Self Studying

This was one of my admissions essays for UC Berkeley

Studying data science and mathematics is an organic extension of my fascination with structuring information and knowledge. The hierarchical rigidity of standardized learning has never felt intuitive to me. I don’t see learning as linear. Regardless of class or source, I see each new piece of data as a fundamental unit of knowledge. In the same way atoms merge in endless combinations to create everything within our universe, bits of information in my mind continually join and rejoin, weaving a rich tapestry of understanding and mental models.

To this end, I have created and implemented my own self-learning database system. I aim to gather and distill information to its most fundamental atoms and apply it within the larger context of my general intelligence, striving to tangibly make new connections I never previously considered.

My understanding of Calculus 1, for instance, does not exist in a vacuum. In fact, most of its content directly relates to other lower-division math classes I’ve taken. A hierarchy of course materials by term neglects all that informational synergy. Consequently, the page in my database titled “First Derivative” is currently cross-linked and mentioned 16 times, updating and operating like a Wikipedia page. In microeconomics, marginal cost is the first derivative of total cost with respect to quantity. The first derivative is also used to model population growth over time. On average, each node in my database references at least 2 others.

While in community college, I worked full-time and started a carpentry business, along with other time-consuming pursuits. To maximize the efficiency of my studies, I have developed some critical practices that transform my database into my most powerful learning asset. For an hour every morning, I rewrite and synthesize as many key topics into my own words as possible, creating flashcards where I see fit. Additionally, I consolidate every practice problem for each class, and along with the flashcards, I use a spaced repetition algorithm on my computer to reinforce learning for another hour daily. These two hours a day have been essential in transforming my relationship with academics and my grades while maximizing the time I can devote to other passions and responsibilities.