Graduate School (Masters in Math) Question

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations for graduate school admissions in mathematics, particularly focusing on how grades are evaluated. Participants share personal experiences and seek advice on the importance of individual grades versus cumulative GPA, as well as the overall trends in academic performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their current academic performance, particularly in numerical linear algebra, and questions how graduate schools assess transcripts.
  • Another participant suggests that graduate schools consider trends in grades, research experience, extracurricular activities, and recommendation letters, not just individual grades.
  • A different participant shares their experience, indicating that a strong upward trend in grades can positively influence graduate school admissions, even if initial grades were poor.
  • Some participants note that grades in relevant subjects may carry more weight than overall GPA in certain contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that trends in academic performance are significant, but there are differing opinions on the relative importance of individual grades versus cumulative GPA and the weight of relevant coursework.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention personal experiences that may not be universally applicable, and there is a lack of consensus on specific criteria used by graduate schools in different regions.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate school in mathematics or related fields, particularly those concerned about their academic performance and its impact on admissions.

rad0786
Messages
187
Reaction score
0
Here is my situation;

I am currently in my 3rd year.

My first term, I had an A+ A A- and B+ in all my math courses (real analysis, advanced diff, stocastic, and modelling)

Those are okay grades, not bad.

This term, I have all math courses again (4th year real analysis, complex analysis, problem solving and 2nd numerical linear algebra)

This term isn't going so well :confused:

I got a my numerical linear algebra test back and --- FAIL .


What to grad schools look at? I mean, how do they look at your grades?

Do they look at it individually or cumulative GPA or what?

Im expecting my marks to go down the drain this year (probably a B- avg.)

I would like info on how exactly grad schools read you transcript please :smile:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
by the way, i never like linear algebra...i allways hated it..its awefull.

I only took it because it was an Applied Mathematics Specialization requirement.
 
Almost no matter what your grades are (within reason!), there will likely be a school somewhere that would accept you. One semester at a B- average isn't bad. Just put in a good effort so that the downward trend doesn't continue and you should be fine. Schools look at more than just grades. TRENDS in grades, research, extra curriculars and recommendation letters are some that come to mind.

Try to find out why you didn't do as well as you liked. If you can figure that out, not only would it improve your grades, but it would be something you can talk about in your essay if you have to write one for the schools you apply for.

Good luck
 
At least in my case, the general trend was the important thing. I had pretty bad grades the first year but by the last year I had top marks only, this made it very easy to get into a top graduate school (in Sweden). Also, grades in relevant subjects seems more important than average grade, at least over here.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
952
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K