The Student Room Group

Is reading among the subject the one most important and exceptional supercurricular?

Is reading the one best way to show the colleges that I'm very interested and dedicated in the subject?
I'll be studying computer science and aiming to get into top UK unis like oxbridge, imperial, edinburgh, etc.
(though edinburgh seems to be the most realistic one by looking at the college rankings and stats)
I've done other supercurriculars like good results in AI application competition that is held among the country, some local competitions and currently the leader of a team of 16 people for AI 'exchange activities' with other cities in my country (not so sure how it's called), personal projects, etc.
but I've done no reading

(Of course I'll make sure to achieve my best in A levels since its the one most important factor, but if we're just looking at my supercurriculars, I'm a bit worried that my style of activities might not match what unis expect)
(currently a grade 10 student)
(edited 8 months ago)
Reply 1
reading is good if you can coherently convey what you've learned. also project/competitions, especially as a compsci applicant
Original post by Ben123123123
Is reading the one best way to show the colleges that I'm very interested and dedicated in the subject?
I'll be studying computer science and aiming to get into top UK unis like oxbridge, imperial, edinburgh, etc.
(though edinburgh seems to be the most realistic one by looking at the college rankings and stats)
I've done other supercurriculars like good results in AI application competition that is held among the country, some local competitions and currently the leader of a team of 16 people for AI 'exchange activities' with other cities in my country (not so sure how it's called), personal projects, etc.
but I've done no reading
(Of course I'll make sure to achieve my best in A levels since its the one most important factor, but if we're just looking at my supercurriculars, I'm a bit worried that my style of activities might not match what unis expect)
(currently a grade 10 student)

Yes, it's definitely a must. Ideally you will also show that you can critically evaluate the things that you've read about. That means comparing different sources against each other and then giving your own stance (perhaps based off of some other reading/research/other supercurriculars that you have done).
Original post by Ben123123123
Is reading the one best way to show the colleges that I'm very interested and dedicated in the subject?
I'll be studying computer science and aiming to get into top UK unis like oxbridge, imperial, edinburgh, etc.
(though edinburgh seems to be the most realistic one by looking at the college rankings and stats)
I've done other supercurriculars like good results in AI application competition that is held among the country, some local competitions and currently the leader of a team of 16 people for AI 'exchange activities' with other cities in my country (not so sure how it's called), personal projects, etc.
but I've done no reading
(Of course I'll make sure to achieve my best in A levels since its the one most important factor, but if we're just looking at my supercurriculars, I'm a bit worried that my style of activities might not match what unis expect)
(currently a grade 10 student)
Being well-read on the subject you are applying for is a necessary but not always sufficient part of a successful application to the top unis. With subjects like CS, things like competitions are excellent, and I think one of the other best things you can do is create your own personal portfolio of projects that you can discuss in your application and Oxbridge interviews (if you were to get an invite).
Original post by Ben123123123
Is reading the one best way to show the colleges that I'm very interested and dedicated in the subject?
I'll be studying computer science and aiming to get into top UK unis like oxbridge, imperial, edinburgh, etc.
(though edinburgh seems to be the most realistic one by looking at the college rankings and stats)
I've done other supercurriculars like good results in AI application competition that is held among the country, some local competitions and currently the leader of a team of 16 people for AI 'exchange activities' with other cities in my country (not so sure how it's called), personal projects, etc.
but I've done no reading
(Of course I'll make sure to achieve my best in A levels since its the one most important factor, but if we're just looking at my supercurriculars, I'm a bit worried that my style of activities might not match what unis expect)
(currently a grade 10 student)

Honestly, I would say that reading isn't the most important thing for Computer Science. It's definitely useful, but I'd recommend things like doing a lot of Maths, for example. They like to see you doing, not passively reading. This advice comes up a lot for Maths and I'd assume it holds true for Computer Science too as it's quite Mathsy.
Reply 5
Original post by Ben123123123
Is reading the one best way to show the colleges that I'm very interested and dedicated in the subject?
I'll be studying computer science and aiming to get into top UK unis like oxbridge, imperial, edinburgh, etc.
(though edinburgh seems to be the most realistic one by looking at the college rankings and stats)
I've done other supercurriculars like good results in AI application competition that is held among the country, some local competitions and currently the leader of a team of 16 people for AI 'exchange activities' with other cities in my country (not so sure how it's called), personal projects, etc.
but I've done no reading
(Of course I'll make sure to achieve my best in A levels since its the one most important factor, but if we're just looking at my supercurriculars, I'm a bit worried that my style of activities might not match what unis expect)
(currently a grade 10 student)

Knowing stuff for computer science is all well and good, but can you do stuff as well? Do you know how to code? Do you know about coding standards and design patterns? Have you read Scott Meyer's Effective C++?

Quick Reply