R Deckard

I imagine if they were "on the fence" about you, then pushing them to make a decision because you have another good offer may push them toward rejecting you. As you said, if you really want to be able to weigh your options, it is probably best to not rush them (given that you can wait).

Try to find an intro to proofs/higher level math class that exposes you to various areas of math.

Stony Brook is very good. http://www.physics.sunysb.edu/Physics/

I would say you probably want to take: Probability Theory Real Analysis Complex Analysis Abstract Algebra Numerical Analysis And maybe a stats class, before you can very well decide if you are even interested in an applied math program. After you begin taking more difficult math classes, you may find that you are not as interested as you thought you were. On the other hand, you might really enjoy them, but it's really difficult to say without at least taking a couple of the above classes for yourself.

I'm not on an admissions committee, nor do I study history, but keep in mind that you are compared to other students when you apply for graduate school. Nobody "cares" if your course load is heavy or light -- they only care that your academic performance and potential exceeds that of the other applicants. If you take a "light" course load and use your free time to do research or something else useful, then it should be fine, but you should keep in mind that you will be compared to the students that take a heavier course load (and ace all their classes) and you will need to outshine them in other areas.

I would call them up immediately and ask for details.

I sent only the minimum number of letters to each school (3 in most cases, 4 in one) because I only wanted programs to see my "strongest" letters. No need to dilute my application with semi-strong letters. If you had 8 exceptional letters, though, I'm sure that sending them all can only help (unless they said not to send more than exactly n letters).

Here's a good one: "You're studying math? What's 2+2?"

Many congratulations! Your top choice, right?

This is the case in multiple schools I have applied to, but I have no reason to believe that they don't have all of my materials (I confirmed a months ago in any cases that were questionable). I guess I'll just wait it out for now.

They seem to like knowing that the information on your application is accurate and up-to-date.

Got an email on a Wednesday night.

Posting this one time would probably be sufficient... To clarify, have you been offered admission to more than one program at this point?

I thought this was absolutely hilarious for some reason.

To compare offers from school to school, you can use a site like this. Type the city for School A into the first box and the offer they gave you into the income box. Then type the city for School B in the second box and compare. The site will give you an idea of what a comparable offer at the second school would be. Also consider using a nearby suburb if the cost of living in a city is exceptionally high and you are willing to commute from a nearby town.

I emailed several places to let them know when I changed my schedule this semester since both the class I dropped and the class I added were relevant to what I want to study. All but one place gave me a response along the lines "thanks for letting us know, we attached a note to your application." I would email the student coordinator or secretary in charge of dealing with applications and let them know. Even better would be to call them; most will probably respond by saying "email me the details and I'll put something on your file." If you application is under review and they tell you that the file can no longer be amended, then I would consider emailing a POI or the DGS.

I'm told that all decisions are usually made by early March, but I don't know any more than that.

GPA cutoffs are often listed on department websites. I've seen cutoffs generally ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 for PhD programs, although the admitted applicants typically have average GPAs between 3.7 and 3.9.

I had the same problem with Cornell. And my Brown application spontaneously forgot information I typed in, despite the fact that it was "saving" my application every five seconds. What what difficult was the file size limit of 500kb for scans of original transcripts on some applications. How am I supposed to get a 2-3 page transcript printed on security paper down to 500kb without it being blurry?

I'm with you on this one. It's a strange feeling.

First round of admits are out. Got offered an RA position. Who else got in?

Who said anything about applying to back-up schools? Why would a "prestige hound" even bother?

Ad-com: "He's a really well-qualified applicant, but he's only applying to prestigious schools. Let's reject him for being too ambitious." /High Fives!

Cool story, bro.

Really, who cares?