Computer Science Personal Statement Example – with Writing Guide 2023
For a lot of students, the very idea of writing a computer science personal statement can appear daunting.
Why do they feel so?
Because it is not a document that they often have to write in their day-to-day life.
In fact, a personal statement has to be written only once or twice in a lifetime.
So, how can you write the best computer science personal statement when you write it for the first time?
This blog is trying to help with some useful insights on that.
As you read this blog, you will find out:
- How to write a computer science masters personal statement?
- What to include in it?
- Final checklist to validate the document
- Samples for reference
Why Are You Required to Write a Personal Statement for Ms in Cs?
Institutes select candidates for their higher study programs after inspecting how suitable they are.
They do this through a number of measures and their personal statement is one important document that helps them do this.
This is because:
- Personal statement reflects a candidate’s personality
- Computer science masters personal statement reveals the true motives of the student behind joining the CS program
- Candidate’s suitability for the program is explained through the personal statement
- Candidate explains how the CS program will help him with his aspirations in the personal statement.
- Personal statement is also a document for the institutes to assess the candidate’s communication skills.
When to Start Working on Your Computer Science Degree Personal Statement?
You are supposed to include your personal statement for MS in CS in the application for admission.
This means you need to have it ready at least a couple of weeks ahead of the application due date.
Perfect time:
September to October. Most colleges start in January. Hence, admissions will take place in November-December. Get ready with your personal statement before that.
Write earlier:
If you are at the end of junior high school, it’s a good time to start working on your personal statement now.
Summer vacation:
If you happen to be engaged with any personal work or meetings during the summer vacations, chances are that you will not likely get time to write your personal statement. In that case, work on your personal statement at the earliest.
What Are You Supposed to Write in The Masters in Computer Science Personal Statement?
Although a personal statement is very personal to the applicant, it has to make sense to the admission officers too.
How to do that?
Address some fundamental questions in your write-up such as:
Why do you want to study MS in CS?
List out the reasons that make you choose MS in CS over other higher study programs.
Explain how you can contribute to the program and how you want to benefit from it.
What are your strengths as a student of MS in CS?
Start with some of your academic strengths such as the subjects you excelled in your previous program and how relevant that is to MS in CS.
Following that, talk about some of your personal strengths such as leadership qualities, communication skills etc.
What makes you different from the rest?
Talk about any other unique areas of you that make you different from the rest of the applicants.
It could be an IT project you worked on, an internship, a volunteering experience or any other achievements.
Which aspect of the institute appeals to you most?
For this, you need to do a bit of individual research about the institute and find out any interesting aspects of it that make you see it as a better choice than other institutes.
How Long Does a Good Computer Science Personal Statement Have to Be?
Your personal statement needs to be short and precise with only the most relevant and accurate points being discussed. Keep in mind the following figures when you write.
No of pages:
1 to 2Wordcount:
500 to 700No. of characters:
2500 to 3500Best fonts:
Times New Roman or ArialFont size:
12 PointsExample 1 – Computer Science Masters Personal Statement
Almost every element of our lives now depend on computers and IT, two decades after the invention of the world- wide-web. However, I haven’t noticed that influence as much in the life of my parents. Compared to me, my father and mother are not as up-to-date with technology advancements and trends. I could see the eagerness in their eyes as I tried to explain how to handle a laptop to my father. My father frequently remarks that, especially in terms of the advancement of technology, the world has changed significantly since their time. There are many perks to being born in the digital era. Everything is at our fingertips, and we can do it right from our living room, from GPS trackers to takeout. My interest has been piqued by the latest technological revolution.
Working with computers and tablets and attempting to understand how they function has always been a hobby of mine. To gain a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of how computers conduct business, I want to study computer science. Then, I can help contribute to the ongoing technology advancement. As a result, I pursued a B.Tech in Information Communication and Technology from XXX College with a XXX CGPA. The programme has stoked my passion for the field and inspired me to learn more. I became familiar with the world of coding when I figured out how to upgrade my computer. Using software programmes that let me work with digital graphics has also improved my proficiency.
I have developed my skills in website design through various courses over the years. I’ve utilised sophisticated web design programmes in the course of developing and building websites. Through regular reading of technical and scientific journals, I constantly maintain myself informed about the most recent advancements in computers and IT. I was thus introduced to the dynamic and fascinating fields of computer science like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, etc. My interest in the topic was piqued by the idea of artificial intelligence and the development of computers that would be able to pass as people. I consequently made the decision to pursue a master’s degree in computer science with a focus in artificial intelligence.
When I’m not researching technologies and computers, I’m usually assembling and repairing devices to understand how they run. My ability to think critically and solve problems has improved as a result of this. I have a passion for sports as well as technology, and since I was in high school, I have participated in regional and national basketball competitions. When I start college, I want to play basketball again at a top level. I would really like to assist with the website redesign for the university using my web design expertise.
My study has revealed that your university is among the best for computer science in the USA. I’m convinced that as a nation that has experienced the most recent technology advancements, this will also be reflected in the program’s course curriculum. In order to advance my knowledge and abilities in the field, I’m looking forward to getting more real-world experience and possibilities. The state-of-the-art infrastructure and lab resources at your esteemed university will aid in the learning process.
I intend to pursue a PhD after completing the programme and start working as a computer scientist after that. Along with acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills needed to move into the field of programming, I’m hoping to find like-minded individuals at university that I can collaborate with on creative computer science initiatives. A master’s degree in computer science should give me the tools I need to help improve people’s lives in real ways, in my perspective.
| Anesthesiology | Emergency Medicine | Neurology | Radiology |
| Dental School | Family Medicine | Internal Medicine | Urology |
| Dermatology | General Surgery | Psychiatry | Pediatrics |
| Ophthalmology | Medical School | Nursing Job | Pathology |
Example 2 – Computer Science Undergraduate Personal Statement
For those like myself who are motivated by a desire for progress and a curiosity for learning, the field of computer science offers a plethora of highly lucrative, academically engaging, and mentally or physically challenging employment possibilities. This programme is perfect for somebody who wants to learn everything there is to know about the conceptual framework of computer science, such as how computer systems function and how software applications are built. This will provide me the opportunity to learn about software projects throughout their complete lifetime and to learn the procedures and strategies needed to store or display data using computer systems. All of the aforementioned factors combined to persuade me to enrol in your XYZ University in the UK to study computer technology.
I feel that I have the qualities necessary to succeed in your master’s programme. I was able to significantly advance my capacity for logical problem and creative thinking through partly designing software applications. My tutors constantly complimented and valued me for my great maths, task management, and communication abilities during my college years in BSc computer science, which were crucial to the accomplishment of any tasks the lecturers set for us. The knowledge and skills I acquired in the course motivated me to go deeper into the area, refine the theories, and develop new methods in order to promote computer science.
I’ve been interested in the topic outside of the classroom as well. I worked part-time at a software firm until recently which provided me with a fresh perspective on how business and computer science perform in reality. I had the chance to collaborate closely with seasoned developers and gained a wealth of knowledge on a variety of web technologies, including CSS, Java, HTML, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, I trained on my people skills and realised that comprehension of client requirements was essential for any profession. And to do that, I need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively. If we cannot effectively interact with clients, the outcome can be altered.
My past part-time employment experience and desire to improve my education both played a role in my decision to complete a master’s in computer science at your XYZ University in the UK. Your university stands out from others due to its conducive learning environment and informal academic setting. I learned that the professors are amiable and knowledgeable from reading student reviews. The university also offers sufficient resources for effectively completing the degree. The small class sizes, though, which will enable more two-way interaction between student and teacher was one of your course’s favourite parts for me. I believe that by doing this, I can improve both my educational experience and my ability to acquire the skills I need to be successful in the IT industry.
I want to have a great career in one of India’s top IT businesses after completing this master’s degree. Since it is still developing, my nation offers countless prospects for my computer science profession. I would like for people to be knowledgeable about technology, its potential, and the ways in which it may improve and simplify people’s lives. I believe that in the future, computer science will benefit humanity. I’m greatly looking forward to both the academic and personal challenges that pursuing a computer science degree programme at the university can provide.
How to Use These Computer Science Personal Statement Examples?
Here are some samples to help you understand personal statements at a deeper level.
Dive deep into the samples and try to figure out:
- How different sentence structures are effectively used
- How a variety of grammatical ranges have been applied
- How the smooth writing tone engages the reader
- How the document strictly adheres to the word limit
- How proper formatting and structure are used.
How to Structure the Paragraphs of a Computer Science Personal Statement?
Introduction
Main Body
Conclusion
Introduction
Use the introduction to set the background for your personal statement. Also, make sure that it is interesting to the reader.
E.g.: Problem-solving has been an area of interest and passion for me since childhood. The more I do it, the more I become engrossed in it. I believe this drive has drawn me to the field of computer science.
The main question to answer in the introduction of your personal statement is:
Why do you want to study computer science?
To answer this, you must give a brief background of yours and then what drew you to the field of computer science.
After that, you should explain why and how studying this course will help you.
Main Body
Use the main body paragraphs to engage the reader further about your suitability for the program.
This should be done by briefing up your academic as well as employment background, highlighting the skills, strengths and knowledge you acquired from them and establishing why the program is the right option for you.
Questions to answer in the main body are:
What are your relevant skills and strengths?
Answer this by giving examples of your skills and strengths and showing how relevant they are for studying computer science. Don’t simply list them but provide evidence to prove them.
What makes you the right fit for the program? /Why do you deserve to be given admission?
Rather than showing that you desperately want admission, show that you truly deserve the admission more than anyone else.
Convince the selection committee about the fact that you can incredibly contribute to the program.
Conclusion
Conclude your personal statement by summing up the main points, reiterating your major strengths and achievements and showing your strong desire to take part in the higher study program.
What are some Challenges You Might Face While You Writing Personal Statement
Lack of time:
If you begin working on your personal statement at the last minute, you may face a deficit of time.
Unclarity of points:
Not knowing what to write in your personal statement computer science master can be a big problem.
Read a computer science masters personal statement example and prompts shared above to learn more.
Grammatical mistakes:
It is important to write your personal statement without any grammatical mistakes.
Seek expert help if you can’t write it.
Maintaining engagement:
Engaging the reader from start to end can be a difficult task.
Try improving your writing with a special focus on engagement.
Five Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Statement
The following mistakes could make your personal statement lose its shine.
Avoid them while writing.
Irrelevant information:
You must focus on including the most recent and relevant information in your document.
Cliches:
Personal statement is expected to be written from a very personal angle. Using cliches in it would mean you haven’t tried to introspect and write.
Repetition of points:
Information that is obvious in the application must not be repeated as that can cause your essay to exceed the word count or miss points.
Failure to show capability:
The core purpose of a personal statement is to establish loudly that you are capable of taking up a university-level program. Do that deftly.
Lying:
In their desperate efforts to impress the selectors, some students choose to fabricate stories. This should be avoided by all means.
How to Make Your Personal Statement Appear Impressive?
These five simple tips will make your personal statement look good and impressive just like the personal statement examples for computer science you saw earlier.
- Write in simple language
- Use a friendly and engaging tone
- Maintain 100% honesty in your writing
- Substantiate your claims with powerful and obvious evidence
- Adhere to all requirements
Final Checklist Before Submission
Before you submit your personal statement for the admission, here is the final checklist to validate your document.
- I have abided by all the university requirements
- I have answered all prompts
- I have supported my claims with evidence
- I have clearly established that my higher education would benefit my career
- I have formatted the document correctly
- I have proofread and corrected all mistakes
Top Universities to Pursue Masters in Computer Science
The institute where you pursue your masters in computer science will have a great impact on your job search and career prospects.
Here is a list of the top institutes for your consideration.
Make sure you draft a tailor-made personal statement for Ms in cs for each of these institutes.
- National University of Singapore
- University of Oxford
- Technical University of Munich
- University College London
- University of Sydney
- Stanford University
- ETH Zurich
- University of Technology Sydney
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Toronto
As We Conclude…
We hope to have given you a fresh perspective and insights on writing a computer science masters personal statement.
Nevertheless, we wish to keep this open for your suggestions and feedback.
Do you think there is anything more that we can add to this?
If yes, let us know the same.
We are excited to hear from you.
FAQ
Will a 1000-word personal statement be considered too long?
Yes. The ideal length for a personal statement is 500 words or 2500 characters.
Is it okay to modify personal statement examples for masters in computer science?
No. Copying or modifying an existing personal statement is not recommended as that can cause the document to lose its originality. Moreover, universities may decide to check your document for plagiarism using advanced software tools in case they feel suspicious about the authenticity of your write-up.
Why do most students find it hard to write a computer science personal statement?
For most students, writing a personal statement happens once or twice during their academic life. Obviously, when they have to write it, they will find it difficult simply because they are not so used to this type of writing.
What do universities look for when they review your computer science masters personal statement?
Universities want to shortlist the most eligible candidates for the face-to-face round of interviews. In order to do that, they cross-check the backgrounds, motivations, strengths, skills and aptitudes of their prospective candidates. A personal statement serves as one of the main documents for them to do this.
What happens if I lie on my personal statement?
A personal statement is a document that needs to be 100 percent true to the candidate and authentic. If institutes learn that you have fabricated any information on the personal statement, they may reject your application straight away.
Will I be able to complete writing my personal statement in a month?
It depends on many factors such as your familiarity with the type of points you want to include, writing tone, grammatical accuracy etc. We highly recommend that you start working on your personal statement at least a month ahead of the due date. This will help you have sufficient time to review, edit or modify your document.
Do I need to mention my name on the personal statement?
It is not necessary because you are submitting a personal statement along with a number of other documents such as your GPA, letter of recommendation, application form etc. The admission panel can certainly infer your name from these documents.
Is it okay to use the first-person pronoun “I” in a personal statement?
Yes, it is totally okay to describe yourself using the first-person pronoun “I” in the personal statement.
Can I use the same personal statement for Ms in CS for applying to multiple universities?
It is recommended to draft a customized personal statement for each university you are applying to. One of the key areas of your personal statement is showing how worthy you are to get admission from a particular college or university. You need to write this part after carefully studying the institute and understanding how closely your expectations match with what the institute has to offer.
