Chances and Preparation for Fall 2012 Math PhD Program

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges of applying to PhD programs in applied mathematics for Fall 2012, particularly for a student with a 3.1 GPA in upper division math courses and limited time for preparation. The student has relevant coursework, including Real Analysis and Dynamical Systems, and research experience in Mathematical Biology. They express interest in funded programs and highlight the importance of having a completed thesis by the application deadline to strengthen their candidacy. The discussion also notes the scarcity of funded master's programs in applied mathematics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of applied mathematics, particularly in areas like Mathematical Biology and Ordinary Differential Equations.
  • Familiarity with graduate school application processes and funding opportunities.
  • Knowledge of relevant coursework such as Real Analysis and Linear Algebra.
  • Experience with research projects and thesis writing in mathematics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research PhD programs in applied mathematics with a focus on funding opportunities.
  • Explore the requirements and expectations for graduate school applications in mathematics.
  • Investigate potential master's programs that offer funding in applied mathematics.
  • Learn about effective thesis writing and presentation skills to enhance graduate applications.
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate students in mathematics, prospective PhD candidates, and individuals seeking funded graduate programs in applied mathematics.

mathgradhopef
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Would I be able to get into any PhD Program for applied math? Would you please recommend some PhD and/or masters (with funding) programs to apply to? I'll be graduating in Spring 2012 and unfortunately, my undergrad institution only funds for an extra semester, so my only choice is to apply to a PhD program and/or a funded masters program (if I can find a masters program that gives funding) meaning that I don't have an extra year to prepare for PhD admission.

Currently, I have a 3.1 gpa in my upper div math classes (around 3.2 if lower div math classes are included) and a 3.38 overall. My university is a top 25 undergrad and in the top 50 of math grad schools.

Classes I've taken so far:
Lower Div:
Calculus II A-
Calculus III B+
Linear Algebra B

Upper Div:
Intro to Probability Theory: C
Number Theory (Withdrew)
Statistics B+
Nonlinear Ordinary Differential Equations (Dynamical Systems) A
Real Analysis I currently taking at a UC (University of California campus)

I will take Real Analysis II, Advanced Linear Algebra, a 2 semester reading course on Dynamical Systems using a grad text (Guckenheimer and Holmes), Abstract Algebra, and an Engineering Math Course (on PDEs) at my university.

Research Experience:
Summer 2010 REU in Mathematical Biology- created research project, which was presented in undergrad research poster presentation at the Joint Math Meetings
Planned- Undergrad senior thesis on ODEs/Dynamical Systems (either applied or theoretical based) with professor during Spring 2012

Awards:
Bank of America Scholarship Recipient
Scholarship through my university
Received travel funding from the MAA to fly to the Joint Math Meetings 2011

I am mainly interested in Mathematical Biology and Ordinary Differential Equations, but I am open to other subfields of applied math.
 
Last edited:
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Here is a (subjective) ranking of phd programs in applied math. Its rankings are focused on programs with more funded students. http://graduate-school.phds.org/rankings/applied-mathematics/rank/funding

EDIT: I should also say that there are very few masters programs out there with funding available.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Also, if you're doing your thesis Spring 2012, grad schools won't see it in time when you're applying during Fall 2012. And saying "I will complete a thesis on '...' next semester" doesn't hold as much weight as "I am currently doing a thesis on '...' this semester".

Just a heads-up. Grad schools only get to see your work in the first half of the year that you're applying to them (excluding wait-lists, etc.).
 

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