The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to the master’s program in computer science. Variations of this personal statement got accepted at the University of Utah, Stanford and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in CS should look like.

Sample Personal Statement in Computer Science

While SpaceX was launching satellites into space, my country was hoping for another loan from World Bank. I, for one, wondered when power outages would end in my home country. The delipidated condition of my country made me value the small things in life – from dreaming with my siblings about our future to just lying in the backyard gazing into the very depths of space, determined to make ourselves proud. Though my family comes from humble beginnings, my parents left no obstacle unturned to educate us. My father’s love for technology and education grew stronger with age and time. I still remember when he purchased a Pentium-1 for us, the first computer in my family and perhaps in my neighborhood. Almost every week, it needed repair because of our doings, but he kept encouraging us.

Inspired by my passion for technology, I applied to the topmost computer science undergrad program. My parents were overjoyed when I was accepted because I was the first in my family to attend college. One month into my undergrad, I founded “The CS Media Club,” a society with a vision to share success stories of software developers. It was the same time the following year when I handed over the elective office of the President to the freshmen students. For me, it was the start of a versatile voyage, an inherent determination to change lives, which fostered other ventures. Eventually, I volunteered as Brand Ambassador for International Youth Coding Challenge (IYCC). Under IYCC, I vowed to promote coding competitions among students. Again, I received an overwhelming response. Gradually this initiative expanded into astronomy and astrophysics, which still gives me goosebumps.

I faced many financial and academic challenges, and I had two options: either give up my education or don my diligence glasses to compete with the best. I chose the latter. Hence started my struggle as a freelance programmer. As a freelancer, I built lasting relationships with clients and enriched my communication skills. In addition, the soft skills I learned boosted my confidence to participate in MUN Conferences. I also leveraged my confidence and took two paid summer internships with Google and Apple. This provided real-life coding experience, amplified my interpersonal skills, and revamped my career path.

So, this journey from lying and looking into the depths of the space to now typing this essay in Microsoft’s office is full of adventures and emotions. All the years of hard work landed me a dream job with Microsoft, but like my late grandfather used to say, it is always lonely at the top. Thus, my inner self urges me to excel further and bring world-class coding and development knowledge to my home country.

We have a vast talent pool but not enough guidance and opportunities. My college professor often called our young minds the ambitious unguided missiles. I want to change this narrative and become a symbol of hope for many like me. I aim to join academia and research to guide the youth. I also want to establish a community of young developers and form research alliances with other organizations in exchange for ideas. This way, I hope to bring reality to some other kid aiming to build something wondrous for his home country under the fading light of our home.