33andathirdRPM

Since you're coming from a quantitative background... Don't overthink the math on the quantitative portions of the exam, but at the same time don't minimize it. Refamiliarize yourself with basic probability and statistics. (For some reason I had a high number of questions from that category.) Check your answers. You should have more than enough time to comfortably go back through all of your answers. Many of the answers are deceptively simple. If you're moving at a good pace, you might even be able to consider all possible responses for an exercise with the leftover section time if you're not confident in a response. It's (arguably) easier to study up to improve your Analytical Writing essays than it is to improve a Verbal score. If you're not familiar with the five-paragraph essay, start working now. It's not hard, and I didn't practice or study for my GRE and still managed a (non-humanities) respectable 4.5AW score. I was familiar with the structure of the essays though. Even though people aren't supposed to report what their essay topics were, a google search will reveal many of the most common ones. If nothing else, give yourself an opportunity to write up essays from some topics available in the test prep materials or online. A good way to practice would be to open a text editor, turn off spell check, set a thirty minute timer, then write it in that thirty minutes. It seems like a lot of time, but you need to be able to read the topic and hit the ground running if you want an opportunity to edit your sample.

Whoops, I meant to only have the next to last paragraph quoted there.

Instead of "I hope" try expressing things in an active, confident, concise, and positive tone. For example: "I want to gain a complete understanding of the details of logic and computer programming. In addition, I want to possess the ability to take such abstract concepts and apply them to real world problems. With that ability, I would create more efficient computer systems and use those systems to improve the world. Just my $0.02.

I should think that the A in the graduate real analysis class should be a good indicator of your ability. Unfortunately, I got an A in undergrad RA and just got a C+ in graduate RA this last semester. I'm a bit stressed about it since I'm sending in apps for Fall 2013 and there's a C+ sitting there last semester. I'm applying for Industrial Engineering with a focus on Operations Research though. Not a statistics degree, but very heavy on applied statistics (and depending on the program, statistical theory). For the first time in many years I experienced test anxiety, and I had a horrible final exam that dropped me all the way to that C+. I'm retaking it this semester to fix the grade, though.

This made me chuckle. It's very true though - once you get to the graduate classes things can become very lonely.

Many of the applications I've filled out have a question along the lines of "What level of financial support can you provide for yourself?" So you may be able to apply for financial aid while indicating that you could/would be able to finance things out of pocket.

This was never in question. It seems that the issue is that some of us are looking at it from a significantly point of view. In math (particularly pure math), undergrad institution is huge. Of course this doesn't mean that an extraordinarily well-qualified candidate can't have success, but it does mean that most candidates who would fall into that category are already at one of the well-regarded schools.

I'm far from an expert, but fwiw I would recommend that you take Calc II and Linear Algebra (if offered) at a local CC and crush 'em. In particular, really become comfortable with what you do at the end of Calc 2 (sequences and series). If you're solid on that and basic Linear Algebra, you can work on a number of fun things in Numerical Analysis, if you're at all leaning toward Applied Math.

There exist Ph.D. students who achieved less than 4.0 GPA in their undergraduate career. There exist Ph.D. students who have less than a 4.0 GPA in their *graduate coursework.

Under 'My Settings' there is a column of options on the left. The fourth option from the top is 'Signature.'

Thank you for the feedback! My interests naturally lie in Stochastic Processes, Queueing Theory, Stochastic Programming (though I don't have too much of a background in it at this point), MCMC, and their applications.

Your 170 Quantitative score is above the reported mean for most programs I've looked at, and as I understand it Verbal and Analytical Writing scores are considered more for types of funding (teaching assistantships) than anything else. You have an amazing GPA! Which schools are you considering?

Applying for: Ph.D. in Operations Research (Industrial Engineering) Undergraduate: large public state school (Very High research activity) Major: Mathematics (Pure and Actuarial) Courses: Micro I, Macro I, Calc I-III, DiffEq, Linear Algebra, Introductory Real Analysis, Introductory Probability Theory, Abstract Algebra, Introduction to Topology, Operations Research, Numerical Methods, Real Analysis I (using Baby Rudin) through this semester. Before graduation I will have Real Analysis II, Applied Linear Algebra (using Strang's text), and (graduate-level) Stats. GPA (last two years of undergrad): 3.55, major GPA: 3.24 GRE: 168Q, 167V (both 97th %ile), 4.5AW (73rd %ile) LoR: two professors I've had classes with from Big Ten schools, one professor I'm working on UG research project with from Ivy Research: Queueing Theory application paper/poster (In progress) I was a complete knucklehead when I was younger and had a terrible GPA. After more than a decade of half-hearted attempts with lots of years off in between, I went back to school two and a half years ago and have had consistent (if not overall stellar) returns in my classes. My GPA for my upper division work would be better if it weren't for the "Intro" to Topology course (I got a 2.0... *sigh*). Hopefully the admissions committees will look at my recent performance, GRE scores, and personal statement more than my horrible results when I was young. I am sending applications to the following Ph.D. programs: Arizona State Florida Illinois Michigan Minnesota North Carolina North Carolina State Northeastern Penn State Pitt Virginia Wisconsin I know that at least a third of the programs that I'm applying to are very much long shots. Any input (constructive or, if you must, snarky) on my prospects would be greatly appreciated.