Engineering degree personal statement example (1b)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Ever since I was a small child I have loved building things, starting with Lego castles. As I grew up this developed, shown by my interest in computer games, writing my personal project about nanotechnology and assembling my own customized computer last year. Understanding how things work, dissecting them through analysis and then re-assembling the whole from its parts is what excites me. This combination of natural curiosity, together with an analytical mind and a feel for basic engineering is why I want to study this at university.

Analysis is a continuous and very conscious process for me. For example, linking elements of different subjects including Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, to resolve problems in any one of them. I have used three dimensional vectors in Mathematics and the refraction of a laser beam in Physics to solve a chemistry problem about the angles of crystals. I believe that one of the core activities of being an engineer is to look carefully at something, compare it with relevant ideas and theories from several disciplines, and come up with solutions to improve its functioning.

My curiosity and independent thought have been stimulated by my life experiences. Until the age of 13, I attended German primary and secondary school, both state run. I then moved to Paris to an international school where one of the highlights was to represent it at The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) as a delegate for Nigeria in the Economic and Social Forum inside the General Assembly. I have friends from all over the world and many different backgrounds. I remain in touch with young people in Kuwait (from THIMUN) and Hong Kong (whom I met at an IB summer school at Stanford University). This year I have completed the Silver Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The expedition component involved three days in the mountains near Monaco. The natural beauty and wonder reminded me of a hiking trip inside the Grand Canyon with my father. I realized that we probably still do not perfectly understand nature, and possibly never will, but that we are getting closer and that we could apply this understanding to improve our world.

I believe I have a combination of natural talents and an aptitude to succeed in engineering. The skills and mindset I will gain from studying engineering will continue to stimulate me once I finish university, as life continuously provides opportunities for analytical thought.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

I find Mathematics intuitively logical and elegant. I have won the Mathematics prize of my year for the past 4 years. I can spot patterns and so grasp the principal ideas quickly. This allows me to link more easily theory with the material world, without which the theory would be of very little use. I am currently reading "Mathematical Methods for Science Students", by Geoffrey Stephenson, which looks at maths from a different angle and allows me to take different approaches in solving problems.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Until I was 16, I did an internship at the United Bank of Switzerland where I learned how to interpret financial tools like Bloomberg and how the financial world worked.

In my free time, I like to play tennis, football and water sports. I enjoy going out and reading. I also enjoy travelling, as it often stimulates my curiosity and broadens my perspective.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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