CS PhD in Theory -- Personal Statement

[maper]

I'm a undergrad in the US, majoring in computer science and math, and I'm doing an integrated Master's program next year. I'm interested in applying for PhD in Theoretical Computer Science, probably in the area with economics applications. I've taken 2-3 classes in CS Theory and a few in econ/game theory (I have a minor in econ too) and like the nature of the area. I have research experience in CS but the research is more toward implementing software. This research allows me to know a professor well and I'll ask him for a recommendation. I've also done a short research-oriented project in a grad theory class, and I'll probably ask that professor for a rec too.

 

What I'm now worried about is: I have no idea what will go into my research statement. I know I'd like to work in that area, but I don't know what specifically. Also, I don't know how I could relate my implementation-oriented project into the statement -- maybe it doesn't fit at all. I should probably mention the research-oriented in-class project in the statement. Any suggestions?

[kaveh]

Hi,

 

I applied for PhD in CS theory last year, so I've got some advices for you.

 

Whatever you're going to write in your SOP as your interests, don't make it too specific. There are a few slots for CS theory PhD even in major CS departments (usually less than 5 slots, except for MIT). So don't write as you only like econ/game theory. It's too much risky. Try to be as broad as possible in your research interests. When you'll get in, surely you're free to pursue your specific interests. 

 

Having broad interests in your SOP does not mean that your SOP will look weak as an econ/game theory applicant. Somehow show your strength in econ/game theory. You can write about your mathematical abilities and math courses you've passed that are useful in economics and game theory e.g. Real Analysis etc. So you're implicitly claiming that you've prepared yourself for econ.

 

Implementation-oriented project:

There is no need to make everything in your SOP economics-related. Admission committees want to see your ability to do research and this could be shown by any kind of research experience (including impl-oriented projects). Just describe your project in a separate paragraph. This is actually good; It shows your ability to do serious implementations when needed in your future theory projects.

 

Also mention your research-oriented in-class project. Talk about your research experiences as much as possible. 

 

Very few people work on econ/game theory in CS theory groups. Try to find those you like and contact them before you apply. This is to make sure that they will read your application and it won't be rejected without even been read by your prospective advisors. Of course the final decision will be made by the whole committee but your prospective advisor can definitely help on your admission if he likes your application.

 

Best,

Kaveh

[maper]

Thanks so much for your response, Kaveh! It is very helpful to me.

 

So what do you think I should write in my Personal Statement as my "area of interest". I've got to have some sentences like "My next goal is to pursue a PhD in computer science, particularly in the field of ____" or "School X is the best place for me to study ___". What do you think should go into the blanks?

 

If I put in "theoretical computer science", would that be too broad? (I'm afraid it might sound like "I'm gonna pursue a PhD in AI", which sounds to me really, really broad)

 

Or should I put in something like "theoretical computer science with economics applications"? Would that be too narrow?

 

You (or others) can suggest other phrasings too.

 

Thanks again!

[kaveh]

You're welcome

 

I suggest you refine your interests for each department you apply to. For example, Harvard has EconCS group. If you apply there, you can concentrate on your economics-related interests in your SoP. 

 

But for other places with fewer econ faculty, you can say something like this: "I have a broad interest in theoretical computer science. I'm interested in the interplay between economics, game theory, and algorithms. approximation algorithms and stochastic and combinatorial optimization are also among my interests. ..." 

 

For places with only 1-2 professors of interest, write even more broadly, but in the next paragraphs implicitly imply that you're interested in econ and you've prepared yourself for it.

 

But there is something else. If you want to work in cs theory with Economics applications, You sould be looking for Econ-CS groups (like the one in Harvard), not the Theory groups. Theory groups normally do not have many people working in these areas. You can find a few working in algorithmic game theory, which I guess will sometimes be far from economics with real applications. However, Econ-CS groups are rare, so you should also apply to some theory groups.

 

Here are a few more Econ-CS groups. (Maybe you know them yourself). Maybe there are others I couldn't find.

CS-ECON@DUKE 

Economics groups at northwestern ECE

[maper]

Thanks again, kaveh

 

Yeah, actually I think I'm happy with working on problems in an economics and game theoretical setting, whether or not they are related to any actual applications. As you pointed out, I'll try write my interests broadly, especially for places with fewer faculty working on econ. 

 

Just out of curiosity, do you know the number of people that some top universities accept for their PhD programs, for theory? Since you're doing a PhD yourself, I just thought you might be aware of that for some places.

[kaveh]

Some of the top programs that don't keep a waiting list for their applicants, accept about 7-8 applicants in theory. Then about 3-5 of the applicants accept their offer. University of washington has (I guess) 3 new PhD students in theory for Fall 2013. (I declined their offer.)

 

On the other hand, some programs do not have a waiting list. They accept around 2-4 people at the first place and if someone declines the offer, they get someone else.