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| I have had an interest in computing for many years; Since I got my Dragon 32 at the age of 8. particularly enjoying making the computer dance for me monkey. I enjoying applying my mind to the solving of problems, usually showing persistence in persuading something to work. I have been known to stay awake late getting something to work. I also particularly enjoy the satisfaction of a well 'shaped' piece of code or a 'neat' proof. This leads me to a specific interest in compilers and parsing areas of Computer Science.... Other subjects which appeal to me are complexity, finite automaton and regular expressions for similar reasons. | |
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| I undertook my B.Sc. at the University of Leeds as I was attracted by the theoretical nature of the course and the chance to develop my programming and mathematical skills. I enjoyed the Functional Programming and Graphics modules and was particularly successful at Compiler Design and Database Design although I feel perhaps this wasn't reflected in my final 2:1 classification. My final year project was designing and implementing a static source code checker for C++, for which I received a first . The M.Sc. at Imperial appeals to those interests, in particular the modules on Program Analysis and Advanced Issues in Object-oriented Programming. I want to do an MSc as the first step towards further academic study . I would like to acquire a qualification that reflected my ability better than my B.Sc. did and this could help me to progress into further research, possibly a PhD. I am now looking to for further challenges. In the Advanced Computer Science MSc I am looking to build on my final year project and learn more skills and gain more depth into program analysis and compilers. [You'll then need some summary of why you'd be one of the most suitable candidates for their course, what you can offer (terms of commitment, interest) and ] Since leaving academia, I have worked as a systems administrator for a small computer consultancy. This job has involved using a number of skills learnt from my undergraduate course. I have been required to do a fair amount of programming and analysis. The job has required me to develop my interpersonal skills as it involves a lot of communication with clients. It has also helped me to work to deadlines. While at Leeds I helped to develop a replacement Student database for the department during one summer holiday. [what makes you stand out from any other comsci grad?] Outside of paid or academic study I am usually working on some personal computer-related project. These include working for the Debian Linux distribution. I am currently applying to be a Debian developer. I maintain the irssi IRC client for Debian and help with the KDE packaging for Debian. This packaging work requires patience and persistence and can often involve working late into the night to fix bugs and other problems. I have therefore honed my skills in Linux administration and programming and I think this shows that I have a genuine interest in the course material. I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction gained from the different languages this has required me to learn, including, C, C++, shell scripting, Perl and Python. I have a broad range of extra-curricular interests including juggling and other circus skills. I also have an interest in law and local government. I am a parish councilor, which has helped me to develop teamwork skills. Over the last year I have had the opportunity to attend several technical conferences, including FOSDEM in Brussels and Debconf in Oslo. This provided a fantastic chance to meet up with like-minded people, exchange ideas and news, and start on new projects [?]. I am also a member of several local Linux user groups and have presented several talks to the groups which has allowed me to develop my public speaking skills. I am interested in the research pathway and would require funding. |
[uh, 4.2 now? ] [hint from Uni personal statement: try and cut down on use of the word 'I' ?] |
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| how many words? don't you think you should be at least attempting to draft this? when should it be done by? | I have a particular interest in compilers and lanaguages, in particular parsing and program analysis. I have a particular ```[repeat word]``` in detecting security flaws common programming errors. Many aspects of the MSc. at Imperial appeal to these interests, particularly the modules on Program Analysis and Advanced Issues in Object-Oriented Programming, along with complexity, finite automata and regular expressions. At Imperial, I would hope to build on work undertaken for my final year project, to learn new skills and consolidate my understanding of program analysis and compilers. The MSc might lead towards further academic study---I am currently considering a PhD on program analysis and static code checking. |
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| I undertook my BSc. at the University of Leeds, attracted by the theoretical nature of the course and the chance to develop my programming and mathematical skills. Amongst others I enjoyed the Functional Programming and Graphics modules. I was particularly successful at Compiler Design which I applied to my final year project; designing and implementing a static source code checker for C++. While at Leeds I helped to develop a replacement student database for the department. I also helped teach C++ programming and discrete mathematics to the lower years. I have had an interest in computing since obtaining my Dragon 32 '''[microcomputer?]''' at the age of 8. From programming in BASIC on that machine, my interests have extended to many areas of computer science, Linux and programming languages in particular. I am usually involved in computer-related projects, including working for the Debian Linux distribution where I currently maintain the irssi IRC client and help with KDE packaging. The work requires patience and persistence, often taking extra time to attend to details or fix bugs. Thus I have honed my skills in Linux administration and programming using a range of languages including C, C++, shell scripting, Perl and python. New lanaguages are not hard to pick up and I have programmed in several different styles of langauages including procedural, OO, functional and declarative. I enjoy problem solving and the sense of achievement on completion, I show persistence in making something work and always put in the time and effort required to obtain the best possible results. I take great satisfaction and pride in a well designed piece of code or an elegant proof and Since graduating in 2001 my work as a systems administrator for a small computer consultancy has built on skills learnt during my undergraduate studies---programming and systems analysis have been particularly vital---and developed new skills. Close attention to deadlines has been important, as have communication skills when interacting closely with customers. Over the last year technical conferences including FOSDEM in Brussels and Debconf in Oslo enabled me to meet up with like-minded people to exchange ideas and news. Membership of several local Linux user groups '''[continues this exchange on a regular basis (??)]'''. Presenting talks to these groups has been valuable public speaking experience. To balance my computer-related work, I keep fit through juggling and badminton, relax with music and films and take a lively interest in law and local government. I am a parish councillor, through which I've developed organizational and teamwork skills. I will require funding. |
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| Some suggestions (from GaneshSittampalam, randomly browsing the Wiki) | |
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| Draft 3ish. Thought I'd have a go as I didn't see this the other night. Hope it will be of some use - let me know and get it done!! ;) ----- |
Try to emphasise your computer science interests, rather than your general computing interests. You want to give the impression of a serious interest in computer science backed up by your hacking skills, rather than a hacker with a passing interest in CS. Talking about having used computers since the age of 8 is rather cliched in this kind of thing, so you might want to consider leaving it out. |
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| I have had an interest in computing for many years since I got my Dragon 32 at the age of 8 [expand to some kind of introduction] | I would start with paragraphs 3 and 4 (about why you want to do the MSc and about the BSc, possibly introducing it with the last sentence of paragraph 2. You could say "compilers, in particular parsing technology" if "compilers and parsing" sounds wrong to you. |
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| I undertook my BSc. at the University of Leeds as I was attracted by the theoretical nature of the course and the chance to develop my programming and mathematical skills. I enjoyed the Functional Programming and Graphics modules, and was particularly successful at Compiler Design and Database Design (although I feel perhaps my achievements were not reflected in my final 2:1 classification). My final year project was designing and implementing a static source code checker for C++, for which I received a first. While at Leeds I also helped to develop a replacement Student database for the department during one summer holiday [anything else that could show 'em how good you are?!] | Talk more about your final-year project. It's the most relevant experience you have, particularly for the research aspects of the MSc (I assume it has a large project) and for a PhD. |
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| Since graduating in 2001 I have worked as a systems administrator for a small computer consultancy. This job has involved using a number of skills acquired during my undergraduate studies [such as...?]. I have been required to do a fair amount of programming and analysis [and...? this seems too short]. The job has required me to develop my communication skills as it involves a lot of time working with clients, and it has also helped me to work to deadlines. | When talking about the languages you know, emphasise that you can pick up new ones quickly (I'm assuming from the range that you can!). It's far more important than the specific ones that you do know. |
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| Outside of paid or academic study I am usually involved in computer-related projects, including working for the Debian Linux distribution. I maintain the irssi IRC client and help with the KDE packaging for Debian as I apply to become a [cetified/accredited/recognised?]Debian developer. This packaging work requires patience and persistence, and can often involve dedicating extra time to fix bugs and other problems. As a result, I have honed my skills in Linux administration and programming [the next bit sounds a little unnecessary, but include it if you want!...] and I think this shows that I have a genuine interest in the course material. I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction gained from learning the different languages required, including, C, C++, shell scripting, Perl and Python. In addition to my computer-related work, I enjoy juggling, music and have an interest in law and local government. I am also a parish councilor, which has helped me to develop organizational and teamwork skills. Over the last year I have had the opportunity to attend several technical conferences, including FOSDEM in Brussels and Debconf in Oslo. This provided a fantastic chance to meet up with like-minded people, exchange ideas and news, and start on new projects [?]. I am also a member of several local Linux user groups and have presented several talks to the groups, strengthening my public speaking skills. Many aspects of the MSc. at Imperial appeal to the interests outlined, in particular the modules on Program Analysis and Advanced Issues in Object-oriented Programming, along with the areas of complexity, finite automaton and regular expressions. Through your course I am looking to build on work undertaken for final year project, to learn more skills [skills in what, or just generally?] and consolidate my knowledge of program analysis and compilers. I am interested in the research pathway, and I want to undertake an MSc. as the first step towards further academic study, possibly a PhD. I enjoy applying my mind to the solving of problems. I show persistence in making something work and I will always put in the time and effort required to obtain the best possible results. I take great satisfaction and pride in a well 'shaped' piece of code or a 'neat' proof as I have a specific interest in compilers and parsing areas of Computer Science. [You'll then need some final summary of why you'd be one of the most suitable candidates for their course, and anything else you could offer!] ----- |
Presumably something has told you to indicate your need for funding at the bottom. I'd have vaguely expected that to be a tick-box somewhere else in the application. |
This is a temporary place to edit a personal statement for JD's application to ic.ac.uk for a MSc in Advanced Computer Science. Please feel free to edit things as you feel neccessary. You may want to look at [http://www.davidpashley.com/resume.html my CV].
The Question says:
Supplementary Personal Statement - Describe your academic interests and reasons for applying. Include details of work experience you consider relevant to your proposed study, careers objectives and relevant non-academic achievements. Expand on a separate sheet if required.
The Notes also have this to say: Use this space to tell us why you are interested in the subject for which you have applied. Describe your academic interests and reasons for applying to Imperial College. Selectors place particular importance on the personal statement.
- PhD:
ooh that looks scary when written down
- Computers:
okay need to mention a few things here
- Compilers, source code checking, clint
- debian
- general interest? tinkering? list programming etc.
- many programming languages mentioned in CV
- -done any fixing for local people? -degree? dissertation?
- jobs:
- Cranfield - skills?
- Leeds Uni Summer programming job, teaching lower years. shows good communication and an understanding of your subject.
- PGL - skills? relevance???
- Parish council, law, music: juggling?
- Skills: Parish council - skills?
- Juggling, photography - skills? badminton, music - relevant? if so - variety? anything else?
- Skills: Parish council - skills?
[uh, 4.2 now? ] [hint from Uni personal statement: try and cut down on use of the word 'I' ?]
I have a particular interest in compilers and lanaguages, in particular parsing and program analysis. I have a particular [repeat word] in detecting security flaws common programming errors. Many aspects of the MSc. at Imperial appeal to these interests, particularly the modules on Program Analysis and Advanced Issues in Object-Oriented Programming, along with complexity, finite automata and regular expressions. At Imperial, I would hope to build on work undertaken for my final year project, to learn new skills and consolidate my understanding of program analysis and compilers. The MSc might lead towards further academic study---I am currently considering a PhD on program analysis and static code checking.
I undertook my BSc. at the University of Leeds, attracted by the theoretical nature of the course and the chance to develop my programming and mathematical skills. Amongst others I enjoyed the Functional Programming and Graphics modules. I was particularly successful at Compiler Design which I applied to my final year project; designing and implementing a static source code checker for C++. While at Leeds I helped to develop a replacement student database for the department. I also helped teach C++ programming and discrete mathematics to the lower years.
I have had an interest in computing since obtaining my Dragon 32 [microcomputer?] at the age of 8. From programming in BASIC on that machine, my interests have extended to many areas of computer science, Linux and programming languages in particular. I am usually involved in computer-related projects, including working for the Debian Linux distribution where I currently maintain the irssi IRC client and help with KDE packaging. The work requires patience and persistence, often taking extra time to attend to details or fix bugs. Thus I have honed my skills in Linux administration and programming using a range of languages including C, C++, shell scripting, Perl and python. New lanaguages are not hard to pick up and I have programmed in several different styles of langauages including procedural, OO, functional and declarative.
I enjoy problem solving and the sense of achievement on completion, I show persistence in making something work and always put in the time and effort required to obtain the best possible results. I take great satisfaction and pride in a well designed piece of code or an elegant proof and
Since graduating in 2001 my work as a systems administrator for a small computer consultancy has built on skills learnt during my undergraduate studies---programming and systems analysis have been particularly vital---and developed new skills. Close attention to deadlines has been important, as have communication skills when interacting closely with customers.
Over the last year technical conferences including FOSDEM in Brussels and Debconf in Oslo enabled me to meet up with like-minded people to exchange ideas and news. Membership of several local Linux user groups [continues this exchange on a regular basis (??)]. Presenting talks to these groups has been valuable public speaking experience.
To balance my computer-related work, I keep fit through juggling and badminton, relax with music and films and take a lively interest in law and local government. I am a parish councillor, through which I've developed organizational and teamwork skills.
I will require funding.
Some suggestions (from GaneshSittampalam, randomly browsing the Wiki)
Try to emphasise your computer science interests, rather than your general computing interests. You want to give the impression of a serious interest in computer science backed up by your hacking skills, rather than a hacker with a passing interest in CS. Talking about having used computers since the age of 8 is rather cliched in this kind of thing, so you might want to consider leaving it out.
I would start with paragraphs 3 and 4 (about why you want to do the MSc and about the BSc, possibly introducing it with the last sentence of paragraph 2. You could say "compilers, in particular parsing technology" if "compilers and parsing" sounds wrong to you.
Talk more about your final-year project. It's the most relevant experience you have, particularly for the research aspects of the MSc (I assume it has a large project) and for a PhD.
When talking about the languages you know, emphasise that you can pick up new ones quickly (I'm assuming from the range that you can!). It's far more important than the specific ones that you do know.
Presumably something has told you to indicate your need for funding at the bottom. I'd have vaguely expected that to be a tick-box somewhere else in the application.