Mathematics Graduate School Admissions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the process of applying to graduate schools in mathematics, focusing on the applicant's qualifications, school selection, and the potential impact of standardized test scores on admissions. The scope includes personal experiences, advice on application strategies, and insights into specific institutions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • The applicant has a strong academic background with a 3.95 GPA and extensive coursework, including graduate classes, which they consider a key strength of their application.
  • Some participants suggest that the applicant's GRE subject score is sufficient and recommend against retaking it, while others acknowledge that a higher score could be beneficial but may not be necessary.
  • There is a general sentiment that the applicant has a good chance of admission to the listed schools, contingent on the quality of their letters of recommendation.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the applicant's list of schools is too top-heavy and if they should consider adding lower-ranked options.
  • Participants express confidence that the applicant is unlikely to be rejected from all the schools on their list.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the applicant has a strong profile and a good chance of admission, but there is no consensus on whether the GRE subject test should be retaken or on the appropriateness of the school list.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the weight of GRE scores and the importance of school rankings in admissions are not fully explored, leaving room for differing opinions on these factors.

blerg
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I am hoping to apply to graduate schools in mathematics this fall, and I am in the process of deciding where I'm going to apply.

I have a 3.95 GPA (overall and in math). I go to a top 30 math school. I've taken upper division in pretty much every topic (about 15 undergraduate) and have taken 5 graduate course (and plan to take about 10 by the time I graduate). I consider my coursework one of the strongest points of my application.

My GRE scores are General: 800 Quantitative, 590 Verbal. Subject: 810 (87%).
As a side question, should I retake the subject test? I was scoring near perfect on all the practice tests, so I believe I could do better, but is my score good enough?

I did one REU last summer and have submitted results for publication. I've been to several major conferences where I gave a talk on these results.
I did independent study with a famous mathematician last semester and am continuing this work this summer, which will lead into a senior thesis with him this coming year.

I've also been a TA for the past two semesters (not sure if this is worth anything)

My letters of recommendations should be good to great, being from professors I did research with and professors I have had multiple grad classes with.

My interest is in topology, specifically algebraic topology.


Right now my list of schools I want to apply to are as follows:
Berkeley
Chicago
Columbia
Michigan
UPenn
Washington
Harvard
MIT
Northwestern


I would like to have my list critiqued. Do I have a chance of getting into these school? Is my list too top heavy, i.e. should I add some lower ranked school? Any opinions on these schools with regard to my research interests?

Thanks for any type of input!
 
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You should have a good shot at some of those schools, if your letters of recommendation are good.

I don't think you need to take your subject GRE again at all - that's a very good score. Of course any embellishment can possibly help, but at this point, I don't think a higher GRE subject test score will help you.

Anything can happen in the application process, but I wouldn't worry too much about keeping the application like it is.
 
Err, keeping the list like it is.

I would be very surprised if you got rejected from all those schools.
 
Thanks for the advice.

I suppose the stress only gets worse from here.
 

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