Schools Is Ph.D. Graduate School possible for me?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the feasibility of pursuing a Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics, with a particular focus on the University of Virginia (UVA) as a primary goal. The individual seeking feedback has a GPA of 3.25, with a mix of grades in undergraduate and graduate courses, including some repeated courses that were initially failed. They have strong GRE scores, particularly in mathematics, and plan to take the Subject GRE after further preparation. The candidate has completed a Master’s degree with solid grades in advanced mathematics courses and has teaching experience, which may bolster their application despite limited research experience. There is encouragement from others in the thread, highlighting that acceptance into a Ph.D. program is possible even with a less-than-perfect academic record, emphasizing the importance of motivation, improvement over time, and strong recommendations. The consensus suggests that while Ivy League schools may be a stretch, there are definitely opportunities available in other reputable programs for someone with their background and dedication to mathematics.
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I am trying to get some feedback on my possibilities of attending Graduate School for a Ph.D in Pure Mathematics. Specifically, if it is possible... which universities can I expect to receive acceptance from. Which types? In specific, my highest goal is UVA, (University of Virginia). I have yet to fill in my more realistic options because I am not very familiar with University acceptance.

My record is as follows. I hope this is enough information.


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Undergraduate in Mathematics/Concentration in Teaching. Did not include Topology,Algebra, or Analysis.

GPA 3.25, including 3 F's in English, Pre-Calculus, and Intro to Programming. All repeated and passed, in specific... an A in Pre-Calculus.

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General GRE:
Math - 760
English - 530
Essay - 5

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Graduate Degree at the same university I attended for B.S.

Fall,
Intro Algebra - A
Intro Analysis 1 - B
Intro Topology - A
Methods of Appd. Mathematics 1- B

Spring,
Intro Analysis 2 - A
Complex Analysis Apps. - A
Methods of Appd. Mathematics 2- A
Independant Study-Topology - A

Fall,
Real Analysis 1 - A
Algebra 1 - A
Advanced Linear Algebra - A

Spring,
Real Analysis 2 - A
Algebra 2 - A
Independant Study- TBA A

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Subject GRE:

I will take it after preparation during the summer after my first Graduate M.S. year.

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I will also have good recommendations from professors.

I will not have very much research.

I will have taught lower-level classes at my University for 2 years of my M.S. study.

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Thank you

EDIT: I want to study mathematics because I love it and it's fun.

EDIT2: I want to let Universities know that I will (if they request) retake their Analysis, Topology, Algebra courses and add a couple years onto my graduation time. I assume that this is usually not what they want though. Since my B.S. and M.S. might be relatively "light" I want to do all that I can in order to get accepted somewhere.
 
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Hey you should definitely give it a shot. I think the graduate courses are great. Definitely apply!
 
Though I never got any Fs, I actually had a slightly lower GPA than you, about 3.1. I also only had a 42%-ile on the physics GRE. I ended up getting into a PhD program at a good graduate school, i.e. most of the people here had >3.5, and scored way better on the GRE, and one of my friends here even went to an ivy league school. Not sure why they picked me, but I ended up passing the PhD qualifier and have a 3.46 so far. I guess it goes to show that you can have not the best grades and still be successful as a PhD student.

Of course, there are a couple other things I should mention. Almost all of my bad grades were from my first couple of years. I ended up doing far better my last two years, getting A's and B's in all of my classes (except for graduate-level cosmology), and I had a lot of research experience too. Since you did an MS, you've got the research down. And it looks like your grades are excellent. I don't see why you couldn't get into a PhD program.
 
Probably wouldn't get into an Ivy league (still worth a shot though!), but there is definitely a place out there for you on a PhD program. You seem self motivated and you certainly have all the right courses. One of my colleagues on the physics PhD was a chemistry major and was on a Basoon scholarship, so he didn't have the 'right' background, but ended up doing really well.

I always say that its not the grades you get, but what you do with them. I've never really been an 'A-grade' student, but I'm determined and hard working and finally passed my PhD defense last week. If you put your mind to it...
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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