Motivation letter

this is my motivation letter for a master program and my first motivation letter .As a non-native speaker,I really need someone's help to check mistakes I made in it. thanks in advance

Motivation Letter
Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in applying for the Master program in Mathematics at XXX University for the 2016/17 academic year. I am currently completing my last year of bachelor’s studies, specializing in ‘Information and Computing Sciences’ (probably better known as ‘Computational Mathematics’ in western universities) in Department of Mathematics at XXX University in China.

To me, Mathematics is not only a universal language combining rigor with beauty but also the most extraordinary intellectual achievement of mankind which holds the power to shape the world. Using mathematical methods to solving real-world problems never ceases to amaze me. I would like to further my study in Applied Mathematics since I realize that the mathematical knowledge and skills gained in a bachelor degree,although vital, is far from sufficient to guarantee a smooth academic or professional path in math-related areas. I am seeking for an opportunity to get involved in modern and advanced branches of Mathematics. Studying in a leading financial school in China, My interest naturally shifts to Financial Mathematics, Stochastic modeling and Statistics. Last year, I took a seminar course in semi-Markov process and we discussed how to apply semi-Markov process to stock price models and credit risks models. Although the models we used might be crude, it actually turned out some positive results that fit into real data. Such application of mathematics fascinates me and stimulates me to pursue a master’s degree.After master’s studies, I hope I can be a qualified mathematician specializing in quantitative finance and find employment in the financial industry..

With a careful browse of the brochure available on the main page, I figure out that the master program provided by your university suits me well since the curriculum covers a wide range of subjects that arouse my interest, especially those focused on Financial Mathematics/Engineering and Statistics. I believe that the all-around education could be both challenging and highly rewarding and the program will lay a solid foundation for my even further research and professional career. Being Ranking top universities in Europe, XXX University is (country name) and the world’s most attractive study destination and I really appreciate the academic atmosphere there. Also, the high research and education quality of the faculty of Science has convinced me that it is an ideal place to further my study and it will be a huge honor for me if I could actually be a member of it.

After almost four years’ undergraduate mathematical education, I manage to possess a fundamental understanding of various areas in Mathematics such as Analysis, Algebra, Probability,Statistics,Numerical Method, Differential Equations and Modeling, which provide me a foundation upon which more advanced mathematics could be built. As you can see in my transcript, I do have excellent performance on the math courses and I will aim higher during my graduate study. One thing I enjoy doing is to complete omitted proof of theorems and propositions in textbooks. It not only help me deepen my understanding but more importantly, give me a sense of achievement.Being a self-motivated person, I seek every opportunity to acquire knowledge from all possible sources. For example, taking an online course called ‘Statistical Mechanics’ from MIT Open Courseware brought me both review and new insight into Statistical modeling. As the program is taught in English, I believe my proficiency in this language will allow me to exchange ideas freely with others as well as in language of mathematics. Besides, the programming training in C++ that covered in my undergraduate curriculum will play a crucial role in my later study. In short, I believe that my background and ability meet the admission requirement and thus make me an ideal candidate for this program. 

I am grateful for considering my application and expect for a positive outcome.

Sincerely,
XXX