ahlatsiawa

Guys give it a rest. Please.

As far as eating goes: A large 15" Hawaiian pizza with a 1L bottle of coke. I can down it all in one sitting.

What I think it's important to keep in mind when discussing the terms "childless, child free, and not sure yet" is that for many people, these decisions change and evolve over time. I know many people who when they were 20 said they absolutely did or didn't want to have children but now at 25 have changed their opinion one way or the other. It's really important to keep this in mind and be careful not to judge people for changing their minds over time ("but you always wanted to have kids!" "but I thought that you of all people would never have kids!"). These decisions are not alway monumental, and depend a lot on factors such as current partner and current income.
 
I know a lot of people who are not categorically against having children but who respond to the question with something like "At the moment, that would not be financially feasible, and I'm not sure when it will be" or "Maybe someday, but I haven't found someone yet with whom I'd like to have a child." When I'm asked whether I want to have children, I usually answer "I'm not sure yet" (I'm almost 25) but if I were really honest, the answer would be something more like this: "If at some point in the future I am in a relationship that I feel is stable enough to support childrearing, have enough money to afford to raise a child, have a stable job and have the desire to have a child with my current partner (who is also considering reproducing), then I might start to think about having a child." I just couldn't even consider it one way or the other unless these requirements were fulfilled, so at the moment it's a moot point (I have neither a stable job, money in excess, or a partner with whom I would consider reproducing). 

And a girl who picks out baby names during work hours is his perfect match. 

I write this with the upmost respect: do people in your culture speak with such descriptive language on a day-to-day basis?  Or are you trying to impress the adcoms?  
 
This version of your SOP is an improvement over the last one you posted.  However, you need to ditch the hyperbole.  For example; instead of keen interest simply write interest. Profitable association?  Esteemed college?  
 
Do not assume that all MS programs are more practical than theoretical and never say the U.S. has the best labs and faculty.  Chances are high that at least one member of the admissions committee was not born in the U.S. and those in academia respect colleagues around the globe. 
 
Specially-able persons?  
 
Here are some edits.  I apologize for the choppiness but ultimately you need to write this thing yourself  :  
 
"I have long been fascinated by the world of technology.  Its ever-changing nature and rapid growth are what motivated me to pursue engineering. I chose to major in Instrumentation Engineering as I find this sub-field of engineering most rewarding. This was further strengthened during my undergraduate career taking various courses in the fundamentals of instrumentation and electrical engineering (list a few courses as examples). Learning how technology developed from the manual to the automated has inspired me to study Instrumentation Engineering at BVB (spell out BVB) College of Engineering & Technology.   During the course of my undergraduate studies I was exposed to various topics that included Control Systems, Signal Conditioning Circuits, and Digital Signal Processing with my main interest being Programmable Logic Controllers. To gain a greater understanding of programmable logic controllers, I obtained my CAE (Certified Automation Engineer) from Technocrat Automation Pvt Limited (IAO Accredited), Chennai. During this certification I received two months of hands on experience in Industrial Automation Tools specializing in PLC, SCADA and VFD (fully spell these out).    As a child, I wondered about voltage and current distribution systems. Now, I want to pursue a Master's in Electrical Engineering.   I have developed two projects. In one project, I designed a "soft-technique toothbrush”; a device that allows a double-amputee to brush his or her own teeth with ease.  This project culminated with a presentation at University Q. In my final year of undergrad I developed my second project: an agricultural robot with the ability to sow seeds and distribute water and pesticides automatically (I am fairly certain this already exists and is in use.  What makes yours different?). My role in project was to design the circuits and power system. While working on this project I realized the difficulty involved with circuit design.  My main concern was with the correct electrical charges and flow. With the guidance of my mentor Mr.Shamsuddin I was able to complete the project with the determination to see it through.   I am interested in the (Program X at University Y) because of the research being done by (Professor A and/or B ).  During my research into the program I familiarized myself with the work of Professor A and/or B by reading Journal Papers C, D, and E.  Through reading these papers I have developed a few of my own ideas (list them) regarding (potential research topics G and M). So, I would like to pursue a Master's of Science in automation and control engineering at University Y. As demonstrated, I have a solid background and experiences that would not only allow me to successfully complete Program X but that would also allow me to contribute to the program as well.    Another advantage to Program X is the varied background of its students, which would afford me a new perspective towards the world around me.     Through my research into Program X I find that I am a great fit for the program and look forward to becoming a student at University Y."

Jennifer Lawrence--a beautiful, young, Hollywood a-lister taking bragging about she loves being "fat" and "lazy", and the popular media applauding her for her "bravery".  Sorry, does not compute.  

Food pictures and people stop me from eating because they have to take a picture first. Really, a picture of my ramen?

I am American and I had a Canadian PI express interest in me very early in the process. Someone said the same to me...that he was just reaching out to me early to snatch me up. They encouraged me to pursue other opportunities in the U.S. because they were in a particular field, I'd have "better" opportunities post-grad, blah blah blah. After $1,000 in application fees, with fantastic offers from U.S. schools, guess where I ended up??? With the PI who reached out to me first.
 
It was clearly the best fit. I am not at all concerned about obtaining great opportunities post-grad, whether I decide to stay in Canada or return to the U.S. I personally never cared much for name recognition and prestige. Do your best and doors will open...that's always been my motto.
 
If you don't mind waiting and spending the money for the possibility of getting accepted into a U.S. school, even though you have a solid offer already, then go for it if going to a U.S. school means that much to you. You are obviously intelligent and have done well for yourself so far...you'll be fine no matter what you decide. I wish you the best!

Most admission committees conduct a holistic evaluation of your application and do not focus merely on the GPA. In addition to GRE scores, a killer SoP and strong LoRs go a long way. I know people who were accepted at NCSU with acads below 60%. Keep your hopes up! 
 
I got into Syracuse with a 2.7 GPA and mediocre GRE scores. Granted it's not in the same league as the four universities you have mentioned but you still have a fair shot. 

Yes. I'm not saying that no one who is not qualified has ever got a student visa to come to the US. It happens. I know people like that too, and I also heard that the interview has gotten quite lax since the US economy went down and they need more money from international students to subsidize the budget cut a from which a lot of colleges suffer, but it's just anecdotal. The OP asked if grades matter, and according to the US Department of State website, they do: travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/study-exchange/student.html
 
 
Additional Documentation May Be Required Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish that you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:
Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and Scores from tests that your U.S. school required, such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT; Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study; and How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.  
So yes, I'm not saying you absolutely won't get a visa if you have bad grades or go to a medicocre place, but it does increase the risk. In case of OP I do think he/she will be fine though.
 
Syracuse is a perfectly respectable university! Like I said above, I don't think you have cause to worry. They may ask question and you should have an answer, but with the acceptance letter and financial documents, you should be good. Good luck!

Not a rejection quote but still funny. Someone who got into GATech for Aero:
 
No Funding....But I did just save a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico

There is no way anyone here can answer this.

Not a rejection quote but still funny. Someone who got into GATech for Aero:
 
No Funding....But I did just save a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico

I felt more like an adult when I lived overseas. I had no support system and I was just concerned with getting work/or more work, paying rent, buying food and everything that was left over I could do with what I wanted. For the first time I didn't have anyone telling me where I could go or when, what to do with my money, I had no school responsibilities and it became the most freeing kind of experience. Coming back home I feel less like a matured individual. I can't find a job, I hated my cohort in my master's program, I am perpetually without money, I can't pay my own bills and I have people asking me all the time where I'm going/what I'm doing/when I'm going to be back/reminding to me to x, y and z 50 times. I don't meet anyone my age because most of the friends I had have moved away, and I'm too broke to go out to bars/clubs/other activities. I still haven't felt the urge to want to get married or have kids, even though I'm at that age where it's happening a lot. 
 
But then I look at the 18 year olds and wonder how they can all be so stupid. I couldn't possibly have been that stupid. 

I moved away from home for undergraduate. Not too far away (and only into student accommodation) - far enough so that I didn't go home every other weekend. In fact I only went back once or twice per semester in my first year, and I quickly came to think of my university city as "home". 
 
The process of maturation accelerated when I first moved to the USA by myself. I really had no friends or family to help me out here. I worked a full-time professional job for 12 months and had 100% responsibility for my finances. 
 
Actually, I think that I matured the most in the years between undergraduate and grad school. That was when I ballsed up my first round of grad school applications and wasn't admitted anywhere. I realised that despite making what seemed like a catastrophic mistake...the world kept spinning. What I thought would be a complete disaster was in fact salvageable and didn't derail me much at all. To me that is what maturity means: appreciating that mistakes aren't the end of your world. 

my dick has matured. only a matter of time before my head does too.

When I got accepted for my undergrad I was at my friend's house in Pakistan. The admission process in my country is very different than the United States. Excluding all government-funded universities, every private university has its own Entrance Test and acing the test almost always guarantees admission if your high school scores aren't terribly low (less than 60%).
 
So I was at my friend's house and we had heard unofficial news that NUST (my university) would be announcing results the next day. In Pakistan we have what is called a "Merit List" and students are assigned ranks in that list according to their performance on the entrance test. For engineering having a merit position in the top 200 means you are eligible to get into Electrical Engineering (the most sought-after program), then 200-500ish for Mechanical Engineering and so on. A complete and utter lack of career counseling means students choose their fields based on their merit positions. It's a very sad state of affairs.
 
Anyway, getting back to the story, we were lounging about after having just watched the movie "Accepted" (not kidding) and my friend got a call from his classmate that the results had already been posted on the university website. Electricity was out at that time due to load-shedding so he had to check the result on his phone. Turned out he didn't get in. I was so sure I would have been rejected too that I didn't even bother checking mine at that time. We went out and discussed what to do next and shortlisted some other lesser-known schools to apply to. Finally when we got back that evening I logged in just to give myself a sense of closure and move forward. It was then that I got to know I had placed 108th in a pool of upwards of 15,500 test-takers, which meant I could get into any program of my choice. That was, I guess, the happiest moment of my life.

Get rid of the entire first paragraph. It tells me nothing about why this school should admit you.
 
There are odd language choices throughout. A non-exhaustive list includes: "spawned," "finally reached my maturity." "imprint," "my pivotal point," "as proofs of excellence"
 
The second paragraph is too long, and isn't focused enough. Is this paragraph about your undergrad experience or about your extracurriculars? I don't think there is a need to list classes you took as an undergrad, since it'll appear on your transcript and you're not using the opportunity to talk about any of these classes. I'm also not sure if there is a need to mention "slightly marred" grades and explain them away, honestly the explanation sounds worse than the problem. 
 
If I were you, I'd start my SOP with the something like the contents of the third paragraph. It requires a bit of work on the language (missing articles and some awkward phrasing), but it actually tells the reader who you are and what you do. I'd put that front and center. Since this one is important, here are some in-line edits:
 
 
Later paragraphs are quite good. They could use some English language editing, but overall I like them a lot.
 
Since you need to submit this tomorrow, I think it's a better use of your time to work on the first few paragraphs. This should also help you bring this essay down to the length that was recommended to you. My suggestion would be basically to get rid of the first two paragraphs entirely. Start with a version of your third paragraph as the opener, or alternatively use the 4th paragraph as the opener (but shorten it a bit, because it's long-winded). So the narrative is -- I am interested in X types of questions; I think interdisciplinarity is very important. This became clear to me when the Venter team published their article about [blah] and I saw in that an opportunity to do [blah]. it inspired me to join the competition [blah] where I learned [blah]. In my own studies, I've embraced interdisciplinary in different ways, e.g. through my UG final project abotu [blah], my internship and experience in a biotech company. I've also done volunteer work as [blah] and teaching as [blah]. -- This could be two paragraphs, one about your broad interests and how that study influenced you, and one more detailed about your experiences with your project, internship, teaching, etc. Once you have this, take the first sentence in your current fourth paragraph and put it at the beginning of the fifth paragraph. The fifth paragraph can pretty much stay as is. I'm not sure that the "I will bring my experience as a person from a tropical region" etc. is relevant, since I'm not sure I see where else you say that you want to solve problems that are relevant to that part of the world. If it's important, I think you need to mention it as a goal early on. 
 
Good luck! 

I was watching T.V. contemplating what I should do for the next year having received five rejections. One application remained, but considering it was my top choice and they were only admitting around three people this year due to funding cutbacks, I knew I didn't stand a chance. Then it happened, an email popped up from the DGS congratulating me on acceptance to their Ph.D. program. I was completely shocked, and ridiculously happy! 

I was sleeping, but an earthquake woke me up. Instead of heading to a door frame, I checked my email inbox, and then University of Cambridge's website (I sure do have my priorities straight! ). Wondering now if the two combined (earthquake and offer) are signs of the coming zombie apocalypse!

I honestly can't even remember. All I recall is running around my room looking for my laptop because I first saw the e-mail on my phone and wanted to make sure I was reading it correctly.
Then started crying and woke my roommate up and called my mom (who of course said, "I knew you would get in!") and then texted my boyfriend and then sat on the floor so I could breathe a bit.
[Mind you this was my FAR OUT OF REACH school that I never expected to be able to get into. Ever.]

Well I did it and I got into all my programs so... I do know that my programs had 3-5 page requirements though

I downvoted you so that you could upvote yourself back to 0, as usual. 

Hey, my folks just recently got this service calledTalfazat-ART. It’s this service whereyou hook up a box to your internet as well as to your TV. It lets you watch like 50 arabic channels andhas on demand shows as well. I soundlike a commercial, I know. After Ihooked it up for the folks I found I was watching more and more of it aswell. What is sweet is that I can useour account to watch it online as well.



Anyways, just thought I would mention it if anyone was feelinghomesick. Check it out. TALFAZAT-ART

ISFJ here. I've been in gifted programs my entire life, and scored in the 99th percentile on all the aptitude tests we took in elementary and high school. I'm definitely and introvert, and definitely someone who feels emotions very strongly.

People are surprised that I'm an introvert, however, since I'm good at public speaking, I don't mind teaching or presenting to large groups of people, and will happily take charge of a group. I'm just not one for lots of socializing. I'd rather stay at home and read a good book than go out to a party, and I'm very shy if put in a social situation with people I don't know. However, if it's a professional situation with people I don't know, I'm very comfortable.