Sample Personal Statement
Mathematics Graduate Program
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The true universal human language is not punctuated by accents or vowel intonations; it does not spring from any particular continent; it rises above ink on paper, scratches on the earth or daubs of paint on the wall of a cave.  No, I am a firm believer that the true universal human language is composed of numbers.  For while numerical characters may vary across the globe, the logic they convey transcends borders, localities, and customs. The "language" of numbers flows from the inherent human capacity to reason. 

It is my love for the reach and power of numbers that started my career in Mathematics and Electrical Engineering and has inspired me to pursue graduate work in Database Management Systems.  In my native Hungary, I was the winner of the national mathematics competition award before going on to study Mathematics at MIT.  My academic career at MIT was immensely enriching, and my hard work landed me at the top of my classes.  I was awarded the _____________ Scholarship and was on both the Computer Science National Dean's List and the MIT University Dean's List.  But just as important as my awards and honors was the assistance and support I received from my professors, who not only taught but nurtured me.  As an undergraduate  Teaching Assistant under Dr. __________, I graded papers and worked with the students -- an experience that encouraged me to think about a future teaching position.  And in my independent research study project in Complex Systems Theory, completed under the direction of Dr._________________, I was able to learn in a creative, exploratory fashion.   This project cemented my decision to venture into postgraduate studies.  

 
Sample Personal Statement
Mathematics Graduate Program
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My past projects centered around analyzing, formulating and delivering solutions in every stage of providing Microsoft-format software for major Fortune500 companies.  I have also designed a database system (implemented in SQL Server) and developed front end applications in Visual C++ and Visual Basic that used ODBC and DAO to access the server.  This work piqued my interest in doing research in the field of database systems, and I started to think more analytically about the limitations of relational databases.  I became interested in object-oriented databases, particularly their flexibility and their ability to meet the requirements of more complex structures.   In my graduate studies, I plan to focus my research on optimizing queries and improving the performance of complex systems such as image, engineering, or scientific database systems.  I would like my research to include, but not be limited to, developing more powerful query techniques (possibly visual) and finding query optimization algorithms.  My strong math background will enhance my ability to perform this research, which will in turn provide me with the tools I need in a future position as a teacher or as a researcher.   

I used my skills of logic to make a successful transition from one language and culture to another. I am confident that those same skills will allow me to translate the promise of visual query techniques to a working, practical reality.  My academic background, my studies and work on database systems, and my firmly established research skills will enable me to succeed in the highly demanding program I have chosen.   Finally, the excellence of your program, together with my abilities and motivation, will enable me to achieve my goals.







Sample Personal Statement
College
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My family owned and operated a jewelry business for 8 years, since I was 10 years old. I grew up with this store, among the earrings and ornaments, always surrounded by things made from a unique substance called gold. Gold is a well-known element, atomic number 79; of course, everyone knows of its international monetary value.  However, gold also has a deeply personal resonance; and upon closer examination, this material provides an emblematic picture of my past, my future, and what I offer Yale University.

Gold is a soft, yellow metal. It is extremely ductile, the most malleable metal there is.   I exhibit similar qualities, as I also adapt to the demands of my environment.   I am Persian, though I was born in Lebanon and later came to the United States; upon arrival here, I had to face the challenge of learning the English language.  I had to take a new shape in order to excel in unfamiliar surroundings.  In addition, I again transformed by beginning to learn my native Farsi language in order to further mold my cultural identity.

 
Yet gold is not always a shifting, malleable metal; it is hardened by alloying with other metals, increasing its strength.  I hope to go through a corresponding process at Yale.  I want to become a more solid citizen through exposure to other viewpoints and cultures, and by offering my own.  I will mix with new perspectives; I will alloy with my fellow students, with my professors, and with the learning that both groups impart in order to become stronger academically, socially, and culturally.  

Moreover, gold is a corrosion-resistant metal.  I feel my past exhibits the characteristics of this material in that I avoided corrosion of my mind and body through active academic and athletic participation. In high school, I was president of the student body and head of the study group division. I became an Eagle Scout and was a member of the school's flag hoisting brigade.  I also played tennis competitively, swam, and played racquetball.  Through these experiences, I have gained the necessary leadership skills and exhibited unflagging responsibility to ensure a corrosion-free body and spirit


Finally, gold parallels my goals for the future. It is one of the most conductive metals, extremely well suited for carrying an electric current.  I, too, aim to conduct another kind of electricity--political organization, by pursuing a degree in Political Science at Yale. I have a distinct ambition to learn about this subject, especially in regard to Constitutional Law and parliamentary processes.

For me, gold's value rests in its qualities and intricacies, in the way its characteristics echo my past accomplishments and represent my ambitions and goals.  Adaptability, a willingness to gain new perspectives and knowledge, a corrosion-resisting makeup, and a readiness to excel are all revealed in me though a close look at this seemingly simple element.  I hope to bring this gold to Yale University.



 
