Sample SOP - 2 for PhD Physics

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE


In this statement of my objective, I have highlighted my reasons for pursuing a graduate Programme at University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Bearing in mind my academic background, capabilities and interests, I have decided to pursue graduate studies in Physics with my focus on CONDENSED MATTER & THEORITICAL PHYSICS. In what follows, I have briefly summed up my motivation for graduate study, my background and my research interests.

Right from the onset of my academic years, fascination for the science of mathematics and physics has prompted me to do a major in Physics. I started my education at the Gujarati High School, Secunderabad where I stood SECOND among nearly 100 students in the final Secondary School Exam (SSC) 10th exam. The excellent schooling I had received during the formative years of my life stimulated my ebullience in the field of science and mathematics, its influence combined with incessant encouragement from my family and teachers motivated me to choose a carrier in Physics.

After completing my Intermediate (plus 2) in Mathematics, Physics & Chemistry, I Joined Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Vivekananda Degree College ,Secunderabad to pursue a BACHELORS degree in three subjects MATHEMATICS, PHYSICS, and COMPUTER SCIENCE . Bhavan’s holds the credit of being an institute of excellent repute affiliated to OSMANIA UNIVERSITY which is a long standing university since independence of India. The intensive undergraduate education at Bhavan’s has provided me with a firm foundation on the basics .The college, which has been accredited as a GRADE 'A’ college by the National Board of Accreditation (NAAC), offered me a plethora of core courses in all the three subjects .The courses in Mathematics like Vector Calculus, Differential Equations, Group Theory Fields & Numerical Analysis have helped me understand physics both at UG level & at Post graduate level thoroughly.

Throughout my undergraduate study I was guided by the Head of the Department of Mathematics Dr. K.Vasudev Rao who has 20 years of experience as a faculty of Mathematics & Mrs.Priya, Lecturer in Physics, who inspired me to be among the top 1 % of 60 students. Taking vivid courses like Mechanics, Waves & Oscillations, Optics , Thermodynamics, Electricity & Magnetism , and Modern Physics could satiate my thirst only to some extent.

This eventually led me to take a statewide entrance test for Post graduate in physics in which I was placed among the top 1% of the 25,000 candidates (where the rejection rate is over 90%). This achievement paved my way to pursue further studies in Physics in an institute of excellent repute, University College of Science , Osmania University. UCS has been accredited with FIVE STARS which confirms it to be an institute of academic excellence by National Board of Accreditation (NAAC).



The Department of physics, its state of art facilities, infrastructure & most importantly its distinguished & eminent Faculty members helped me to strengthen my knowledge in the subject. In my 2 years of Postgraduate studies I have completed various courses like Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics , Electronics, Nuclear Physics, Mathematical Physics, Physics Of Atoms & Molecules, Electro Magnetic Theory & Modern Optics. Throughout my post graduate study I received constant help from the Board of Studies Chairman Dr.M.Laksmipati Rao, who having over 30 years of experience as a Professor in UCS, inspired me to be among the top 2% in a class of 100 students.

My immense interest in Condensed Matter Physics and in Theoretical Physics subjects is the main reason for choosing them as my probable graduate course of study. My interest in the field of Condensed Matter Physics(my specialization in Post graduate degree) led to tutor myself in the fundamentals of Solid State Physics, Crystal Physics & Its Physical Properties, Phonon Physics, Electrical Transport Phenomenon In Solids, Optical & Resonance Phenomenon In Solids, Nano Materials.

The information I have gathered in my 2yr post graduate course and from relevant journals have convinced me that I can mould my enthusiasm and vigor towards my advancement in this field. I have keenly followed the development of Piezo & Ferro Electrical Substances , Molecular Spectroscopy, Optical Transitions , Phase Transitions & Quantum Dots through the Internet and various journals at our college library. I hope to contribute my part in a meaningful way to this ever changing world of solid state physics.

To top this, I got an opportunity to work as an Under Graduate faculty in Bhavan’s Vivekananda Degree College, for a period of 3 months during which I learned the finer aspects of physics and taught the same to my students.

The journey ahead promises to be a challenging one, both arduous and demanding at times, but then the thrill one gets when one discovers something new at the frontiers of human knowledge, however small the contribution maybe, is unparalleled.

Hence, I request that my candidature be considered for admission with substantial financial aid. I strongly feel that I can match the high standards of your university and contribute fruitfully to research endeavors at your university. I earnestly look forward to join the elite club of researchers and shape my career in the halls of University of Arkansas.

Thanking you for giving me an opportunity to express myself.


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