Computer Science Personal Statement Example (7)

Reading time: 3 minutes
Price: Free download
Published: 17th March 2022
Word count: 646 words
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One of the challenges of a Computer Scientist is to look at substantial issues and break them down into smaller pieces. My first sight of the power of computation came from reading Moore’s article on ‘Electronics’ when I was thirteen. This piqued my curiosity and flourished a love affair with the subject. Studying Computer Science at A Level has exposed me to different elements of working with low level hardware to high level programming languages. I was astounded by the advances in research during my visit to Bletchley Park, but what had remained the same were the core foundations of modern Computing. Viewing a replica of the Manchester Small Scale Experimental Machine at the Museum of Science and Industry widened my perception of where research has been and where it is leading to.

A Level Physics introduced me to Quantum Mechanics and I am fascinated by the mechanisms in the second class of Quantum algorithms. Focusing my EPQ on this topic has given me an insight into how researchers have been able to find order in entangled data. Whilst studying D1, I was captivated by the similarities between Grover’s Quantum Search and Dijkstra’s Algorithm. Through independently reading Nielson and Chuang’s ‘Quantum Computation…’ and nova.org.au’s explanation, I felt this was one of the areas of study I wish to dig deeper in at University level. Despite being decades away from a democratised Quantum industry, I believe geometric visualisation of search algorithms will give a clearer view of how it will revolutionise modern Computing.

During my work experience with the University of Manchester, I was tasked by Prof. J Gajjar to programme the Mandelbrot Set. A lasting impression was left by the beauty of this manmade equation, taking a simple function and producing something incredibly natural and intricate. With knowledge of Complex numbers from FP1, I implemented my version of the Escape-Time algorithm in Python to understand the overall concept. My initial code only plotted single iterations as representing multiple iterations (as layers) proved to be challenging. This led me to use the much more powerful language, Matlab. Following the similar syntax, I was able to create a plottable data set assigning a unique colour for each iteration.

As a developer of GetTikit, a social media application by a student based company, I learnt to work in a team and complete tasks delegated to me. With a keen interest in app development I pushed forward from redesigning signup pages to working on various modules on iOS. Vastly different to Matlab, imperative programming in Objective-C has been a new experience. I designed multiple UI elements seen on the app today. Tackling this alongside my studies has shown me the importance of time management, managing multiple work streams and meeting deadlines with supervisors.

Outside of the virtual realms, I am a member of the school’s charity committee and Project Manager of the Hindu and Sikh Society, organising charitable events throughout the academic year. This taught me key skills in managing funds, public speaking in large audiences and communications. These aspects are important in student unions. I was also the Creative Director for my Young Enterprise team, urbanMCR, which reached the Trafford and Manchester Regional Finals and won multiple awards including ‘Greater Manchester Company of the Year 2016’. The latter provided me an opportunity to successfully demonstrate my skills in photography and graphic design.

We are living in an age where the power of Computer Science is increasing exponentially. Computational systems have become crucial in research. I cannot wait to contribute to University life and face new challenges, both socially and professionally. Nothing excites me more than the possibility of studying Computer Science at a higher level which will provide me with opportunities to challenge my current skill set and also allow me to engage with many experts in this field.

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Why this example works — strengths and ways to improve

This statement shows genuine range: an EPQ on quantum search, a Mandelbrot implementation and real app development. Its strongest moments describe what you built and why approaches changed. It weakens where museum visits and quantum claims stay vague, technical comparisons go unexplained, and the extracurricular and closing paragraphs drift into generic skill claims and enthusiasm.

Subject motivation

reading Moore’s article on ‘Electronics’ when I was thirteen

A concrete, early origin is useful, but you never say what in the article struck you. ‘Flourished a love affair’ is awkward and generic. Linking Moore’s observation to a specific question you still pursue would make the motivation feel earned rather than asserted.

Academic preparation

I was captivated by the similarities between Grover’s Quantum Search and Dijkstra’s Algorithm

Connecting D1 to quantum search through an EPQ is promising preparation. However, you never state what the similarity is, and the two algorithms solve quite different problems. One precise sentence explaining the link would demonstrate understanding instead of interest. Check the spelling ‘Nielsen’.

Evidence and reflection

My initial code only plotted single iterations as representing multiple iterations (as layers) proved to be challenging

This is your best reflective passage: a real obstacle, a decision and a result. Calling Matlab ‘much more powerful’ is loose, though. Explaining what the change actually solved, such as array handling or plotting, and what you learned about the algorithm would deepen it.

Relevant experience

I designed multiple UI elements seen on the app today

GetTikit is strong, tangible evidence of shipped work. Naming one module, a problem you hit in Objective-C, and how you resolved it would show more than the skill list that follows. ‘Imperative programming’ does not really distinguish Objective-C from Matlab, so that contrast needs care.

Credibility and voice

geometric visualisation of search algorithms will give a clearer view of how it will revolutionise

Confident forecasts about quantum computing sit uneasily with an A level stage and remain unsupported. Elsewhere, ‘astounded by the advances in research’ at Bletchley Park reads oddly for a historical site. Measured, specific claims would make your genuine knowledge more persuasive.

Structure and format

These aspects are important in student unions.

The overall order works: motivation, academics, projects, activities, conclusion. This sentence is a forced link, though, and the opening line about breaking down problems is never revisited. The conclusion relies on stock phrases such as ‘Nothing excites me more’ and could instead return to your quantum or fractal interests.

What you’ve done well

The Mandelbrot account describes an actual implementation path, from Escape-Time in Python to coloured iteration plots, showing hands-on problem solving.
You connect several modules (FP1, D1, Physics) to independent work, suggesting coherent self-directed study.

How this draft could improve

Replace the unexplained Grover–Dijkstra comparison with one accurate sentence on what you found similar and what your EPQ concluded.
Trim the museum visits and generic leadership skills, and use the space to describe one concrete technical challenge from GetTikit.
Rewrite the final paragraph to end on a specific question or area you want to study, not general excitement.

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