Name: George Smith

Year of study: Finalist

Hometown: Windsor

College/Sixth Form subjects: Physics, maths and biology

Why did you pick MSci Integrated Natural Sciences?

I picked Integrated Natural Sciences because of its flexibility. Not only do the core modules cover a wide spectrum of science, the small nature of the course means any specific interests can be accommodated for, even outside of science itself!

Why did you chose to study at Warwick?

I chose to study at Warwick firstly because of the course, but also the campus. Being so connected in first year both physically in my accommodation and with events put on by the university allowed me to interact with a plethora of different people that I might never normally meet. The further beauty of the campus itself and scenic surroundings also makes it very easy to unwind and take your mind off any stresses that often occur at university.

How have you found the course so far?

The course so far has been brilliant. I'm coming to the end of the four years now but I have no complaints at all. The directors on the course are so on the ball and attentive, any issues that might arise are either sorted before they affect you or are instantaneously fixed when brought up. The opportunities additionally provided outside of the standard curriculum have been incredibly generous and given me a platform for life after university I just would never get elsewhere.

How have you found the change from sixth form to university?

The change from school was definitely noticeable but not unmanageable. With such a small cohort, seminars almost have a school-feel but with substantially more applicable and practical activities. You are then eased onto life sciences lectures in the later years and are told to think for yourself in independent research projects and presentations. The change from school is therefore not only so much smoother than a naturally larger cohort but also enjoyable as you are encouraged to think in your own 'extracurricular' ways.

Have you been involved in any extra curricular activities/societies?

I have been involved with Football, Cricket and Biology Societies as a member and an exec on The Boar, Athletics and Integrated Science Society!

Do you have an idea of what you would like to do when you graduate?

I will be going on to do a PhD in Biological Science at Cambridge where I will be working with a biotech company to enhance treatments that utilise the immune response to better fight tumours and other autoimmune disorders.

Do you have any advice for people applying for the course?

Try to keep an open mind about the sciences. Specialising doesn't really exist anymore, and science is rapidly becoming more interdisciplinary. Therefore, definitely think about areas of science, even if unfamiliar, that you find interesting because doing this course will be a fantastic opportunity to get to grips with them in great detail and complexity (if desired).

Finally, what three words would you use to describe your experience of studying at WMS?

Independent, practical and rewarding!