Fall 2009 Graduate Admissions Thread

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SUMMARY

The Fall 2009 Graduate Admissions Thread reveals the anxieties and experiences of applicants pursuing various PhD programs, particularly in mathematics and physics. Key schools mentioned include UCSD, UCLA, and MIT, with applicants focusing on fields such as algebra, differential geometry, and mathematical physics. Many participants express concerns about application statuses and the timeline for admissions decisions, noting that notifications typically begin in February and can extend into March. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between applying to reach and safety schools to optimize chances of acceptance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school application processes
  • Familiarity with fields such as algebra, differential geometry, and mathematical physics
  • Knowledge of key institutions like UCSD, MIT, and UCLA
  • Awareness of standardized testing requirements, particularly the GRE
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application timelines for specific PhD programs at UCSD and MIT
  • Explore the differences between reach and safety schools in graduate admissions
  • Learn about the impact of GRE scores on admissions decisions
  • Investigate the faculty and research interests at schools like UCLA and Princeton
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in mathematics and physics, academic advisors, and anyone involved in the graduate admissions process will benefit from this discussion.

  • #61
detunedradio said:
Maybe slightly off-topic, but does anyone have any strong feelings as to whether or not it's a faux pas to e-mail departments to ask if they've made a decision?

Yes. It's not. They're working on your dollar, as you paid them via your application fee; furthermore, your plans might change depending on the results of your applications, and, from what I've heard, rejections are usually slower to arrive.


(I'm in :biggrin:)
 
Last edited:
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  • #62
why is everyone going into condensed matter? what does everyone know that i don't? my whole physics department is condensed matter
 
  • #63
Condensed matter is the largest subfield of physics. Could it be that simple?
 
  • #64
Vanadium 50 said:
Condensed matter is the largest subfield of physics. Could it be that simple?

i guess it could, i was thinking more along the lines that it had the most applications but I'm not sure.
 
  • #65
I am really hoping I get an admissions letter this week. I just want some good news before March. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
 
  • #66
All the best to you and all the others still waiting to hear.
 
  • #67
i guess it could, i was thinking more along the lines that it had the most applications but I'm not sure.

It definitely is. Condensed matter has probably the greatest chance of any subdiscipline to get industry funding. For example, Intel sponsors a lot of my lab's work. Optics is not bad either.
 
  • #68
I just got into Texas-Austin on a Geometry Fellowship!
 
  • #69
JasonJo said:
I just got into Texas-Austin on a Geometry Fellowship!

Excellent! Congratulations!
 
  • #70
Congrats, JasonJo
 
  • #71
JasonJo said:
I just got into Texas-Austin on a Geometry Fellowship!

Congratulations!
 
  • #72
JasonJo said:
I just got into Texas-Austin on a Geometry Fellowship!

Congratulations Jason!
Did you receive their email or did you see it via website or did you email them about it?
 
  • #73
Thanks to everyone.

Yeah they sent me an email last night (weird because it was a Sunday night, I wasn't expecting it all).

I called Texas today about the visiting day and the staff over there is very very helpful and very nice, I am very impressed with how their whole department is run.
 
  • #74
For those who care, UCSD is sending out its first round of admission letters the first week of March. (They just e-mailed me saying that they wanted a list of all math courses + texts I have taken before sending them out).
 
  • #75
moo5003 said:
For those who care, UCSD is sending out its first round of admission letters the first week of March. (They just e-mailed me saying that they wanted a list of all math courses + texts I have taken before sending them out).

Another week? But I want it now!
 
  • #76
Looks like UCSD's first round of decisions is out (Ph.D CME anyway). No aid letter yet.
Anybody want to teach me how to surf?
 
  • #77
Best offer for me (applying for mathematics) seems to be University of Michigan, though I haven't heard back from MIT. Of course, that probably means it didn't happen :D
 
  • #78
Good luck to all!, and remember the hard part of the process starts when the classes begin haha
 
  • #79
I'm starting to get worried, I have yet to hear back from any of my schools :*(.
 
  • #80
Office_Shredder said:
Best offer for me (applying for mathematics) seems to be University of Michigan, though I haven't heard back from MIT. Of course, that probably means it didn't happen :D

Don't despair yet. I was already rejected last weekend by MIT. So, if you haven't heard, maybe your rejected, but maybe you are just on a waitlist.
 
  • #81
Office_Shredder said:
Best offer for me (applying for mathematics) seems to be University of Michigan, though I haven't heard back from MIT. Of course, that probably means it didn't happen :D

university of michigan is a damn good math school
 
  • #82
I got into UCSB, but I turned it down. Hopefully someone will know be able to attend UCSB.

I am still waiting to hear from Duke, that's really the only school I'm realistically waiting for.
 
  • #83
University Michigan and Northwestern rejected me today, though I was accepted into CUNY with a 5-year fellowship!
 
  • #84
Hi guys, I'm new here.

Does someone going to Michigan that fall? I was admitted to applied physics.

Thank you guys
 
  • #85
For all you guys that got into schools for math, did you take the GRE math test? I'm debating whetehr or not to take it?
 

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