Graduate school after quitting in the past

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations of reapplying to a PhD program in mathematics after previously quitting a terminal master's program. Participants explore the implications of past academic performance, current qualifications, and strategies for addressing past issues in application materials.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their background, including past academic struggles and recent successes in graduate-level coursework, expressing interest in reapplying to a PhD program.
  • Another participant asserts that while the previous academic history may count against the applicant, their recent performance demonstrates significant improvement.
  • A question is raised about whether to address past academic issues in the personal statement, indicating a concern about how to frame this narrative effectively.
  • It is suggested that applicants should utilize the opportunity to explain poor grades or lack of effort in their transcripts, highlighting the importance of context in applications.
  • Clarification is sought regarding whether the applicant completed their master's degree, which could influence their application strategy.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that past performance may impact the application but recognize that recent academic success can mitigate some concerns. However, there is no consensus on the best approach to address past issues in application materials.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about how previous academic performance will be perceived by admissions committees and the best strategies for addressing it in applications. There are also unresolved questions regarding the applicant's academic history and its implications for future studies.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering reapplying to graduate programs after previous academic challenges, particularly in STEM fields, may find the insights and experiences shared in this discussion relevant.

mathphdat30?
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I will try to put this as succinctly as possible.

When I was 26 I had spent two years in a terminal master's program in mathematics. I was pretty distracted. I was a B+/B student for the most part. I ended up with two C's, both in my first semester. Regardless, I was distracted and moved on.

I'm now 29. For the past three years I have worked for a community college, got married (which more or less whipped me into shape), and been a substitute teacher. I am a full time tutor in their learning center and half-time instructor for pre-college math/GED type classes. In the past year I took four classes at a local university (Differenial Geometry, Functional Analysis I/II, and Graduate DiffEqs) and got all As. I took the subject GRE in math (~70th percentile :( ). I have not taken the General GRE yet.

I am interested in applying to the PhD program. I do not need funding from the university since the institution I work for will pay for my college and is pretty flexible as long as I log in all the required hours I am suppose to work each pay period. I have relatively substantial savings as well.

I am wondering if it would be possible to restart graduate studies, specifically because I have seen wildly positive (anything by Mathwonk) and negative advice.
 
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Of course it's possible.

You have quit or failed out of graduate school in the past and that will count against you. But since then things have changed. You've demonstrated the ability to get high marks in graduate level coursework, and while that won't erase the past, it shows that things have changed. The only way you'll know for sure is to appy and see what happens.
 
Should I address any of this in my personal statement, and if so, how?
 
When applying, you need to send transcripts from all prior academic institutions. Many schools give you a place to justify any poor grades or lack of effort. So definitely discuss it there.

Also, did you end up with a master's? Or did you leave before then?
 
samnorris93 said:
Also, did you end up with a master's? Or did you leave before then?

I did not end up with my Master's. The program I was in was quite small and I started to get really worried that I was gaining the reputation as the student who was too lazy. I stayed in contact with two of the professors I had, though I was thinking about getting letters from the professors I most recently had.
 

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