Question: Am I qualified enough for a good Master's program in Computer Science?

Hey everyone, just warning you it's a long story but I'd appreciate any help.

TDLR: did great in school but moved internationally for uni and inability to adjust + mental health means my current track record is my personal worst and though decent, isn't great. I love ML and theoretical aspects of CS. Would like a career in academia/ r&d. Though I don't have practical experience, I have extensive and through knowledge. Looking for master's programs where I can capitalize my strengths and liabilities.

Basically I'm an international student from India and I am considering applying for a Master's degree for CS or perhaps straight up ML. I'm currently in my last year of my bachelor's degree and I have a fairly good academic standing, an overall of 85.2% roughly (or 8.52 CGPA/ 3.23 GPA/ or a First Class UK grade according to the online converter I just popped that into, whatever floats ur boat).

I'm applying from a good uni but aside from my academic performance, I don't really have a strong performance in anything to show. I moved to India for uni which was a huge culture shock and I did not adjust well nor was my environment in any way accommodating (it was/is terrible). Add that to mental health issues and suffice to say I didn't live my best life and it shows on my record. Before uni, I was a fairly well performing student. I got an AAB in A-levels for maths, physics, chemistry and an A in AS further maths along with 9s and 8s in my IGCSEs and good extra curriculars and personal endeavors. In the 3 years since, I've completely deteriorated and performing at my worst but I've recently recovered a fair bit and am ready for another try at life.

I don't have any major project experience or any internships. I am though, extremely interested in theoretical work (esp. in ML) but also in all fields of CS. My main area of expertise is ML though. I love research and ideally would like to have a career in academia or R&D style work, just anywhere where thorough and deep intuitive understanding is appreciated and required. Since my recovery, I've taken up 2 research projects and am signing myself for pretty much weekly hackathons and with uni work (and recovery work) that's an extremely full plate for me. All of this is just beginning and ongoing, hence why I feel I don't have anything to exhibit yet. My only and greatest strength is in my broad and deep knowledge in ML. As much as working in academia is a dream, I'm perfectly aware of how competitive it is. Aside from ML, I also enjoy studying physics - I'm also into quantum computing and QML - and because I'm a bit of a dilettante, have fair domain knowledge about practically everything. In addition to all that I won an on-campus hackaton and have a cloud certification. I also have great writing skills so I know I can write a terrific personal statement to sell my story. The only problem is my practical expertise since I can't exactly put "I know a lot of stuff really well" on my resume or personal statement.

I think this post has a bit of a damper but I am an optimistic and determined person. I know I have what it takes but I am also aware that I spent 3 years in the basement and while personally to me, that part of my life remains in the past and I do not associate my present self with it, I do know track records of the past are all I have to define myself with. I'm also just worried that I am underselling my strengths and want to ask if there are ways I can capitalize on them. All in all, any advice on applying for Masters/ recommendations on good programs would be much appreciated.

Just to be sure if I didn't make it clear enough in my post - I LOVE ML and that's what I want to do! (though other algorithm > tools subject areas do sway me lol)

(edited 2 weeks ago)

Reply 1

University of York

Official Rep

Hi Ablueskyday,

I'm sorry to hear you've had a rough time, sounds like you're doing well to overcome difficulties though. Would you consider York? We have a very well established CS department and we're highly rated for research which means you get top-notch up to date teaching. As well as having an amazing university and CS department, York itself is a really pleasant and safe city to live in (I love it here 🙂 ) Let me know if you have any questions, E.