Engineering degree personal statement example (1g)

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

'Lego' bricks were my favourite form of amusement when I was a young boy, as I so clearly enjoyed making complicated constructions with them. My participation and distinction in the 3rd National Robotics competition in high school made me realise that I had a real passion for engineering. It also helped me to understand the difficulties engineers face during their work and enhanced my teamwork skills. The robot was constructed in an innovative way for a specific purpose with several restrictions because of the rules, including a specific budget. We used proper sensors, designed and made all of the electronic circuit by ourselves and although we had to program the robot in an unfamiliar language, we were awarded an Honourable Mention for Programming. After graduating, I decided to participate in the 4th Robotics competition with a friend and was awarded with the 3rd place.

As a member of the Technology Club, I was taken on visits to a Power Station and an Aluminium Plant. We were able to talk freely with the various engineers who were all ready to kindly reply to our queries about this fascinating profession. After the visits, I was in no doubt that this profession suited me, so I know I would definitely enjoy studying it-no matter how demanding and challenging it is. My interest in the subject was furthered on a tour during my 'Work Experience Week' with the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority. I was able to have a first hand look at how engineering affects our everyday life.

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

From an early age, I have been taking part in many competitions to enrich my knowledge beyond the school curriculum. I still remember the satisfaction I derived from receiving my first gold medal in 3rd Cyprus Mathematical Olympiad and my enthusiasm on being selected to represent Cyprus in the Primary Mathematics World Contest in 2002 held in Hong Kong. I currently possess five gold medals in Mathematical Olympiads, two silver ones, a first place in National Mathematics Competition in 2006, second and third prize from 21st and 20th Physics Olympiads respectively and many Honourable Mentions in other national science competitions. In addition, I qualified to participate in the national team for the Junior Balkan Olympiad in 2005 and in the International Mathematics Olympiad in 2006. All these enabled me to demonstrate my academic abilities in sciences, to cultivate critical and analytical thinking, to enrich my imagination and creativity and to develop my problem-solving skills. My school awarded me several prizes for my performance in specific subjects or in recognition of my achievements in drama and in other intellectual competitions.

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

My presence in school was deeply felt. I contributed to school activities through delivering speeches at conferences, taking part in group projects on Maths, Europe and Racism and I was asked to participate in two TV student game shows: on Road Safety in 2005 and on Europe in 2008. All the above enabled me to become an active member of a team and to develop my leadership skills. However, my interests were not restricted to the academic world. I was given the chance to participate in several camps. I gained a scholarship funded by the Fulbright Commission to participate in the Summer Bi-Communal Youth Program in Illinois, USA in 2006. This was a workshop in a university setting for 20 Greek Cypriots (including myself) and for 20 Turkish Cypriots, all selected nationally through a specific process. The intention was to promote harmony and inter-communal dialogue in our country.

On my free time I enjoy playing cards with friends as it requires some intellectual effort and go swimming mainly to relax. I regularly contributed to school events by dancing, another of my interests. Having travelled to different countries and having the chance to live independently of my family, I am now more than confident that I am able to study in the UK and am ready to take up the challenge of undertaking a demanding engineering course.

Universities applied to:

• Imperial College London - Electrical & Electronic Engineering - Unconditional Offer (Firm)
• University of Surrey - Electronic Engineering (3 years) - Unconditional Offer
• The University of Warwick - Electronic Engineering - Unconditional Offer
• University of Southampton - Electrical Engineering - Unconditional Offer
• University of Cambridge - Engineering (4 years) - Unsuccessful

Grades achieved:

• Mathematics (A2) - A
• Further Mathematics (A2) - A
• Physics (A2) - A
• Modern Greek (A2) - A
• Mathematics (AEA) - Merit
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0

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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