nuclear engineering personal statement

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Successful Personal Statement For Engineering At Oxford

Last Updated: 3rd August 2020

Author: Adi Sen

• Engineering

Table of Contents

Welcome to our popular Personal Statement series where we present a successful Personal Statement, and our Oxbridge Tutors provide their feedback on it. 

Today, we are looking through an Engineering applicant’s Personal Statement that helped secure a place at Oxford University. The Engineering Course at Oxford is based on a unified course in Engineering Science, which integrates study of the subject across the traditional boundaries of engineering disciplines.

Read on to see how this candidate managed to navigate the many disciplines of Engineering. 

Here’s a breakdown of the Personal Statement:

SUCCESSFUL?

The universities this candidate applied to were the following:

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Engineering Personal Statement

I have always considered myself creative; much of my youth was spent designing and building with my Dad in his workshop. I would read encyclopaedias on cars and watch design-related TV programmes such as BBC’s Robot Wars, analysing the strengths and weaknesses of each robot and thinking about how they could be improved. This background, combined with a genuine enjoyment of mathematics and physics, has given me a desire to read engineering at university.

Reading Marcus du Sautoy’s “The Music of the Primes” and Simon Singh’s “Fermat’s Last Theorem” has shown how individuals have dedicated their lives to solving seemingly simple problems. The main attraction of these books and mathematics more widely, is problem solving, which is also what draws me to engineering. Solving a wide variety of problems is something I really enjoy; in the most recent UKMT Senior Maths Challenge, I was awarded a gold certificate, also the best score in my year at school.

Studying physics at A-Level has helped me to understand the world, and answered questions I had as a child; why does a satellite stay in orbit? How does gravity work? Why does a clock pendulum keep in time? My favourite aspect of physics is mechanics, complemented by my maths mechanics modules. The application of physics and mechanics to engineering was obvious from the outset; it is a fundamental skill set which bridges the gap between science and invention. I also enjoy studying Further Pure Mathematics, in particular calculus, and am interested in how the solutions of second order differential equations apply to problems in mechanics.

Projects including designing and making a desk lamp, a torch and bench vice grips in GCSE Engineering gave me an initial insight into the discipline. The course gave me hands on experience with equipment typical of an engineering department. Considering the benefits of materials was important too; from an economic, aesthetic, and practical perspective. I also secured work experience at a BMW Mini Plant in the ‘Whole Vehicle Analysis’, section. One project involved heating up a Mini’s bonnet to address complaints from customers in hot countries that the bonnet scoop sagged. I used CNC measuring equipment and helped to write up one of a series of reports, resulting in an alloy being added to the scoop so it retained its structure. The week introduced me to engineering in the real world, the importance of quality control and precision and the cost of a company’s mistakes.

Aside from my studies, I have always had a musical interest and am working towards grade 7 piano. I completed work experience at the local ‘Yamaha Homeworld’ music shop specialising in top range digital pianos. I am constantly impressed at how a digital piano can look, feel, and respond exactly like a real piano. I like being part of a team and am a keen rugby and cricket player. Being elected as prefect and head boy has further helped me to work well, and get on with others, as well as improving my public speaking. This has been complemented by taking Grade 8 ‘Speaking in Public’ last year, in which I achieved a distinction. I now feel confident talking in front of large groups and being able to communicate my ideas easily. Reading Steven Johnson’s “Where Good Ideas Come From” discussed the theory that “ideas are generated by crowds where connection is more important than protection” and for me this epitomises the importance of team work and communication within engineering.

Ultimately, I would like to play a role in the future of our rapidly developing world; studying engineering at university will not only give me the skills to do this, but will also stimulate my passion for mathematics and science.

For more inspiration, take a look through our other successful Personal Statement a nalysis articles:

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Download our Free Personal Statement Starter Guide 

Good Points Of The Personal Statement

This is an excellent statement.

The student begins with personal reasons as to why they are interested in engineering, and by the end of the introduction, the reader is left in no doubt that the student is absolutely sure they want to pursue engineering at a higher level. The student successfully describes a range of experiences and interests covering several engineering disciplines and keeps the application general enough to be relevant to a general engineering degree. The statement is well-structured with a clear introduction, main body, and end.

Bad Points Of The Personal Statement

Although the student mentions several experiences/interests covering several engineering disciplines, they fall short of naming a specific engineering discipline that captures their interest.

Whilst this is not a requirement, naming a particular field of engineering as capturing one’s interest above other fields would demonstrate a level of decisiveness to the reader. Many universities do not offer general engineering degrees, and it is possible a student who is applying for engineering at Oxford or Cambridge will also make several applications to universities for specific engineering disciplines.

It is important to keep the statement general enough for applications to general engineering courses but also specific enough for applications to individual engineering disciplines. This would have been possible by stating an interest in a particular engineering discipline.

UniAdmissions Overall Score:

This is an excellent statement, one that is well-written and well-structured. The student’s motivation to study engineering is clear, although the student falls short of naming a specific field of engineering which capture’s their interest above all others.

Because of this one negative, we’re awarding this statement 4/5 stars. However, it’s important to note this rating is based on the overall strength of the statement. Although it had potential to be a little stronger, this had no impact on the number of offers the candidate received.

And there we have it – an Oxford Engineering Personal Statement with feedback from our expert tutors. 

Remember, at Oxford, the Admissions Tutors are often the people who will be teaching you for the next few years, so you need to appeal directly to them.

Check out our Free Personal Statement Resources page for even more successful personal statements and expert guides.

Our expert tutors are on hand to help you craft the perfect Personal Statement for your Oxford Engineering application.

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• Statement of Purpose, Personal History, Diversity

Statement of purpose MS nuclear engineering

• statement of purpose
• nuclear engineering

By chewett January 24, 2018 in Statement of Purpose, Personal History, Diversity

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"Every carbon atom in every living thing on this planet was produced from the heart of a dying star."  As a child I found the infinite vastness of the universe as a mesmerizing and overwhelming.People often experience fear when the word, "Nuclear" is mentioned. In high school, my innate curiosity of the universe was silenced by my strong fear of math, physics and chemistry courses.

It was not until my first year in undergraduate studies that my childhood passion was ignited by a challenge from my professor,  Mr. Newton to major in STEM. Once again my curiosity was sparked to further explore the grandeur of the universe through Nuclear Engineering Technology. 

With my passion, I became stronger as a student and as a person. For my academics, I received two scholarships: Department of Energy's WORC Grant and Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Trade School Scholarship. I began to network with professionals in my field of interest. I interned with the Mechanical and Electrical Departments of Southern Nuclear Company. I participated the American Nuclear Society (ANS) Student Program for the 2017 Winter Conference. I become apart of the Young Professionals Group of ANS.  I was appointed Vice President of the Excelsior College American Nuclear Society Student Section.

Through volunteering in STEM workshops and speaking at conferences, my greatest experience in undergraduate studies was inspiring female high school students the possibilities in the Nuclear Industry. in My passion transcended into a bigger opportunity as I accepted a job offer within the nuclear industry.  As a future Nuclear Engineer, I would broaden my platform and expose people to the positives of this vital energy source. After receiving my masters and advancing in my career into retirement, I would like to become a professor of engineering and influence my students to major in something challenges and expand their insights to their potential.

Through my journey, I have learn that a driven work ethic with a passion would bring many opportunities. As Mr. Newton did, I challenge myself to succeeding further in my studies of Nuclear Engineering with University of Pittsburgh. 

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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 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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Aerospace engineering personal statement example 18.

The aerospace industry is at the forefront of innovation, pushing the boundaries of technological advancement at an exponential rate. The design and manufacture of craft that can defy the limits of our world, or go beyond the decree of nature, is arguably the pinnacle of engineering in the world today.

This fascinates me. I have always sought to further my knowledge and understanding of how and why things work; to challenge the restraints of both modern pioneering and myself. I endeavour to drive myself forward and your university will be the one that challenges me most.

I am determined to sharpen and develop my ability for solving mathematical and physical problems; to solidify a sound understanding of fundamental principles. I am competitive with a real ambition to excel, contributing analytical skills, creativity and logic to problem solving.

My interest in aerospace was heightened when I spent a week with BAE Systems for work experience, an excellent opportunity giving me an insight into the engineering industry and invaluable background knowledge. As team leader on the winning presentation to senior management for our Young Enterprise Scheme, I received recognition for my leadership qualities.

I aim to achieve Chartered Engineer status, a recognised professional level to enhance my vocational prospects and provide me with the basis for both career and ongoing individual development.

Living in two different parts of the world has given me the ability to adapt to any situation, and studying Biology and Psychology has given me a wider understanding of current issues and the natural world. Alongside my schoolwork I am working towards an expedition to Mongolia with World Challenge in 2012; refining essential life skills such as teamwork, commitment and planning.

This requires me to save GBP4000 which I am raising independently through fundraising events and a part time job at a motorway service station; teaching me soft skills such as time management, communicating with a diverse range of people and applying my mathematical and lateral thinking to tasks in a workplace.

My enthusiasm for driving led me to work towards membership of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, exercising my perception and judgement. These extra-curricular commitments, together with the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, Combined Cadet Force and Karate, demonstrate I can co-operate effectively and balance my time between work and leisure.

My time in the Cadets gave me experience in sailing, kayaking and weapons training, all of which have their roots in fluid dynamics which captivates me.

I have innate technical understanding, developed a working website for my Karate club allowing the instructor to save time on administration, taught myself Microsoft Access to enhance a school project, and have had valuable experience with 3D modelling through CAD/CAM/CFD training.

I have dedicated time to improving my engineering knowledge, and taken the initiative in grabbing any opportunity to nurture my skills and ambition. I aspire to follow in the footsteps of Adrian Newey, and am eagerly taking part in the F1 in Schools Competition to progress my understanding of aerodynamics and educate me about the complexities of this field.

I felt motivated to put myself forward after viewing the documentary series Engineering Connections, specifically about Formula One.

The delicacies in balancing drag with downforce to maximise performance around a track invigorated me, and I am intrigued by how engineers use ideas from the past to inspire solutions to modern problems.

These connections were augmented through reading flagship magazines, and topical literature such as 'The Gecko's Foot' which was of particular interest; I found the inspirations from nature itself to be remarkable.

University will provide me with a further sense of independence and discipline, a foundation for further post graduate study and the confidence and knowledge to secure the future I wish to achieve.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by Matt0809 for application in 2012.

Matt0809's university choices University of Southampton University of Bath University of Bristol Loughborough University University of Surrey

Green : offer made Red : no offer made

Degree Aeronautics and Astronautics at University of Southampton

Related Personal Statements

Very well done and thought.

Wed, 23/01/2013 - 02:57

Very well done and thought out!

If I was the Headteacher of any university I would definitely accept you.

I also like how you have been involved in many other activities like DoE

Very well done to you! I hope you get into the college you want.

I enjoyed reading this, well

Sun, 29/09/2013 - 19:55

I enjoyed reading this, well done! I hope you don't mind me asking what your AS grades were like?

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What Is Your (Statement of) Purpose?

By Abtin Ameri

“When I was 8, my mother bought me a science encyclopedia, which opened my mind to the wonders of the universe. This fueled my passion for physics and engineering and has motivated me to apply to the Nuclear Science and Engineering department at MIT.”

Grad school admissions committees have read countless stories like this in applicants’ statements of purpose (SoP). In fact, this is what I had in an earlier draft of my own SoP. My reasoning for including such a story was to impress the admissions committee with my strong passion for science and, thus, get an offer of admission. Thankfully, before going through with that, I spoke with professors in my department at McGill University, and they gave me an important piece of advice: “Focus on the SoP and avoid pointless stories.” They explained that most applicants misunderstand the purpose of the SoP and fail to clearly get their message across to the committee. These applicants try to stand out with a moving story that detracts from the main points they aim to make.

To expand further on the advice, there are compelling reasons to put emphasis on the SoP. Your SoP is pretty much the only thing that is in your complete control. By the time you start preparing your grad school applications, the content of your CV, your GPA, your letters of recommendation, and other components are relatively out of your control. Your SoP, at this point, can make or break your application. Secondly, and more importantly, this document allows you to speak directly to the admissions committee. This is your chance to prove to them that you are a suitable candidate for the graduate program you’re applying to, and you can use appropriate storytelling techniques to demonstrate that.

I eventually came to realize that there wasn’t anything inherently wrong with my choice to include stories. However, storytelling is a tool, and it must be used correctly. The admissions committee does not look for the kinds of stories I was trying to incorporate into my SoP. In the context of graduate school applications, the objective isn’t to move the committee with an inspiring story or to ask them to take pity on you by telling a tragic tale. Instead, what the committee wants to see is analytical and soft skills that would allow you to succeed in grad school. Thus, the objective is to demonstrate your readiness for the graduate school environment. Consequently, your narrative should be around your skills, and the stories should serve as evidence . It’s always better to show, rather than tell. This was reinforced by professors at my undergraduate institution, as well as professors here at MIT.

Keeping this in mind, I had to scrap my original draft and start over. I began by listing my past experiences (i.e., summer research, TAing classes, and student government) and the skills I had acquired from them (i.e., perseverance, communication, and leadership) and proceeded to include stories that demonstrated those skills. Here’s an excerpt:

“Moreover, my very first Summer at McGill, I worked with Professor Higgins to build a hypervelocity launcher that would create and propel a metallic jet to velocities of up to 100 km/s, allowing spacecraft-debris collision simulation for interstellar missions. Taking advantage of the freedom given to me, I used CAD software and theory to design the launcher, going over 11 iterations before finalization. I then collaborated with technicians to manufacture and assemble the design. Finally, I used class 3R lasers, powell lenses, and photodetectors to construct a jet detection system for velocimetry. Exposure to that field of research made me comfortable with design, manufacturing, and experimentation.”

It was a very different approach from my earlier draft and, chances are, I wouldn’t be here had I not received this piece of advice.

A good story is one that has shaped you in a way that has made you better prepared and provides concrete evidence for the skills you need to excel in grad school. When including stories in your SoP, ask yourself the following questions: “What desirable attributes does this story reveal about me? Are these attributes that an admissions committee would be looking for?” My original story only reveals a vague passion, which isn’t really what an admissions committee seeks. What does your story reveal?

Abtin Ameri is a graduate student in Prof. Nuno Loureiro’s group. He is also an NSE Communication Fellow.

Published October 21, 2021

Related articles and resources:

• Graduate School Personal Statement
• Three Tips for your Graduate School Personal Statement
• How to Ask for Letters of Recommendation

If you are planning to apply to grad school, be sure to schedule a time to speak with a Fellow about how to make your slides more effective. If you’re not affiliated with MIT but wish to join NSE, you may wish to participate in the student-led Graduate Application Assistance Program (GAAP).

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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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Graduate Student FAQs

On this page:, application questions, admissions questions, master’s degree questions, doctoral degree questions, graduate experience questions, what should i include in the statement of purpose.

There are no specific requirements for the content of the statement of purpose. A statement of purpose allows an you to express why you wish to pursue graduate studies. The statement could discuss your experience, training, goals, interests, or expectations.

How long should the statement of purpose be?

The statement of purpose is generally a one- to two-page document. There is no restriction on length. However, take into consideration that the Admissions Committee is reading many documents so your statement of purpose should be concise.

Are GRE test scores required?

Official GRE test scores will be considered if submitted but are NOT required. All applicants are expected to have earned a third-/fourth-year grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Are journal papers required?

Journal papers are optional.

How do I upload multiple journal papers?

You may upload one PDF. If you wish to upload more than one journal paper, create one PDF containing those papers and upload that PDF.

When should I submit my application?

Submit your application as early as possible so those providing letters of recommendation have sufficient time to upload letters. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and GRE (GRE is optional; see above) scores will be added to your submitted application as they are received.

May I apply to the Ph.D. program if I only have a bachelor’s degree?

It is possible to apply directly to the doctoral program without having previously received a master’s degree.

If I apply to the Ph.D. program, will the application also be reviewed for admission to the M.S. program?

Applications are only considered for the degree program indicated in the application. If you submit an application to the doctoral program, you will only be considered for admission to the Ph.D. program.

Can I earn a master’s degree while I am a Ph.D. student?

Many doctoral students choose to obtain a master of science degree on the way to getting a Ph.D. They do so by fulfilling the master of science degree requirements.

I am a third-year student and considering graduate school. Besides getting good grades, is there anything else I can do to enhance my chances for admission and financial support?

Having good grades in your third and fourth years is very important. However, we also require several letters of recommendation. It is helpful for you to participate in research so that faculty can get to know you. You should define your educational and research interests early and find a faculty member who is willing to accept you as a member of a research group or look into undergraduate research opportunities.

Whom should I ask to write my two or more letters of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation should come from people that can attest to your ability in many different aspects, including your knowledge of fundamentals, written and oral communication skills, motivation, maturity, independence as a researcher, and willingness to learn and succeed. For example, you may choose one of your former instructors or professors. It is very important that we get a letter from your adviser, if you have a master of science degree. If you plan to transfer from one school to another, we require at least one letter from a faculty member at the school where you studied most recently.

What do I need to include with my letters of recommendation?

Provide the contact information for each letter writer in your online application. Each letter writer will have the option to either upload a scanned letter (PDF format) or type a letter of recommendation. Log on to your online application to send reminders to letter writers.

What score is required for the TOEFL for admission?

For international students, TOEFL scores at a minimum of 80 or higher on the web-based test with a 19 or higher in the speaking section. An acceptable alternative to the TOEFL is the IELTS test, on which you must achieve a minimum composite score of 6.5. Visit the Penn State Graduate School FAQ page for more information.

How do I submit TOEFL/IELTS scores?

Submit official TOEFL scores to Institution Code 2660 . Order these early; they can take up to a month to reach us. After official TOEFL scores are received, you can see them in your online application.

Official IELTS scores can be sent electronically or by mail (hard copy). Order these early; they can take up to a month to reach us. After official IELTS scores are received, you can see them in your online application. If sending by mail, request that official IELTS scores (hard copy) be sent to the following address:

The Pennsylvania State University Graduate Enrollment Services 114 Kern Building University Park, PA 16802

I am an international student, but I received a degree from an institution in the United States. Do I need to take the TOEFL/IELTS?

International applicants who receive a baccalaureate or a graduate degree from an institution in the United States are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. Additional information about exemptions can be found on the Penn State Graduate School FAQ page .

I am an international student who received a degree from a non-U.S. institution where English is the language of instruction. Do I need to take the TOEFL/IELTS?

International applicants who have received degrees from specific countries are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement. For complete information about TOEFL/IELTS exemptions, visit the Penn State Graduate School Requirements for Graduate Admission page .

How do I submit my transcripts?

Scan official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate. Upload scans of official transcripts to online application. Do not send any materials by mail to Penn State. If you are admitted to the program, you will be given information on how to submit official transcripts.

The Graduate School charges a fee for handling my application. Would it be possible for you to quickly examine my application via email and let me know if I will be admitted and considered for financial aid?

The Graduate Programs Office cannot make any decisions unless a complete application package is available. You can view the minimum application requirements and a list of the applications materials you need to submit on our How to Apply page .

When and how will I be notified of my application status?

Your application file will be reviewed only when it is complete. A complete application includes our application for a graduate assistantship, a statement of purpose, and all other application requirements . The deadline for applications for the fall semester is December 15 , and decisions on admission and financial aid are typically made within three months of the application deadline. You will be informed of our decision by email.

Can I check an existing application?

To edit or check the status of an existing application, visit the Penn State Graduate School Access an Existing Application page .

What courses are required for an M.S. degree?

You can view the full requirements on our M.S. in Nuclear Engineering page . As a new graduate student, it is important that you schedule a meeting with your adviser to discuss and formulate a course program prior to the start of the master of science program.

How long does it take to complete an M.S. degree?

The average time to complete a master of science degree is about two years, though some may take longer.

How many graduate-level courses should I take per semester?

For students beginning their first semester, three courses at the 500-level are very time-consuming. Since many students have an assistantship, it is important that the duties associated with the assistantship are factored in when managing your course load.

What job opportunities become available once a master of science degree is earned?

After earning your master of science degree, it is expected that you will have a deeper knowledge of the fundamentals of nuclear engineering, in-depth research experience, and improved technical writing and presentation skills. Therefore, you may be considered more qualified for positions that require solving complex problems or undertaking management responsibilities.

What courses are required for a Ph.D. degree?

There is no formal course program required for the doctoral degree. However, the adviser and members of the student’s Ph.D. committee normally decide the content of the course program. You can view the full requirements on our Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering page .

How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. degree?

It varies considerably. If you have completed a master of science degree, it may take only three years. However, if you have only a bachelor of science degree, it may take five to seven years.

What job opportunities become available after receiving a Ph.D. degree?

Today, most of our students find positions in industry with job responsibilities associated with research and development. Others find research positions at national laboratories, such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Sandia National Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, etc. These positions are often of a temporary nature (postdoctoral) and span about two years. A few find academic positions as tenure-track assistant professors, but the competition is keen.

How do I find an adviser?

The first step is to define your area or areas of interest. What undergraduate courses were most appealing? From there, you may want to look at the various areas of research conducted in our department that aligns with your educational interests. You should then communicate directly with the faculty members who conduct research in an area of your interest to find out what opportunities they may have available.

What are the duties of the typical teaching assistant?

The typical teaching assistant (TA) serves as grader for a lecture course. The TA also keeps office hours, proctors exams, and may give recitation sessions. However, TA duties may vary. Teaching a lecture course is very limited for graduate students in general. Most teaching assistants serve as a grader in courses or may teach a laboratory course. During the past several years, teaching a lecture course has been one important aspect of the Graduate Teaching Fellow program. The students participating in this program are usually within a year from completion of their doctoral degree.

What is the Graduate Teaching Fellow program?

The Graduate Teaching Fellow (GTF) Program is designed for students who are seriously considering a career in academia. The program provides an opportunity to gain real-world university teaching experience and opportunities to learn more about an academic career.

What are the possibilities for financial support?

Almost all graduate students who arrive at Penn State at the beginning of the academic year have received either teaching or research assistantships covering tuition and a monthly stipend.

What research facilities are established in the department?

It is impossible to provide a short answer to this question, but you can visit our research section to get a complete listing.

What graduate-level courses are offered?

The department offers a wide variety of graduate level courses. Visit the University Bulletin to see a listing of graduate courses in nuclear engineering.

Where can I find information on important dates like the first class day of the semester?

Check the Penn State University Registrar website.

Some faculty are always “out-of-office” or I cannot get in touch with them via the telephone. How should I most effectively contact them?

Our faculty are very active in teaching, research, and various service activities. To attract their interest, it may be best to write an email stating your educational background and research interests, and include a résumé. If the faculty have an interest, they will contact you. Faculty members get hundreds of inquires every year, and it is very difficult to provide an individual reply to all requests. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

When are the various thesis deadlines?

The Graduate School specifies various deadlines for submitting draft and final versions of theses. Visit the Penn State Graduate School Thesis and Dissertation Information page to learn more.

Contact Information

• Ashley Ammerman Nuclear Engineering Graduate Program Coordinator 113C Hallowell Building [email protected]

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The Ken and Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering at Penn State is one of the top ranked nuclear engineering programs in the United States. The department distinguishes itself with a strong focus on experimental research. The actively growing department leads four educational programs for students pursuing a bachelor of science, a master of science, a master of engineering, or a doctoral degree. The Radiation Science and Engineering Center (RSEC) facilities, including the Breazeale Reactor, are available to nuclear engineering faculty and students at Penn State for research and instruction. RSEC houses the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, the country’s first and longest operating licensed nuclear research reactor. Having access to an operating research reactor is a key strength for the department and enables Penn State to harness research and educational opportunities that are unique in the United States. See how we’re inspiring change and impacting tomorrow at nuce.psu.edu.

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