- #1
tim_lou
- 682
- 1
phew... I've been looking over the REU applications and working on the statement of interest. Being from a non-english speaking country, I'm nervous about writing a statement for something as important as the REU.
I don't have any previous research experience, and am an undergraduate freshmen right now. I have completed a modern physics class and classical mechanics class and maintained a 4.0 gpa for all my first semester classes. I can only get one math professor to get a recommendation for me. (I've picked out the programs that only need one letter of recommendations). Below is my statement of interest, I've reviewed and edited it many times to insure that it is the best that I can come up with... I've tried to make it as concise as possible (I don't have too much to write anyway). Please criticize and correct any mistake I make:
Edit: fixed spelling and grammatical errors.
I don't have any previous research experience, and am an undergraduate freshmen right now. I have completed a modern physics class and classical mechanics class and maintained a 4.0 gpa for all my first semester classes. I can only get one math professor to get a recommendation for me. (I've picked out the programs that only need one letter of recommendations). Below is my statement of interest, I've reviewed and edited it many times to insure that it is the best that I can come up with... I've tried to make it as concise as possible (I don't have too much to write anyway). Please criticize and correct any mistake I make:
Thank you for reading my post... any advice is appreciated.I am a double major student in Physics and Mathematics at Rutgers University and will be graduating in the spring of 2010. After graduation, I plan on pursuing a Ph. D degree in physics and become a physics researcher.
Being a physicist became my aspiration during my junior year in high school—when I was taking an introductory physics course for the first time. The idea of using mathematics to describe and explain nature fascinates me. I would attempt to derive physics equation I learned and seek physics problems to solve so that I can come up with more equations. I was particularly interested in deriving Kepler’s first law—a law stated as a fact in my high school text without proof. I spent many days thinking and writing about the problem, and eventually, I solved it. The joy and excitement was so overwhelming that I decided to share my derivation with my physics teacher. After finishing a Classical Mechanics class in Rutgers University, I gained another perspective of the central force problem through the Lagrange formulism. The idea of how a different interpretation of physics laws simplifies and generalizes problems intrigues me. I began to search through the library for a broader perspective and greater knowledge in physics.
The more I learnt, the more I realized I need to learn. In particular, I realized that understanding the postulates of physics is not enough—one has to prove these postulates through experimentations. The REU program will provide me the opportunity and experience of developing physics idea through experimentations, as well as integrating textbook physics with real world physics problems. By the end of this spring semester, I will have completed the Modern Instrumentation course which will provide me the basic skills of handling modern equipments. With my physics and mathematics knowledge, I believe that I am ready for the challenges of the REU program. Together with my sincere learning attitude and determination, I am confident that I will be a great candidate for your undergraduate research program.
Edit: fixed spelling and grammatical errors.
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