SOP Sample for MS Computer Science in USA - Fresh Graduate

Personal Statement

Name: [NAME] Program: MSE CSE U-M ID: [ID_NUMBER]

Being a 90's kid, I can firmly say that the technology in India and the world has developed as I grew. Ever since I was seven years old, I have been around computers, learning my first programming language at 8. My maternal grandfather provided me with the power to create. I have spent my fair share of time on a machine, while any kid of my age was busy playing games outdoors or on a computer, I was trying to add my maps, build custom code to automate those computer games. Coming from a middle-class Indian household with two children, and only one person bringing in the income, I quickly went beyond gaming and started finding ways to hack, crack or patch any devices that came in my hand. I developed a rapport on websites like [PLATFORM_NAME] and [PLATFORM_NAME] and started developing code for custom android ROM's with people around the world. I understood the real power of the internet.

During my 9th grade, [MAGAZINE_NAME] organized a worldwide online cryptic hunt, and I placed among the top 100 to win a prize. I also participated in another cryptic hunt conducted by [SCHOOL_NAME], securing rank two on the leaderboard. I was awarded a cup along with a prize. I became extremely motivated to organize one of my own. With support from my Computer Science teacher, during my tenth grade, I was able to establish our school's first-ever computer club "[CLUB_NAME]". At the age of 16, I created the entire platform for people to compete and an android app to go along for mobile players. Under my leadership, we organized "[EVENT_NAME] - an online hunt" with over 2k participants worldwide. We also went on publishing an annual magazine called "[MAGAZINE_NAME]", and organizing one of a kind student tech symposium [EVENT_NAME] for students to participate and compete for various events such as coding, photography, gaming etc. With over 20+ schools and 500+ students, our symposium made local headlines.

After graduating from high school, I took a year drop to prepare for my undergraduate in computer science from a foreign university. Even back then, the University of Michigan was my first choice. However, due to financial as well as family issues, I was unable to apply even after clearing my SAT's. My motivation to code carried with me as I started my undergrad studies at [UNIVERSITY_NAME] in 2016. Being just a first-year student, I developed a website for one of my university events called [EVENT_NAME]. My skill was apprehended by all the students and teachers alike. During my second year, I published my first paper and developed two websites for my university's international events. I became one of the five students to represent India at [EVENT_NAME], Korea. I truly experienced what it means to be a global citizen. I also became part of a company started by my seniors. As my third year commenced, I became part of a ten student group to travel to [INSTITUTION_NAME], Japan. It indeed was an experience of a lifetime. As I returned, I started working on my next research on Quantum Computers. The same year I developed two websites for [ORGANIZATION_NAME] conferences that were to be held in Dubai and India. As my final year approached, I was one of the ten students to study abroad in the UK and USA. The experiences I had in London were life-changing. I stayed at a student hostel and was able to interact with students from all over the globe. The late-night talks about the world economy and the constant scare of ever-growing covid-19 somehow made me realize that education empowers us to be humble and kind and the power to create and hold the key to the ever-changing world.

As Covid took over, we returned and continued with online classes. The company that my seniors started during my second year was what I needed to encourage students from all over the world not to give up. As the CTO, I took the initiative to start an online internship program. With over 100+ interns from all over the country, 800+ interviews internationally, we ended up with one of the most successful online internship programs. The students with us researched and worked on one of our ongoing projects "[PROJECT_NAME]". As a platform to provide a one-stop solution for students' needs, we believed whom better to develop something for students other than students.

I always say that a piece of code is mightier than a pen as well as a sword. By expanding my knowledge in computer science by studying MSE CS, I would be able to lead better and expand my horizons. My entire 24 years of life has taught me a lot, but one thing for sure is that the world is always changing. To be a part of this ever-changing world to be able to develop my community and me, I believe that a graduate degree would bring me a step closer. As a graduate student at the University of Michigan, as a Spartan, my aim would always be to thrive for success and to create limitless opportunities for others around me.