Questions regarding GPA and grad schools

[betelgeuse91]

Hi. I am currently studying pure mathematics in the University of Waterloo, Canada. I am graduating next year and I wish to study pure or applied mathematics in States. I have some questions about my GPA and grad schools in States that I may apply to. If I suppose that I can keep up the grades I received in 3rd year, then my overall GPA is 3.60 and my math GPA is 3.77(out of 4.0).

My overall GPA is somewhat low but I did extremely well in 3rd year(3.95). So I am wondering how helpful would it be to have high upper year grades.

Also, I have participated in some researches(4 months) and I think I can get a not-too-bad recommendation letters(not fantastic ones though). And I wonder what range of universities in States I should aim for.

So, here are my questions:
1. If I can keep up the grades I got in 3rd year, then I will have
-GPA overall : 3.60
-GPA math : 3.77
-GPA upper years(3,4) : 3.95
So, even though I have low overall GPA, do you think I can still stand a chance? Will having high upper year GPA make a big difference?

2. What's the approximate range of math grad schools in States I can realistically aim for?
(for instance, around top 50)Thank you very much for the time.

 

[R.Mesri]

Congratulations on your success in your studies! It is certainly encouraging that you have been able to maintain such a high GPA in your upper years. Having a strong upper year GPA can definitely make a difference when applying to grad schools and can help to offset the impact of a lower overall GPA. In terms of the range of math grad schools you can realistically aim for, it is difficult to give a definitive answer without knowing your full academic profile, including your GRE scores, research experience, letters of recommendation, etc. Generally speaking, you should aim for top 50 programs if you have excellent credentials in all areas. However, if your credentials are only strong in some areas, then you may wish to consider programs outside the top 50 as well.