Getting to Grad School

MrJB

Many graduate programs seem to require at least a 3.0 gpa in undergraduate coursework. My undergrad gpa was ~2.95. What can I do to get into a graduate program? I graduated a year and a half ago with a BS in physics, but I'd like to do math. I've taken / am taking a few math courses since then to fill in what I didn't take as an undergrad. Any advice?

berkeman

An outstanding GRE score in math and/or physics would probably help a lot. How are your GREs?

MrJB

Physics GRE was at 65 percentile.
I'm scheduled to take the Math Subject test in less than a month.

Laura1013

Have you been working in your field since you graduated? Work experience helps, as well as a good recommendation from your supervisor.

Do you know any professors in the departments you're applying to? If a professor can personally vouch for you, that may tip the scale enough to grant you an acceptance.

You could also inquire whether the grad departments would allow you a conditional or probational acceptance. Usually, that means you are given a semester or a year to prove that you can make the grade. Your application would have to really stand out for them to take that chance, though.

MrJB

I have not been working in field. My low gpa has been a barrier to that.

I'm still not sure where to apply. I'm looking for not top tier programs to apply to.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will ask about conditional or probational acceptance. I'm not sure how common it is.

berkeman

I'd recommend taking whatever practice tests or other math GRE tutorial material that you can find. Have you found any good study resources specifically tailored to the math GRE?

MrJB

I'm planning on swinging by a bookstore this week to find a study guide for the test. I've worked though most of the sample test on the GRE website.