\documentstyle[12pt,mtp]{report}

\begin {document}
\chapter* {personal statement}

I, Rakesh Barve, am in the final year of the four year {\it Bachelor of
Technology} program of the {\it Computer Science and Engineering}
program of the {\it Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay}.My career
objectives lie in the pursuance of research and academics in theoretical
computer science - especially in {\bf mathematical logic, automated
theorem proving,program correctness and semantics of programming
languages}.I believe that graduate studies leading to a {\bf Ph.D}
through research work of quality in these fields are a necessary step
towards my goal.

The undergraduate courses of the CSE department of IIT have given me a

comprehensive exposure to all the core fields of computer science and
mathematics.Man's attempts at mathematically modelling objects of study
and then using these models to reason, predict, draw new meanings and
interpretations have always fascinated me. Hence , in course of my
studies I've come to realize that I wish to pursue research and
academics in the above mentioned areas of theorotical computer science.
These areas, I believe are rapidly developing and offer great scope to
one who is confident of producing fruitful work and coming up with
creative ideas.

I have performed reasonably well in my undergraduate courses at IIT,but

since IIT admits only the best students throughout the country, I
believe ,in view of the competitive atmosphere, that the grades secured
should not be considered in an absolute sense.

My interest in theoretical computer science has inspired me to carry out

research and implementation in this subject, as can be seen from my
attached resume. Simultaneously , I have kept myself abreast with the
recent trends in research through literature surveys during projects,
related to courses and otherwise. I have availed of every oppurtinity to
learn more about my areas of interest. I have taken/have enrolled for a
number of relevant courses offered by the computer science,mathematics
and humanities departments. My senior thesis (home paper) {\bf PROGRAM
VERIFICATION USING ALGEBRAIC METHODS} has given me a chance to explore
these areas in greater depth (details in resume).All these activities
have gone a long way towards making my background very strong in my
areas of interest.

I have also had a good deal of teaching experience as can be seen from
attached certificates. This experience convinced that I have the
communication skills and the ability to explain things precisely to
become a teacher.

My years at IIT have been enlightening ones but I need to constructively

build up on what I've learned so far. {\bf Duke} ,I think is the ideal
learned so far.Duke, I think, is an ideal choice towards this end.My
decision was based on a careful examination of the department brochures
and information from faculty members and alumni. I have also
communicated with Dr.Henry Greenside ,Director of graduate studies of
the Computer Science department.

Duke has a stress on research-oriented study, flexibility and closer

Professor-student relationships. I think that having such a sound
academic environment at a reputed University such as Duke, with the work
of a small group of teachers serving as a model, I will be able to
attain my true potential. Specifically I am keen to participate in the
ongoing research activity at Duke in the following fields:

\begin {itemise}
{\item Finding efficient proof procedures for first order logic theorem
proving.}
{\item Reasoning in equational logics}
{\item Program correctness and program transformation}
\end {itemise}

I look forward to making my contributions to the advancement of

computer science - starting at Duke.
\end {document}