geeree

Good to know you're doing math too. I am currently working on a project involving mirror symmetry in quantum mechanics. My current mathematical interest centers around algebraic geometry and mirror symmetry. You're probably right, as a selector, I wouldn't take a student unless he has a good reason for a second Ph. D. Thanks, Girish.

Thanks for your reply, frankdux; you made an important point. The fact is that it took some time to discover that my real interest was in math, not physics. The decision for a second Ph. D. comes after extensive discussions with teachers, etc. It appears from what you say that I'll have to justify this switch in my statement of purpose (and also hope that my letter writers write something about it). Is there any other way I could avoid schools thinking negatively about my application? Also, technically speaking, I will not have had my Ph. D. degree while applying. (I expect it by April 2010.) Would it then be more appropriate not to highlight that in my application? Thanks, Girish.

Hello, I am currently working on my Ph. D. thesis in astrophysics at Harish-Chandra Research Institute, India. I expect to finish by April 2010 and have decided to do a second Ph. D. after that --- this time in pure mathematics and in the US. That means that I will be applying by the end of this year. Could somebody help me gauge what schools to target? I am struggling to objectively estimate my chances at one of the top schools. My unusual circumstance (of applying to math schools with a Ph. D. in astrophysics and formal degrees in physics) is making the process difficult. But having such an estimate will help me in preparation. Discussions with students and professors at some of these departments is only confusing. My undergraduate and graduate degrees are in physics, but I credited and audited many mathematics courses. I was also involved in quite a few undergrad research projects in pure mathematics. I have been a recipient on the prestigious Young Scientist Fellowship of India. I am currently working on two projects in string theory with an eye on the mathematical treatment to check and display my mathematical abilities. I plan to take the general and subject GRE by November; my recommendation letters will mostly be from string theorists and undergrad mathematics teachers. Thanks, Girish.