SOP FOR MS in computer science

Few areas of my education have stimulated me to think as much as my undergraduate courses in Data Structures, Theory of Computation and Computer Programming have. When I watch videos of Pranav Mistry demonstrating his Sixth Sense technology or when I used Google Wave for the first time or even when I log into Facebook everyday and come up against some new feature, what I feel is a sense of marvel. Here are innovations that keep evolving not only technically but also hold infinite scope for creativity and logic. I feel a similar sense of exhilaration when I see my own code run successfully. It is this feeling, which till date, drives me to not give up on even the toughest of problems. And it is this love for programming, combined with my desire to dig deeper into the working of various applications and technologies, which propels me to apply for a MS in Computer Science.

Pursuing my strong interest in Computer Science has over the years enabled me to develop keen analytical and reasoning skills. Through the course of the four-year Bachelor of Technology (BS) degree program in Computer Science and Engineering at the prestigious ABC University, I acquired an overall perspective of this scientific discipline, with a particular interest in Object Oriented Programming. Data Structures, .NET Technology, Database Management, Theory of Computation and Principles of Compiler Design were some of the other areas that captured my attention. My keen interest in the subjects translated into receiving an A+ grade in the Data structures lab and averaging an A grade in the other labs. I also involved myself in numerous projects, including a prototype of a 'Billing and Inventory Management System' for a retail showroom, developed using Visual Basic and SQL Server 2005, and also the simulation of a simple SLR parser using C++ for a Principles of Compiler Design assignment. Proactive in my approach to learning, I have also completed the Cisco certified Fundamentals of Java Programming course.

Apart from the projects undertaken in college, it was my desire to gain exposure to the software industry and this prompted me to take up various trainings and internships. In the summer of 2010 and 2011, I spent a week in Germany where I was trained in Basics of Robot Programming, and Offline Robot Programming (using Roboplan V5.00), at Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik. I also completed a project titled "Study on Non Stock Transaction Monitoring" at L&T Komatsu, Bangalore in May-June 2011.

For my final University dissertation, I worked with a team of three other classmates to develop a 'Multiparty Voice Chat on Windows Platform'. The project was undertaken in L&T Infotech, Bangalore and involved building a low cost application to enable voice/text chat and file transfer, using .NET technology. The application was intended for in house communication between peer systems in the organization, thereby removing the need for a dedicated server. This assignment greatly strengthened my conceptual knowledge, and through its practical implementation, it also allowed me to further my expertise through integrating .NET technology and Network programming. In addition to enhancing my .NET skills, I also gained knowledge about multiple architectures in networking and how socket programming works. Till then my coding had been largely restricted to basic C++, and while it was a challenge to learn and implement socket programming in the .NET framework within a short span of 4-5 months, it was one I readily accepted and am richer by it.

Simultaneously, active participation in a wide range of extracurricular activities has ensured the all round development of my personality. I have taken part in cultural activities like group dance and literary activities like crossword and Sudoku competitions. I also play badminton as a hobby. Apart from this I handled the role of being the Student Representative of the Computer Science branch for four years, a responsibility that included acting as the bridge between the students and the administration, scheduling additional lectures for the class, assisting the faculty advisor in her duties and assisting the students in case of any problems. This experience brought to the fore my leadership abilities, while also assisting in honing my social skills.

Having acquired a solid foundation in the field of computer science through a rigorous undergraduate program, and my various internships in the IT industry, at this point, I feel that it is the right time to take up graduate studies. I wish to raise my understanding of the nuances of the Computer Science field and use this knowledge to further my chances for a lucrative career in Software. With a keen interest in working on the latest web technologies, I seek to take advantage of the plethora of opportunities in the field of social media which allows the combination of these technologies with one's own creative instincts.

The MS program in Computer Science offered by the University of Stony Brook will undoubtedly provide me with the right knowledge, skills and experience to pursue that dream and exploit the opportunities to the fullest extent. The practical-orientation of your in-depth coursework will allow me to not only acquire a clear understanding of the subject but also the skills to execute it. I am confident my exposure to such initiatives would quite augment my knowledge base and add tremendous value in enabling me to realize my professional goals