and compscience. Think he’s gonna get 2a* maths and computer science and a or a* for further maths and physics depending on the day, looking to do comp science at imp or one of the other big uni’s
What does he need to include and have for the personal statement and interview. He’s coding in python and C sharp and started computer coding club at school but there’s not much interest. He’s stressed he can't find any work experience in computer software or coding. No hobbies or interests excepting gaming and coding, spends far too much time in his room.
We don’t know anyone who has ever been to a proper university. Bit lost on what to do. TIA
What is his school doing to support him? Has he done any UKMT challenges?
Why Imperial? Many of my top students [state school, 4 x A*s] look at a BEng/BSc with a placement but not there - it doesn't have the best reputation for student support. Does he really want to live in London or would a campus uni suit hime better?
What do you mean by a proper university? A good university for Engineering is Oxford Brookes, Bath and Loughborough for example, do you include them?
I would suggest he goes to some Open Days as course vary enormously and he needs a course that suits him and his strengths be that exams or coursework.
Cambridge gives ides for super curriculars here: https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/super-curricular-activities
Oxford here: https://www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/outreach/students/super-curriculars-and-resources/
Reply 13
14
Original post
by Muttley79What is his school doing to support him? Has he done any UKMT challenges?
Why Imperial? Many of my top students [state school, 4 x A*s] look at a BEng/BSc with a placement but not there - it doesn't have the best reputation for student support. Does he really want to live in London or would a campus uni suit hime better?
What do you mean by a proper university? A good university for Engineering is Oxford Brookes, Bath and Loughborough for example, do you include them?
I would suggest he goes to some Open Days as course vary enormously and he needs a course that suits him and his strengths be that exams or coursework.
Cambridge gives ides for super curriculars here: https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/super-curricular-activities
Oxford here: https://www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/outreach/students/super-curriculars-and-resources/
Why Imperial? Many of my top students [state school, 4 x A*s] look at a BEng/BSc with a placement but not there - it doesn't have the best reputation for student support. Does he really want to live in London or would a campus uni suit hime better?
What do you mean by a proper university? A good university for Engineering is Oxford Brookes, Bath and Loughborough for example, do you include them?
I would suggest he goes to some Open Days as course vary enormously and he needs a course that suits him and his strengths be that exams or coursework.
Cambridge gives ides for super curriculars here: https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/super-curricular-activities
Oxford here: https://www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk/study-here/undergraduate/outreach/students/super-curriculars-and-resources/
I think he wants to study CS
Reply 14
Original post
by Muu9I think he wants to study CS
Did I suggest otherwise? The links were for CS.
Reply 15
20
For Maths and CS, start with some of these suggestions - he does not need any 'work experience' for a degree course in CS etc.
STEM book list | Be inspired | Imperial College London
Reading List (Warwick)
Background_reading.pdf (Oxford)
Most of these books will be available to borrow via your local public library (ask the librarians for their help) or 2nd hand on Ebay or AbeBooks.
STEM book list | Be inspired | Imperial College London
Reading List (Warwick)
Background_reading.pdf (Oxford)
Most of these books will be available to borrow via your local public library (ask the librarians for their help) or 2nd hand on Ebay or AbeBooks.
(edited 3 weeks ago)
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