Please submit a one page, single-spaced essay that explains why you have chosen Carnegie Mellon and your particular major(s), department(s) or program(s). This essay should include the reasons why you've chosen the major(s), any goals or relevant work plans and any other information you would like us to know.
Ding! The timer sounded just as the pencils slammed down like sticks on a drum. The 3 hour AIME test concluded, and my mind, exhausted to the core, analyzed any possibility of making it to the next round. From competing in national competitions to self-learning an advanced math curriculum, my passion for math from an early age has fueled my interest in computer science. Beyond the syntax of the lines of code, I believe that computer science revolves around math concepts from developing efficient algorithms to building the brains behind the Mars rovers.
Spending countless hours interacting with other math enthusiasts on www.artofproblemsolving.com helped me realize the foundation of math across many subjects. After my first math jam with CMU professor, Pho-Shen Loh, I learned that the School of Computer Science revolved around a curriculum that intertwined intense theoretical mathematics with computer science. This seemed perfect for me. As one of the only universities with a separate computer science school, Carnegie Mellon provides a specialized CS curriculum at a higher level while still offering opportunities to explore other fields through the IDeATe program.
Midway through junior year, I became interested in the applications of machine learning as I obsessively read everything from TechCrunch articles to Y Combinator’s Hacker News posts. Intrigued by its versatile uses from the healthcare industry to smart cars, I applied to intern at several ML companies and chose H2O.ai, a Silicon Valley tech startup. After a summer of creating visualization software for various ML algorithms, I learned that mining vast amounts of data is the backbone of ML. As a CMU student, I hope to join the Auton lab to research data mining on everything from asteroid tracking to drug discoveries. SCS’ focus on interdisciplinary research attracts me since I believe the most impactful projects come from the intersection of distinct fields. Moreover, the 5th year Masters program for machine learning at CMU would allow me to continue building on the momentum of my undergraduate learning and pursue an advanced degree in less time.
As more and more data has become available in recent times, the possibilities for the applications of ML seem endless. The use of machine learning in the simplest things such as Spotify’s song suggestions or Netflix’s movie recommendations is often overlooked. In the near future, I want to be at the forefront of this machine learning society, experimenting with its diverse applications.
Raised in a family of software engineers in Silicon Valley, I absorbed the power of computer science (CS) at a very early age. It’s all about decision making processes, and how to reach an end goal as efficiently as possible. Math has been a springboard from which I have developed my problem-solving style, leading to my passion for engineering. I have learned to find patterns in unexpected places, and break down complicated problems into manageable steps. Bust most importantly, I have learnt to make connections, taking one idea and applying it to a seemingly distinct area. The versatility of CS and engineering draws me in: applications ranging from using algorithms to detect disease well before the onset of symptoms to developing the code behind space travel for new habitable planets, potentially for the betterment of humankind.
Carnegie Mellon University would be an honor to continue this problem solving passion, as I will gain access to a multitude of research opportunities in the field of Electrical and Computer engineering, as well as a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum. I am applying to the Carnegie Institute of Technology as an ECE major and to the School of Information Science.
The Robotics Institute, an organization at the pinnacle of robotic studies, has drawn me in for years. From conversing with alumnus Dr.Mangharam narrating his life at CMU researching autonomous vehicles, to exploring ECE labs and talking to current students and professors, I know that as an undergraduate my world will open to countless opportunities, including programs such as the Yahoo Scholars Program, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, and internship opportunities within the Robotics Institute and in interdisciplinary fields.
CMU shares my underlying values in computer engineering: social responsibility and continued innovation. I am especially intrigued by Professor Takeo Kanade’s research on assistive robots and computers. In his Human-Robotic Interaction Group , his “Roboceptionist,” a robotic tool that aids humans in their daily tasks, and “BeatBots,” a project that uses rhythms to analyze HCI match my interest in providing to the betterment of society using engineering.
In addition, the 5th year masters programs available in Electrical and Computer Engineering would allow me to pursue an advanced degree in less time, building off of the momentum of my undergraduate learning.
Along with the well developed curriculum within the ECE department at the university, being able to take an interdisciplinary course load with other schools, including the School of Information Systems and the HCI program would allow me to complement my engineering degree with a well rounded background in IS and Engineering.
Furthermore, Randy Pausch’s lecture demonstrated to me that CMU is not only a great technical school but also a wonderful community that would teach me valuable life lessons. Whether I’m staying up practicing for the Putnam team, guarding the Fence, or firing up the dance floor on the CMU Bhangra dance team, I know that CMU has countless opportunities for me to explore my passions and interact with my fellow students. As John Mackey stated in a math jam, Carnegie Mellon houses a community of “beautiful minds solving beautiful problems.” Not only do I look forward to 5 years at Carnegie Mellon as a wonderful community to contribute to, I crave this rigorous CMU society to push me to my limits and extract my full potential.