Re: math grad admissions

On Dec 6, 11:28 am, "grad.student" <asdlkjfqwe3...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

- I have no real research experience. This may be due to ignorance on
my part, but I don't see how mathematical research is even possible at
the MS level.
- I am interested in pure mathematics, though Courant does not
distinguish between the two. I admit I am surprised at your comment:
"An MS from Courant with a decent GPA ... may do little if you're
applying to a traditionally pure math program." While it is well-
known that Courant's strength is applied math (ranked 1st by usnews),
I thought Courant was highly regarded for pure math as well (ranked
7th by usnews and the NRC, 4th in analysis by usnews, and 10th in
geometry by usnews). Or did you mean that and MS is not much help in
general?
- I was not disadvantaged when taking the GRE, except by my own
overconfidence and lack of preparation.

As it is, I'm afraid most schools will overlook a much better
indicator of success at the graduate level (i.e. my already-
established success at the graduate level at Courant) in light of the
subject test scores. In any case, what is the best way to proceed? I
am considering the following options:

1. Apply anyways and make the best of it.
2. Apply anyways, and if I'm unhappy with the results, take a year
off, retake the test, and reapply next year.
3. Apply anyways, and if I'm unhappy with the results, get a real
job. Maybe apply again someday.

Any thoughts or opinions? Also, I'm strongly considering changing my
list of target schools. What range of schools should I focus on?

i've never been to grad school
so understand that what i say is not with inside knowledge
but i have some comments on what you have posted

first
many professors respect tests more than grades

tests provide a calibrated measurement of your knowledge
and clearly demarc competency in the skills tested

and this particular test is the math subject GRE
not putnam or anything extremely difficult

there are no clever tricks needed
just solid understanding of skills
so if you do not have over at least 850
i would think you would not be strongly considered for top schools

particularly since you already have your masters
(i took it as an undergrad without even a math major
and found it very basic and easy to score well)

i do not know about newspaper ratings
but it does not sound like your school is very advanced
the berkeley qualifier is much more difficult than the math GRE
and you wouldn't be able to get your PhD without it

when you ask about the possibility of doing research
only with a masters-level knowledge
you are demonstrating a lack of drive
(i'm not saying you don't have drive
i'm saying that is the appearance you are giving)
even with basic undergrad skills
there is plenty of opportunity to tackle interesting problems

if you are not excited about math
if you do not keep notebooks of your own ideas
and regularly read non-course books
working through the problems on your own
then you need to figure out why you are in math
and might consider becoming an actuarial
or some other area of applied math

seeking out research
and going to professors for deep conversation and guidance
is all a part of enjoying that knowledge and seeking more

it may not sound like it
but i really am not trying to be rude here
i'm just trying to point out that
from my non-insider position
your questions and concerns sound like they should be a wake up

you're not doing well on tests of the basics
you don't expect to be able to research yet
these are signs

even with a masters and good grade point average

and please don't take what i type as saying you should stop
(if you give up that easily - it's another warning)

there is no "too late"
you can pick up a pen and a blank *** of paper
and jump into the studies anytime

today even

but you may need some time to get up to speed
if you truly want to go into research
and tackle the more advanced topics

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
galathaea: prankster, fablist, magician, liar
.

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