Computer Science I remember the day as if it were yesterday.

During my second year in college, I was attempting to transmit a group of characters comprising my name from one computer to another. I connected the computers using RS-232 cable, wrote the necessary programs and executed them. I typed my name on one terminal and rushed to the other to see the results. "Wow, this is magic!" I exclaimed as I read 'Tom' on the screen. While I realized intuitively that a complex version of this elementary network could achieve much, at the time I had no real idea what. Now, four years later, I know that Networking makes possible a plethora of applications, from video-conferencing over the Internet to linking banks through private networks. It still seems like magic. Or rather, a grand adventure - one that I most certainly want to be part of. My interest in applied science dates back to my school days. During high school, I was fascinated with electronic gadgets. Soon thereafter, designing and building basic circuits started as a hobby. Along the way, however, I realized that the problem-solving aspect of making electronic gadgets was what I enjoyed the most. Engineering was a natural career choice after this. During my undergraduate studies at the Electronics & Communication department of M.K. College of Engineering, subjects like Microprocessors, C-Programming, Computer Networks interested me the most. I was awestruck by the potential of Intel 8086 microprocessor, more so by the manner in which its faster and more powerful cousins revolutionized the working of computers in a decade. I was now determined to focus on microprocessors during my Final Year project. I elected to do the project at National Space Research Organization (NSRO) as it has an outstanding infrastructure setup and a stimulating, world-class research environment. This enabled me to work with some of the best minds dedicated to engineering research in my country. I gained a lot from this association - in particular, an idea of how rewarding and meaningful a career in research could be. The more tangible benefits have been a deeper insight into architecture and working of microprocessors and thorough C-

programming skills. Sometimes I spent more than ten hours a day at NSRO, reading manuals and troubleshooting circuits and debugging code. I am glad to say the effort paid off in the end. Mr. Tendulkar, my project guide, deemed the results of my project to be most valuable. The interface card that I designed was later added to NSRO's Spacecraft Interface Simulator (SIS) systems. This project was the highlight of my academic career. Most importantly, I left NSRO with the decision to study advanced computing. During my first job at Neville Engineering and Locomotive Co. (NELCO), I developed a real-time monitoring system for the Molding Line in Foundry. Success on this project gave me the confidence to provide software solutions to real-life problems. Although I liked the job, software development at NELCO was a support function. I therefore switched to Mohinder Belgian Telecom Ltd. (MBT), a multinational company providing software solutions in wide-ranging fields, telecommunications being its forte. At MBT, I have been involved with Project ART, Belgian Telecom's new front-end system providing intelligent access to its Customer Service System (CSS). Working on this project has helped me hone my programming skills on real-life problems. I developed an appreciation of 'the big picture', and conversely how important details are. I also discovered leadership skills in myself, and frequently assisted colleagues who had little or no background in computers. As an outcome of this, the company asked me to take occasional seminars on Operating Systems and C-Programming for my colleagues. I have been appointed Team Leader within a year and today, I independently look after enhancements and maintenance of three modules out of the sixteen in Project ART. During my work on project ART at MBT and through my interaction with colleagues, I have grown to admire the role of Computer Networks in empowering end-users. I am not directly involved with Computer Networks in my job, but through avid reading of periodicals and journals like 'Network World', I have sustained my interest in the field. In fact, after reading about the immense potential of pathbreaking protocols such as 'Multicast' and applications like 'Voice Over IP' and 'Virtual Private Networks', I cannot help but feel excited about the potential for new research in this area.

While my present job has helped me develop a thorough insight into project handling, the industry environment that I am currently in cannot support my desire for research. I possess industry-hardened skills in Computers, but I must build on these to achieve my goal of undertaking cutting-edge research in advanced computing, with specific reference to Computer Networks. I therefore believe that I must return to the academic world for further growth. I wish to earn an MS degree in Computer Science. I intend to follow this up with a Ph.D., and later, a career in research and teaching. I have spoken to my professors, seniors and colleagues about my choice of University, and have applied to Princeton University because it is reputable for its research facilities and computing resources. The department web site revealed a very strong faculty involved in extensive research in the area of Computer Networks. This has strengthened my resolve to study at Princeton University. I bring along a strong grasp of fundamentals in Electronics and Computers, an aptitude for teaching and team work, a zest for challenges and an enthusiastic desire to learn all I can. I would like to take with me, in addition to knowledge of Computer Networks, a network of strong and lasting relationships with my teachers and fellow-students. I hope that my background and qualifications are found suitable for an MS in Computer Science at Princeton University.

Statement of Purpose - Computer Science & Engineering (SOP)

Purpose of Study & Professional Plans The boundless possibility of trying out and the instant knowledge of the outcome that stimulates one for further analysis of a rationale in question is what I find most appealing about Computer Science. Keeping up an inquisitive and explorative attitude, I believe, leads to a constant learning process. This approach adds to the already immense potential for innovation that exists in this field. As a student in the final year of undergraduate study for a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science & Engineering, I look to graduate study to refine my knowledge and skills in my areas of interest. I believe it will also serve to give direction to my goal of a career as a research professional at an academic or commercial, research-oriented organisation. I intend to pursue an MS degree in order to reach that goal. Academic Background & Research Interests In my undergraduate studies, I have benefited from the breadth of Shivaji Universitys syllabi content that has given me a comprehensive exposure to the core areas of Computer Science and a strong conceptual understanding of the same. In these three and half years of study, I have strived to maintain an approach of expending independent effort in all my endeavors. Learning by my self and sharing my knowledge with others has been most worthwhile, when comprehending a concept. Over the past two years, I have developed an interest in the areas of Compiler Construction and Information Retrieval. The Compiler Construction lab sessions last semester required the design of a compiler for C++ programs that were restricted to For loops, Switch case statements and simple input and output. The work involved in this, as well as the courses, Formal Systems and Automata and Compiler Construction, have lead me to appreciate the intricacies involved in this field. However, for my MS degree, I remain open to other topics as well.

For my B.E project, I have decided to concentrate on my other area of interest viz. Information Retrieval. Im attempting to evolve a technique that, when employed in a search engine, will maximize the comprehensiveness and precision of the query listings. The ongoing work has introduced me to a vast body of pertinent research, such as the University of Washingtons Dynamic Reference Sifting technique for locating an individuals homepage, among others. This has served to sharpen my inclination to engage in active research within this area. (Please see attached Resume for the Academic and Co-curricular distinctions) One persons life influences the lives of an unbelievable number of people, one of the most important lessons I learned, being the Head of the Apex Body at senior secondary level (11th and 12th standard). Hence the need of responsible actions. Becoming the youngest Head of the Apex Body ever and the only one to have served for a period of two years eventually turned out to be a confidence booster. It taught me that the basis for good work is self-reliance and very importantly, time management. Not all of my entire two years were devoid of shortcomings. I learned to accept both criticism and praise with a positive frame of mind. My work involved organising various events, that brought with them the opportunity to work and interact with various kinds of people. This was a distinctively gratifying experience for me, which I feel would stand in good stead in the future, especially in lieu of any teaching experience. In conclusion, I would like to add that the essence of University education lies in the synergetic relationship between the student and his department. I feel that graduate study at your University will be the most logical extension of my academic pursuits and a major step towards achieving my objectives. I would be grateful to you if Im accorded the opportunity to pursue my graduate studies with financial assistance at your institution and am able to justify your faith in me. (For a listing of all final year courses, i.e. courses not listed in transcripts please see attached Resume) Statement of Purpose - Civil Engineering (SOP) In this essay I outline my academic and extra-curricular

accomplishments. Also discussed are my career objectives and the motivation to pursue the graduate program in Civil Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The undergraduate curriculum in Chemical Engineering at IIT, Kharagpur, introduced me to a wide gamut of subjects, both in and outside the field. Various courses like Mass Transfer, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Transport Phenomena have provided me with a strong footing in the theoretical concepts of Chemical Engineering. It was the field of Environmental Technology which particularly captured my interest. The desire to delve deeper into this subject persuaded me to take elective courses in Industrial (Air) Pollution Control, Non-conventional Energy Engineering and Environmental Earth Sciences. While offering both depth and breadth across this field, these courses put into perspective the importance and relevance of Chemical Engineering and the application of its fundamentals to environment related problems. I came to realize that although traditionally Environmental Studies has been under the domain of Civil Engineering, the increasing complexity and magnitude of Environmental problems have resulted in a growing need for the services of disciplines other than Civil Engineering. During the eight week Summer Training at the Development Consultants Ltd., I was assigned to the Cement Cell, where I received a detailed knowledge of the cement manufacturing processes. As an Industrial Intern, I was assigned a project on Cement Plant Design (1800 TPD), which encompassed Raw-Mix Design and Capacity Calculations for various equipment. Here, I got aquainted with the Pollution and Energy Conservation problems faced by the Cement Industry and devoted a significant portion of my project to the pollution abatement methods. My final year dissertation was on the Manufacture of Phosphoric acid from rock phosphate using Sulfuric acid (Design of 100 tpd Plant). This covered the design of Reactor, Extractor (for acid

purification) and Evaporator (for acid concentration). As a natural outcome of my interest in Pollution control, adequate emphasis was provided to waste gases and waste water treatment which involved off-gas scrubbing (venturi design) and discharge method details, gypsum disposal methods, disposal of fluosilicic acid as waste material and the incorporation of all these in the Plant Layout/flow-sheet. At IIT, Kharagpur, I have received the best possible undergraduate education in Chemical Engineering in India. Throughout, my scholastic records and achievements have been outstanding. I have consistently ranked in the top 2% of the students of my class, in school, and consider the high point of my achievements as being ranked in the top 1% of more than one lakh students who wrote the Joint Entrance Examination for admission to one of the six Indian Institutes of Technology. Throughout my school and undergraduate education, I have been a keen participant in extra-curricular activities. Getting elected as the School Pupil Leader ( Head Girl) helped me hone my organizational and interpersonal skills. At IIT, I have been involved in the Annual cultural Fest as Head of the Control Tent Team. I have also taken active part in dramatics and made my contribution to the Technology Dramatics Society (English chapter) at IIT, as its member and later as the Governor. I was also the member of the NSS at IIT where I had the opportunity to be involved in it's Literacy and Health & Nutrition Programs. I continue to be a member of the Helpage Society of India, which provides palliative care to the terminally ill cancer patients. The years of undergraduate education have been an enriching experience - both academically and otherwise, and I am determined to maintain the high levels of excellence throughout my career. My immediate degree objective is an M.S in environmental engineering a rapidly evolving field with an immense potential for research. I wish to follow it up with a Ph.D, to pursue a career in research and experience the excitement and

satisfaction of being at the forefront of this vast expanding field. An extremely distinguished faculty, a milieu replete with academic activity, and a graduate program which blends high quality course work and research facilities at the cutting edge of every sub-field are the factors which have motivated me to choose the University of Massachusetts, Amherst for graduate studies. I believe the program offered will help me acquire the versatility needed to reach my full potential as an engineer. It would, therefore, be a privilege to be able to secure admission to pursue graduate studies, with adequate financial assistance at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. I am confident that I will match the high standards set by your university.

A crucial part of the application process to universities abroad is your essay and Statement of Purpose. When the competition is tough, a good essay and SOP could just tilt the odds in your favour. Unfortunately, many students make basic mistakes while framing them, and lose out on a good school despite having good scores. Let's look at what you might be doing wrong and get the basics right.

Part I: Key strategies to apply to your dream university! Part III: A winning Statement of Purpose

Where most go wrong ~ Using flowery language Essays and SOPs are primarily meant to get an insight into your personal and professional traits, and to understand how flexible you are when required to adjust to varied circumstances. But most students use flowery language in an attempt to impress the admissions committee, oblivious of missing out on their strengths. ~ Writing generic essays Writing generic essays, however well-composed they may be, prevents the admissions committee from knowing you. Thus, you lose out. ~ Failing to depict one's vision Many students fail to highlight their vision and how they see themselves in the future. This makes it appear as if they lack a vision in life and could go against you when the final decisions are being made. ~ Choosing the wrong recommendation Most end up choosing the wrong recommendation, because they are unmindful of whether they tally with their desired area of study or not.

GRE, GMAT simplified!

How you can get it right ~ Personalise your essay and SOP The primary purpose of essays is not to test your writing ability, but to know who you are.

Therefore, you should try to make it personalised by delving into incidents from your personal life and not drawing general conclusions. This would ensure that a broad and diverse picture (about you) is portrayed before the admissions committee. Try to vividly bring out your strongest elements by depicting how you have overcome stiff hurdles in the past or outgrown your restricted circumstances. If you can show you have risen from the grass root levels, it would prove you are aligned to the realism of life and work processes. If you can recall past incidents where you can show your flexibility of approach and how you adapted yourself to varied circumstances, it would demonstrate how you can outscore others.

A study schedule to crack TOEFL, IELTS

~ Bring out your passion for the subject The degree of love and passion you have for your subject is directly proportional to your potential for success. Your extreme sense of oneness with your area of study should be overwhelmingly reflected through the SOP and essays. It should stand out as if you weave dreams around it.

What you must know about the GRE

~ Leadership attributes Your ability to inspire others and be their guiding force should project you as a leader who has the vision and farsightedness to be unique. Always try to include incidents where you had donned the mantle of the leader to show a new path to others.

All you wanted to know about the new SAT

~ Projects One's association with designing new projects is the best way to portray your progressive inclinations.

Describe the various projects you might have undertaken in the past with relevant technical details. This would help demonstrate your drive for creating new paths, instead of following a set pattern. Do ensure you include past projects which are associated with your intended area of study. Otherwise, they lose much of their significance.

Plan to study in the US, UK?

~ Are you a non-bookish, abstract learner? Try to show you are not bookish. Attribute your academic success to intuition, co-relating various phenomena and using general intelligence by perceiving things in abstraction and totality rather than by merely studying for hours. One can learn through books, no doubt, but to excel, things have to be perceived in the abstract.

All you wanted to know about US student visas

~ Are you a degree seeker or do you have a goal in life? Try to create an impression that your intention is not just the degree or the university tag. You are interested in studying primarily because you have an extremely innovative bent of mind and are determined to contribute something new to society at large by utilising the opportunity of learning. For instance, think of a problem that plagues your domain of study and come up with suggestions as to as how to solve it. This would prove you really have a research-oriented mindset; it will surely go in your favour. For instance, your subject could be MS in Networking.

If clogging of networks is the biggest problem that is troubling the industry, you may come up with a suggestion as to which method of research holds promise for bringing about a solution to this problem. DON'T MISS!

Part I: Key strategies to apply to your dream university! Part III: A winning Statement of Purpose