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.

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!! ;)

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 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?!]

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.

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!]