What are my chances of getting into grad school?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the chances of gaining admission to graduate school in mathematics, particularly in light of academic performance metrics such as GPA and GRE scores. Participants explore factors influencing admissions decisions, including research experience and teaching roles, while considering the competitive landscape of graduate applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses concern about their chances of admission due to a low mathematics GRE subject test score, despite a strong overall academic background and research experience.
  • One participant questions whether the OP has any publications in peer-reviewed journals, suggesting that this could impact their application strength.
  • Another participant shares a gut instinct that the OP's chances at top-ranked programs are slim, while suggesting they may have decent chances at intermediate programs, emphasizing the variability of admissions based on applicant pools and institutional factors.
  • It is suggested that the OP should highlight their research and teaching experience in applications, as these could be favorable to admissions committees, especially for intermediate programs.
  • There is a recommendation for the OP to improve their GPA if possible and to consider the trajectory of their academic performance over time.
  • Another participant proposes that if the OP is interested in working with a specific professor at a top school, pursuing a master's degree elsewhere to strengthen their profile could be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the OP's chances of admission, with differing views on the impact of GRE scores and the importance of research experience. The discussion reflects a range of opinions on how various factors may influence admissions outcomes.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that admissions decisions are influenced by many factors, including the number of applicants and institutional preferences, which are not fully defined in the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate school in mathematics or related fields, particularly those concerned about their academic metrics and application strategies.

jtk1000
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I am a senior at a top 20 undergraduate university majoring in math and physics. I am hoping to study math at the graduate level next year. I have a 3.5 GPA (3.3 in math) and have been doing undergraduate research for the past 2 years with an engineering firm in my hometown (mostly been writing computational software). Additionally, I work in the chemistry department at my school as a lab assistant and am a math tutor for several students. My recommenders should write me very good letters. I took the general GRE and got an 800 (94th percentile) on the quantitative and a 690 (96th percentile). I am applying to several top universities (top 20 graduate math programs) and several mid level universities (ranked ~50th graduate math programs).

I am concerned because I just received my mathematics GRE subject test scores and they are terrible. I got a 510 (16th percentile). I was pretty blindsided by these scores since I studied relatively intensely and felt confident after the test.

So I just want to know what are my chances of getting into graduate school despite these scores. I am looking for realistic expectations so don't feel like you have to be nice or gentle. Thanks!
 
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Do you have anything published with your name on it? In a peer-review journal that is.
 
No, I do not.
 
Gut instinct (based on similar scores, physics): I think your chances at getting in top-ranked programs is slim... decent at intermediate ones. I'm glad you're spreading out your applications among both levels.

Ultimately, your chances depend on the other applicants, and how many students are applying versus how many they make offers to, and how they rank factors... and that varies by institution. I think you should highlight your research experience, even if there aren't any publication results. Also highlight your teaching experience some... many (intermediate) programs will like that they can definitely use you as a good TA.

For top-ranked programs, generally the application needs to be flawless, because there's just so many applicants. For intermediate ones, you're generally allowed a flaw or two... which in your case are a low GPA and a bad math GRE test score. Work on improving the GPA while you still can. (Also -- has it shown improvement over time? It would help if the things pulling it down are from freshman or sophomore year.)
 
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also, if you really want to work with a certain professor at a top school or something, you can do a masters at another school, publish some papers, and make sure your grades are high in graduate coursework.
 

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