Preparation for Undergraduate Studies in Computer Science
There is not going to be a one size fits all here, different undergraduate colleges will require different characteristics from their students. However, some simplification, or abstraction can be applied.
Computer Science is a branch of Applied Mathematics. It deals with how to break down large problems into smaller, manageable sections. This leads to two keywords - Abstraction and Decomposition. So, can you break down a big problem, and deal with it mathematically, or want to learn how to? Maybe CS is for you? What is important to say is it is not about teaching you to code. The code is a tool you use to execute the solution to the problem you develop.
One thing that is worth stating, in any personal statement or interview you will be expected to be up to date with the latest research in your chosen area. Most universities are (rightly) proud of their research record. Can I suggest that you investigate the research of your chosen university and see if it fits your interest. This will help ensure that you apply to a place that you will be happy at.
You want to find out more? Have a look below. I have published some ideas all in one place :) (Other Universities and pages are available :) )
Cannot find a book on the reading list. As I write this, (November 2023) the following books are on order for August 2024, all selected from the Oxford University reading list
The Road to Conscious Machines: The Story of AI,
Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms,
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race,
Algorithmic Puzzles.
Speak to me to find them and see if you can borrow them to extend your reading.
You want any help? Come and speak to me and see if I can assist you. Any links you want to share with other students? Please do let me know so I can add them.
Oxford University
https://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/
https://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/how_to_apply/home.html - including ton's of MAT past papers and links to tons of interview questions
https://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/FAQ/home.html
https://www.cs.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/why_oxford/reading.html - preparation reading
Cambridge University
https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate
Imperial
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/computing/
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/computing/prospective-students/urop-and-irop-opportunities/ - got a specific idea you want to research?
UCL
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/computer-science/ucl-computer-science
Harvard
https://pll.harvard.edu/course/cs50-introduction-computer-science the introductory few weeks at Harvard Computer Science Course.
https://pll.harvard.edu/subject/computer-science - free courses that you can use to help prove your interest in the topic for your personal statement.
General advice
There are literally hundreds of Computer Science courses available at undergraduate level. Your School University Guidance Counsellor will talk you through how to write your personal statement, but it's up to you to show your interest. Try lots of different things, explore, experiment, and be prepared to back up your answer to the question "Why CS? Why here?" with facts.
Want to learn something new? There are lots of resources available online - I have collated a few here, but new ones arrive almost daily. Have you found a new favourite? Let me know, and I can add it.