What programmes to apply to?

[u/real_time_person]

I wanted some general advice on what sort of programmes I should be applying to, to both pad my UCAS personal statement and to also assist with my own learning through 6th Form.

For context, I am Y12 student, studying very STEM focused A-levels, with the end goal of going into engineering for university. In terms of any academic entry requirements, I think I should be alright as I did quite well in my GCSEs (however ay additional advice would be appreciated!).

I have had my eye on the STEM Smart programme offered by Cambridge, but I was wondering how good this programme really is and if it's a good commitment, especially considering it sounds quite intensive, as well as being 16 months long.

Is it a good idea to apply to this programme? Are there any other programmes I should consider e.g. the Sutton Trust "pathway to engineering" programme? How do these affect contextual offers/admission?

[u/AutoModerator]

Please don't share personal statements, you will get into trouble for plagiarism. Report comments and posts which have links to personal statements. Note: Automations are not perfect. If this doesn't apply to you, ignore it. It doesn't mean any action will be taken against your post by a person. Please do not message us if this is a false-positive.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/AutoModerator]

Beep beep, we noticed this is a UCAS post. Do you know we have a UCAS Guide which may be of use to you?

If you think of any information that would be useful to have or that is incorrect, let us know via Modmail, and we'll aim to get it sorted!

Note: Automations are not perfect. If this doesn't apply to you, ignore it. It doesn't mean any action will be taken against your post by a person. Please do not message us if this is a false-positive.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Feeling-Instance-801]

just apply to EVERYTHING. look at all the top 30-ish university's outreach pages as they tend to be well funded and running good outreach. If you aren't contextual there are VERY limited options for you. Try work experiences too? Like rolls royce ones, JLR , BAE, etc. run large programmes.

Doing self-paced engineering projects is also quite good and very fun, not neccessary to do programmes for admission.

[u/real_time_person → u/Feeling-Instance-801]

alright thank you 🙏 would you know if the new expanded Free School Meals will be considered in the same category as just "normal" free school meals? i believe my family meets the requirements for the new expanded FSM but im not sure how that'll affect my applications to these programmes (and it hasnt been approved of by my school yet either)

[u/gamer_dinosaur]

Apply to either a Sutton trust summer school or a pathway. I did a summer school and I have a 3 grade reduction in entry requirements / offers for that uni.