Okay so I'm trying to write a personal statement for Computer Science MEng, but it's so fucking hard. I was wondering if anyone here is or has been in a similar position and if they had any advice. I've submitted a second draft to my teacher but it is still dreadful and I've realised I've done nothing with my life, although I have done work experience with IBM which I've put on there. Can anyone offer some advice?

Is this like a resume or covering letter?

Is this like a resume or covering letter?

Sort of like that, you write why you're applying to your specific course, what skills you have and have learned, any work experience, all relevant to the course.

Oh jesus that fuckin' thing.


Regardless of how you write it, you WILL sound like a twat. Sorry.


Although I didn't write one for a Computer Science course, my generic advice is:

-Use larger vocabulary than you already do. If you already sound "posh" in writing, keep it that way (or you run the risk of them thinking you just copied words off the internet).

-Say how computers and coding (is that computer science?) have always interested you and have read various books, and go briefly into why you are interested in it.
E.g. For a geology course I applied for I said I was interested in taking the course because I am interested in how the Earth "works". Volcanoes creating Islands, Earthquakes creating trenches and mountains, all that good shit.

-Ask your teacher for their opinion and feedback on it, a LOT. I ended up making 10 drafts of the stupid thing. Also, it's best if you ask an English teacher, they are fantastic word-smiths.

-Say how great you are, ignore how bad you are. That's simply put of course, but don't over-do it. Making yourself sound like the King of the world is kinda arrogant.

Also, if you want an example I'll PM you my PS if I can find it. It got me an offer and finally place in a good University (though I think it was my grades tbh), and even I fucking hate my personal statement because it isn't really me.

That's sorta strange. I'm not sure that we have that over here... I didn't get into Uni the straight way from school. I didn't even pass the final year of school through fucking around. I took a test years later that determined whether I was smart enough to go to Uni, scored high and cruised on in. Even scored a 2 grand scholarship. Suckers.
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Quote from: SoporificSlash on September 15, 2014, 10:43:51 AM

I'm glad we don't have to do this personal statement thing in 'Merica

I had to write a personal statement, then again it was for the University of Commiefornia after all.

OT: Try your best to bullshit how much you love your school or major. If you think it makes you sound arrogant or like an ass kisser then you are probably on the right track.

Eh we send the same personal statement to 5 different Unis so I can't really suck up to a specific one. Reading mine through just makes me cringe.

Quote from: Fedorekd on September 15, 2014, 11:21:40 AM

Quote from: God on September 15, 2014, 11:07:26 AM

Quote from: SoporificSlash on September 15, 2014, 10:43:51 AM

I'm glad we don't have to do this personal statement thing in 'Merica

I had to write a personal statement, then again it was for the University of Commiefornia after all.

OT: Try your best to bullshit how much you love your school or major. If you think it makes you sound arrogant or like an ass kisser then you are probably on the right track.

Eh we send the same personal statement to 5 different Unis so I can't really suck up to a specific one. Reading mine through just makes me cringe.

Have you decided what to study yet? I went into my schools biology program so I talked about wading in tidepools as a kid and some nonsense about how "one with nature" I am. Along with some asskissing about how their school is the best in the field.

Though this was in California. I don't know if it's different where you live, but it sounded similair based on what Psychology said.

I'm applying to do an Integrated Masters in Computer Science. Over here we apply to up to 5 different Unis (I've got 3 down at the moment), generally for the same or similar courses.

Any idea how on earth I can link my Chemistry A-Level to computer science?

Um... the chains in a bond act similar to how data is binded to others in a relational database?


Best I could come up with my limited knowledge of Chemistry (and a C in ICT A-Level.)