Personal Statement - Computer Science

Bonzo45 · 22 Oct 2010

Hey All

I will be shortly sending off my UCAS application to my chosen Unis:

Imperial || Bristol || Southampton || (Birmingham) || (?)

I'm currently working on my Personal Statement. I would really appreciate it if you could give me some advice on what I currently have, or anywhere where I could improve it. If you don't want to read the whole thing (and why would you??) even looking at a paragraph and giving your comments would help.

The first time I encountered a computer was when I was five years old, I wondered what could possibly be inside the mysterious beige box that allowed it to do all that it could. Over the years that followed my interest grew as I tried to understand what went on underneath the casing and to discover what other functions it could perform.

Much of my spare time has been spent tinkering with computers; upgrading, building, and often breaking them. Solving problems that occur and finding out why fascinates me, as this can often lead to an explanation which furthers my knowledge of a system at a lower level. Hosting a website at home required research into port forwarding, firewalls, DNS and server software. These experiences have given me a persistent and a patient personality, which is vital for debugging and problem solving.

Computing at A-level has allowed me to begin a formal education in concepts critical to computer science, for example database design, web design and programming (in Pascal). The most enjoyable element of the computing course has been gaining knowledge in the fundamentals of programming; an aspect of this which particularly stood out in my mind was the ability to program in alternate paradigms. Being introduced to object oriented programming challenged the way I thought about problems, which has fuelled my interest in this area leading me on to progress to degree level.

Double Maths has allowed me to develop my all round mathematical knowledge, and logic skills. Maths is a critical part of Computer Science, as being able to understand the underlying principles relies heavily on Mathematical concepts. My numerical ability is clearly shown in my module marks for my AS Exams in which I attained an average of over 96%. Problem solving is a vital element of maths, which I find exceptionally engaging. Breaking down a large problem into smaller chunks until it is clear how to proceed is a very rewarding experience, especially when all of your previous knowledge is called upon to solve one complex problem.

I have enjoyed Physics at A-Level as it has given me an understanding of the electronic principles on which all modern circuits are built. Physics and Chemistry have allowed me to develop my analytical and evaluative skills - The ability to establish a method for testing and analyse data will be invaluable for future projects and assignments that I am set. The extended project that I undertook has taught me vital skills including independent research and experience presenting to an audience, which are critical in further education.

During the summer I did paid work experience for four weeks at a small Electronics Company. I assisted the head of the IT systems at the company. This work involved general interactions with employees such as desktop support and more technical aspects including firmware updates and network management. This work has reaffirmed my basic problem solving skills and given me confidence and an insight into a corporate IT infrastructure. The experience has allowed me to get a feel for working as part of a company.

This year I am also taking a major role in setting up the college Computer Science Society, organising speakers from local businesses and universities and promoting the associated activities. This involves creating posters and speaking to new students when they enrol. I also took part volunteering at the Cambridge Science Festival for two days, which involved public engagement which greatly benefited my communication and team-working skills.

Computer Science is a subject that intrigues me, because it has had such an impact on everyday life in a way that no other has. It is a subject that changes so quickly, despite the fundamentals changing so little. Watching new developments in technology arrive there is always something new to look forward to. A degree in this subject will allow me to further develop my enthusiasm and expand my skill set to acquire a career in this subject.
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All points welcomed - Thanks,
Sam

Fod · 22 Oct 2010

Wait, you applied to Imperial and not UCL? WHAT. IS. WRONG. WITH. YOU.

Bonzo45 · 22 Oct 2010

Fod said: ↑

Wait, you applied to Imperial and not UCL? WHAT. IS. WRONG. WITH. YOU.
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I haven't applied yet! Also - care to elaborate?

Jimbob94 · 22 Oct 2010

Very good, interesting, informative and gives a real impression of you (a good one!)

mars-bar-man · 22 Oct 2010

Okay, I would say put your interests below the A-Level subjects, and when I was skimming through, you appear to use "allowed" a fair bit, and it stood out to me. Here's a template our college lecturers gave us when we applied:

Personal Statement - example

“Work hard, Play hard” - this quote best describes the way in which I live my life. Education has always been important to me but at the same time I feel that going out and having a good time is equally important.

In terms of education, my interests in the field of computing first started in the early years of secondary school were I had excelled in science, ICT and maths; all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

To start with I learned the workings of computers from reading books and studying in lessons and at school. After gaining enough knowledge about the subject, I began experimenting with computers, by practical means, which mainly involved dismantling and rebuilding a simple computer.

As time when on, I soon discovered that networking would be classed as my specialist subject. Experimenting with network devices and topologies helped to me to make a positive decision on what I should do in higher education. My decision has been to pursue an education and career in a network related subject.

Throughout the first year of college I managed to gain a high number of ‘distinction’ graded assignments which will have helped greatly to achieve a high number to UCAS points as well as an overall good grade. I intend to keep to this level throughout the rest of my education.

As well as this, I have been appointed ‘team leader’ in our computer hardware class and have also been appointed a ‘student ambassador’ and therefore am a representative of the college, this involves welcoming visitors and taking them around the campus whenever the college has an open day or parents evening.

When it comes to personal interests I like to keep things simple; for example, I enjoy cycling. Whether in a gym or outdoors, I find that cycling is an activity that only you can take part in and so I get time to myself as well as keeping fit. Along with cycling I like weight training, mainly just to keep fit but in some ways it can be enjoyable.

Another leisure interest I have is fishing; I’ve done this for several years with or without friends and find it to be quite relaxing. As well as being relaxing it is nice to get away from built-up areas and spend sometime away from all the ‘action’. Most of all, I enjoy being with friends. Whether it involves going to see a movie or staying in for a chat, it’s always great to be with people.

I am interested in studying Computer Systems and Networks, at degree level, to build on the knowledge that I have already learnt through personal experience. From the research I have conducted, this course has been the only one of its kind in reachable distance and is based purely around networking and computer systems, which happens to be the exact areas of computing that I wish to study. I also believe that, on successful completion of the course, the qualification I will have earned will provide me with a solid foundation to build a future for myself by means of employment.

Another factor that has attracted me to this course is the fact that a work placement has been included for the third year. I feel that this year of work will provide me with crucial experience in the workplace and there is also the possibility for future employment with the company I work with for that year.

I am really looking forward starting my degree with yourselves and hope that my application is successful.
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Hope it helps, and good luck with the applications.

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Personal Statement - Computer Science

Bonzo45 Ex CPC

Fod what is the cheesecake?

Bonzo45 Ex CPC

Jimbob94 What's a Dremel?

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Personal Statement - Computer Science

Bonzo45 Ex CPC

Fod what is the cheesecake?

Bonzo45 Ex CPC

Jimbob94 What's a Dremel?

mars-bar-man Side bewb.

Share This Page

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