Things that will help my personal statement for CS

I've taken Physics/Bio/Chem to A level. ICT to AS level. I'm applying to universities that only require GCSE grade A in Maths.

I'm applying for computer science. I've self taught myself php/html/css and I intend to mention this on my PS.

Is there anything else that comp sci admissions tutors like to see on personal statements?

John

Reply 1

Waldo Dobbs

If I were you, I wouldn't expound too much on knowing either html or css, since they aren't programming languages (I know you probably know that, but it is a common mistake). Leaving them out of the personal statement altogether would be my advice.

Knowing php is good, but be prepared to talk in interviews about limitations from a computer science perspective e.g. it isn't strongly typed so you can assign a number to a boolean etc.

It is also important to mention any extra curricular maths-type things you might do. Being good at maths is very important, more important than knowing a certain language. Knowing a programming paradigm (e.g. object oriented, aspect oriented, functional) is also more important than a specific language.

Reply 2

liverpool

anyone studying CS, willing to show and example by pm or something. i really need to see a good example CS personal statement... and would be really happy if someone could send an example of their's.

thanks

Reply 3

andy_cole2

http://www.studential.com/personalstatements/getpscourse.asp?type=12

erm yeah enjoy

Reply 4

john171

andy_cole2

http://www.studential.com/personalstatements/getpscourse.asp?type=12

erm yeah enjoy

Those PS's aren't that impressive, compared to others I've read.

Reply 5

gerrard02

I'm applying for Computer science as well and need help for MY P.S, if anyone knows where I can find good samples it would be very much appreciated if a link can be posted or if anyone can give general help. What I'm struggling on is the computing part of my P.S. i don't have programming experience so I don't really know what to talk about :confused: