Computer science degree personal statement example (1w) Imperial offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Information processing has been the major advancement in the last century and I want to be the part of the progress that has yet to come. It fascinates me how life changing applications are developed by a small number of inspired people, who are highly imaginative, intelligent and have an ability to think laterally like no one else. I believe I possess these features alongside a real enjoyment of solving problems of any kind, be they mathematical questions, logical puzzles, or algorithmic designs.

I look forward to studying many aspects of computer science in detail that are already fascinating me. They include computer graphics, network security, and cryptography. I have recently signed up for an online course on ‘Machine Learning’ organised by Stanford University. It will hopefully introduce me to basics of AI, and give an insight into what computer science lectures are like. I am also enthusiastic about games development due to its surprisingly complex structure and its way of bringing maths content to life, for example mechanics modelling of a moving car or transformation matrices altering the perspective.

James Gleick’s ‘The Information…’ made me realise that despite computer science being a young discipline, it is surprising how many of its concepts and ideas date from centuries ago, from the first algorithms to the first computational devices. This inspires me to be aware of recent advancements that have a great futuristic potential such as quantum computing.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Expressing complex patterns, using the language of mathematics and aiming for neat and efficient solutions are principles that link computer science and maths closely, hence my natural interest in both. Taking Mathematics and Further Mathematics allowed me to expand my knowledge and understanding of pure maths, including functions and algebra while introducing me to new aspects like calculus. Decision maths has been particularly rewarding, preparing me for the challenges encountered within the computing field, like adopting and developing algorithms to efficiently solve real-life problems. I also look forward to taking the STEP exams in the summer, confronting me to solve complex maths questions for my own personal satisfaction and as enrichment of my problem solving skills.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Outside of my academic subjects I develop programming skills, finding real life applications to be the most exciting tasks. For example, I have written a calculator of complex numbers using C++ and an object-oriented paradigm, as part of my maths revision. This has proven to be a useful program for checking my exercise answers, as well as consolidating my knowledge of addition, subtraction and multiplication of complex numbers. I also enjoy algorithmic challenges, for which I once implemented the sieve of Eratosthenes to write a generator of prime numbers within specified intervals.

Recently, I tutored a GCSE student preparing for maths exams, finding it demanding and exacting to think of ways to explain maths logically and comprehensively. Sport activities are essential in my life. In the past I have been competitively involved in athletics and basketball, and currently I am improving at a kickboxing club. My background as an immigrant from Poland, who had to learn English as the second language in the last 4 years, has allowed me to adapt to different environments readily, giving me an advantage at university.

I believe my passion for technology and ability in mathematics combined with my desire to succeed will make me an excellent Computer Scientist, while the degree itself should equip me in invaluable skills that would take me to the forefront of research or an inspiring career.

Universities applied to:

• Imperial College London
• Southampton
• Cambridge
• Bristol
• Bath

Grades achieved:

• Maths (AS) - A
• Further Maths (AS) - A
• Physics (AS) - A
• Chemistry (AS) - A
• Maths (A2) - A*
• Further Maths (A2) - A*
• Physics (A2) - A*

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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