Computer science degree personal statement example (2c) St Andrews offer

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

As far back as I can remember, I have been fascinated by computers and electronics. I have always enjoyed learning more about them and their applications, and how I can use them. As a small child with my first family PC, I have longed for a deeper understanding of computing, and this has shaped my educational choices inside school, as well as other projects outside of school.

I started out making basic web pages in HTML, and have since expanded upon these with dynamic content such as JavaScript and Flash. Recently, I enhanced my knowledge of Flash and ActionScript and used it to create a basic iPhone game, which has been downloaded from the Cydia store over 4500 times. I feel strongly that understanding a high-level programming language coupled with the Assembly language taught in my AS Electronics course has shown me the breadth of computing and its versatility—from the smallest microcontroller to the largest supercomputer. This breadth of computing enthrals me and drives my passion to explore new areas and deepen my knowledge further.

It has always been my dream to study Computer Science at degree level, and I have worked towards it for as long as possible. I am an enthusiastic, willing, and able student eagerly awaiting the opportunity to study Computer Science at university to explore both new and familiar areas of computing in greater depth.

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

I have complemented my Electronics AS level with A-Levels in Further Maths and Physics, subjects which have helped develop my logical thinking and analytical skills that are essential in Computer Science. Despite my school not offering Computing as an AS option, I took the initiative to enter myself as a private candidate in AS Computing and taught myself the course. This demonstrates my self-motivation and determination to gain core computing knowledge even in less-than-ideal circumstances.

To build upon my knowledge of Assembly language from Electronics, I undertook a project to design and build a digital clock using a PIC microcontroller and Assembly programming. Starting from an initial idea, I coded and refined the program, tested a prototype, and finally produced a soldered end product. This project not only honed my programming skills but also taught me valuable practical skills like soldering and debugging code—skills I had no experience with beforehand. This hands-on project helped me understand the physical components of computing systems and the process from design to production, which enhanced both my theoretical and practical understanding.

Additionally, I completed Udacity's CS101 online course covering Python, where I earned the second highest grade, and also took JavaScript courses on Codecademy. These courses helped me broaden my software development skills and exposed me to different programming paradigms that complement what I have learned academically.

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

Outside of formal education, I have undertaken two weeks of work experience at a Large Public Organisation's IS&T Department, where I worked with different teams maintaining the network infrastructure. This experience gave me insight into the scale and complexity of technology management in large organisations.

At school, I am known among students and teachers for my computing knowledge, and I was personally asked by the head of sixth form to produce a magazine-style document for local distribution, highlighting my communication skills and ability to engage a wider audience.

In my spare time, I enjoy tinkering with and making electronics, playing video games, and reading. I also play recreational ice hockey with friends and have an interest in learning new things, having completed a beginners' Japanese night class at the University of Somewhere, broadening my cultural and linguistic horizons.

I have also taken part in maths competitions such as the 2011 UK Maths Challenge, where my school team reached the regional finals, which helped reinforce my problem-solving abilities. A keen follower of Formula 1, I have been accepted as a volunteer marshal at Silverstone Circuit, demonstrating my enthusiasm and commitment outside academics.

These varied experiences have helped me develop practical skills, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities, which I believe will be valuable for my university studies and future career in Computer Science.

Universities applied to:

• Cambridge University (Computer Science with Natural Sciences)
• University of St Andrews (Computer Science)
• University of York (Computer Science)
• Edinburgh University (Computer Science)

Grades achieved:

• Maths (AS) - A
• Maths (A2) - B
• Further Maths (AS) - A
• Further Maths (A2) - D
• Physics (AS) - B
• Physics (A2) - B
• Computing (AS) - C
• Electronics (AS) - 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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