留学申请书

　　Since I was young I have always had a keen interest in the way that thethings around me work. From marvelling at the telephone to how planes can fly,engineering advances have never failed to captivate me. For this reason, I havealways tried to find out how such things function, and about how they have hadan impact on the society we live in today. Coupled with the fact that I havealways enjoyed the logical and problem-solving processes involved in maths andphysics, I decided several years ago to embark on a career in engineering.

　　Since then, I have endeavoured to find out as much about engineering aspossible. I researched the great engineers such as Brunel, and discovered thegreat works they had completed. I have attended several engineering conferences,the most recent of which I was selected to speak live on radio about myexperiences. And once I had completed several weeks' worth of work experience, Iwas assured that it was the career that I wanted to pursue.

　　This summer, I took part in the Nuffield Bursary scheme for a month,working in a team, at Aerogistics Ltd. Our project was to analyse and implementa new system for the distribution of consumable materials to the individualdepartments within the company. We found the current system to be highlyinefficient and after much data gathering and thought, presented our findings tothe senior managers of the company who agreed with our ideas. The last week wasspent starting the implementation of these ideas. I found the experience to behighly challenging, yet rewarding especially as it led to me gaining a GoldCrest Award. I also found it useful as I got to see engineers at work and thedaily problems that they face. I learnt that there is a lot more to being a goodengineer than possessing technical competence, although this is undoubtedlyimportant; team work, communication and leadership skills are vital as well.

　　I have also recently been selected to complete two placements with armyengineers. One of these placements will focus on the more practical side ofengineering while the other will focus on the skills needed by a professionalengineer focussing on project planning and leadership. I hope to find theexperience useful.

　　In my spare time I like to play sport and music. In secondary school I wascaptain for the Netball and Football teams, as well as taking part in variousother sports. The experience of this greatly improved my team working abilitiesas well as my fitness. As a keen musician I am working towards my grade 5 theoryand grade 7 practical on cello. I am a member of a Youth Orchestra, and havejust recently completed a tour of Italy. I am also in the school orchestra andhave led several orchestras in the past, before progressing to the LYO.

　　In school, I am Deputy Head Girl, helping to lead a team of over 40prefects. I find this to be a challenging and stimulating role and believe ithas developed my confidence immensely. As well as carrying out the normal dutiesof a prefect, such as supervising younger students, I must lead and manage theother prefects. My role involves arranging rotas, organising after school eventssuch as the Year 7 social and parent's evenings and public speaking as well asother responsibilities, which have developed my communication, organisation andleadership skills immensely. The role requires a lot of commitment, but it hashelped to improve my time management, as I try to strike a balance between itand school work, which is my main priority. I have also been selected to competein the Physics Olympiad and have been entered for the Biology AdvancedExtension.

　　During my time at university I hope to gain a good degree, which will standme in good stead for when I enter the world of work. I would like to continue myeducation in a place where I can thrive both academically and socially, andwhere I can put my determination and motivation into good use. Thank you.