Where to Apply for Math PhD: Advice and Considerations

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses considerations for applying to mathematics PhD programs, focusing on the applicant's academic background, course completion, and strategic selection of schools. It includes advice on application strategies and potential research experience.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The applicant expresses concern about not completing Complex Analysis and Topology before applying, noting that many schools recommend these courses.
  • Some participants suggest consulting professors for insights on what schools recent graduates have been accepted to.
  • There is a viewpoint that applying to top 25 schools may be challenging, with a suggestion that aiming for schools in the 40-60 range might be more realistic.
  • The applicant mentions having conducted statistical analysis for a chemistry professor, raising questions about the relevance of this experience to math research.
  • There is an inquiry about the possibility of applying to Statistics PhD programs in addition to Math programs, indicating a shift in focus for the applicant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the applicant's school selection strategy or the impact of their research experience. Multiple views on the feasibility of applying to top-tier schools versus mid-tier schools are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the applicant's readiness for top-tier programs and the implications of their research experience in a different field. There are also unresolved questions about the applicant's potential to complete necessary coursework before applying.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering applying to mathematics or statistics PhD programs, particularly those from smaller institutions or with non-traditional research backgrounds.

ralphhumacho
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I was wondering if any of you can give me some advice as to what "level" Math grad schools I should apply to. I will be applying for Fall 2009 admission in a few months. Here is my basic info:

College: Small liberal arts college (unknown to the greater Math world basically)

Mathematics/Statistics GPA: 3.85
Cumulative GPA: 3.65

Course I will have taken before graduation:
Calculus I – III + Differential Equations
Linear Algebra, Advanced Linear Algebra
Probability and Statistics I + II (For Majors)
Modern Algebra, Advanced Modern Algebra, Intro to Number Theory
Introduction to Analysis I + II
Measure Theory, Functional Analysis (Graduate Analysis)
Combinatorics

Course I will be lacking (due to scheduling conflicts): Complex Analysis + Topology

The fact that I will not be able to take Topology/Complex before grad school worries me quite a bit, seeing as how most schools strongly recommend it. Although, maybe with a great deal of scheduling-acrobatics I may be able to squeeze Complex in there.

I hope to score >70%ile on the GRE subject test and can definitely procure 2 strong Math letters and 1 decent Math letter.


My plan was originally to apply to about 4 top-25 Schools, 5 mid-tier (top 25-50) schools, and 2-3 safety schools. Does this breakdown look good? Any comments or critiques about my record? My dream school would probably be either U of Wisc (Madison) of U of IL (Urbana).
 
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yea this is a good question. any answers?
 
Ask the professors at your school: What kinds of schools have recent graduates been accepted to?

Do you have any research you plan on doing? Summer REU? Honors Thesis?

My opinion: Top 25 will be tough. I think somewhere in the 40-60 range is realistic.
 
mattmns said:
Ask the professors at your school: What kinds of schools have recent graduates been accepted to?

Do you have any research you plan on doing? Summer REU? Honors Thesis?

My opinion: Top 25 will be tough. I think somewhere in the 40-60 range is realistic.

Thanks for the reply. I have done some research, but it wasn't in Math. I basically did all the statistical analysis for an chemistry professor and will be published. However, this wasn't actual research in Math, just some number crunching/analyzing data. As for other students, we've had recent grads get in all over the place. Any other advice?

Also, do you have any information on Stats PhD programs? I definitely wanted to get a concentration in Stats, but am now considering applying to Stat PhD programs as well as Math.

Thanks again.
 

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