Schools Mathematics Graduate School Admissions

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The discussion centers on a candidate preparing to apply to graduate schools in mathematics, highlighting a strong academic record with a 3.95 GPA, extensive coursework, and research experience, including an REU and a senior thesis. The candidate seeks feedback on their school list, which includes prestigious institutions like Berkeley, Harvard, and MIT, and questions whether to retake a solid GRE subject test score. Responses indicate confidence in the candidate's chances, emphasizing the importance of strong letters of recommendation and suggesting that retaking the GRE is unnecessary. Overall, the consensus is that the candidate has a competitive application and should maintain their current school list. The discussion reflects the common stress associated with the graduate admissions process.
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I am hoping to apply to graduate schools in mathematics this fall, and I am in the process of deciding where I'm going to apply.

I have a 3.95 GPA (overall and in math). I go to a top 30 math school. I've taken upper division in pretty much every topic (about 15 undergraduate) and have taken 5 graduate course (and plan to take about 10 by the time I graduate). I consider my coursework one of the strongest points of my application.

My GRE scores are General: 800 Quantitative, 590 Verbal. Subject: 810 (87%).
As a side question, should I retake the subject test? I was scoring near perfect on all the practice tests, so I believe I could do better, but is my score good enough?

I did one REU last summer and have submitted results for publication. I've been to several major conferences where I gave a talk on these results.
I did independent study with a famous mathematician last semester and am continuing this work this summer, which will lead into a senior thesis with him this coming year.

I've also been a TA for the past two semesters (not sure if this is worth anything)

My letters of recommendations should be good to great, being from professors I did research with and professors I have had multiple grad classes with.

My interest is in topology, specifically algebraic topology.


Right now my list of schools I want to apply to are as follows:
Berkeley
Chicago
Columbia
Michigan
UPenn
Washington
Harvard
MIT
Northwestern


I would like to have my list critiqued. Do I have a chance of getting into these school? Is my list too top heavy, i.e. should I add some lower ranked school? Any opinions on these schools with regard to my research interests?

Thanks for any type of input!
 
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You should have a good shot at some of those schools, if your letters of recommendation are good.

I don't think you need to take your subject GRE again at all - that's a very good score. Of course any embellishment can possibly help, but at this point, I don't think a higher GRE subject test score will help you.

Anything can happen in the application process, but I wouldn't worry too much about keeping the application like it is.
 
Err, keeping the list like it is.

I would be very surprised if you got rejected from all those schools.
 
Thanks for the advice.

I suppose the stress only gets worse from here.
 
Given the current funding situation, you should contact potential departments or research groups before you apply and pay any application fees. Many programs are not taking new graduate students at all this cycle because of funding uncertainty, unless a specific advisor can show they already have money to support you for five years. This is what I’ve heard directly from 20–30 programs. Do not waste money applying blindly.
Hi community My aim is to get into research about atoms, specifically, I want to do experimental research that explores questions like: 1. Why do Gallium/Mercury have low melting points 2. Why are there so many exceptions and inconsistencies when it comes to explaining molecular structures / reaction mechanisms in inorganic and organic chemistry 3. Experimental research about fundamental Quantum Mechanics, such as the one being followed by Hiroshima university that proved that observing...

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