YMN The Young Mathematicians' Network
Serving the Community of Young Mathematicians
Sections: Front Page   Career   Diaries   Editors   Work and Family Life   Grad Life   Job Search   Misc   Paths to Math   Research   Teaching   Undergrad Life   Events   Frequently Asked Questions   News
PhD - To Do or Not To Do | 5 comments (5 topical, 0 hidden)
[new] PhD not for everyone (none / 0) (#1)
by JHamblin on Fri Oct 15, 2004 at 10:18:37 AM PDT

I don't have much specific advice on your particular area of study, but I can tell you that a PhD program is not for everyone. I had a lot of friends in grad school who were very smart people with great potential who just didn't make it through the process. In my opinion, it's hard to know going in if you'll be successful... completion of a PhD program relies on a lot of factor, not the least of which is dumb luck (getting an advisor that you work well with, stumbling on a solution to a problem, etc.). As for whether it will "look bad" if you try for a PhD and don't make it, I honestly don't know. Good luck with whatever path you choose!

JH



[new] Right now (none / 0) (#3)
by Anonymous Hero on Thu Jan 06, 2005 at 05:27:36 AM PDT

Right now I have a very strong academic transcript. Can I mess myself up if I enter a PhD program and then find out it's not for me and drop out?



[new] No you won't (none / 0) (#5)
by Anonymous Hero on Wed Mar 09, 2005 at 09:51:15 AM PDT

You won't mess yourself up by dropping out of a PhD program. I've worked in private industry for 12 years now, and come across PhDs, ABDs (all but dissertations), and the rest. Rest assured, dropping out of a PhD program won't look bad on a transcript. Even if your grades "tank" getting there.



[new] work now go back later (none / 0) (#6)
by sormani on Sun Oct 23, 2005 at 08:52:45 PM PDT

I don't see any issue with working for a few years and then deciding whether you feel the need to go for a doctorate or are happy with the work you get as is.  I know someone who did something like this and is finishing up his doctorate now but in a subfield of math that was seriously infuenced by his career.  Just remember to save your money and not to get addicted to a large income.  One way to avoid the addiction is to pay off your undergrad loans triple time.


PhD - To Do or Not To Do | 5 comments (5 topical, 0 hidden)

Menu
create account
FAQ
Search
Recent Comments

Login
Make a new account
Username:
Password:

SourceForge Logo Powered by Scoop
All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective companies. Comments are owned by the Poster. The Rest

create account | faq | search