the_sheath

If you're taking the subject test, know what's being covered. If you can take the relevant courses just before the test (eg I took some calculus courses and algebra just before taking my math GRE), that could help a lot. Be good at multiple choice tests. Know the structure of the exam, and probably take several practice tests to get a feel for what the exam is like. The more adept you are at filling in those bubbles quickly, the more likely you are to not have to skip anything. As for specifics? I got nothing...

Hm... would taking the GRE in math and scoring well demonstrate your competence in the covered subjects, rather than taking the courses? I'm not saying that taking that exam wouldn't count for anything, but I'd say it wouldn't weigh as much as the coursework.

Big Picard

Before you apply to lots of places, ask yourself the following questions: 1) Can I afford to apply to do many places? Personally, I could not, and could only go for 5. 2) Do I actually want to go to all these places? Do all of these places fit with my research interests? Does living in these places make me want to throat punch a kitten? I guess technically, applying to more than 4 places increases your probability of being accepted into at least one place. But speaking as someone who horribly botched his application process, I think you should be very selective about your programs. It sounds like you want to apply to a bunch of programs for the sake of being accepted, but that is a recipe for disaster. I say go ahead and apply to a lot of places of you can afford it, but don't do it solely for the increased probability of being accepted somewhere. Choose wisely.

Hard knapsacks

How would contacting the first school be rushing the other five?

I say make contact. You have potentially 6 schools to choose from, and should have as much information about all of those places you can get to make an informed decision. After all, you're there for 4+ years of your life, so you gotta make sure it fits. Though I would not act as if I have definitely chosen that place, as that would be heavily disingenuous. Otherwise, questions and discussion about research and funding are fair game.

Mobius band

I dunno. If I didn't get a response, there are one of two possibilities. 1) I'm being rejected, or will be eventually, but they haven't gotten around to pulling the trigger. At least they haven't decided that you were SO bad that they needed to give you a mercy kill or immediately toss you out. They're still mulling it over, probably 2) I'm going to be the sloppy seconds. Doesn't exactly feel super awesome, but at least I'm in?

Random walk

I had a Toshiba that lasted me about 5 years then got another (obviously a newer model). No problems on the new one so far. Towards the end, the first Toshiba overheated a lot and then died. But then again, that thing was OLD.

Also, if there's that little red diamond next to the decision, you can hover over it to get GPA and GRE scores, but only if they were entered. Otherwise, I think there are topics on the forums where people post more complete profiles.

Devil's curve

Fuzzy Set (Welcome to the math side!)

I'd just respectfully decline the awesome POI if I got a better offer. They would probably understand. It's not like you banged down their doors and demanded admission and then snubbed them at the first opportunity. Heck, I'd guess the fact that they accepted you at all should work to your advantage if they remember you. "Well, gee, here's this exceptional student who we couldn't get before, and now he/she/gender-neutral-pronoun is an even more exceptional and has experience in the field" Then again, they're probably going to judge you based on different criteria than the ones they did when you applied for the grad program. But that you turned them down for someone else? They'd have to be really bitter to hold on to that grudge for 4+ years (if it even manifests as a grudge at all), while ignoring the fact that potentially hundreds of other qualified applicants could come in and take your spot and then work under that POI and perform beautifully. Students come and go and slip out of their grasp--that's just part of the game.

Open set (THE DEVIL PAGE)

half open

I previously assumed 9-5 in the timezone where the school is. Then I got an E-mail last night from the graduate division of a school, at around 9pm. But normally my stuff came in at around noon from whatever timezone the E-mail came from.

half turn

Vertical angles

Proven statement

You may also want to double check the year on the results page. You might not get a waitlist notification either

Psshh, countably infinite wishes. Also, wishing to eliminate the restrictions. Then wishing to be invited to study wherever the heck I want, at no charge, and then for some sort of financial support (lottery). I'm the type of guy that tries to break this game at every turn.

I got a letter from the grad school on the 13th and the funding info the day after. I guess it depends. I'd imagine that my department doesn't have too much trouble getting funding though (that, and I hear the department is really short staffed on TAs)

Popcorn function