Question Regarding Math Graduate School

[swishersweet]

My Background:

I am some what of an atypical math phd program applicant. I graduated from a top liberal arts school with a 3.8 gpa (4.0 math) and have spent the last two years working as an actuary. Those two years in the insurance industry earned me my actuarial designation as well as an understanding that insurance is not for me. I recently decided to apply to PHD programs and have been securing recommendations, reviewing my undergraduate material in preparation for the GRE (I took a practice exam before i started studying and got 75th percentile), and researching prospective programs. Oh and I also spent one summer (after my junior year) doing undergraduate econometric research.

My questions:

1) Is there anything more I can do to prepare myself for school/increase my chance of being accepted?

2) What tier of school should I be applying to. Obviously I am not going to waste my time applying to a Harvard or MIT but do i have a chance at a top 20 school?

3) Will my actuarial background help or hurt my chances (note i am applying to PURE programs, not applied or stats).

Thanks!

 

[TonyG]

It is great to hear that you have a strong academic background and have already taken steps to prepare for your Ph.D. program application. let me offer some insights and advice based on my experience with Ph.D. programs and admissions.

1) To further prepare yourself for the program, I would suggest reaching out to faculty members at the schools you are interested in. This will not only give you a chance to learn more about the program, but it also shows your interest and dedication to the field. Additionally, you can consider taking advanced math courses or attending conferences in your field to expand your knowledge and network with other researchers.

2) When it comes to choosing which tier of school to apply to, it is important to consider the faculty and research opportunities available at each institution. The top 20 schools may have more resources and renowned faculty, but that does not necessarily mean they are the best fit for your research interests. I would recommend applying to a range of schools, including some top 20 schools, to increase your chances of being accepted and to have multiple options to choose from.

3) Your actuarial background can definitely be a valuable asset in your application. It shows that you have practical experience in the field and have already achieved a professional designation. However, it is important to also highlight your research experience and interest in pursuing a Ph.D. in pure mathematics. Admissions committees will be looking for candidates who have a strong background in math and a passion for research, so make sure to showcase these qualities in your application.

Overall, I would encourage you to continue your preparation and research for Ph.D. programs and to reach out to faculty and current students for more insights and advice. Best of luck in your application process!