I am opting for a Master of Science degree in Computer Science because it provides me the best opportunity to merge my interest in Computer Science with my inclination towards research. My area of interest is AI/Machine Learning. I believe that real human like AI will be a feasibility when we can program it with ability to learn, like humans possess.
To pursue my inclination towards Robotics I selected Mechanical Engineering as my field of undergraduate studies while continuing my tryst with programming and electronics. As part of coursework I had four mathematics courses and two math intensive courses (CAD/CAM and Finite Element Analysis) which helped develop a solid foundation in linear algebra, calculus, computational geometry, computational techniques, matrices vector algebra and probability. I took two introductory computer courses covering C++, Java, OOP and one introductory course in DBMS and have built on these basics by self-study. I graduated from (College Name), Mumbai University in 2015 securing 72% (First class with Distinction).
During the 3rd year I developed a Quadrupedal Robot for Mechatronics project work. I wrote the program for interfacing the motor driver, timing and feedback controls in C. After project was completed and graded I explored the possibility of attaching Light Dependent Resistors (LDRs) to give a rudimentary sense of vision. This process made me realize that my interests lie in computer science, specifically AI and Algorithms.
My Bachelors project was part of a national level intercollegiate competition BAJA SAE India. I was part of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) BAJA Team for 3 consecutive years and was appointed as the Captain for two of those years. The goal of this team was to design and fabricate an All-Terrain vehicle. Being a part of the core design team I designed Chassis and Suspensions sub-systems of the vehicle. It was a great research experience where I had to study papers and technical literature on Automobile Design, run engineering calculations and FEA simulations at various loading conditions. I submitted a technical report to the university documenting the engineering calculations and cost analysis of final vehicle.
To pursue my passion for computers and prepare myself for Masters study in Computer Science, I secured a job at (Company Name), a young engineering design startup, specializing in Knowledge Based Engineering (KBE) process implementations, as an Associate Engineer right after college. My role is to develop LOB software to automate design and allied processes. I work on researching and developing algorithms to logically analyze and classify the data encountered on machine-shop floors and supply chains. I also have responsibility of developing rule engines derived from domain expertise of our clients to automate their design processes. Major component of my job involves designing solutions to industry specific problems for our clients, especially in field of data collection, storage and management.
I have worked on developing automation software for medicinal tablet drawings. Due to non-standard nature of calligraphy used by the client it was difficult to use simple geometric constructs to generate text on the tablets. It was my task to design a new algorithm to accurately perform the task. Studying the existing algorithms which was used pre-calculated angles to model the letters, I developed a flexible algorithm which used geometric equations of curves to model the data. This lead to development of customized differential equation and tangent solvers for curves up to 4 degrees for internal use. Currently I am working on developing a custom 2D/3D drawing environment to simplify inputs to CAD software using OpenGL. Here I got to work and research on different rendering algorithms, mathematical representation of objects and algorithms such as ray tracing.
I use C#/.NET framework and SQL (MySQL/Oracle) and no-SQL (MongoDB) databases at my job and have implemented various data structures like linked lists, graphs and binary trees in practice. While practicing data structures and algorithms on Hacker Rank, I have also developed thorough understanding of algorithms and complexity analysis. To improve my knowledge on Operating Systems, large scale software development and C language I have started reading the Linux kernel source code. To study machine learning basics, I completed 'Stanford Machine Learning' MOOC by Andrew Ng. This course has introduced me to linear and logistic regression, gradient descent and basics of neural networks. Using Octave to implement the mathematics in code was a very interesting experience and it only increased my drive to study machine learning in depth.
I am interested in research on Machine Learning Algorithms. I believe that pursuing MS in CS at NYU, Courant Institute will provide me a great research and learning environment. The introductory PAC courses will help me consolidate my computer foundations and groups like CILVR lab and CDS will provide a conducive environment for me to get trained in research and contribute to ongoing research. Courant mathematics department has consistently been the best and Stern Business School stands in the league of its own. Studying at Courant will give me an opportunity to take courses from this best in class departments. MS degree at your prestigious university is an important milestone for me to get good research experience and build solid Computer Science foundation. My unconventional Mechanical background coupled with my passion and experience in CS makes me an ideal multidisciplinary candidate for MS program, where I can amalgamate my experience from both fields.
Hi,
Just to inquire, have you taken any subject test apart from general GRE test? I am also planning to change stream but not sure if I am allowed to do that without subjective GRE test.
Holt Educational Consultant - / 14,864 
4788 Kiran, I believe that there are 2 elements missing from your essay which would have made it much more impressive than it already is and also, shed light on the potential research that you could undertake in the future. These are parts that need to be further developed as they represent an important piece of your experience, knowledge, and potential as an MS student.
The first part, has to do with the AI project that you developed and added light dependent resistors to add vision power to it. What was the result of that project? Where you successful in developing that part of the robot? If you failed, would you be open to doing more research in that field as an MS candidate in order to better secure your future as a researcher scientist / creator?
As for the second part, I would like you to consider the all too important research presentation for your SOP. Part of the purpose of your application is to prove that you have a logical career path based upon your research interest. You should be able to at the very least, present an overview of the potential thesis project that you can pursue as a student at NYU. The presentation will prove that you have given great thought to your future career and that you have familiarized yourself with the work that NYU does in this field. Hence your interest in pursuing your higher level studies at this particular university.
Finally, rather than rattling off all of the classes that you took in college and explaining its relevance to your learning, you should consider just presenting the courses relevant to your future thesis topic. That way you can prove that you have a solid foundation for your line of study and have the potential to succeed as a masters degree student with a completed thesis from NYU.
@Holt
Thank you for the analysis. I will be sure to include research presentation in SOP and try be more succinct and on point in mention of my undergrad experience.
Thank you again.
@Pallaw
There is no need for GRE Subject Test. Actually for computer science there is no GRE Subject Test. There used to be one earlier, but they scrapped it in 2012/2013.
What is your profile? And from which branch are you switching?
I have GRE - 327
TOEFL - 109
72% Aggregate in undergrads and 16month experience as lead developer in a service based startup in Mumbai.
@kgadhave Thanks for the information. Not me but my one of my friends want to switch from E&C to computer Science.
He has GRE - 301
TOEFL - 91
92% Aggregate in undergrads and 16 month experience as application developer in a product based company(Oracle India) in Bangalore.
How would you evaluate his profile?
His GRE and TOEFL reflect very poorly. But his academics and experience is very solid. With top universities this is real barrier because most universities have strict requirement of 100 for TOEFL, and they relax it under very rare circumstances. With experience from Oracle India he shouldnt have much problem with branch switch aspect as long as he can explain his experience with DS clearly. He will need good exposure to Mathematics and Basic programming.
If he can wait one more year, and get TOEFL 100+ and GRE 315+, he can land in top 20 school with his academics. for Masters in Data Science.
