Below is the Sample Essay for University of Wisconsin Madison
Tell us why you decided to apply to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition, please include why you are interested in studying the major(s) you have selected. (you may enter up to 600 words).
The door to information security was opened rather unwittingly. A video from the BSI Group from 2020 introduced me to this demesne. This was significant as it coincided with the onset of the pandemic. The boom in digitization made the online world a new reality. The biggest security concern, however, remained confined to our pockets as online payments were no more a luxury but rather a necessity. The astonishing factor lies in the lack of awareness about cyber threats. This realization led me to research, read, and participate in competitions and hacking conventions. This was then followed by my participation in an online information security internship offered by KS Infotech. Delving deeper into the components of Information Systems Auditing and Network Security, I grasped the notions of open-source investigations and an open-source tool Nikto, to identify potential threats. I assessed network traffic to establish user accessibility. This eventually led me to discover my passion for software vulnerability, assessment, and human aspects of security and privacy. Now, as I look to expand my knowledge base and broaden my horizons, I believe the degree in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison would be the perfect choice to add to my repertoire as I go about pursuing a career in application development and software security.
With this curriculum, I feel thrilled to follow my budding curiosity in a security and privacy research project under the guidance of an expert like Professor Fahad, leading WIPI to bring effective privacy protection to the masses. Furthermore, I hope to work as a member of MadS&P under Professor Ganguly, whose research on Encrypting Viruses has intrigued me. I surmise this course promises to assist me in comprehending technology to make it viable for people across socio-economic strata and inspire other women & non-binary genders to pursue this field. I envision my goals aligning with those of ACWM. Working in the progressive domain of Software Development would require me to have efficient knowledge and experience with cutting-edge research along with collaboration with cross-functional teams, and this curriculum is my best bet to gather this requisite criterion. Eventually, I see myself acquiring a leadership position in computer science research on artificial intelligence. Also, the University’s diverse pool of students in terms of culture and professional skills would assist me in stimulating my brain and learning from experiences I could face in the industry in the future. I also look forward to meeting distinguished women during the annual potluck dinner and biweekly lunches.
I would also like to state the fact that I have always strived to hone holistically. From learning kathak to taking part in it professionally, I have done it all. Apart from that, as a swimmer, I plan to take full advantage of all the outdoor opportunities in and around Madison with the Wisconsin Hoofers, especially canoeing and water sports on Lake Mendota. This, too, has been coupled with my desire to excel in this domain which has led me to learn Java Degree from the very basics to building Java apps. I have also completed ISC2 Certified Information Security System Professional (CISSP), learning fundamentals of cryptography, access control, encryption, and risk management. I was also the leader of the Envision Committee and a Core Team member of The Science Club. I functioned as a Core Designer and head writer for the website CyberFortress. All these experiences have laid the groundwork for my journey through this terrain. As I strive to give wings to my vision, I hope the University considers my degree worthy of consideration.
