Personal statement advice: computer science

What do computer science admissions tutors look for in a personal statement?

Admissions tutors reviewing personal statements for computer science programs typically look for the following key qualities and characteristics:

  • Passion for Computer Science: They want to see genuine enthusiasm for the subject. This can be demonstrated through examples of personal projects, extracurricular activities, or experiences that sparked your interest in computer science.
     
  • Academic Potential: Admissions tutors are interested in your academic achievements and potential. Highlight relevant subjects you've studied, any relevant coursework or projects, and academic awards or achievements.
     
  • Technical Skills: Showcase any technical skills or programming languages you have learned or projects you have worked on. This demonstrates your readiness for the program and your ability to handle the coursework.
     
  • Problem-Solving Abilities: Computer science is all about solving problems. Discuss any experiences where you've tackled complex issues, whether in academics, personal projects, or work experience, and how you approached solving them.
     
  • Relevance of Experience: Discuss any relevant work experience, internships, or extracurricular activities related to computer science. Explain what you learned from these experiences and how they have shaped your understanding of the field.
     
  • Teamwork and Communication Skills: Highlight any experiences working in teams or collaborating with others, as well as your communication skills. These are essential for success in computer science, as many projects require teamwork and effective communication.
     
  • Future Goals and Ambitions: Share your long-term goals and how you see the computer science program fitting into your future plans. This could include specific areas of interest within computer science, career aspirations, or further education goals.
     
  • Writing Style and Clarity: Your personal statement should be well-written, clear, and concise. Admissions tutors will be looking at your ability to articulate your thoughts effectively.
     
  • Evidence of Self-Learning: Demonstrating that you've pursued learning outside of formal education, such as through online courses, self-study, or personal projects, can showcase your initiative and passion for the subject.
     
  • Unique Experiences or Perspectives: Highlight any unique experiences, perspectives, or qualities that set you apart from other applicants. Admissions tutors value diversity and want to see how you can contribute to the academic community. For example, you may have gone to an exhibition or conference that has made you think about a topic in a new way or learned about some recent research that has inspired you.

Overall, admissions tutors are looking for evidence of your passion, potential, and readiness to succeed in their computer science program. Be sure to tailor your personal statement to the specific program and highlight how you are a good fit for their institution.

How to write your computer science personal statement

We've analysed our top rated computer science personal statement examples to show what goes into crafting an exceptional computer science personal statement.

Whether you're applying for undergraduate or graduate studies, a well-written personal statement is crucial for showcasing your passion, skills, and suitability for the program. To do this, you should:

1. Understand the Purpose: Before diving into writing, it's essential to understand the purpose of a personal statement. This document allows you to introduce yourself to the admissions committee, highlight your academic achievements, demonstrate your passion for computer science, and explain why you're an ideal candidate for the program.

2. Research the Institution: Take the time to research the institution and the computer science course you're applying to. Understand their values, mission, and unique offerings. Tailor your personal statement to reflect how your interests align with the program's strengths and objectives.

3. Showcase Your Passion: Start your personal statement with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention. Share what sparked your interest in computer science and any relevant experiences that have shaped your academic journey. Admissions committees are looking for candidates who are genuinely passionate about the field. Don't start your statement with something generic or vague such as "I want to study computer science as it's the future" or "I've always been fascinated by AI". Try to come up with something unique and original that will make the tutor want to read to the end of your statement.

4. Highlight Relevant Experiences: Discuss your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, internships, research projects, or any other experiences that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in computer science. Use specific examples to illustrate your accomplishments and how they have prepared you for further study in the field.

5. Emphasise Your Skills and Qualities: In addition to technical skills, emphasise soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. Highlight how these skills have contributed to your academic success and how they will benefit you in the program and future career.

6. Address Any Weaknesses: If there are any gaps or weaknesses in your academic record, use your personal statement to address them honestly and positively. Explain any challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them, demonstrating resilience and determination.

7. Be Concise and Clear: Admissions committees read hundreds of personal statements, so it's essential to keep yours concise and focused. Avoid unnecessary details or clichés and ensure that your writing is clear, articulate, and free of grammatical errors.

8. Seek Feedback: Before submitting your personal statement, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers who can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Revise and refine your statement based on their feedback to ensure it's polished and impactful.

9. Proofread Carefully: Finally, proofread your personal statement carefully to catch any spelling or grammatical errors. Attention to detail is crucial, as even minor mistakes can detract from the overall quality of your statement.

Further tips from admissions tutors

From various university websites offering advice on writing the personal statement, admissions tutors also recommend:

  • Showing how and why you are a good fit for their programme
  • Demonstrating your enthusiasm for the subject
  • Explaining what you can bring to the university community
  • Avoiding the use of commonly used phrases or cliches such as "I first became interested in computers when my family got a new PC" or "computers have interested me from an early age"
  • Outlining how you have pursued the subject in your own time
  • Giving reasons why you want to study the subject at university
  • Talking about any particular books, authors, articles, projects, etc. you have read, and what you learned or got out of these (don't just list them)
  • Linking any extracurricular activities to your study, e.g. has a part-time job taught you any IT, communication or organisational skills?

Writing a top-ranking computer science personal statement requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail.

By following the tips outlined in this guide and showcasing your passion, skills, and suitability for the program, you can increase your chances of impressing admissions tutors and being offered a place at your preferred institution. Good luck!