Schools Can I Get Into Graduate Math School with Lower GPA?

AI Thread Summary
Concerns about applying to graduate school in mathematics are raised, particularly regarding GPA and the impact of previous coursework. The individual has a 3.21 overall GPA, but anticipates a higher GPA of 3.5 to 3.7 in upper-level mathematics courses. There is uncertainty about how lower-level courses from a smaller institution will be viewed by admissions committees. The applicant has relevant experience, including a summer research experience and teaching assistantships, and is preparing for the GRE. Advice from others emphasizes the importance of strong GRE scores, a compelling personal statement, and maintaining communication with program administrators. Overall, the discussion reflects a desire for reassurance about the feasibility of gaining admission to a graduate program in mathematics despite concerns about GPA and previous academic performance.
blinktx411
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Mathematics Graduate School

I have a couple concerns/questions for everyone out there. I REALLY appreciate you reading this thread, even if your replies will be a letdown.

Background: I currently go to Georgia Tech, pursuing my second undergraduate degree in mathematics (first was in civil engineering), and have hopes to go to graduate school in mathematics.

Concerns: 1) I have a lower GPA due to courses that will not count towards my mathematics degree. Basically towards the end of my civil degree, I really became uninterested and got quite a few C's in the engineering classes. My overall GPA is 3.21, but in my upper level mathematics courses it will be around 3.5 to 3.7 when I graduate, higher if one considers the lower level mathematics courses, which brings me to my next concern
2) The lower level mathematics courses I took were at a small school (I transferred into GT). What does this mean to someone looking at my application? Do they count etc.

I don't want to spend the extra money going to school if this is going to factor in so much that I won't get into a graduate program (M.S. or Phd. program). I know everyone can't give me a sure answer on who will accept or reject me, I just want to hear if you think the goal of getting into a graduate program (not necessarily top 15) is unreasonable given the following resume so far:

3.21 overall GPA, but closer to 3.75 GPA on courses listed as required by the mathematics department
3.5 to 3.7 GPA in 3000+ level mathematics courses
1 summer REU, possibly more research with the same professor
2 semesters TA
and I have 3 letters ready.

GRE scores T.B.D.

With the information I've given, what is the best assessment you can give?
 
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I got accepted to a M.S. in materials science program with a B.S in Physics and another B.S. in Math with comparable GPAs both over all and for in major course work. You've actually got a leg up on me in that I never did get into an REU program nor did I get any undergraduate research experience and I did all my undergrad work in a state school with a physics department that generally consisted of about 5 physics majors at anyone time. My GRE scores weren't particularly stellar either.

My advice is do the best you can on the GREs, write one heck of a personal statement, and keep in close contact with the people running the programs you are applying to.
 
Sithdarth said:
I got accepted to a M.S. in materials science program with a B.S in Physics and another B.S. in Math with comparable GPAs both over all and for in major course work. You've actually got a leg up on me in that I never did get into an REU program nor did I get any undergraduate research experience and I did all my undergrad work in a state school with a physics department that generally consisted of about 5 physics majors at anyone time. My GRE scores weren't particularly stellar either.

My advice is do the best you can on the GREs, write one heck of a personal statement, and keep in close contact with the people running the programs you are applying to.

Thanks for the response! Its very appreciated, as I don't want to waste my time if I have no shot. Anyone else have input?
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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