With self-confidence and my father's encouragement, I chose applied mathematics as my major in college. Thanks to the excellent faculty who guided me on my pilgrimage across the mathematical universe, my love for mathematics continued to bloom. In my analysis courses, I first met the continuous function under the definition of Cauchy. Then, my vision broadened to the Riemann integrable function space, which is composed of "almost" continuous functions. With the advent of the set theory, my vision again expanded to the measurable function under the theory of the Lebesgue Integral. In my algebra courses, I was equipped with a powerful tool-- the matrix. The more I learned, the more useful I found this tool, especially in numerical analysis and optimization. When I moved into the real abstruse world of abstract algebra, I came to realize that mathematical symbols did not have to stand for numbers; for instance, they may represent matrices, quaternion, or transformations. In fact, it was not necessary that they stand for anything at all! My strength of purpose allowed me to consume this knowledge with delight.

I hold a particular interest in applied mathematics courses and have distinguished myself from my classmates. As you can see from my transcript, in such courses as numerical analysis, ODE, PDE and optimization, my scores were all in the ninetieth percentile. I attribute this ~o my perseverance and resilience in facing any problem. No matter how formidable the computational process, I never gave up until the right solution was obtained.

In order to satisfy my thirst for more knowledge, I kept on reading books and articles on mathematics during my college years. Enlightened by the remark that "mathematics, like philosophy, is virtually inseparable from its history" (Harold M. Edwards, Read the Masters!), I read the distinguished book -- Mathematical Thought from Ancient to Modern Times (Morris Kline, Oxford University Press). It was this book that cleared up my misconception that mathematicians were such geniuses as they could go from theorem to theorem almost naturally. From this book, I understood that mathematicians must struggle with frustrations and travel a long arduous road to attain significant achievements. When aware of this, I derived great courage to pursue my own work tenaciously and was never dismayed by deficiencies or failures.

In recognition of my consistent academic excellence, I have been awarded various kinds of scholarships, among which are my department's scholarship, which I have received every term, and the "Information Project" Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships granted by the Beijing Institute of Technology. Now having a solid theoretical foundation in both pure and applied mathematics, combined with intellectual vigor and determination, I believe that I am well prepared for any challenges I might face in my future study and research.

Professor Min-You Qi, a famous mathematician in our country, once said: "A culture without modern mathematics is destined to decline." Now in China, few people understand modern mathematics. What is even worse is that many people think mathematics is useless. Whenever I am faced with this situation, Professor Qi's words always make me, a mathematics major, feel that it is my responsibility to propagate modem mathematical knowledge. In my opinion, the optimal method is to show people how mathematics can successfully be used to solve real problems in the modern world. To achieve this goal, I think, having a wide range of knowledge in multi-disciplines is as important as having profound knowledge in a single discipline. Besides, the ability to combine disciplines and use them to tackle the real-world problems is vital to assure success. Therefore, I chose applied mathematics as my course of study in graduate school.

Without advanced knowledge, I would never fulfill myself or realize my potential. However, to decide which university to attend is one of the most important decisions in my life. Keeping this in mind, I consider (university name) as my First Choice. Sticking to Albert Gallatin's original intention that the university should provide a "rational and practical education for all", (university name) today is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leader in scholarship. I am very pleased to know that (university name)'s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences offers balanced training in mathematics and its application in the broadest sense. That matches what I need perfectly. Thus, I do believe that my studying at your university will greatly help me accomplish my goal. The Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences is world-famous for its leading position in both pure and applied mathematics and plays a central role in the development of these disciplines. I can hardly imagine what could be more exciting for me than studying the heart of modern mathematics.

Among the sub areas of applied mathematics, I am particularly interested in partial differential equations, since I am fascinated by both the subject's theoretical foundations and its practical promise. The Courant Institute is prestigious for its special emphasis on partial differential equations and their applications. This should set a good stage for me to exercise my keen mental power and diligence.

Ideally, I would like to enter your Ph.D. program. Upon the completion of my study, I would devote myself to scientific research in China and turn my research achievements into practical use. My ultimate goal is to make Chinese culture into a culture that embraces modern mathematics. No matter how rigorous the path, I will persevere in my goal. The mathematical universe is a journey that will never end. It is my destiny.