By Jonah, Year 11, Great Baddow High School
This is the first year that my school has entered anyone for an Arkwright Scholarship, and it's been challenging as it was all new to us, and we had GCSE exams at the same time, but it's also been really enjoyable.
When I first read about it, it appealed to me because it was a chance to take my interest in design and technology beyond school. It's a highly regarded achievement which makes it something to aim for, and whether or not you succeed it is good practice for exams, applications and interviews in the future.
I enjoyed the aptitude test as it was a chance to be creative, I like the fact that they are specifically looking for people with a flair for design and engineering, not just people who are naturally good at exams, or have been coached. Although it is called an engineering scholarship, it extends to my personal interests which are architecture and product design, so there's an opportunity for students with all sorts of interests.
I am really fortunate to have got through to the next stage, which is a day in the Engineering Department of Cambridge University, with team building exercises and an interview. I am glad I took the time to do it and really hope I can go further.