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  • Civil Engineering Personal Statement Examples

Discover an array of compelling personal statement examples tailored specifically for Civil Engineering courses in the UK. Writing a personal statement for a university application can undoubtedly pose a considerable challenge.

With our successful selection of Civil Engineering personal statement examples, we aim to provide you with valuable inspiration to help you conquer the task of writing a successful application for UCAS and your desired university.

Civil engineering has always been an integral part of my family’s identity, and I have been immersed in this world since a young age. Growing up with a father who holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD in civil engineering, as well as running his own engineering and construction company, I have had the privilege of experiencing the fascinating aspects of this field firsthand. Accompanying my father to construction sites and witnessing the entire process from planning to completion has instilled in me a deep admiration for the power of infrastructure projects to transform communities and enhance human quality of life.

Beyond my enthusiasm for building projects, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. I firmly believe that civil engineering has the potential to reshape the economic prospects of nations and cities, ultimately improving the well-being of their inhabitants. Contributing to such transformational projects would be an honour and a privilege. Moreover, the intellectual challenges posed by complex construction endeavours have always captivated me. I have a natural inclination for problem-solving, and the opportunity to tackle intricate puzzles in the realm of civil engineering is something I eagerly anticipate. Collaborating with a team of dedicated professionals to overcome obstacles and achieve successful outcomes is an aspect of civil engineering that particularly resonates with me.

To further expand my knowledge and experience, I have undertaken two work placements at an engineering and construction company, each lasting two months. These opportunities gave me valuable insights into various aspects of the construction business. In my first placement, I primarily worked in the company’s offices, gaining a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes intricacies of construction projects. During my second placement, I had the privilege of working with the surveying team on a housing project, which allowed me to grasp the multifaceted considerations involved in large-scale production projects. Additionally, my part-time job at a local coffee shop has honed important skills such as working under pressure and developing strong interpersonal relationships.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I am an avid participant in a wide range of hobbies, particularly sports. I regularly practice taekwondo and have achieved the level of a blue belt. Swimming, football, tennis, and rugby are recreational activities that bring me joy and foster a sense of discipline and teamwork. At school, I display great enthusiasm for physics and mathematics, both of which I recognise as being integral to the field of engineering. Witnessing how these subjects are applied in the design and construction of infrastructure projects has deepened my appreciation for their practical significance and further fueled my scientific curiosity and problem-solving drive.

As a diligent and committed student, my immediate priority is to achieve the best possible results in my A Levels, thereby ensuring that I am well-prepared for the rigorous demands of studying civil engineering at the university level. Following the completion of my BSc, I aspire to pursue a master’s degree in engineering, followed by a research degree in the field.

The combination of my appreciation for architecture, my passion for creating tangible impact, and my keen interest in project and construction management have solidified my determination to study civil engineering. I am particularly drawn to designing structures that harmoniously integrate with their surroundings. Through my previous work experience, I have been exposed to the practical aspects of the industry and have seen firsthand the direct benefits that well-executed projects can bring to the environment.

Having lived in various countries, I possess valuable adaptability skills and a multicultural background. I am fluent in both Arabic and English, allowing me to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. To expand my knowledge in the field, I actively engage in supplementary reading, such as “Structures or how things don’t Fall” by J.E. Gordon, and keep up-to-date with industry developments through the ‘New Civil Engineer magazine.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I have taken on leadership roles, such as being the President and Co-founder of my local Handball Club. This experience taught me the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and effective communication. Leading by example and collaborating with others towards a common goal have equipped me with invaluable skills applicable in both professional and personal settings.

Looking ahead, I envision a career in civil engineering where I can engage in diverse engineering projects. My ultimate goal is to establish my firm specializing in refurbishing and renovating upscale properties. I am confident that by obtaining a degree in civil engineering, I will acquire the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in this field and fulfil my aspirations.

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Civil Engineering Personal Statement

Ever since I discovered my fascination for construction and my passion for mathematics and physics, it was clear to me that pursuing a course in civil engineering was a natural choice. Engineering plays a vital role in our modern world, and I aspire to contribute to society through my knowledge and skills in this field. The opportunity to study in the United Kingdom, a country that has always intrigued me, would be a dream come true, providing excellent career prospects and allowing me to immerse myself in the British way of life.

While I find many subjects at school interesting, my talent undeniably lies in mathematics. Over the past seven years, I have dedicated myself to taking extra math classes, significantly improving my skills. Additionally, since second grade, I have actively participated in various math competitions, consistently ranking among the top three. Collaborating with team members in these competitions has developed my teamwork skills, and I am proud to serve as the captain of my school’s math team, where I have honed my leadership qualities. Through my efforts, I have had the opportunity to represent my school in an international competition in India, where I earned two bronze medals, as well as attending several international summer camps. These experiences have instilled in me a sense of responsibility, as I have often had to balance my academic commitments with competition schedules. My relentless dedication to mathematics and physics has significantly enhanced my analytical and critical thinking abilities, affirming my belief in possessing the technical skills required to excel as a civil engineer.

While I have delved into extensive reading and research on civil engineering, it was only recently that I had the privilege of gaining firsthand experience in the field. My uncle’s profession allows me to interact with civil engineers, and during the summer, I had the opportunity to meet and observe them at work. Witnessing the challenges and demands they face firsthand has been invaluable in shaping my understanding of this discipline. Furthermore, my growing interest in Russian culture and history led me to study the Russian language for the past four years, achieving a high level of proficiency. In May, I plan to take an exam to obtain an internationally recognized Russian language certificate, further highlighting my commitment to embracing diverse cultures and languages.

I am a persistent individual who strives to achieve the goals I set for myself. Engaging in charity work at the local Red Cross branch has not only enhanced my social and organizational skills but has also fostered my ability to propose innovative solutions and remain composed in challenging situations. Balancing my academic pursuits with extracurricular activities has taught me valuable time management skills, allowing me to indulge in non-academic pastimes. I am an avid chess player and have achieved awards in both regional and national tournaments, refining my logical and analytical thinking. Reading has always been a cherished pastime, cultivating a creative mindset within me. Authors such as Dickens, Sienkiewicz, and numerous Russian writers have influenced my love for literature. Additionally, history, particularly British and East European history, captivates my curiosity. In my leisure time, I enjoy jogging and practising archery to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Throughout history, civilizations have achieved remarkable engineering feats, from the ancient Giza Pyramids to the modern-day Burj Dubai. I greatly admire how seemingly impossible ideas materialize into some of the world’s most iconic structures. As I discover more applications of civil engineering in our daily lives, my passion and interest continue to grow.

Participating in the ‘Headstart’ program provided me with a profound insight into studying engineering at university. Engaging in team activities centred around civil engineering, we designed, constructed, and marketed a prototype waterslide. This hands-on experience allowed us to replicate the challenges engineers face in the professional world, working with limited resources and time constraints. Our team’s competitive spirit and hard work resulted in us securing first place

The Best Civil Engineering Personal Statement

Growing up on a farm and constructing structures out of straw bales provided me with my first taste of large-scale design. Balancing creativity with stability challenged and captivated my imagination. Combining this passion with my longstanding interest in science and mathematics led me to envision a career in civil engineering. My experiences at Mott Macdonald and Headstart have only solidified my conviction.

During my AS-level studies, I thoroughly enjoyed Mathematics and further pursued AS Further Maths this year. Joining the Further Maths group, I independently delved into topics they had already covered, with Mechanics being a particular highlight. I found practical applications of Maths, such as the use of matrices in analyzing framed structures, intriguing. I am eager to explore this subject in greater depth during my degree. Additionally, while studying environmental issues in Geography, I independently researched the reduction of emissions associated with project production and operations. I discovered projects like the “Round 3” offshore wind energy program, which actively strives to lower carbon dioxide emissions. Reading about the ambitious work on foundations within such projects sparked a special interest in me.

Participating in the Headstart engineering course offered me an opportunity to engage in diverse applications of maths. One memorable group activity involved designing a waterslide for a park, considering factors such as structure, cost, scale, speed, and profitability. This experience allowed me to witness the effectiveness of collaborative problem-solving and the power of group dynamics. Recently, I attended a talk on carbon and the oil industry, which emphasized the importance of engineers, governments, and the public working together to address challenges. Being part of an industry that fosters collaboration across diverse groups greatly appeals to me.

During a two-week work experience at Mott Macdonald, I contributed to an ongoing sewage treatment project. I was surprised by the range of tasks involved, such as analyzing flooding levels, designing electrical kiosks, and calculating gradients for wastewater drains. It was gratifying to learn that my sketches of the electrical kiosks would be utilized in the planning application process. Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a group working on an internationally funded project in Ghana, focused on improving clean water supply to small communities. Mapping the villages and assessing their needs made me realize the global significance of civil engineering, particularly for developing countries. Further research at home highlighted the rapid expansion of African nations like Uganda and Zambia, presenting opportunities for infrastructure development and local empowerment.

Playing the violin for the past twelve years has taught me the value of perseverance and maintaining a long-term perspective. Balancing daily practice with academic commitments, I achieved Grade Eight and have been part of my county youth orchestra for four years. I possess strong motivation, a diligent work ethic, and the ability to manage demanding responsibilities, as evidenced by my commitment to a morning bakery job that begins at 4:30 am.

Among the various disciplines within civil engineering, I am particularly drawn to environmental, water, and geotechnical engineering. The prospect of using water engineering to address the global challenge of water scarcity showcases the significant impact an engineer can make. Witnessing an example of this during my work experience in Ghana left a profound impression on me.

Choosing civil engineering as my future path involved reflecting on my preferences and aspirations. From a young age, I have been fascinated by physics, eager to explore the mysteries of the world and understand them in everyday contexts. Whenever I encounter massive structures, I ponder their ability to withstand the weight placed upon them and appreciate the supporting components. Mathematics, my second favourite subject, allows me to refine my logical thinking and enjoy the art of calculation. Recognizing the importance of these subjects in engineering, I am driven to study civil engineering.

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4 minutes read

Civil Engineering Personal Statement Example: A Comprehensive Guide to Success

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Dirghayu Kaushik

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28 August 2024

how to write a personal statement for civil engineering

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  • Introduction

When aspiring to become a civil engineer, one of the most critical steps in your academic journey is crafting a persuasive personal statement for your university application.

This document not only reflects your academic prowess but also your passion, experiences, and vision for a future in civil engineering. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating an impactful civil engineering personal statement, highlighting key elements to include and strategies to make your application stand out.

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  • The Role of a Personal Statement in Civil Engineering Applications

Crafting a Compelling Introduction

The introduction of your civil engineering personal statement is your first opportunity to capture the attention of the admissions committee. It should immediately convey your enthusiasm for civil engineering.

Start with a hook – an intriguing anecdote, a fascinating fact about civil engineering, or a personal experience that sparked your interest in the field. Your opening sentences should set the tone for the rest of your statement, showcasing your passion and curiosity for civil engineering.

Illustrating Your Academic Background

Your academic achievements form the backbone of your personal statement. Discuss your proficiency in subjects vital to civil engineering, such as mathematics and physics.

Highlight any awards, recognitions, or exceptional grades that set you apart. Remember to not just list your achievements but also to reflect on how they have prepared you for a degree in civil engineering. Discuss any relevant projects or research you have undertaken, emphasizing your analytical and problem-solving skills.

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  • Demonstrating Practical Experience and Skills

In the field of civil engineering, practical experience and skills are as important as academic knowledge. Your personal statement should clearly highlight these aspects. Here’s how you can effectively demonstrate your practical experience and skills:

  • Detail Your Roles : Describe the specific roles and responsibilities you undertook during any work placements or internships related to civil engineering or construction.
  • Project Contributions : Talk about specific projects you contributed to, emphasizing your role and the skills you utilized or developed.
  • Learning Outcomes : Reflect on what these experiences taught you about civil engineering, like understanding project management, design principles, or teamwork in a professional setting.
  • Community Projects : If you have volunteered in community projects involving construction or engineering, discuss your participation and the impact of the project.
  • Skill Application : Highlight how you applied civil engineering principles or used technical skills during your volunteering.
  • Personal Growth : Describe how these experiences contributed to your personal growth and reinforced your passion for civil engineering.
  • Engineering Clubs or Societies : Participation in engineering clubs or societies at school or in your community can demonstrate your proactive interest in the field.
  • Leadership Roles : If you held any leadership positions in these clubs, explain your role and any significant initiatives or projects you led.
  • Team Projects : Discuss any team-based projects, such as building a model bridge or participating in engineering competitions, highlighting collaboration and problem-solving skills.
  • Software Proficiency : Mention any civil engineering-related software you are proficient in, like AutoCAD, Revit, or SAP2000.
  • Certifications : If you have completed any relevant courses or certifications, such as in project management or CAD, include these to showcase your commitment to learning industry-relevant skills.
  • Research Involvement : Describe any research projects you participated in, particularly those related to civil engineering, and what your contributions were.
  • Academic Design Projects : Discuss any design projects you undertook as part of your coursework, focusing on how you applied civil engineering principles.
  • Construction Site Exposure : If you had the opportunity to visit or work on a construction site, describe the experience and your key takeaways about the practical aspects of civil engineering.
  • Technical Challenges : Talk about any technical challenges you faced and how you addressed them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
  • Communication Skills : Illustrate instances where you effectively communicated complex technical information, perhaps during a presentation or team meeting.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility : Provide examples of how you adapted to changing situations or requirements, a common scenario in civil engineering projects.
  • Time Management : Highlight how you managed your time efficiently during projects or internships, balancing multiple tasks or deadlines.

By structuring your practical experience and skills in these points, your personal statement will paint a comprehensive picture of your readiness and suitability for a civil engineering program.

This approach demonstrates not only your theoretical knowledge but also your hands-on experience and the soft skills crucial for success in the field of civil engineering.

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  • Personal Motivations and Aspirations

Connecting Personal Interests with Civil Engineering

Your personal statement should include a section dedicated to your personal interests and how they align with civil engineering. Perhaps you have a passion for sustainable development, a fascination with architectural design, or a keen interest in urban planning. Describe how these interests fuel your desire to study civil engineering and contribute to the field.

Articulating Long-Term Career Goals

Discuss your long-term professional objectives. Are you aiming to specialize in a particular area of civil engineering, such as structural or environmental engineering?

Do you aspire to work on significant infrastructure projects or contribute to innovative sustainable designs? Clearly articulating your career goals shows the admissions committee that you have a direction and are committed to making a meaningful contribution to the field.

  • Reflection and Personal Growth

Learning from Challenges and Setbacks

Reflect on any challenges or setbacks you have faced and how they have shaped your journey towards civil engineering. This could include academic hurdles, personal obstacles, or even changes in your career aspirations.

Discuss how these experiences have strengthened your resolve to pursue a career in civil engineering and contributed to your personal growth.

The Evolution of Your Interest in Civil Engineering

Describe how your interest in civil engineering has evolved over time. This could include early experiences that piqued your interest, subjects at school that deepened your understanding, or interactions with professionals in the field that solidified your career choice. This evolution provides a narrative arc to your statement, showing a well-thought-out and genuine commitment to the field.

Reinforcing Your Commitment to Civil Engineering

Conclude your personal statement by summarizing your strengths, experiences, and aspirations. Reiterate your passion for civil engineering and your eagerness to contribute to the field.

End with a confident and forward-looking statement, leaving the admissions committee with a lasting impression of your potential as a civil engineering student and future professional.

How do I start my civil engineering personal statement?

Begin with a compelling anecdote or fact that reflects your interest in civil engineering and sets the tone for your statement.

What should I include in my personal statement for civil engineering?

Include your academic achievements, practical experiences, personal motivations, and how they align with your civil engineering aspirations.

Can I include personal challenges in my statement?

Yes, discussing personal challenges and how you overcame them can add depth to your statement and showcase resilience.

How important are extracurricular activities in a personal statement?

They are important as they demonstrate transferable skills and a well-rounded personality, which are valuable in civil engineering.

How do I conclude my civil engineering personal statement ?

Conclude by summarizing your key points and reiterating your passion and commitment to pursuing a career in civil engineering.

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Table of Contents

  • • Introduction
  • • The Role of a Personal Statement in Civil Engineering Applications
  • • Demonstrating Practical Experience and Skills
  • • Personal Motivations and Aspirations
  • • Reflection and Personal Growth
  • • Conclusion

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Civil and Environmental Engineering Communication Lab

Personal Statement

By Michelle Zhang and Ignacio Martin Arzuaga Garcia

When applying to graduate school programs, you will need to provide a Statement of Purpose and a Resume/CV highlighting your interests in applying to a specific graduate program. Some graduate schools will also require a Personal Statement as part of your application package. This CommKit article will go over what a Personal Statement is and some strategies to approach writing one. Your Personal Statement can also be revised for future fellowships and scholarships beyond graduate school application.

Main takeaways

  • Have an initial hook . The first paragraph of your statement is key to grabbing the attention of the reviewers.
  • Tell a story about yourself . The Personal Statement is thought to be more informal and less structured than the Statement of Purpose. Although some formality in the writing should be preserved, in this statement you have the freedom to express yourself and show the reviewing committee who you really are.
  • Be specific and avoid clichés . Reviewers will read a vast amount of Statements from different candidates. Thus, they are looking for concrete evidence of your personality, the culture of work, and the achievements that make you stand out from the pool of candidates. For this purpose, avoid vague sentences that don’t give any additional information to what you already explain in your other documents of the application package.

 “Statement of Purpose” vs. “Personal Statement”

As touched upon in our Statement of Purpose (SOP) CommKit article, many schools distinguish between the Statement of Purpose/Objective and the Personal Statement, providing different writing prompts for each. The main difference between these two types of essays is that the Statement of Purpose focuses on your professional background, goals and research interests, while the Personal Statement is more about your personal history and where your motivation for graduate school comes from. The table below summarizes key differences between the two documents.

how to write a personal statement for civil engineering

While the Statement of Purpose primarily focuses on your academic and professional goals, the Personal Statement complements it by providing a more holistic understanding of you as a graduate school candidate. It allows you to go beyond your achievements and qualifications listed in your Resume, offering a narrative that reveals your character, values, and any transformative moments that have driven you to pursue higher education.

In the Personal Statement, you can share specific life experiences (e.g. being a first-generation college student, overcoming poverty, facing discrimination, or other challenges/opportunities) and explain how these have shaped your worldview and passion for your chosen field of study. By sharing these personal stories, you have the opportunity to highlight what is unique about yourself and how you will advance diversity within the institution.

It is worth noting that the Personal Statement may be referred to by different names depending on the institution or program. Some schools may use terms such as “Personal History Statement,” “Diversity Statement,” or other variations. Some schools may also provide specific prompts to write the Personal Statement on, or a list of questions to answer. Regardless of the name, the purpose remains the same—to provide you as an applicant with an opportunity to share your personal narrative and demonstrate your readiness for graduate-level studies.

how to write a personal statement for civil engineering

Strategies and Common mistakes

Here we summarize a list of strategies and common mistakes to take into consideration when addressing your Personal Statement:

  • Your statement should tell a story (a real one) about yourself, that shows the reader your personal journey upon this moment in your life and what are the next steps you are aiming to take.
  • If you can’t find a personal story to tell, you can also share how a piece of news or a specific person (for example) impacts and/or inspires you.
  • Make sure to align your story with the values and goals of the university or institution you are applying to.
  • For grad school applications, your Personal Statement doesn’t need to list your skills or academic accomplishments, but to present a story that demonstrates those skills you possess. For example, your statement is a good place to prove your leadership skills through a real example.
  • While in a Statement of Purpose the Admissions Committee will look for what you have done, in a Personal Statement they will prioritize how you addressed them. They will put attention on how you overcame the challenges you faced, what strategies you used to do it, and how you took advantage of the opportunities you were given.
  • The Personal Statement can also be a good opportunity to “address the elephant in the room” if you haven’t done it in your Statement of Purpose. For example, if your grades at college are not as good as desired, or you don’t have experience in the field you are applying to, this document is a good place to explain the reasons for that. We all go through difficult times, make bad decisions, and want to make a change in our path. That’s not a problem. What we don’t have to do is to expect the reader will ignore that part. They won’t, and it is better to address those weak points in our application package rather than leave them without any explanation.
  • Use concrete examples that speak for you. Be specific. Avoid vague statements that don’t give any piece of information about yourself, or to make statements about yourself without proving them.

how to write a personal statement for civil engineering

Ultimately, the key is to offer an interesting piece of writing that the reader enjoys, and make them remember your profile when evaluating the pool of candidates.

Structure Diagram

The Personal Statement is more flexible than the Statement of Purpose and, initially, it doesn’t have a fixed structure you have to fit your content within. Everyone’s path and personal history are different, and that will frame your write-up. You are welcome to be creative and address this document as you feel more comfortable with it. However, here we suggest a tentative structure that you can use to help you organize your statement. We recommend 2 pages maximum, unless specified otherwise by the university.

how to write a personal statement for civil engineering

Alternatives to the Personal Statement

Some universities are also exploring innovative approaches to evaluate applicants beyond traditional methods. These alternatives provide aspiring graduate students with unique opportunities to distinguish themselves and showcase a holistic view of their skills, experiences, and potential. Some examples of alternative documents to the Personal Statement include:

DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Statement:

  • Graduate school applications are increasingly incorporating DEI essays as a means to evaluate applicants’ commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment and dedication to cultivating a diverse and inclusive community within their chosen field of study. These essays provide candidates with an opportunity to showcase their understanding, experiences, and actions related to promoting diversity and equity.
  • Your personal statement can be adapted to help write your DEI statement by focusing on key elements such as contributions to Diversity, values/beliefs as related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and self-reflection/growth from experiences where you have actively engaged with diverse communities, challenged biases, or learned from different perspectives.

Video Essays:

  • Some universities are incorporating video essays into their application process, allowing applicants to verbally express their motivations, goals, and academic passions.
  • This alternative provides a platform for candidates to showcase their communication skills, confidence, and presentation abilities.
  • When adapting this Personal Statement CommKit for video essays, you should focus on developing a concise script that conveys your key points effectively, following the flow suggested above.
  • You should also aim to strike a balance between authenticity and professionalism while engaging the audience with a compelling narrative.

Portfolio Submissions:

  • To evaluate practical skills and creative abilities, some graduate programs request applicants to submit portfolios showcasing their work. Whether this is in fields such as engineering, design, fine arts, or computer science, this alternative allows candidates to present tangible evidence of their talent and expertise.
  • When adapting your personal statement for portfolio-based applications, you should provide context for your work, explaining the motivation behind your projects and highlighting the skills you have developed throughout your academic journey.

When is it time to submit?

The Personal Statement may appear more approachable at the beginning, given its flexibility and relaxed tone. However, finding a good story to tell, and a compelling narrative that effectively showcases your abilities and accomplishments can be hard. Seeking feedback from friends, family, and peers can be invaluable throughout the brainstorming and revision process. If you’re affiliated with MIT you can also make an appointment with a Comm Fellow. In addition to carefully proofreading your statement, don’t forget to check the program requirements to ensure your submission meets the audience’s expectations.

Helpful articles

Gotian, R. & Neill, U. S. (2023). How to Write a Strong Personal Statement . Harvard Business Review. Purdue Online Writing Lab. Writing the Personal Statement .

Resources and Annotated Examples

Personal statement for an mit application.

This annotated Personal Statement shows how the candidate attempts to address the specific prompts in a series of concise essays. 567 KB

Content Generation Worksheet

This worksheet contains a series of questions along with examples intended to help you start drafting your Personal Statement. 54 KB

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How to provide evidence

You will need to be enthusiastic about engineering and show evidence of this in the personal statement is the simple advice from University of Dundee. So, here are some ideas on how to do this:

  • Work or extracurricular experiences: This doesn't necessarily have to be directly in an engineering field. Try and give examples of things you've done that highlight your technical aptitude, teamwork skills, leadership, or problem-solving abilities. Similarly, reflect on any extracurricular achievements that demonstrate good time management and self-organisation.
  • Relevant skills: Admissions tutors are looking for creative people with initiative, curiosity, and a bit of originality. So, if you’re interested in how things work, sketching new ideas, or taking things apart and repairing them, include this here. Perhaps you’ve taught yourself to code or made your own burglar alarm? Reflect on what you learned or the skills you developed.
  • Extra reading: Include any examples of things you've read that have influenced your interest in engineering. Don't just list them though – elaborate on one or two specific issues you read about recently and the impact it made on you.
  • Your future plans: If you have a particular goal in mind, then mention what you plan to do with your engineering degree, whether it’s your long-term career aspirations or just your ambition to make the world a better place.
  • Course suitability: Engineering is a challenging discipline, so demonstrate that you have the ability and motivation to complete the course.

What not to do

  • Don’t be irrelevant: The University of Bath says, 'The best engineers have a wide range of interests… but don’t let important information about yourself be buried in irrelevant detail'.
  • Don’t say ‘when I was a child’: An admissions tutor doesn't want to know that the first word you ever uttered was 'hydraulics', or that you played with lego as a child. What you did recently is much more relevant than what you did when you were six.
  • Don’t list interests or experiences without reflecting on them: It’s not enough just to say 'I have always been interested in X, Y and Z...'. Instead, describe a work experience placement, project or piece of coursework you did and explain what you found interesting or challenging about it (and why).
  • Don’t ignore key advice: Check out the department websites of the universities you're applying to, as some explain what they're looking for in an engineering personal statement. Each engineering degree course at the University of Bristol, for instance, has its own list of requirements - starting with leadership for its engineering design degree.

Structuring your statement

As well as relevant detail, Dr Will Whittow from the The Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough University wants to see a statement that is properly structured. This way you’ll clearly promote your skills and showcase your technical experience.

There are no cast-iron rules about the structure, but we’ve taken some tips from Dr Whittow to draw up a framework you could use:

  • Your motivation: In your first paragraph, explain your motivation and why you’re enthusiastic about the course, giving specific examples of what interests you and a glimpse of any specific knowledge you already have.
  • Mention your career ambitions too:  Just don’t waste space listing your A level subjects, telling them what an engineer does, or starting with a quote ‘Ever since I was a child…’.
  • Your relevant insights or experience: In your second and third paragraphs, show your passion by providing evidence of what you’ve learned from any relevant experience, insights, interests or achievements, starting with your strongest point. This will be all the more impressive if it was outside of school or college, like relevant work experience, engineering taster days or CREST Awards. Commenting on what you’ve learned from your EPQ or a similar school or college project would fit well here too, but it really needs to be relevant.
  • Your transferrable skills: In your final paragraph mention anything else that takes up a lot of your time, like a part-time job, caring for a family member, or other interests, responsibilities or extracurricular activities. But draw out the transferable skills you’ve learned from them, like time management, teamwork or leadership. And be specific. Just saying you play badminton or took the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award means nothing – either say something interesting about it that provides relevant evidence or, better still, choose something that not so many people do.

Just like Southampton's Admissions Tutor advised in the quote, try to show a bit of spark and talk about something a bit different from everyone else.

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  • Engineering personal statements

Civil engineering degree personal statement example (1a) international applicant, Cardiff offer

This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our . 

Since construction has always fascinated me and I have a keen interest in mathematics and physics, it was not difficult for me to decide to apply for a course in civil engineering. Engineering is vital in the modern world and I hope it will be a way for me to contribute to the society. Studying in the UK will be a fulfilled dream for me and it will provide me with excellent career prospects as well as the chance to become familiar with the way of life in a country which has always interested me.

Although I find many school subjects interesting, my talent undoubtedly lies in mathematics. For the last seven years I have been taking extra math classes and have improved my skills immensely. Also, since second grade I have been taking part in various math competitions annually and have been ranked top three in the majority of them. Being part of a team in many competitions has developed my teamwork skills. In addition, I am captain of the school’s math team which has promoted my leadership qualities, as well. My efforts provided me with the opportunity to go to an international competition in India, where I won two bronze medals, and to several international summer camps. Being often away from home due to competitions has taught me responsibility. In ninth grade I became extremely interested in physics so I started taking extra physics classes and took part in some competitions as well. The area that I find particularly appealing and easy to understand is mechanics. Throughout my course of education my intense studying of mathematics and physics has greatly improved my vision and critical thinking in this subject area. All this makes me believe I have the technical skills required to become a successful civil engineer.

I have done a lot of reading and research on civil engineering on my own, but only recently was I able to actually obtain first-hand experience. Because my uncle’s job involves interacting with civil engineers, in the summer I had the chance to meet some of them and observe their way of working. Such a close look on the challenges and demands of this field has been very useful for me. Throughout the years I became more and more interested in Russian culture and history. For the last four years I have been studying Russian language and have achieved a very good level in it. In May I plan to take an exam in order to obtain an internationally recognized Russian language certificate.

When I set a goal I show persistence until I reach it. My charity work at the local Red Cross branch (involving primarily raising funds and working with children) has improved my social and organizational skills and has employed my ability to propose innovative solutions and to stay calm in most of the situations. All those activities have taught me how to manage my time so I can enjoy some non-academic pastimes.

Outside school, I practice chess and have awards from regional and national tournaments. Playing the oldest of games has helped me improve my logic and analytical skills. One of my favourite pastimes has always been reading, which has developed quite a creative mind in me. Authors I enjoy include Dickens and Sienkiewicz as well as a large number of Russian authors. History is also of great interest for me – British and East European in particular. In my free time I do jogging and practice archery, too.

Although I have various interests, I set my mind on what I wanted to study long ago. I strongly believe that civil engineering is a field where I can apply my skills best and fully realise my potential, while at the same time enjoying the job I do.

Universities Applied to:

  • Cardiff University (MEng Civil Engineering with year in industry) - conditional offer - firm
  • Nottingham (MEng Civil Engineering) - conditional offer - insurance
  • Sheffield (MEng Civil Engineering) - conditional offer
  • Newcastle (MEng Civil Engineering) - conditional offer
  • Queen's University Belfast (MEng Civil Engineering with year in industry) - withdrawn

General Comments:

I am NOT British, so some parts of it may sound weird.

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how to write a personal statement for civil engineering

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How to Write a Great Engineering School Personal Statement

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You have spent months researching and identifying the best engineering schools, studying for and completing the SATs, GRE, or other standardized tests, and filling out tedious college applications. You are on the verge of burnout when it hits you: you have to write a personal statement.

How important is it to write a great personal statement? Ask the admissions committee, and they’ll tell you that writing a personal statement is like applying for a job. Stephen J Aguilar, an assistant professor of education at USC, reported in 2020 to Inside Higher Ed that a personal statement should be less revealing and more persuasive. At its core, the personal statement needs to answer these two questions:

  • Why are you applying here?
  • How do your interests and experiences align with the program or the faculty you’ve identified?

However, the importance of reading and understanding the question prompts cannot be overstated. For example, the University of Iowa College of Engineering, which places 97 percent of its undergraduates in jobs post-graduation and currently has 284 master’s and doctoral students, goes one step further to differentiate personal statements from statements of purpose .

This institution wants to know in the statement of purpose , “Why is this program a good fit for you?” By contrast, the personal statement elicits answers to the question: “Who are you?” and allows applicants to explain themselves to admissions committees regarding academic achievements and life events that have shaped them and will positively influence the campus community.

That said, a personal statement is not just an essay. It has to be intelligent, engaging, typo-free, and capable of convincing admissions reviewers that you are a better fit for their program. Fret not. With lots of research and preparation, you can submit a college essay that reflects your passion and capabilities.

Read on to learn the what, the why, and the how-to of writing great personal statements to gain admission into engineering school.

How Is a Personal Statement Evaluated?

The title “personal statement” is generally synonymous with college essays. However, some admissions professionals use it to refer more specifically to written statements that explore applicants’ program readiness and intentions if admitted. The purpose of these statements for engineering school applicants is three-fold.

First, colleges want to know that they can write well, and not just from a technical perspective. Of course, grammar matters, but perhaps more important is the ability to communicate ideas.

Second, engineering schools want to know who a student is—the nuggets that are not conveyed through a conventional application or school transcripts. This is the written equivalent of the interview question “tell us about yourself” and is the applicant’s chance to share who they are, what they want to do, and how gaining admission to this program will be mutually beneficial.

Finally, colleges want to ensure applicants are familiar with and committed to the program. The best personal statements fulfill these goals, often in 700 words or less.

Does this sound like a tall order? Here are some tips for getting it right.

Six Tips for Writing a Stellar Engineering School Personal Statement

1. Do the research

It may sound simplistic, but one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps toward getting into the right school is taking the time to research a prospective engineering program, review its admissions policies and—this cannot be overstated—read and reread its application essay prompt. Candidates who don’t sufficiently answer an institution’s question or convey some misunderstanding about the prompt or its expectations are unlikely to be admitted.

Prospective students completing the Common Application should take the time to contact each engineering school they are applying to inquire about additional admissions requirements. The Princeton Review emphasizes that a personal statement should not repeat a previously discussed part of your application, nor should its information contradict another part.

2. Go deep, not broad

Personal statement prompts tend to be targeted. Engineering schools want to know what specific qualities or experiences make each student a good fit for their programs. Common inquiries include recalling a time you solved a problem, explaining why you applied, describing your academic goals and intentions, and addressing any extenuating circumstances that might have impacted your school record. Rather than offering a broad synopsis of your life, choose the experience or intent most relevant to the question and explore it in depth.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Graduate School offers advice for writing an in-depth personal statement for engineering schools using the “qualified match” approach. The steps include:

  • Make a statement that fits the essay prompt, like “I am a dedicated and hard-working student.”
  • Quantify your statement with specific details about your life. You might, for example, discuss how many hours per week you spend on school work and how you overcome any obstacles to committing that time.
  • Interpret how those details make you a stronger applicant. To continue with the above example, that might include writing about the knowledge you gained during your studies, your time-management skills, your passion for learning, and your commitment to succeed despite challenges.

3. Be relevant

If a personal statement has only one goal, it is to be shown to a review committee that you are the right fit for its school. That’s why applicants to Stanford University’s Institute for Computational & Mathematical Engineering are asked to specify their personal and professional goals in their statement of purpose, as well as discuss their developments and intentions for study and life beyond their doctoral program.

Read the mission statements of each program to get a feel for what they are looking for and keep that in mind as you write. Rather than getting carried away detailing the hours you log volunteering each week, discuss experiences and activities as they relate to your academic and career goals or scientific interests. Also, be sure not to waste valuable ink rehashing information available elsewhere on your application, such as extracurricular activities or your stellar GPA.

4. Avoid gimmicks and cliches

Did you love playing with Legos as a kid? Did those plastic bricks lay the foundation for your drive to be an engineer? If so, the College of Engineering at the University of Washington suggests you are in good company, but not in a good way. Every year, the committee reads personal essays on how Legos were the building blocks of a student’s career in engineering.

To stand out, engineering school applicants should avoid using cliches in their statements. Of course, setting yourself apart from other applicants is imperative, but you must do so in a meaningful and unique way. Admissions review panels have seen it all and are unlikely to be moved by creative gimmicks and attention-grabbers that do not get to the heart of what makes you a great candidate.

5. Mind your mechanics

This tip refers more to the mechanics of writing than any scientific drive, though the latter undoubtedly has a place in an engineering school personal statement. Remember when we said one of the goals of college essays is verifying applicants can communicate effectively? Applicants should consider the following elements as they prepare their outline (more on that next):

  • Voice – Is your voice appropriate for the task? Is it too formal or casual? Are you using active language rather than passive and wishy-washy statements? Do you come across as academic?
  • Structure – Do your ideas flow logically and support one main idea? If you are unsure where to start, know that following the reliable five-paragraph essay format is perfectly acceptable: introduction, three supporting paragraphs, and a tidy conclusion.
  • Length – Engineering schools usually have a good reason for requesting personal statements with a specific word count. Those that are too short have too little to say, and those that are too long are likely to repeat the same concepts.
  • Grammar – College students are expected to know and use basic grammar. Edit, edit, and then edit again.
  • Completeness – Have you addressed the admissions essay prompt in full? What about any supplemental school or department-specific requests?

6. Edit, edit, edit

Writing a personal statement may seem like a herculean task, so it is tempting to push it aside when you type that final period and not look back. This is a mistake—and perhaps the biggest one you can make. Sometimes we get so caught up in our thoughts and ideas that we miss lapses in our writing, whether grammatical or contextual. To avoid this:

  • Begin with an outline.
  • Write the first draft.
  • Write a second draft.
  • Read the essay out loud.
  • Review your essay again a day or two later.
  • Ask parents, friends, teachers, and others to read your work.

There is never any excuse for typos, and even the slightest error can turn a committee review member off. Ask a friend or family member to review your essay for grammatical mistakes when in doubt. It may be intimidating, but the process is an excellent way to identify missing words or ideas. What’s more, applicants today are blessed with the power of technology. Online tools like Grammarly are free to use and quickly catch any glaring typos.

Starting Your Engineering School Admissions Essay

One of the biggest challenges to writing a stellar college essay is simply getting started in the first place. Personal statements are, by design, personal, and that can be intimidating. Applicants also put significant pressure on themselves to write the perfect essay.

Fortunately, many colleges try to ease the burden by providing tips online. Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab offers examples of successful personal statements. Some engineering schools even post examples of successful personal statements, including MIT , Johns Hopkins University , and Cornell University . While your essay should be wholly original, these resources can guide you through creating a unique and inspirational narrative to impress admissions committees.

Aimee Hosler

Aimee Hosler is a long-time journalist specializing in education and technology. She is an advocate for experiential learning among all ages and serves as the director of communications for a non-profit community makerspace. She holds a degree in journalism from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

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Writing a Personal Statement for Masters in Civil Engineering

Table of Contents

Are you considering applying for a Master’s in Civil Engineering? It goes without saying that crafting a compelling and successful personal statement will play an important role in improving your chances of acceptance.

This blog post aims to break down the critical elements of a successful personal statement for Masters in Civil Engineering . We will also provide valuable tips and examples to help you get started.

Let’s dive right in!

What Is a Personal Statement for Masters in Civil Engineering ?

A personal statement is essentially an essay or letter introducing yourself to admission committees before deciding whether to accept you into their program.

Your personal statement should state why you want to pursue a degree in civil engineering. Detail any relevant experiences or qualifications, and include your skills and goals for the future.

What Makes a Great Personal Statement?

When it comes to personal statements for Masters in Civil Engineering, several things will make your statement stand out from the rest. Here are a few key elements that you should include:

  • A clear and concise explanation of why you chose this particular field of study
  • An explanation of any relevant experience or qualifications you have which might improve your chances of being accepted into the program
  • A description of any leadership roles or extracurricular activities that demonstrate commitment to civil engineering
  • Any long-term goals or aspirations related to civil engineering and how you would pursue them through completing a Master’s degree
  • Demonstration of research skills and an understanding of the current state of civil engineering

These are just a few elements that should be in your personal statement for Masters in Civil Engineering . Please include any other relevant information you feel will help demonstrate why you would make an ideal candidate for the program .

Tips and Examples

man in black jacket wearing yellow hard hat

When crafting your personal statement , Bear in mind that quality is far more important than quantity. Always strive to showcase yourself as a capable and dedicated individual who seeks to improve society through their actions. Here are some tips and examples to help get you started:

  • Start strong by writing an exciting opening sentence that immediately catches the reader’s attention
  • Paint a picture of what your career path looks like by describing your goals in detail
  • Showcase any relevant qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your dedication to the field
  • Use concrete examples to prove why you would be a great addition to the program
  • Make sure to proofread and edit after you finish writing, as this is an integral part of ensuring a successful personal statement.

My interest in civil engineering began at a young age when I helped rebuild my family’s home after natural disasters had destroyed it. This experience taught me the importance of robust infrastructure, which inspired me to pursue further education in this field. During my undergraduate degree, I completed many civil engineering projects, which developed my theoretical and practical skills. Also, I was a member of the university’s civil engineering society and was elected President in my final year. Through this role, I organized events that demonstrated my enthusiasm for the field and built strong relationships with many industry professionals.

I know that a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering will provide me with the skills and knowledge needed. This will be to pursue my goals of improving infrastructure and creating sustainable solutions. My long-term aspiration is to use these skills to help reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for people worldwide. With this goal in mind, pursuing a Master’s in Civil Engineering would be an excellent foundation for achieving success in this area.

 My passion for civil engineering began when I was in high school and helped my local community build a new bridge. This project allowed me to see firsthand the impact of civil engineering on society, and this experience inspired my interest in the field. At university, I took part in numerous projects related to civil engineering. This enabled me to acquire a strong understanding of the principles and theories behind the construction. In addition, I held several leadership roles, which helped develop my skills in communication and teamwork.

Completing a Masters in Civil Engineering would provide me with an excellent opportunity to further develop my skills. I’ll do this while pursuing my ambition of making positive societal changes through sustainable infrastructure solutions. As such, I am determined to use this degree program as a stepping stone toward achieving a successful career.

Your statement for a Master in Civil Engineering should reflect your commitment and enthusiasm for the field. Take your time to think about the important elements that define you as an individual.

Remember how this could benefit the program if you were accepted. Also, don’t forget to proofread and edit your statement once it is finished, as this will help ensure it is as strong as possible. Good luck!

Writing a Personal Statement for Masters in Civil Engineering

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Civil engineering personal statement example

Civil engineering personal statement example

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  • Published: 8th November 2021
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All disciplines of engineering have a vast importance to society. Personally, I believe Civil Engineering has one of the most substantial significance on socioeconomic developments. From the water we drink, roads we drive on, schools we learn in, almost every seemingly elementary function we perform has the involvement of a Civil Engineer.

My interest for engineering began from spending time at my uncle’s workplace as a child. He worked as an engineer, manufacturing beams used for structural frameworks. From a young age I developed a fascination for how individual elements interact. What attracts me to studying Civil Engineering …. I have had a particular interest in the materials used in projects. To further explore this topic, I recently visited the Rugby Cemex Plant, where I discovered how cement is made and the movement that Cemex has made to using alternative fuels and incorporated the use of household waste in the making of cement.

At A Level, I studied Physics , Mathematics and Biology , these subjects have given me the solid foundations   Biology helped me see the involvements of Civil Engineering with the environment. Physics allowed me to apply mathematics to real situations and understand how the theory translates

In school, I have had the responsibility of being a Maths Leader, where I assisted younger students with mathematics during after school sessions. During this role, I was able to adapt myself and work in a versatile manner with students of differing abilities.

I have attended Civil Engineering taster days at 3 universities.

In July 2015, I participated in a 5 day work placement at the Underground Professional Services department at Morgan Sindall.

I learnt how to do calculations to construct a box culvert and check the calculations were correct for a roof slab. I also learnt how to convert a 2D AutoCAD drawing into a 3D hand sketching for a jacking post and how to use the AutoCAD software to draw a 2D and 3D jacking post. In addition to the mathematic and software skills I obtained, I also learnt about the background of the organisation and the services they provide.

As well as my academic work, I have committed a notable time volunteering in the 3rd Sector. In December 2018, I completed a 10 week volunteer placement in Nepal with the charity Raleigh International. During the placement, I was on the Infrastructure Committee and demonstrated leadership, time management and strategy. I had to collaborate with the Nepali volunteers, many of whom did not speak fluent English. Being bilingual, I was adept to communicate in Hindi and relay information across the team.  As a team, we dug 3km of trenches to lay a new water pipeline and assisted with the construction of the water intake. On completion, the pipeline provided over 40 households with a clean water supply. We also built tap stands for 24 households in 5 days. We completed the infrastructure project with two weeks to spare. I expressed  my enthusiasm for learning by working  closely with the civil engineer in order to understand the design and route of the pipeline.

There was a noticeable lacking of infrastructure, sewage systems consisted of a large hole dug beneath the toilet, waste was disposed by burning contributing to harmful pollutants. Visiting Nepal outlined the importance that infrastructure has on advancing a country. This experience has cemented my decision on leading a career in Civil Engineering and driven me to do something that improves the lives of individuals.

Outside of my education, I work part-time at Next as a Home Sales Consultant, where I have learnt to coordinate with different staff members and effectively run the shop floor. I have a great passion for sports; Powerlifting, Pole Fitness and Tae Kwon Do are the regular sporting activities I do. Powerlifting has taught me patience, positivity and perseverance, skills which I have transferred

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Civil engineering personal statement example 22.

I cannot pin my fascination of structures and engineering down to one moment. It has been a mix of experiences: my passion for knowing how and why things work, my love for problem solving and all the engineering wonders I have encountered.

These are just some of the many reasons I am drawn to Civil Engineering and hope to continue into a career in this area of expertise.

I enjoy following the progress of many engineering projects around the world, from Apple's new campus in California to The Three Gorges Dam along the river Yangtze.

These represent the kind of projects that most pique my interest; large scale structures wholly based on overcoming the issues current and future generations are beginning to tackle.

The various problems that arise in such massive projects, such as a weak river bed, and the solutions engineers come up with to combat these problems, e.g. pumping grout under high pressure into the porous rock on the river bed, provide the inspiration to work hard to become a Civil Engineer.

Due to personal circumstances, I have not had the luxury of a traditional route to university and had to show great motivation to achieve the academic results required to follow my career path. I have found self-study to be enjoyable and believe it demonstrates commitment and a willingness to work hard to reach set objectives.

Furthermore, studying A-levels in this way has improved my ability to think both theoretically and practically, allowing me to visualize tasks and problems in my head and predict possible outcomes.

An example of this is the gaming PC I helped construct completely from scratch, which required a theoretical base, hands-on ability and creative forward-thinking.

Having taken part in several engineering projects, varying from pioneering and local building restoration to construction and manufacture of components as part of a team competition, I feel I have advanced my project management skills significantly, sticking to time and cost constraints, as well as showing my ability to work within a team.

In addition to using CAD software I gained an insight into choosing materials to meet design specifications, quantity surveying and the basis of structural analysis. Restoration work highlighted how Civil Engineers are not only needed to innovate in the modern world, but also to preserve existing buildings and communities while controlling the environmental impact.

Being part of the scouting community from a young age provided me with a variety of different opportunities, such as shows and performances at a nationwide level, or leading a team in a district nighthawk, which we won. As a result, I have evolved into a confident individual, capable of leading teams to success in pressured situations as well as showing an aptitude for forward planning and solid time management.

Scouting has also presented me with the chance to partake in expeditions and volunteering through the Duke of Edinburgh award, where the level of team planning, and independent training needed to succeed was extremely high.

Working as a part-time barman for 3 years has developed my social skills allowing me to communicate easily and comfortably with many different personalities, whether this be in unfavorable circumstances or a relaxed environment. I am often required to work independently, showing initiative and confidence in my own ability to complete tasks and tackle any problems that may arise.

As an individual I am highly active, spending around 12 hours a week at the gym along with several hours playing football. I have also achieved grade 3 with the French Horn and taught myself how to play the piano.

I would describe myself as a very outgoing person who not only likes to complete tasks, but strives to get them done to the best of my ability.

I believe all the skills I have mentioned above, and many more I have not had space to cover, are what will aid me in my goal to succeed at university and advance into a career in Civil Engineering.

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