SOP Graduate, Cornell University

I am a final year student of the B. Tech. program in Computer Science and Engineering at the ****.My undergraduate study has given me a sound base in the whole gamut of fields in Computer Science and Engineering. Always strive to develop a clear understanding of the basic concepts and acquire an insight into the Science of Computing.

I have developed a keen interest in Database Management Systems, Real Time Systems, Operating Systems, Object Oriented Systems and related fields. I have excelled in academics at every step in my education. In my 12 years of schooling I always ranked first/ second in the class. I was also ranked FIRST in the Math’s Olympiad at the State level. I was selected in top 1% of the examinees in the Physics talent search examination. In the entrance examination for ****, I stood 47th amongst 80,000 candidates.

I have done well throughout my undergraduate studies and have obtained top grades in the courses related to my areas of interest. This has resulted in my high GPA of 8.92/10.00 by the end of sixth semester.

The urge to obtain an in-depth understanding and specialized knowledge in my areas of interest, has made me opt for Graduate studies. I would like to follow up my graduate studies by taking up a research oriented post in either academia or research laboratories so that I can contribute my own bit to the ever-increasing knowledge in these areas.

I believe that working towards a Ph.D best does the initiation of the process of original contribution. I view the master’s degree as an intermediate step in achieving this goal. Hence, I would like to take up an M.S. culminating in a Ph.D. as my immediate goal.

From my literature survey, I find that the research work in Computer Graphics at Cornell University is state of the art. The additional information I got from my correspondence with Prof. Greenberg and from my brother Rajendra Kolhe who is doing his Ph.D. at your university, have confirmed my belief that Cornell is the college where I want to pursue my Ph.D. The computer graphics program at Cornell is considered to be one of the best programs in the world in this field. Being part of such an excellent research team will be a big step in achieving my long-term goals. The highly competitive and intellectually stimulating atmosphere at Cornell University will bring out the best in me. This prompts me to apply for the program in Computer Graphics at Cornell University.

Keeping in view my background and career plans, I would prefer a research assistantship. This would give me a better opportunity to pursue my interest to the fullest. However, I would also like to have teaching experience for one semester. As I have studied in an English medium throughout and also have the experience of being a course assistant and a lecturer in two workshops, I am confident that I will be a successful teaching assistant.

In conclusion, I would say that I am very keen and enthusiastic about joining your university. I am sure that I will be able to justify to the fullest the confidence reposed in me.