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PhD in Math Programs- ultra-competitive? | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 hidden)

[new] letters of rec matter lots (5.00 / 1) (#3)
by kroth on Mon Jul 31, 2006 at 07:23:46 AM PDT

I'm not sure exactly how much undergraduate grades count, especially if they were awhile ago and you've completed a masters since then. However I do know for sure if your letters of rec are good that is really important. If you can have someone from your MA write about what you are like as a student now that will help. Math bio is a really hot field right now for reference. I'm not sure how that affects admissions, but it certainly will make finding a job easier. Also knowing what field you want to work in and who you wnat to work with should help your application as well. It is worth applying. Let us know how it all turns out. Kim

[new] Oh Canada Oh Canada (none / 0) (#1)
by vizioneer on Sat Jul 22, 2006 at 11:34:13 PM PDT

Forgot to mention, Univ. British Columbia and Univ. Waterloo seem pretty cool!

[new] SACNAS (none / 0) (#2)
by Vanes63 on Mon Jul 31, 2006 at 07:20:28 AM PDT

Although this does not answer all your questions, I will give you a partial answer to at least one question right now and attempt another answer when I have some more time to sit down at the computer and really give this some time.

Your situation is a lot more common than I think you realize and yet still many people get their Ph.D's lol. So I think you are in a good boat, but working hard at making good --> better never hurt anyone.

"I am a Native American and I do know there are fellowships open to minorities, but I don't know how much this would help an admission decision. Certainly programs like Iowa are very geared towards this."

The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science [SACNAS] can help you find some programs that are geared towards minorities, like Iowa, and can provide some guidance and support through one of their many mentor programs.

Mind you, there are not an abundance of mathematicians on the site (I am Mexican-American/Native American and am pretty afraid of "not fitting in" to a program, so I usually try to find people I can get along with and sympathize), but the National Conference is a blast and I would 100% recommend going. It is in October, so that presents a problem in terms of keeping up with work, but they have workshops on finding fellowships, math institutes near the beginning of the conference, many mixers, excellent speakers during the meals, and just a treasure-trove of experiences you can find no where else.

The exhibits are also a must-see because not only are prospective departments there, looking for students, but research opportunities, graduate students and professors.

I believe you can really find out if a program fits you while you are there. So check it out and see if SACNAS is a good fit for you. I found it gives me an outlet and a good refresher during the school year. It looks like I will not be able to attend this year (unfortunately) because I will be starting my first semester of an MS program, but I will try really hard to go next year so I can present a talk.

Scholarships by Vanes63, 07/31/2006 07:24:18 PDT (none / 0)

[new] thanks (none / 0) (#5)
by vizioneer on Mon Jul 31, 2006 at 02:19:21 PM PDT

for the replies! I am going to get some feedback from Univ. of AZ whom I applied to recently but decided to wait until the Fall after my GRE Math to have them consider my application. The advice about networking and recommendations will be useful when it comes time, and I will definitely keep everyone interested abreast about what happens. I think, given what say Univ. of WA and AZ have said though, that the shot is there and I just need to stay spot-on until application time! Now, the really hard part is finding what one wants to specialize in and which programs are offering it. :P

[new] input (none / 0) (#6)
by vizioneer on Mon Aug 07, 2006 at 10:02:38 AM PDT

So I got some feedback from Univ. of AZ. The director of the grad program said that if I take another grad course locally and do well with a reference, I could start in the Spring. Of course, this is nice, but will be added to the stack of applications I will complete this Fall after taking the GRE Math. I'm feeling a bit old in my early 30's to be taking the time and pains to do this, but I guess it's a decision I've made. I like the idea of a life of effecting change and educating people at a univ.. I'm sure the extra course (perhaps applied combinatorics) will help my other applications as well.

PhD in Math Programs- ultra-competitive? | 6 comments (6 topical, 0 hidden)

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