Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the experiences and strategies of participants regarding their graduate school applications for math and related fields. Participants share the schools they applied to, their expectations, and reflections on their application processes, including the emotional toll of waiting for decisions.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Homework-related
- Meta-discussion
Main Points Raised
- One participant lists numerous prestigious math graduate programs they applied to and expresses uncertainty about their chances of admission.
- Another participant humorously notes the high number of applications and the associated costs.
- Some participants discuss the quality of specific programs, with one highlighting Rutgers' strong math department despite competition from financial math students.
- A participant shares their focus on geometry and mathematical physics, detailing their school choices based on faculty expertise and research interests.
- Advice is offered regarding the application process, including the importance of selecting schools based on specific research interests rather than overall rankings.
- Concerns are raised about the GRE scores and their potential impact on admissions, with one participant reflecting on their own preparation and the need for better time management during the application process.
- Another participant mentions their applications to six schools for a PhD in electrical engineering and shares their experience with an open house invitation from one of the schools.
- There is a discussion about the importance of having a diverse list of schools, including safety options, with one participant realizing their list lacks such schools.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of opinions about their chances of admission and the strategies for applying to graduate programs. There is no consensus on the best approach, as different participants prioritize various factors in their applications.
Contextual Notes
Some participants acknowledge the emotional strain of waiting for decisions and the uncertainty surrounding their applications. There are also mentions of varying levels of familiarity with specific programs and the implications of program rankings.
Who May Find This Useful
Prospective graduate students in mathematics and related fields, particularly those navigating the application process and seeking insights on program selection and preparation strategies.