Oxford Engineering Model Personal Statement Exemplar from Successful Applicant
This is an Example personal statement by a successful Oxford Engineering applicant
I have always enjoyed solving problems, understanding the questions raised by them and the physical and mental processes required to find a solution. Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Art at AS have presented me with a variety of challenges, which with my supplementary studies
and experiences have led me to Engineering, a subject that combines the theoretical and practical in a way that interests me.
[1] The personal statement begins with the applicant's affinity for problem-solving and their enjoyment of understanding the processes involved in finding solutions.
[2] They mention their study of Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Art, which have presented them with various challenges and led them to pursue Engineering, a subject that combines their logical scientific nature with their creative artistic side.
Engineering appeals to my logical scientific nature and my more creative artistic side, allowing me to combine my skills to create solutions to the problems of daily life. These views have been reinforced by attending lectures in Maths at the Bloomsbury Theatre and Physics at Imperial College London. The former gave an understanding of maths at undergraduate level and in particular studies in 4 dimensions, the latter an understanding of the ways in
which routes on the London underground are optimised via the use of a routing algorithm that employs the physics of interacting polymers. Visiting the Large Hadron Collider has shown me direct links between theoretical physics and engineering.
[3] The applicant highlights their exposure to lectures in Maths and Physics, where they gained insights into advanced mathematical concepts and the application of physics in optimizing routes on the London underground.
[4] They also mention visiting the Large Hadron Collider, which solidified their understanding of the connections between theoretical physics and engineering.
I was selected for a week-long summer school in Cambridge as part of the Oxbridge Prospects programme, where I furthered my understanding of maths and physics at university level experiencing the challenging yet rewarding nature of solving a three-day long problem as well as a taste of university life. I have also been lucky enough to take on work experience in the railway yard and workshops of East Coast Trains, experiencing the complex combination of the
mechanical, electrical and hydraulics first-hand.
[5] The applicant mentions participating in a week-long summer school in Cambridge as part of the Oxbridge Prospects program, where they experienced the academic rigour of solving complex problems and gained a taste of university life.
[6] They also describe their work experience in the railway yard and workshops of East Coast Trains, which provided them with firsthand exposure to the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic aspects of engineering.
I am inspired by the achievements of the great engineers of history such as Joseph Bazalgette's London sewage system to overcome the Great Stink of London and Nikola Tesla's development of electrical systems. I have also been influenced by reading Richard Feynman and
specifically his work at Los Alamos where he aided engineers in devising safety procedures for nuclear material storage.
[7] The applicant expresses their admiration for historical engineers such as Joseph Bazalgette and Nikola Tesla, as well as their influence from reading Richard Feynman's work at Los Alamos. These experiences and influences have reinforced their belief that the application of theoretical and practical knowledge, blending scientific rigor with artistic creativity, is where their interest lies.
All these experiences have led me to conclude that the application in the world of theoretical and practical knowledge, both rigorously scientific and artistically creative, is where my interest lies. My studies in AS Physics has direct links to Engineering through Mechanics, Electricity, Materials, problem solving skills and practical work. Maths and more particularly Further Maths has taught me to apply rigour and a systematic nature in my approach to problem solving. Finally, Art has taught me the importance of drawing/sketching and being able to
visualize the problem allowing me to manipulate the physical aspects of the problem in search of the solution.
[8] The applicant reflects on their studies in Physics, Maths, Further Maths, and Art, highlighting how each subject has contributed to their problem-solving skills, systematic approach, and ability to visualize and manipulate physical aspects.
I enjoy working as part of a team; I am a drummer (Grade 7 Distinction, studying Grade 8) and have played in many bands and orchestras performing many times in London. I have also toured the Italian Lakes playing in a jazz band. This has given me an understanding of how a
well-integrated group can achieve more than an individual on their own. This knowledge has also been reinforced by my experience of teaching. I have been a dedicated student of karate since the age of 5 and having achieved my 1st Dan Black belt rank at age 15, have taught
children weekly since then. This has helped me come to an understanding of the planning (and compromises) required to lead a group and keep it focused and progressing.
[9] They emphasize their enjoyment of working as part of a team, citing their experience as a drummer in bands and orchestras and their teaching of karate to children.
Overall I believe the study of Engineering is the right path for me, combining many aspects of the subjects that I enjoy and wish to learn more about. I would like to think that in the future my studies will have equipped me to apply complex theoretical knowledge to practical problems, working with other like-minded people towards efficient and elegant solutions that hopefully improve everybody's quality of life. I also believe a degree in engineering will provide me with the social, business and intellectual capabilities that will be required when
working in the twenty-first century global economy.
[10] The statement concludes with the applicant's conviction that studying Engineering aligns with their interests and desire to apply complex theoretical knowledge to practical problems. They express their aspiration to work with like-minded individuals in pursuit of efficient and elegant solutions that enhance the quality of life. They also recognize the broader skills and capabilities, including social, business, and intellectual, that a degree in engineering can provide for success in the global economy.
Why is this a good Oxford Engineering personal statement?
Overall, this personal statement demonstrates the applicant's passion for problem-solving, their multidisciplinary approach to learning, and their appreciation for the intersection of science, art, and practical applications.
Their exposure to lectures, work experience, and extracurricular activities showcases their engagement with the field of engineering and their ability to work effectively in teams.
The statement also reflects their long-term goals of contributing to society through engineering and their recognition of the skills required for success in the modern world.
