Jessica Wade Department of Physics & Centre for Plastic Electronics Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Outline How and why should I study science? Help with a science personal statement Applying to Imperial College Courses on Offer Living in London What happens on a science degree? What happens after a science degree? How can I visit?

How and why should I apply for science? Why bother? “We have just allowed people to study what they want to study, which is very nice, but at the end they wonder what the job opportunities are,” Juergen Maier, chief executive of Siemens UK. – There is an estimated shortfall of 55,000 engineers and scientists every year in the UK – Salaries are very high. – The average salary six months in: Drama, dance and cinematics from Essex University: £11,963 Computer scientists from Oxford: £43,895 How? Best combination of A-Levels (more maths and science) Be comfortable with maths If you are offered a place without A- level maths it is because they feel that your mathematical ability is such that it can be developed (requires you to be familiar with what you have been taught)

Personal Statement Example: Science or Engineering UCAS application needs to be structurally sound (!) Most schools don't offer the subject  read up Hard evidence of enthusiasm, not just synonyms or adjectives: – Work experience / Placement – Headstart course/ Summer School – What have you learnt from your experience? How your interest was sparked? – University open day, chatting with engineers, or researching on an institute website? No need to have a career plan but have an idea Borderline AS grades –why and what are you doing about it Evidence of scientific and analytical thinking and a practical approach  "I liked maths and physics at school and I didn't know what to do next” Understand course  you will NOT be building models or dismantling rockets and racing cars from day one: lots of theory and calculus

Personal Statement Example: Engineering ‘General Engineering’ vs. specific courses (i.e. at Mechanical Engineering) – Structural engineer at Bath.. "In reality the most interesting students are torn between different subjects and would like to do them all. So, for me at least, some discussion of this in a personal statement is good.” Most courses are accredited by the Engineering Council, so it's a good source of information to use, he says. Try to avoid clichés in your statement – – Famous engineers like Faraday or Brunel – Yon't be the only student to claim your inspiration stems from the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa – Pick something more imaginative and personal to you Contact admissions tutors directly and ask what they’re interested in – Some like ‘well rounded people’, some don’t care about hobbies Quick changing subjects (science, engineering): prospective students have an exciting future in front of them – make sure your personal statement reflects your desire to be a part of it.

Applying to Imperial Imperial College embodies and delivers world class scholarship, education and research in science, engineering and medicine, with particular regard to their application in industry, commerce and healthcare. Science Medicine Engineering Business Maths Computing

What can you study? Over 100 undergraduate courses! Faculty of Engineering Aeronautics Bioengineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Computing Design Engineering Earth Science & Engineering Electrical & Electronic Engineering Materials Mechanical Engineering Faculty of Natural Sciences Chemistry Life Sciences Maths Physics Faculty of Medicine Business School

Where will I live? “I have a house in London already!” All first years are offered accommodation (doesn’t matter if you live in London) “I’ll miss my mum  ” Under the care of wardens, sub-wardens (post grad students) and current Imperial students “London rent is unaffordable!” £59 - £253 / week “I want my own space…” Private accommodation from 2 nd year

Where will I live?

What will I do? Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Reports Essays Field Work Humanities Sport Gym and Pool Music Groups Theatre Art > 330 clubs

What do I do next? World’s second best university for employment Career advice after degree Summer internships at investment banks and consultancies Great starting salary- pay off any loan Go anywhere and do anything in world!

Let me in now! E-mentoring: imperialmentoring.org Imperial Festival: May 8 th – 10 th Summer Schools: All STEM subjects Medical School Business School Imperial Open Days: Medicine 22 nd April 2015 Registration essential, opens February 2015 Wednesday 24th June Thursday 25th June Saturday 19th September Come and visit the WOHL Reach Out Lab!