Pursuing a Graduate Degree in Math: Advice Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations of pursuing a graduate degree in mathematics, particularly for someone with a background in economics and limited formal coursework in advanced mathematics. Participants explore the requirements for admission into graduate programs and strategies to enhance the applicant's profile.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their lack of formal mathematics courses and evidence of mathematical ability, despite a strong GPA in economics and extensive self-study in analytical geometry.
  • Another participant suggests checking the entry requirements of prospective universities, noting the competitive nature of admissions, especially against candidates with graduate-level coursework and research experience.
  • It is proposed that taking additional mathematics classes and seeking research opportunities could improve the applicant's chances of admission to a graduate program.
  • A request is made for the applicant to share the specific textbooks they have studied to better assess their preparation level.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the applicant's current qualifications may not be sufficient for admission to a competitive program, but there is no consensus on the exact steps needed to improve their chances.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the applicant's lack of formal coursework in mathematics and the varying weight of recommendations and standardized test scores across different universities.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a transition to graduate studies in mathematics from a different academic background, particularly those with limited formal training in the field.

andreigustav
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i just graduated college majoring in economics having a 3.85 GPA
problem is my interests have shifted to maths particularly geometry and topology
i didnt take any such math courses in college but i have read extensively most of the advanced undergrad books on analytical geometry.
now i really want to get into a math program in grad school but i think my chances are slim since i don't have any evidence to prove my mathematical ability to pursue a masters or phd.

any thoughts?
 
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Hey andreigustav and welcome to the forums.

Have you checked out your prospective universities that you are interested in for entry requirements?

My guess is that you will face a lot of competition especially from people who have not only done grad level courses in their undergraduate program, but also people with any kind of research experience.

It might help if you find out requirements like whether you have to do the math GRE or have a significant number of high level coursework in pure math (analysis, topology, etc).

It will also help if you have any good letters of recommendation as well as finding out (equally importantly) how much weight they carry depending on the person and the department they are in.

I don't know if you can get in, but answering these questions in my opinion will get you much closer to an answer.
 
i agree your chances at a decent school are probably very slim as it stands now. however if you truly want to pursue math, you can increase those chances over the next year or two by taking classes and finding a professor to research with.
 
andreigustav said:
i didnt take any such math courses in college but i have read extensively most of the advanced undergrad books on analytical geometry.

Could you let us know the textbooks you have been working with? It might help us give you better advice regarding your level of preparation.
 

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