Preparing for GRE

I am real grateful to you guys, the eagles and all. pls I am a B.Pharm grad (4.57) pursuing a direct Phd prog, I am currently planning to do the GRE and possibly TOEFL. ideas are welcome, I am interested in US schools that do herbal plant research.

hey ppl,
i need to write a really good statement of purpose for grad admission, i'd appreciate any help any of you guys could give me!

@Sefago, Thanks for the hint on SOP. I am currently drafting mine. If u don't mind, can i e-mail it to you to help proof-read?, i'd appreciate it. . . can i hv your email addy?

This online recommendation thing is really an issue 'cos not everybody has personal internet access. I don't even know how to begin to beg my profesors to go to cybercafe to send. . . .they will sha

Thanks Arshy for those useful tips & Congratulations on your admission!, Wow!, direct PhD??. . . dats fantastic!

My school is way up in the north, i dont see the possibility of going all the way up there to sit with the professors to ensure they score me well. . . i just have to pray that they do so. U mean u did not have to use academic references?. . only your bosses refereed you?, dats great, i wish i could do that atleast i have a very good relationship with my bosses

Pls i have a question: I am planning to write my GRE first week in January, now most of the schools i'm applying to have a deadline of 15th Jan. (for Fall admission) I heard it takes ETS like 3 weeks to send the score to schools, I hope they will still consider my application even if the official scores get to them later than the deadlines set?

^^^^ Ok, Thanks Arshy for the clarification. I can go ahead with my application then

What is the highest GRE (Graduate Records Examination) score by a Nigerian ever?
I have seen 1530 (Verbal 740, Quantitative 790)
1520 (Verbal 760, Quantitative 760)
1500 (Verbal 720, Quantitative 780)

Purpose of Study & Professional Plans

             The boundless possibility of trying out and the instant knowledge of the outcome that stimulates one for further analysis of a rationale in question, is what I find most appealing about Computer Science. Keeping up an inquisitive and explorative attitude, I believe, leads to a constant learning process. This approach adds to the already immense potential for innovation that exists in this field.

            As a student in the final year of undergraduate study for a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Computer Science & Engineering, I look to graduate study to refine my knowledge and skills in my areas of interest. I believe it will also serve to give direction to my goal of a career as a research professional at an academic or commercial, research-oriented organisation. I intend to pursue an MS degree in order to reach that goal.

Academic Background & Research Interests

            In my undergraduate studies, I have benefited from the breadth of Shivaji University’s syllabi content that has given me a comprehensive exposure to the core areas of Computer Science and a strong conceptual understanding of the same. In these three and half years of study, I have strived to maintain an approach of expending independent effort in all my endeavors. Learning by myself and sharing my knowledge with others has been most worthwhile, when comprehending a concept.

            Over the past two years, I have developed an interest in the areas of Compiler Construction and Information Retrieval. The Compiler Construction lab sessions last semester required the design of a compiler for C++ programs that were restricted to For loops, Switch case statements and simple input and output. The work involved in this, as well as the courses, Formal Systems and Automata and Compiler Construction, have lead me to appreciate the intricacies involved in this field. However, for my MS degree, I remain open to other topics as well.

            For my B.E project, I have decided to concentrate on my other area of interest viz. Information Retrieval. I’m attempting to evolve a technique that, when employed in a search engine, will maximize the comprehensiveness and precision of the query listings. The ongoing work has introduced me to a vast body of pertinent research, such as the University of Washington’s Dynamic Reference Sifting technique for locating an individual’s homepage, among others. This has served to sharpen my inclination to engage in active research within this area.

(Please see attached Resume’ for the Academic and Co-curricular distinctions)

            One person’s life influences the lives of an unbelievable number of people, one of the most important lessons I learned, being the Head of the Apex Body at senior secondary level (11th and 12th standard). Hence the need of responsible actions. Becoming the youngest Head of the Apex Body ever and the only one to have served for a period of two years eventually turned out to be a confidence booster. It taught me that the basis for good work is self-reliance and very importantly, time management. Not all of my entire two years were devoid of shortcomings. I learned to accept both criticism and praise with a positive frame of mind. My work involved organising various events, that brought with them the opportunity to work and interact with various kinds of people. This was a distinctively gratifying experience for me, which I feel would stand in good stead in the future, especially in lieu of any teaching experience.

            In conclusion, I would like to add that the essence of University education lies in the synergetic relationship between the student and his department. I feel that graduate study at your University will be the most logical extension of my academic pursuits and a major step towards achieving my objectives. I would be grateful to you if I’m accorded the opportunity to pursue my graduate studies with financial assistance at your institution and am able to justify your faith in me.

(For a listing of all final year courses, i.e. courses not listed in transcripts please see attached Resume’)