Example of an Application Essay for a Maths Course.

by toshi0507hotmailcom (student)

College of Arts and Sciences: Describe two or three of your current intellectual interests and why they are exciting to you. Why will Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences be the right environment in which to pursue your interests? (650 words)

I grew up in the atypical environment of an international school, atypical to most all other Japanese but it has enriched and exposed me to differing perspectives. My school peers came from 52 countries, and each of us had interesting narratives and a personal history. My interaction with my classmates has accentuated my life, providing a dash of Tabasco sauce to the sometimes bland pizza of Yokohama, Japan. Unlike cultural nuances, mathematics is universal. As I studied the subject further, my interests evolved. I realized that everything around us is affected or controlled by mathematics--from computers to planes, planets to the cells in our body. Indeed, mathematics everywhere present.

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Due to my abilities, I was selected as a member of my school's Kanto Mathematics Team during my freshman and sophomore year. We participated in a tournament consisting of 10 schools across the Kanto Area in Japan with over 300 students competing. During my freshman year I placed 19th out of over 80 students my grade level. The following year, I volunteered afterschool to tutor my classmates. This not only drew me closer to my peers but it also significantly improved my comprehension of mathematics since I had to teach it. During my sophomore year, I finished in 4th place in the tournament. As a result of my success, our school's head instructor recruited me to join the Mathematics Club. By my junior year, I became our club's Head Advisor.

Today, I am primarily interested in how mathematics is applied to computer science. Discrete mathematics is a crucial component to understanding the algorithms used in this field as well as knowing conditional probability and formulas like Bayes Theorem. By using this knowledge in our club, we were able to predict various phenomena such as price flows regarding stocks or more fun calculations like figuring out the percentage of students who wear shorts at school when the temperature reaches over 20 Celsius.

At Cornell University, I look forward to enhancing my knowledge of applied mathematics by taking courses such as MATH 1710 - Statistical Theory and Application in the Real World and MATH 3360 - Applicable Algebra. These subjects will help me further explore my interests while providing a solid educational foundation. Cornell University's mathematics curriculum also offers various math courses in conjunction with other fields such as computer science, economics and experimental science. Studying these courses will assist me in terms of shaping my career aspirations and establishing which direction I wish to head for graduate school.

Outside of class, I am excited to participate in research experience offered by the mathematics department. I have enjoyed conducting research in high school through the extended essay for the IB Diploma. A research project I wish to join at Cornell is Director Florian Frick's PROJECT 2: Topological Methods in Discrete Geometry. I haven't had a chance to engage in discrete geometry much in high school, and I am very interested in studying topological methods because this involves the use of algorithms related to computer science. Another research project I'd like to join is Cornell's Computer Graphics program due to my strong interest in computer or video gaming from my youth. I'd like to learn the concepts behind graphic designs and diagrams.

Of the various clubs at Cornell University, I want to join the Undergraduate Mathematics Club and Japan US Association club. By joining the former, I can expand upon my knowledge by meeting likeminded peers while the former will help me better assimilate into American society. Lastly, taking part in Cornell's Alumni events will help me network with more experienced individuals and can provide me with opportunities I would not have access to otherwise.