Competitive Admissions and

Academic Interviews
Jonathan Tinnacher
Director of Student Recruitment & Outreach

Overview
Overview of applications and admissions at
Imperial
Criteria used to select
UCAS Entry Profiles
Personal statements
Selection tests
Interviews
Offers
Confirmation

Applications and Admissions to Imperial

Applications

Admissions

Ratio

Average
tariff
score

Engineering

5,642

922

6.1 : 1

562

Medicine

3,512

435

8.1 : 1

560

Natural
Sciences

5,163

856

6.0 : 1

560

Total

14,316

2,213

6.5 : 1

561

The process at Imperial

Department Admissions Tutors: Academic
with administrative support
Some use selection tests
Most Departments will interview*
Decision made by Department
Admissions Office check
Decision sent to applicant by UCAS and
Department
*Life Sciences, Biomedical Science and Mathematics do not interview

Criteria used to select

Subject selection (what subjects were being
studied in final year)
Schools grade prediction
Previous exam results (where they exist)
Personal Statement
Referees Statement
Admissions tests
Interview

A very useful resource...

UCAS Entry Profiles

UCAS Entry Profiles

Imperial Entry Profile: Aeronautical Engineering

Essential skills/qualities at entry
You may not yet have much appreciation of Aeronautical Engineering, but an interest in applying your maths,
physics and/or design studies to real world practical situations is a good starting point. An interest in aircraft is
helpful but certainly not necessary; our graduates gain employment in a wide range of technologies.
Mathematical Ability: Aeronautical Engineers use the laws of physics and a pragmatic imagination to
develop mathematical models of the processes, structures and systems which they are investigating and to
predict and refine their performance. What connects these processes is the flow of a fluid in contact with a
solid object, e.g. air past an aircraft wing, car or building, oil through a pipeline, blood in an artery. Although
Aeronautical Engineers often use wind tunnels and computers to help solve the associated problems, a
rigorous understanding of the underlying mathematical principles is essential to be able to assess the validity
of their predictions. The first two years of the courses will build on your mathematical background to give you
the range of numerical skills required; however you must be able to demonstrate a very high level of
mathematical ability at entry.
Scientific Ability: The ability to extract and understand the basic physical principles involved in any practical
system is an essential requirement of a successful engineer. When creating a new design the engineer must
be able to clearly identify how the device is meant to work, and describe the principles in such a manner that
it is possible to ensure that it will work safely and without risk. In many applications, e.g. aircraft, an overly
conservative design will make the device heavier than necessary leading to higher fuel costs, lower loadcarrying capacity or reduced operating range.
Motivation: Any engineering course requires a lot of hard work if you are going to complete it successfully,
so we are looking for indications in the personal statement of your UCAS application form that you have
researched what is involved in studying and, later on, applying Aeronautical Engineering. Clearly if you plan
to be a Formula One racing car designer, or aircraft designer, you will be able to see that these courses
provide a very strong academic background to such a career. However if you just want to "do something with
your physics and don't like computing or electricity" then you may find that these courses are too challenging.

Imperial Entry Profile: Aeronautical Engineering

Desirable skills/qualities at entry
There is no "ideal applicant" for Aeronautical Engineering; we are looking for very bright students who will be
able to benefit from our courses and who have the potential to become professional engineers. However there
are some interests and useful skills which you may already possess; these will help you on our courses.
Interest in aircraft or other transport or related technologies: Aeronautical Engineering has its roots in
the design and construction of aircraft but any other technology that involves fluid flow needs the special skills
of Aeronautical Engineers.
Interest in design: Design is at the heart of engineering. Engineers try to create devices and machines
which will be useful to people. The designs must work, be safe and economic to manufacture and operate,
cause minimum pollution, and be desirable so that people will buy them. If you enjoy design technology and
the idea that there is not always just one right answer to many problems, then the challenge of producing
innovative aeronautical designs which will work may be one reason for selecting one of our courses.
Interest in problem solving: Many engineers have to resolve complex problems involving both technical
matters, e.g. size, materials etc., and more nebulous problems such as human relations. The ability to identify
clearly what are the main problems, and then to propose and implement strategies for solving or resolving
them with out creating more problems, is an extremely useful skill for project management.
Interest in working with others: Some engineers work as individuals, doing everything themselves.
However most have to work in teams to design and produce machines in a shorter period of time utilizing the
different skills of each m ember of the team. The ability to get on with other people, and to get them to work
with you and for you, are important skills, particularly if you want to become a manager.

The Personal Statement (1)

Clear, well written, articulate (no copying and
no mistakes).
Motivation clear reasons for wanting to study
their subject.
Demonstrate an understanding of the subject.
Evidence of skills such as time management.

The Personal Statement (2)

Skills, understanding and motivation, evidenced
by:
Previous study
Relevant experience work or extra-curricular
Career aspirations

Other:
Activities, interests, music, travel, community work,
sports use to demonstrate skills
Any exceptional circumstances?
Why are you taking a year out?

The Personal Statement (3)

Tip: Mention open days, taster courses, public
lectures, books shows drive, motivation and
desire to find out about subject (especially if
not studied at school)

Selection tests
BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Test)

Medicine & Biomedical Science

Register September, exam November

MAT (Maths Admissions Test)

Mathematics
Register September, exam November

Interview day tests

e.g. Aeronautics Maths test / advance question

See: www.admissionstestingservice.org

Interviews (1)
Admissions tutors will look for:
Motivation
Research on the subject and course
Good performance on interview questions
Willingness to learn can take a hint and run
with it!

Interviews (2)
Admissions tutors will inevitably ask:
Why do you want to study the subject (at
Imperial)?
Tip: Have something prepared.

Interviews (3)
Technical part:
Based on A level (or material that can be
deduced from A level), profession, or on
personal statement. e.g.

Tell us about Spectroscopy

How does a jet engine work?
In ten years time, would you expect to see more
patents for cancer or for diabetes?

Tip: You can steer these, by telling them about

your main interests

Typical offers at Imperial

A-levels: A*A*AA to AAA
Will specify if specific grades required for
specific subjects

Confirmation
If meet grades then will be accepted.
Near misses will be considered if places
available.
Will, on occasion, make alternative offer.

And finally
Contact Admissions tutor in department with
any special circumstances.
Encourage applicants to contact Admissions
tutor if they wish to seek any clarity, or need
different interview arrangements.
Check on-line prospectus and departmental
websites for more information about selection
process.

Any Questions?