Competition and funding for graduate school in Mathematics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the competition and funding for graduate school in various fields of mathematics, specifically focusing on algebraic geometry and mathematical string theory. Participants explore the intensity of competition in these areas and seek insights into funding availability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that competition in high-energy theory is intense and questions whether similar trends exist in mathematics, particularly in algebraic geometry and mathematical string theory.
  • Another participant suggests that the competition in mathematical string theory may be closely related to that in physics, indicating a high level of interest but potentially low demand for new results.
  • Concerns are expressed about the appropriateness of the original question, with one participant reflecting on the lack of responses and considering whether the wording was suitable.
  • There are expressions of impatience regarding the response time, with a later post acknowledging this sentiment and apologizing for any perceived entitlement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the question is reasonable for the forum, but there is no consensus on the specific competition levels or funding availability in the mentioned fields of mathematics.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the uncertainty regarding competition levels or funding specifics in algebraic geometry and mathematical string theory, and it remains dependent on individual experiences and insights.

poincare
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In graduate school for physics, the competition in certain fields(for example High Energy Theory) is very intense. Does anyone know how the situation is in fields of mathematics. So, which areas of mathematics are the most difficult to get into for grad school ? I would be particularly interested to know how much funding there is for algebraic geometry or mathematical string theory and how difficult the competition for places could in these fields. Thank you
 
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Is this question not appropriate here or should I word it differently ? Since I haven't gotten any responses I am thinking that the question is not suitable as it currently stands.
 
It's a perfectly reasonable question for this forum. Chances are no one with any specific experience in those subfields of mathematics has browsed it yet.

I strongly suspect that the situation in mathematical string theory is very closely correlated with physics string theory, and competition is likely to be tough because there are a lot of people who would like to work on it, but not a lot of demand for new results in the area - at least not in a relative sense.
 
poincare said:
Since I haven't gotten any responses I am thinking that the question is not suitable as it currently stands.

Translation: I gave you guys 19 hours! Where's my answer? Where's my lunch? Where's my dinner? Where's my hassenpfeffer!

Seriously, you might dial the patience up a notch (particularly over a holiday) and the entitlement down a notch. This will serve you well in grad school.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Translation: I gave you guys 19 hours! Where's my answer? Where's my lunch? Where's my dinner? Where's my hassenpfeffer!

Seriously, you might dial the patience up a notch (particularly over a holiday) and the entitlement down a notch. This will serve you well in grad school.

I apologize if I am across as looking like I was being entitled.I was trying to make sure whether this question was appropriate or whether or not my wording of the question was problematic. This is my first post here, so I was not entirely sure whether my question was on the appropriate forum or not. I know it can take time to get answers. Again, I apologize if I came across as impatient and entitled.
 
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