Schools Attending Top Math Graduate Schools: Average Student Profiles

[UsefulFlasque]

It may be tough to speak for such a thing, but does anyone know what the profile of students who get the chance to attend the likes of great math schools like Chicago, Michigan, Princeton, Harvard, and so on actually are like on average? Is a significant factor the fact they were able to learn very advanced things rapidly and work with them successfully?

Because I imagine a significant number of students who have a realistic shot at these places have good GPAs and decent GRE scores, along with some experience working on independent projects. Also, sure they value good grades and scores, but how much is another broad question I have had.

 

[UsefulFlasque]

To clarify, I understand that recommendation letters are very important, but I'm wondering more about some of the actual raw profiles.

 

[ice109]

http://www.physicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1847

expect math grads to have even more impressive profiles

 

[Cod]

http://www.physicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1847

expect math grads to have even more impressive profiles

http://www.mathematicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=357

 

[Chetlin]

wooow after reading those I'm really going to have to work a ton and get a lot better to get into graduate school.

 

[Cod]

I know how you feel Chetlin. I'm doing everything I can to set myself up for grad school (Applied Mathematics); however, I have a HUGE mountain to climb. I spent two years after high school goofing off in college (2.03 GPA) then joined the military. Since getting back in school, I've maintained a 3.58 GPA, but my older grades are still haunting me (comprehensive 2.30 GPA).

So good luck to you my friend and hopefully we'll both be in at least a masters program in the future!