Statement of Purpose

First paragraph: all about you

Start by introducing yourself with a short background, then state your
current career objective or goal. Make sure that this introduction relates to the
program you’re aspiring for.

For instance, you don’t talk about how much you love animals when you plan to
apply to medical school. All the information contained in the introduction
should have something to do with the specific aspect of the program you’re
applying for. This means that you have to do thorough research on the program.
This ensures that anything you include on the document relates directly to the
details included in the program.

Second paragraph: your reasons for applying

The next thing to include in your statement of purpose template is an

explanation of the reasons why you became interested in this specific field of
study. In the first section, you stated your goal and background related to the
program. Here, you provide an explanation of your interest.

This is the reason why you’re writing a statement of purpose, to inform the
admission officers the reasons you’re applying. Avoid giving reasons that are
too general as this only confuses admission officers on your purpose.
Furthermore, they won’t see you as a good candidate but just as part of a group
who just provides too many reasons.

If you understand your own reasons for applying and you specify them as much
as you can, you can easily convince admission officers that you’re the correct
choice.

Third and fourth paragraphs: why you’re the best candidate

In the third section, you can open up on your personal experiences that have
relevance to the area of study you want. Take these from your past
jobs, projects, internships, and so on. However, some people may not be able to
come up with such applicable experiences. If this was your case, talk to other
people, friends, and relatives who know you very well. They may help in
ferreting out some significant experiences you’ve had.
You can describe in the fourth paragraph any other experience you’ve had which
helped you decide on the field of study or have helped you in preparing for
graduate studies. But be as concise as possible in expounding on this topic as
the letter is not the right forum to narrate long stories.

Closing paragraph: future plans

In the final section of the letter, take time to concisely explain your long-term
objectives, career-wise. Be very specific and clear when writing about this topic.
You may notice the objective here is very different from your current goal in the
first paragraph.

In the beginning, you talked about your present desires or actions and the goal
in this final paragraph refers to what you’re planning to achieve. In the
concluding paragraph, you discuss what you want in the future.
 Statement of Purpose
I am interested to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from the University of
Massachusetts Lowell. I have recently acquired a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the
University of Massachusetts Lowell. My past experiences with the academia and its fertile
learning environment, have stimulated me to pursue doctoral research in this school.
The most endearing feature of Computer Science is its rich amalgamation of Physical
and Mathematical Science. My first introduction to Computer Science came in higher secondary
school, with Computer Science as a vocational subject. What appealed to me most was its role in
bridging the gap, between the abstract and the manifested. As a step forward, I joined the
Computer Engineering program at the University of Mumbai. During the program, I played with
physical electronic components and dabbled with digital design, in the Electronics lab. This
coupled with courses like, Operating Systems - that deal with running the hardware, fueled my
interest in systems engineering, which I would like to call platform engineering. In the latter years
I played with microprocessors, like the x86 family, and did projects involving direct machine
programming. In the final year, I took Microcomputer System Design, as an elective course. In
this course I learned to design microcomputer-based computer systems, catering to user
specifications. Advanced Computer Architecture was my second elective course. In this course,
besides studying supercomputer architectures, I studied the intricacies involved in designing high
performance, efficient computer systems.
After graduation, I realized that I was actually only getting started on my research interest
in Computer Science. That I wanted to go the distance and pursue higher studies in Computer
Science propelled me to apply to the Master’s program. Soon I applied for and got admitted to the
Master’s program in Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The three well
spent academic years, here, have been instrumental in laying the foundation, and providing
enough motivation for me, to pursue research. Courses like Operating Systems, Computer
Architecture and Compiler Construction, provided me with in-depth knowledge of systems and
system software internals. However, my research interest in platform engineering was fueled
primarily in the Robotics-I course, offered in spring 2003 by Prof. Fred Martin. This course
introduced me to Embedded Systems and challenged me with issues faced in embedded
systems design. I developed interest in Embedded Systems, as a platform engineering discipline.
During the course, I was involved in a project titled - iCricket. This project provided a web-
interface to the Handy Cricket embedded system. Using iCricket, a user can remotely control a
sensor/control application, over the internet. During the summer after graduation, I began working
on porting the Handy Cricket Virtual Machine, from PIC-assembly to MSP430-assembly. This
project also involves integrating a complete TCP/IP stack into the new MSP430 port of the virtual
machine. Once completed, it will enable users to create distributed sensor/control Handy Cricket
applications. I would like to pursue research that will solicit the involvement of Computer
Architecture, Embedded Systems, Operating Systems and Distributed Systems. I would like to
contribute to each of these fields during my research. My primary research platform, however, will
be Embedded Systems. I would like augment my research work with embedded system
prototyping, as proof of concept instruments.
Ubiquitous computing is fundamentally characterized by engaging computing with the
real world. It is a very difficult integration of human factors, computer science, engineering, and
social sciences*. I am interested in ubiquitous computing as applied to embedded systems.
Embedded Systems enjoy strong presence in the field of wearable computers, an instance of
ubiquitous computing. I would like base my research on designing cost-effective low-power
wireless sensor networks, using embedded systems. Based on the proven user-friendly interface
of the Handy Cricket, I would like to commence my research work by studying the effectiveness
of Handy Cricket based wearable computers over wireless media. Such a system, equipped with
sensors will aid in remotely sensing/controlling distant environments. There is already substantial
research and development in wireless sensor networks. I believe, however, that a wireless Handy
Cricket based wearable computer will provide the most cost effective solution to today’s wearable
computing needs.
As part of my preparatory phase, I am already in the process of preparing for the Ph.D.
qualifier exams. Currently I am being my own teacher and will soon be starting a study group of
like minded fellow computer science Ph.D aspirants.
My ambition is to head a Research and Development firm involved in designing
embedded systems that will borrow heavily from my research work. I would like to leverage the
knowledge and insight gained from a Ph.D. degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell, to
further this ambition and make it a reality.

Kallol Par
M.S. (Computer Science)
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA, USA.
 Statement of Purpose
Name
Since childhood, I have demonstrated talents for mathematics and thus
studied Olympic mathematics for 12 years. After high school, I chose
mathematics as my major and learned actuarial science by my self. To
fulfill my dream of becoming an actuary, I hope to extend my mathematics
and actuarial science study to a graduate level.

Since calculus based mathematics is required to actuarial science,

I planned to concentrate on my course work in my freshman year. My
hard work was rewarded by the First Class Outstanding Student
Scholarship, which was awarded to top 5% students and I ranked 3rd out
of 134. In the following summer vocation, I was confident of my
mathematical foundation and decided to study the Theory of Interest
by self study.

I really enjoy the process of learning this subject. The book was filled
up with formulas and mathematical symbols and this writing style just
suited my taste. I worked hard to deduct every formula, such as the

Tailor Expression of 1/ an which was not deducted in the book. Financial

analysis also fascinated me a great deal. For instance, at first I

couldn’t understand the advantage of using duration as an index to
measure the timing of future payments. Then I reviewed the book again
and again to understand the time value of money more thoroughly. A
thought suddenly dawned on my mind that duration was superior to others
because it was the only index that successfully combined time, payments
and interest rate as a whole. This experience told me that the purpose
of using mathematics in the book was mainly to express the theory in
a strict way, and it was much more important to understand the economic
meaning of each definition and theorem behind those fancy mathematical
formulas. Also, since the book mainly focused on determined models
which could not explain the stochastic nature of actual economic
phenomenon, I have a strong desire to learn advanced subjects in this
field. During my sophomore year, I passed the first two actuarial exams
by 10 and 8 respectively

In the first semester junior year, I strengthened my pure mathematics

in preparation for future study. Also, I scored 800 and ranked 88%
in the GRE Mathematics Subject Test. In order to develop my applied-math
ability, I registered the course “Mathematical Modeling” in the
following semester.

It is a great pleasure for me to use mathematical models to solve

practical problems. In that class I organized a team of 3 students
to complete a report called “Optimal Strategy for Selecting Courses”.
In order to build the initial model, I used Linear Regression to analyze
the data and referenced my textbooks. After that, one of us wrote a
program to put the model into practice, while another drafted the report.
However, our program came across lots of difficulties. For example,
it did not work for two senior students who successfully got PHD offers.
Our model indicated that they should have selected many advanced
courses to strengthen themselves, but actually they didn’t. At first
we assumed that they wanted to focus on few courses to raise their
GPAs. It could explain the result but there were no other similar
examples to examine our assumptions. Then I sent an e-mail to one of
them for help. She told me that they spent so much time on GRE and
TOEFL that they could not spare any time for electives. Thus, we
realized our error and added GRE and TOEFL as “courses” to our model.
Finally, the program worked out correctly. This experience told me
that truly mathematical modeling is based on facts rather than
textbooks or assumptions without foundation. When I found out the
result provided by our program could reflect the fact to some extent,
I really admired the power of mathematical modeling. Also, I was really
grateful to my team members for their high-quality work.

The Actuarial Science Program in University of Xxx is one of the oldest

similar programs in the US. As my undergraduate major is mathematics,
it’s easier for me to study in a science department than in a business
school. As I know, University of Xxx has many outstanding actuarial
science researchers, such as Professor xxx, who has won many SOA prizes.
Also, the courses in University of Xxx might be the most challenging
and broadest among all the similar programs. For example, I heard that
Mr. Shiu only taught the hardest 5 chapters of textbook in the course
“Mathematics of Finance 2”, which could help me master the subject
thoroughly rather than just passing actuarial exams. In addition,
stochastic analysis, the typical course of financial engineering, was
also taught by Mr. xxx there. Moreover, a great mass of statistics
courses are available as well. At last, the location and surrounding
of University of Xxx are very suitable to study.

I am taking SAS Language Programming, Non-parametric Statistics and

Measure Theory this semester to strengthen my statistics background.
However, all of these are basic courses and I am curious about advanced
actuarial analytical techniques and eager to learn them systematically.
As a result, I genuinely wish to be admitted to your program.
 Sample Graduate School Statement of Purpose Two

Word Count: 1000

Prompt: What role has music played in your life to date? How have your past
experiences in music influenced your future goals and plans?

I first began composing after learning the basics of music theory from a middle
school Music Technology class. From 2002 to 2006, I studied music theory and
composition at Excellus Music School with Dr. Randy Norton. I continued my
compositional studies at Latin College, under Professor Martina Andrews for 20th
century compositional techniques and electronic music, and under Professor Anna Pratt
for my senior honors thesis. I also took courses in music theory, music history,
ethnomusicology, medieval cantors, contemporary opera, “Uptown”/atonal music, and
the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and music. Studying abroad at the
University of Edinburgh my junior year, I learned more music theory, including fugal
theory and composition, and orchestration techniques. For my senior honors thesis,
“Little Notes,” I composed a thirteen-movement song cycle using a transposable mode
I constructed around a fully diminished seventh and an augmented triad. Scored for
two sopranos, chamber ensemble, and electronics, “Little Notes” was performed and
recorded in April of 2010, and I subsequently defended it successfully to receive Honors
in the Music major.
In addition to my academic music experiences, I also have a substantial
background of performance and music-related employment. As an undergraduate at
Latin College, I studied viola with Amelia Majors and Anita Smith. I also studied the
viola da gamba with renowned gambist Carly Jefferson, and taught myself the
rudiments of the theremin for inclusion in my senior thesis recital. I performed in
several different ensembles, holding officer positions in the Latin College Orchestra
(Treasurer 2009-2010) and the Chamber Music Society (Librarian 2007-2009, Co-
President 2009-2010). My music employment experiences include working as a Music
Assistant at the Excellus Summer Arts Program from 2006-2008, and working at the
Composers Conference and Chamber Music Center the summers of 2007-2010. While I
may have attended a liberal arts college, rather than a conservatory, for my
undergraduate degree, music has still been a tremendously important part of my life
to date.
The primary objective I hope to achieve in the course of obtaining a MM in
Composition from Longy School of Music is the expansion of my compositional knowledge
and abilities. I want to learn about instruments I do not play in such depth that I will feel
comfortable writing absolutely anything and everything for them. I also plan to explore
and develop my interest in music for film and dance, and in music as one part of a
collaborative work of art. As a student at Longy, I would welcome the
 Sample Graduate School Statement of Purpose Two

opportunity to study with Jeremy Van Buskirk to finesse and enhance my skills with
computer and electroacoustic music.
Another goal that is important to me as I pursue graduate studies is to be
involved in the performance of new music, both works by other composers and my own
compositions. While studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh, I participated in
the Edinburgh University Composers’ Orchestra, a musical group devoted to playing and
performing works by living composers, especially those by fellow students. As a senior
at Latin College, I played viola in a friend’s senior thesis performance. Both of these
experiences were more fulfilling for me than any other concerts I played in during that
time period, because not only did I have the opportunity to play music I had never
played before, but I saw how rewarding it was for the composer to hear her (or his)
music performed and recorded. When I began my own senior thesis, I knew that I
would have to manage the compositional demands of a thirteen-movement song cycle,
written for whatever combination of instruments I was able to procure. The reality,
however, of getting that piece to the concert, from recruiting students interested
enough in the project to give up valuable midterms study time to organizing rehearsals
and dealing with last-minute performer drop-outs and changes, was both more
challenging and more invigorating than I had anticipated. The growth I sustained as a
composer and musician from that experience alone has made me eager for more
opportunities to get my music performed. Because of Longy’s reputation for excellence
in performance and all aspects of music, I hope to be able to find fellow students who
would be interested in performing my compositions, and I hope to have the
opportunity, in turn, to play the compositions of my fellow students.
One other goal I hope to realize through an MM in Composition at Longy
connects both my passion for music and my liberal arts background: the exploration of
the ways I can use my extramusical knowledge in my compositions. The final music
seminar I took at Latin College delved into the intricacies of the relationship between
performer and material. My background in social psychology, as well as my interest in
the work of John Cage and aleatoric compositional techniques, has led me further down
this path: What are the relationships between performer, audience, and material? How
does the experience of listening change in different situations, and what, if anything,
can the composer do to control that experience?
During my time at graduate school, I plan to apply for any music assistantship
job opportunities that may arise. In an ideal world, after obtaining my MM in
composition, I would compose and/or orchestrate music for film and freelance for a few
years before pursuing any further degrees; I do also embrace the possibility, however,
that, when I graduate in 2014, the job market realities may be such that I instead
decide to return to school for further graduate studies in Music. Regardless of what
careers I end up exploring, I know that I want composition to be a part of what I do. In
 Sample Graduate School Statement of Purpose Two

order for that to happen, I need to develop further my abilities as a composer and
musician, and increase my experiences of having my own music performed. I believe
that my best opportunity for achieving these goals is through the MM in Composition
at Longy School of Music.