Stanford University June 28, 2007 Dear Sir or Madam: I am applying to your Master program of "Cognitive Neuroscience" with

specialization in "Action, Perception & Consciousness" starting in September 2008. My career ambition is to become a doctor researching BrainComputer Interface (BCI). In high school I graduated with mathematics and physics as my majors. I am continuing my academic career with the study of "Knowledge Engineering | Computer Science" at Technical University of Munich. In June 2008 I will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree with an expected average score above 85 percent. While I rank among the top five students, I am trying to graduate among the top three. As my first exposure to neuroscience I took the course "Knowledge Representation and Cognitive Psychology" (KPCP) in my studies. I was especially impressed that, despite of the advances in technology, there remains much to learn about ourselves, most especially about the human brain. After attending your Open Day, I became acquainted with the fascinating method of BCI. I want to study at your university and focus on BCI because that allows me to combine both my interests in learning more about applied computer science as well as investigating cognitive processes. Complementing my strong academic performance are my advanced skills in leadership and communication. In several of the projects during my studies, I was the team leader responsible for building and leading our project team. At the beginning of the program, teams were assigned three key members: programmer, an English speaker, and a mathematician. Everyone taught his or her teammates while exploiting his or her own special expertise. As the team leader, I was responsible for not only my mathematic area of expertise, but also distributing project assignments and responsibilities as well as governing interpersonal relationships. By donating my time as a promotion team member of the university, I learned to understand how emotions, especially enthusiasm, can motivate others. My task was to represent my study program and to convince prospective students of the university's excellence. Through my discussion with these eager students, I learned much about different cultures. Furthermore, I helped people to overcome their insecurities by exchanging experiences and sharing my first impressions. Throughout my service, I successfully helped many students understand the benefits of my study program by giving presentations and one-on-one interviews. I am fortunate to have an exciting opportunity in performing research as an intern at the English Forums BCI Institute in Germany starting in June 2007. I always wanted learn more about the relationship of language and cognition. My research question will be related to the question: To what extent do color categories differ among languages? Moreover, I am looking forward to meeting my fellow researchers, from whom I will learn much about cognitive neuroscience and its applications. This is a great opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge from the "Knowledge Representation and Cognitive Psychology" course in hands-on research. Moreover, this internship is an excellent preparation for your program and an important milestone in my young career. I want to study at Stanford University because of your outstanding educational system, focus on gathering relevant work experience, and your excellent facilities. From speaking with students and professors from your university and other universities, I am confident of my decision. With many distinguished scientists as professors, I know that I will gain expert knowledge at the forefront of discovery. Further supporting professors' lectures are your university's use of advanced equipment and cooperation with top neuroscience centres. Moreover, by combining my theoretical and specialized education with hands-on research in the second year, I will gain critical work experience. All these strong positives allow me to to research cutting-edge technologies, such as BCI, and to pursue my dreams and ambitions.

Given my past history of commitment to excellence, I am confident that I will bring a high level of energy and enthusiasm to your program. I am sure to exceed your expectations, because of both my academic and interpersonal skills as well as the experience gained from my internship. I will enrich the program by enabling fellow students and professors to benefit from my ambitious and open nature. Furthermore, my international background and interdisciplinary education will add more diversity to your program. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to your acceptance. Sincerely yours,

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