Graduate School Application Essay

Mathematics for me used to be a series of formulae you could manipulate to get solutions without having to get too involved in the workings of a problem. This only works with simple problems of course, but as I grew up, these problems gradually started getting difficult and I could not solve them as easily. The turning point for me was when my dad taught me maths, who represented these problems through pictures. Suddenly, the maths was replaced by diagrams visualising how the world around us functioned and through my lessons with him, I became gradually more and more fascinated by how problems can be modelled, which can then be solved easily. This was my first foray into the basics of mathematical modelling. Thus, I decided to apply for a maths course, just to be able to use my mathematical skills in order to solve practical, real-world problems in research and industry alike.
The subject holds a certain appeal for me due to its ability to reason out problems through a systematic analysis of the question and then form a logical series of steps leading to the answer. I especially admire the way maths can give us general representations of the various systems, for instance, genetic and cerebral network paths,

I also enjoyed working with a friend during an IPM exam that we appeared for in a team in India, which taught me to be tackle problems differently and help me think outside the box whilst answering questions. I am eager to be take part in AEA maths this year, which will help me understand the extent of the rigour and ingenuity required by mathematicians whilst writing proofs. I have also taken part in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, which taught me the determination and patience required to get to the root of