This is a real personal statement written by a student for their university application. It might help you decide what to include in your own. There are lots more examples in our collection of sample personal statements.
Computer Science is growing in importance, all over the world. It is an evolving, challenging discipline that has the ability to change our lives now and in the future. Studying computer science at university will help me to fulfil my ambition of mastering the subject and to gain employment in the industry.
My first mobile phone was what brought me into the subject. I spent days learning about WML and created my first website with it. The way that I could write this 'code' and have it display something on my screen intrigued me and I set out to go further. I started to read books such as "C++, A Beginner's Guide" by Herbert Schildt, and others on C# and JavaScript which gave me a good grounding in the foundations of programming and not just the languages. My first application was a CLI calculator application, built in C++ which I submitted to a programming forum; to date it has received over 100,000 hits.
My current skills lie in web development technologies such as PHP, MySQL and JavaScript. I became interested in web development as I could apply the skills I had learnt in C++ to PHP, making it a smooth transition. I have created dynamic websites for people, ranging from a community buying website, to an online bookshop. I now do part time work building websites for a computer shop. Experiencing work in a related field has given me a taste of real world computing. Due to the nature of my work, I have developed sound interpersonal skills which have demonstrated to me that good communication is crucial to keeping the client satisfied and also in forging new relationships with clients. I believe that regular emails, phone calls and face to face conversations help maintain a steady partnership between myself and those I work for.
Knowing that I wanted to venture further into computer science, I chose the Level 3 course I am currently studying. I felt that it would be more relevant to my interests as it delved deeper into the subject than A Levels would. Not only has it broadened my knowledge of aspects such as programming and databases, but taught me many things that I had not really looked at before, such as networking and hardware components. This has been advantageous as it has opened my eyes to other aspects of computing which I have enjoyed thoroughly. Because the course demands that we apply our learnt knowledge to real life business situations, I have developed an insight into how the industry may work which is invaluable.
Outside of college, I have deepened my understanding of computers by partaking in competitions including UK Skills and World Skills. In World Skills, I was required to apply my knowledge of hardware components in timed conditions to build and set up a computer and connect it to a network. To accomplish this, I made sure I planned ahead and made a checklist to keep errors minimal; I scored 81/100. I enjoy listening to music and playing guitar. It is the feeling of being able to create, or recreate, something that gives me the pleasure of playing music. I also take part in Muay Thai, a sport which requires quick thinking, confidence, determination and motivation to succeed.
I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the core concepts of subjects such as object oriented programming, web development and databases - but I endeavour to learn much more at university. I am excited about gaining knowledge of specialist fields such as artificial intelligence and algorithms which will challenge me and allow me to develop new skills. I feel that university is right for me as it will allow me to work at my hardest and give my total dedication to the subject.
I believe I should study this course at university because I am motivated and ambitious. I enjoy the challenge that learning can bring and I have a thirst for knowledge that I am certain university will satisfy.
Universities Applied to:
- Lancaster University (Computer Science) - Offer (DDM) Firm
- UEA (Computer Science) - Offer (DDM) Insurance
- University of Nottingham (Computer Science) - Offer (DDD)
- University of Sussex (Computer Science) - Offer (DDM)
- University of Leicester (Computer Science) - Offer (DDD)
Grades Achieved:
- Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma in Computing (Programming/Web Path) - D*DD
Reviewer comment:
Paragraph mentioning books is good but can be elaborated on further. What was it that the applicant read that drew them to continue with computer science?
Good to link to work experience but this section is mostly listed, need to go into why this project was interesting.
Extra-curricular section is a good length
Personal statement links to aspirations for a career throughout which is done well
The tone of the personal statement is good, sufficiently formal and written well
Final paragraph is long, can condense this and use the space elsewhere. Can just use the final sentence to sum up the PS.
Find expert advice on writing an excellent personal statement over on The Uni Guide.
