How do I support DD with IC application

[Autumni]

DD wants to study Design Engineering at IC. There is no other course like that in the UK. I was reluctant due to the amount of work but went to the open day and it just felt so right. Basically you get a gut feeling which I didn’t feel at the other universities. We were there all day as she had an agenda, talked to lots of students, saw the accommodation, talk, tour department facilities, library, etc.

She is predicted 3 Astars; not sure she will achieve them all.

What else does she need to be doing to maximise her chances which are 1 in 7 I believe,

DD could join the online forum The Student Room and ask current students on the degree programme what aspects of their application they believe made it successful.

She can also look up the profiles of successful applicants on UCAS and the Complete University Guide. To the extent that she has outlying characteristics - eg, unusual A Levels - address in the PS how her choices prepare her for the degree.

Best wishes to her

Why would you discourage a DC going to a top university because "it's a lot of work"?

This is a great idea. Thank you very much

There's a lot of information on the Imperial web site: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/design-engineering/. First thing would be preparing for the engineering & science admissions test (ESAT). The registration deadline for the October sitting has passed, so she'd need to be preparing for (and booking) the January sitting.

There's personal statement advice at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/design-engineering/study/meng/application-information-and-faq/personal-statements/ and the background to the programme at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/design-engineering/.

Great idea, @HEMole

If IC give specs or parameters for the PS, I would heed them carefully. I would also practise for the ESAT, possibly with a tutor especially as there is limited background material as of yet. Another good shout from @HEMole

An online tutor or support programme nay be a more economical option - hopefully DD’s school will know some resources. I don’t know whether the Advanced Maths Support Programme has anything for the ESAT

I wasn’t discouraging her; I do however want her to have a balanced life.

Anyway that wasn’t what I was asking

She has already booked it; she asked her maths teacher about it too and she said she was going to look at it.

Perhaps she should move it for January so she has more chance to practice. It is in October; not sure she can move it though

They do advise people to do the October sitting. I don't know whether this is because it confers some advantage, or if it's just to avoid sitting it too close to the UCAS application deadline.

Yes, that’s why she booked in October