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By holden94122
Posted Mon Oct 17, 2005 at 08:55:31 AM PDT

Hi, I'm going to apply for admissions to a PhD program in mathematics or applied mathematics for fall of next year. I'm wondering if someone with more experience can help me decide my chances of getting to some of these programs. Here is a little bit about me. I recently finished my undergrad studies from University of California San Diego. My over all GPA is a little over 3.3 while major GPA is about 3.4. Also recently took the GRE general exam, still waiting for the essay section score, but my math/verbal score is 760/620. (quite ashamed that I did so poorly on the math section) I'm going to take the math subject exam in about 4 weeks. So, that aspect has yet to be determined. Currently I'm looking into programs from Indiana University, Carnegie Mellon, Notre Dame, UC Santa Barbara, and Boston University. My question is what are my chances of getting into these schools. Should I shoot for schools with lower rankings, given my background? Or maybe slightly better ones? And also, how much affect does my research interest (numerical analysis, and differential equations) have on being admitted and being funded. If someone can give me some information that'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

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Grad School | 1 comment (1 topical, 0 hidden)

[new] GPAs and General GREs are not as important as... (none / 0) (#1)
by sormani on Sun Oct 23, 2005 at 08:18:02 PM PDT

I don't think general GRE math scores or overall GPAs have anything to do with grad math school admissions. The math subject does. I think your field of interest does make a difference in admissions, as will your background in that field, largely because a department that doesn't focus on those fields won't admit you. I assume you have A's in the differential equations courses you've taken and, hopefully, real analysis.

Much more important are:

What courses you took with what textbooks, and if you've taken any graduate courses
which courses you got A's in,
what your subject math GRE score is (but keep in mind many of the top scores go to those with masters or foreign degrees)
whether you have any physics background, did a BS or a BA, know how to program a computer,
whether you did undergrad research, did some really cool extra credit projects, participated on the Putnam team, had an interesting mathematical summer job,
whether you have done tutoring for the department and at what level,
what mathematicians are writing in your letters

You should definitely ask for letters from research mathematicians who publish, with at least one in your field of interest, and ask them where you should be applying to graduate school. They will not only know you better than us, but will let you know what programs they're willing to recommend you for.

You should apply to a wide set of rankings but stick to programs that graduate 3-4 people in your fields of interest every year. This info is available in the Notices.

Finally I think you are coming across as pretty insecure. If you speak to a professor in this tone of voice, they won't have much confidence in you either. So gather up your credentials, your best exams and projects and go sell yourself to a potential letter writer (who has given you an A).

Grad School | 1 comment (1 topical, 0 hidden)

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