Looking back, my initial interest in mathematics formed when I was in high school, which is famous for putting heavy weight on education of math and science. The more exposure I got, the more interest I had. Therefore, taking some math classes in college became a way to maintain my interest. More importantly, I found math is applicable in all kinds of field and learning it helps logical reasoning.
After entering the master program, the more I realized the importance of statistics. Almost every class has statistical method used. The binomial option pricing, the regression on stock returns, the optimization of portfolio, the monte carlo simulation and etc all make me excited. Among all the application of statistics, what most attract to me is XXX direction.
You will build machine learning models to transform social media feeds into actionable items.modeling complex scientific problems, discovering insights and identifying opportunities through the use of statistical, algorithmic, mining and visualization techniques.
Besides my schooling of math, statistics, and basic programming, my research experience in University of Edinburgh during study abroad familiarized me with standard procedures of academic research . Under the supervision of Dr. Michelle Luciano, I examined the relationship between the time interval between reading of each word and memory.
By constructing hypothesis and utilizing statistical method to test the significance of the relationship, I drew the conclusion and write a decent paper. Finally I got an A grade on this research project. In addition, I pretty enjoyed the process of applying statistical methods with programming.
In the final project of Simulation of Optimization in Finance class taught by Prof. Sam Haidar, I used matlab to construct a optimized portfolio and test what was the determinants that affected the portfolio returns. Historical data was used to simulate and therefore loop function was used to conduct the 2-year back test.
With the experience from work and schooling, I have a first-hand feeling of the power of statistics in solving real world problems, a power completely beyond other intellectual endeavor. Only a master program in statistical science cannot satisfy the needs of mine, I am eager to have a deep understanding of statistical science and to have my own research done.
Through xxxxxx, I have proved myself a passionate person with some practice from work and tentative research experiences. This potential convinces me that, with all my preparations, I can become the right candidate for the Ph.D. program in the Department of Statistical Science, Southern Methodist University. I would like to identify Prof. Ronald W. Butler as my potential advisor and work fruitfully under his guidance. I am ready and eager to study statistical science.
In undertaking your program, my background in practices in financial field during internship and work would be my greatest strength. Only when I understand what the workplace need can I know what I need to learn in school. My academic record indicates that I have completed the prerequisite math courses as well as had a decent exposure to statistical softwares.
I am also currently learning Python from Coursera online resources, hoping to gain more insights to programming as well as the operation of combining theory with practice.
If I am lucky enough to be accepted by your program, I plan to live my graduate student life as follow. I believe the wide domains of study in the department would allow me to have a full understanding of statistical methods, which includes but not limited to R programming Bayes, nonparameters, regression, time series, stochastic, and so on.
Programming and research experience will also be a concern of mine. I am going to participate in research projects whereby to apply theories to practice. Based on intensive coursework and extensive research, I hope to focus on a specific topic, preferably one that falls into my prospective advisor’s research interests to complete my dissertation.
With SMU’s great alumni as well as SMU’s close relationship with UT Southwestern, I hope to have extensive networking opportunities and finally get a ideal position as a data scientist after graduation. I believe your rewarding program will assist me achieving my expectation in research and career, and I believe I will bring SMU new ideas and diversity.
