Are you thinking about applying to computer science undergraduate programs, but don’t know where to start? A great way to begin the process is by writing a strong motivation letter.
In this article, we will provide some examples of motivation letters for computer science, as well as a guide on how to write your own. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re already in the process of writing your letter, read on for some helpful tips!
What is a Letter of Motivation?
A letter of motivation is a letter that is written to explain why you are applying for a particular course of study. This letter should be concise and should not exceed one page in length.
In your letter, you should explain your qualifications and experience, as well as your goals for the future. Your letter should be addressed to the admissions committee of the school to which you are applying. If you are applying for a specific program, you should mention this in your letter.
You should also include a copy of your resume. The letter of motivation is an important part of your application and can help you stand out from the competition.
What is Motivation Letter Used for?
The letter of motivation can be used for a number of different purposes. It can be used to explain your reasons for applying, as well as to highlight relevant work or academic experience that you have.
You can also use it to discuss any research interests that you may have, and how they might fit into the program. Additionally, a letter of motivation can be used to demonstrate your writing skills, which are often assessed as part of the admissions process.
In computer science, letter of motivation is used to show your strengths and qualifications as an applicant. It can also be used to highlight any special interests you may have, and how they might fit into the computer science program you are applying to.
If you are interested in computer science research, for example, you can use your letter of motivation to discuss any research projects you have done or are interested in completing.
What Is the Structure of a Motivation Letter for Computer Science?
The structure of your computer science motivation letter will depend on the requirements of the school or program to which you are applying. However, there are some key elements that should be included no matter where you are applying.
These include:
- Brief introduction, outlining your reasons for applying to computer science programs and what makes you a strong candidate;
- Body, which features relevant experience or skills that you have, such as academic achievement or volunteering experience related to programming, as well as any special interests or goals that you may have, and how they might fit into the computer science program;
- Conclusion, thanking the admissions committee for considering your application and reiterating your interest in computer science.
As you write your computer science motivation letter, be sure to include all of the key elements above.
Make your motivation letter sufficiently detailed (4-7 paragraphs), but keep your writing clear and concise (1 page long).
Finally, be sure to proofread your letter carefully for any errors or omissions. With these tips, you can write a strong computer science motivation letter that will help you stand out from the competition and get into the computer science Bachelors program of your choice.
What Information Should a Letter of Motivation for Computer Science Bachelors Include?
There are a number of different elements that should be included in your computer science motivation letter. These may include:
- Your academic qualifications, including relevant coursework, grades, and test scores;
- Work or volunteering experience in programming;
- Any competitions you may have attended and prizes you won;
- Programming or tech-related clubs you may have been a part of in high school;
- Any special interests you have in computer science;
- Any CS-related goals you may have, and how computer science programs might help you to achieve these;
- Any other information that highlights your qualifications or experience as a computer science applicant.
Ultimately, the information that you include in your computer science motivation letter will depend on the specific requirements of the program to which you are applying.
However, making sure to include all of the key elements above is a great way to ensure that your computer science motivation letter contains all of the information that a computer science admissions committee is looking for.
Tips for Writing an Immaculate Computer Science Motivation Letter
There are a number of things that you can do to make your computer science motivation letter stand out and increase your chances of being admitted to the program of your choice. Some tips to consider include:
- Including any notable academic or extracurricular achievements, as well as any computer-related accomplishments, such as creating a computer program or website;
- Using language and formatting that are clear, concise, and error-free;
- Writing a computer science motivation letter that is tailored specifically to the school or program you are applying to;
- Proofreading your computer science motivation letter carefully before submitting it, as even small errors can make your application less competitive.
With these tips, you can write an effective computer science motivation letter that will help you stand out as a strong computer science candidate.
When You Should Start Writing Your Motivation Letter for Computer Science
Ideally, you should start writing your computer science motivation letter 2-3 months in advance of the application deadline. This will give you time to thoroughly research and reflect on your qualifications and interests in computer science, as well as plenty of time to write a polished computer science motivation letter that is sure to impress.
Additionally, starting early will allow you to submit your computer science motivation letter well in advance of the application deadline, ensuring that there will be no last-minute issues with your application.
Regardless of when you start writing your computer science motivation letter, it is important to keep these tips in mind and to take the time to put together a high-quality computer science motivation letter that truly highlights your computer science qualifications.
Examples of Motivation Letter for Computer Science Bachelors
Now that we have looked at the key elements and tips for writing computer science motivation letters, let’s take a look at some examples of these letters to help you get started.
Example #1- Adam, currently attending community college and applying to California Polytechnic State University computer science Bachelors program:
Dear Admissions Committee,
As someone who has been passionate about computer programming and technology from a young age, I am excited to apply to the computer science Bachelors program at California Polytechnic State University. The idea of learning more advanced programming skills and tackling complex computer science challenges really speaks to my interests, and I believe that obtaining a computer science Bachelors degree will help me achieve my goals of working as a software engineer or computer programmer.
My academic qualifications include a strong foundation in computer science courses, including web development languages HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I have developed a number of websites, including my hobby-related informational Taekwondo platform that has over 1,000 users and has been featured on major Taekwondo publications. Another website I have is a forum for computer programming enthusiasts, where I have helped other computer science students to troubleshoot common problems and learn new computer programming languages.
I have also been tutoring students in math and basic programming since I was a sophomore in high school. I found that I enjoyed helping other students to understand difficult concepts and solve problems. This experience has taught me important lessons about patience and communication, which I believe will be invaluable as I pursue a computer science degree. Additionally, my experience with tutoring has given me strong problem-solving skills, which I hope to apply to the field of computer science.
With extensive coursework and academic achievement in computer science, as well as extensive volunteer experience with IT projects at my local library, I believe that I would be a strong candidate for your program.
I am particularly interested in pursuing computer science research projects, and am eager to take advantage of all the opportunities that California Polytechnic State University has to offer. With my passion for computer programming and strong academic credentials, I know that I would thrive in your computer science program.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Adam Platzky
Example #2- Sarah, a high school senior applying to University of Colorado, Boulder Computer Science Bachelors program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am excited to apply to the computer science Bachelors program at University of Colorado, Boulder. I have always been fascinated by computer programming and technology, and believe that pursuing a career in computer science would be an excellent fit for my skills and interests.
As a high school student with extensive experience in computer programming and tech-related clubs, I feel that I am well qualified for this program. My academic qualifications include rigorous coursework in computer programming such as Java and Python, as well as strong grades from these classes. Additionally, during my time in various computer science-focused extracurriculars such as applied math club and computer science club, I have developed valuable teamwork and leadership skills that would be an asset to a computer science program. At these clubs, I regularly helped others with computer programming challenges and served as a leader in planning and carrying out activities.
In the Fall semester of this year, I also took part in an intensive computer science competition, where I worked in a team to develop a computer program that would solve complex programming challenges. The competition was called the Robot Battle and our team was able to place 3rd out of 30 teams in the region. Our project was a robot that could autonomously navigate a computer maze, and I played an integral role in developing its computer programming algorithms. This experience solidified my passion for computer science and made me even more excited about pursuing a computer science Bachelors degree.
I believe that the computer science program at University of Colorado, Boulder would be the perfect place for me to further develop my skills and knowledge in computer science, and I am very excited about the possibility of becoming a part of this prestigious program. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Sincerely,
Sarah Brooks
Example #3 – John, a high school senior applying to University of Michigan’s Computer Science Bachelors program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to apply to the Computer Science Bachelor’s program at the University of Michigan, and I would like to express my strong interest in this program. As an ambitious computer science student with a passion for programming and technology, I believe that the University of Michigan’s computer science program is an excellent fit for me.
I have had extensive experience in computer science coursework throughout high school, including AP computer science classes as well as other computer-related electives such as programming clubs and robotics competitions. Last year, I competed in the regional computer science competition and won second place for my team. We built a computer program that was able to efficiently find the shortest path between multiple locations, and I believe my experience in computer science has prepared me well for tackling complex computer science challenges.
In addition, I have been involved in various computer-related volunteer work experiences such as leading afterschool computer programming lessons for local elementary schools. These experiences have given me a solid foundation in computer science, and I am confident that I will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the computer science program at the University of Michigan.
At University of Michigan, I intend to focus on computer science research and programming, with the goal of eventually working as a computer scientist in the tech industry. I believe that your program will help me to achieve this goal through its robust curriculum, expert faculty and world-class facilities.
I believe that my interests in computer science, combined with my enthusiasm for programming, dedication to hard work, and strong academic background, make me an excellent candidate for your program. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
John Peterson
Conclusion
Computer science motivation letters can be extremely important when applying to a computer science program. They give the admissions committee a chance to see what your interests and experiences have been in computer science, and they can help you stand out from other applicants.
In this blog post, we’ve provided three examples of computer science motivation letters that will hopefully give you some ideas on how to write your own letter. We wish you the best of luck as you apply to computer science programs!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.