Henry, Computer Science and Technology, Carnegie Mellon University
Having studied for four years in Tsinghua University has made me fully aware that computer science and technology will dominate the coming century. I love this area and have already set a goal to have a career in the IT industry. I understand that a perfect environment is vital for final success: notable faculty, good students, first-rate facilities, and easy access to the latest information. That is why I choose CMU to pursue a M.S. degree. I have a wide variety of interests in this field, such as Networks, Hardware Design and CAD, but I would like to focus on Data Mining research in my graduate studies.
I was born in one of the most beautiful cities in China. Before senior high school, I led an easy and happy life with most of my spare time playing with friends. Then after an entrance exam, I entered (name), one of the top 10 high schools in China. Unlike most of my classmates, who usually buried their heads in exercises to prepare for all kinds of academic competitions, I chose a different course which I believed had a much greater value. I understood the Japanese language would be a more useful tool than the academic competitions, since Japan is an advanced neighboring country. So I studied Japanese during my spare time for three years, and I have learned to speak it nearly fluently. When I graduated from high school, I was ranked number one in a class of more than four hundred students, and as a result, I was the only candidate recommended by my school to take the very selective prior entrance exam given by Tsinghua University. I received an excellent grade, and was accepted into the Department of Computer Science and Technology in Tsinghua University.
I knew that computer science called for a strong background of fundamental knowledge, so I paid special attention to mathematical and computer science core courses. I excelled in these courses, while also maintaining very high standards in other non-computer related areas. My practical ability is well developed, as I am proficient in both programming, and in hardware design and implementation. Thus my research interests are not confined to one field, and I believe my ability to adapt will allow me a great deal of flexibility in the future.
This background helped me obtain a summer internship and allowed me to contribute to a research project being conducted by Professor (name)'s department. Under Professor (name) guidance, I participated in demand analysis and database design for Enterprise Resource Planning of Tsinghua Tongfang. I also designed a whole frame of a multi-layered e-commerce module corresponding to the project and implemented it in record time. This research project has helped me understand database design and networks beyond what one can learn in the classroom, and has given me much more real world hands-on experience.
In order to broaden my horizons beyond the scope of Computer Science, I have taken an active role in many extracurricular activities. I have enjoyed serving in both the military band and student union of Tsinghua University. As a member of the band, I found it rewarding to work with others, especially when performing for fellow students. As a member of the student union, I organized a professional development series, where students were given the oppommity to meet with working professionals in the business world. I have also taken an active part in many sports activities, such as tennis, my favorite sport, which I play every two or three days. This has given me both energy and strength, helping me focus more clearly on my goals.
I believe I am fully prepared to begin the life of a graduate student and I would like to devote myself to the study of computer science. I have set three objectives for my graduate period: to make a thorough study of Data Mining research, to expand my knowledge in other CS related areas, and to make meaningful and influential innovations in my career. Will you help me fulfill these goals?
