tips on getting into computer science at uni (hopefully at a russel group)?

Do 1 or 2 online courses that actually link to what you would study in computer science ( I talked about a machine learning/ data science course) or even better complete a programming project ( I did a virtual assistant with Python) and explain it in a way that shows your enthusiasm for the subject. Just show that you’re proactive in your approach to study as computer science is a course that requires you to do a lot of the work in your own time.

You need examples of 'academic' interest etc beyond just your A level syllabus.

Reading etc suggestions from Cambridge (good for all Unis) -
Some obvious Moocs (short online -free- courses from major Unis -
Introduction to Quantum Computing (futurelearn.com)
Computer Programming for Everyone - Online Course - FutureLearn
Mathematics for Computer Science: Essential Skills - FutureLearn

Which essay competition did you partake in?

Does anyone have any extracurriculars/supercurriculars they recommend for me as a person who wants to go to a russel group uni for computer science (specifically at UCL) and any other things I should be doing to increase my chances of getting in? So far all I've got it is online work experience for Fujitsu, attending literature society at my school and leading a session, silver/bronze dofe and I entered an essay competition that I haven't received results for yet?

They mostly want to see your interest in Maths and problem-solving. If you have no programme to present read or watch online university or youtube lectures on AI, cybersecurity etc. All they need is a few lines that show your enthusiasm about what you read/watched.

Got it, I’ll make sure to do this ASAP (thank you so much!!)

I've just sent you a private message detailing most of the things mentioned on my application and I think this will be highly constructive given that I have offers from the institutions you are trying to target (not UCL specifically, though I was briefly considering it, but rather for Cambridge, Imperial, Edinburgh, Manchester, Durham).

I don't feel comfortable sharing it with you on a public forum so opted for private message instead. Hope you understand.

I forgot to mention this but my GCSEs were 9999999988 with the 8s in English Lit and RS. I am predicted 5 A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science, Chemistry and EPQ. However, in hindsight, if I were to go back to year 12, I would have dropped EPQ at the drop of a hat.

If I get in, I will be the first person in my family to study at a UK university so since no one else has had this experience of applying in my family to the top UK unis, I chose to throw myself in at the deep end head-first. I really enjoyed the EPQ experience and I've picked up loads of useful skills but there were times where I simply felt that it was a burden.

And try to do Maths supracurriculars. I learnt some extra which I used in my programme but since you can't, mention some Maths which is not in the curriculum that you've read about and you've found fascinating which then made you read/research something else.

Got it, I missed the deadline for the UKMT maths challenge so I was slightly worried. Thank you so much for the advice!!

I've just sent you a private message detailing most of the things mentioned on my application and I think this will be highly constructive given that I have offers from the institutions you are trying to target (not UCL specifically, though I was briefly considering it, but rather for Cambridge, Imperial, Edinburgh, Manchester, Durham).

I don't feel comfortable sharing it with you on a public forum so opted for private message instead. Hope you understand.

I forgot to mention this but my GCSEs were 9999999988 with the 8s in English Lit and RS. I am predicted 5 A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science, Chemistry and EPQ. However, in hindsight, if I were to go back to year 12, I would have dropped EPQ at the drop of a hat.

If I get in, I will be the first person in my family to study at a UK university so since no one else has had this experience of applying in my family to the top UK unis, I chose to throw myself in at the deep end head-first. I really enjoyed the EPQ experience and I've picked up loads of useful skills but there were times where I simply felt that it was a burden.

If you are in year 12 you can do it again in year 13

Seriously? Wow, I’ll do that then (thanks for clarifying)

Seriously? Wow, I’ll do that then (thanks for clarifying)

The only problem is that the Year 13 Maths Challenge isn't alway before the early applicant deadline so you gotta watch out for it. I would anticipate that it isn't and so just do as much as you can.

Also if you’re a girl there’s a Maths Girls Olympiad with UKMT around the same time for year 12 and 13. I did it and it’s harder because you have 5 big questions to problem solve, but by some miracle I got a merit in it. So if you are a girl you have nothing to lose in that one, and if not the UKMT itself is still great and challenging

The only problem is that the Year 13 Maths Challenge isn't alway before the early applicant deadline so you gotta watch out for it. I would anticipate that it isn't and so just do as much as you can.