lonelymonk

'A Mathematician's Survival Guide: Graduate School and Early Career Development- Steven Krantz' Though the book is intended mainly for mathematics graduate students, there are some pertinent points that are applicable equally to students from other disciplines. The part where he advises about GRE should be skipped though.

By Analysis I and II, I assume you have had introduction to Measure Theory. You seem to have enough background to apply for a graduate program. I myself had similar background when I applied and I didn't have any research experience either and I still got in to a top 30 program. I think it helped my chances when I mentioned that I had good grades in graduate level courses and a strong background in Analysis. This point probably stood out in my application. Your LORs must be very strong. It will also help if you get good GRE/TOEFL scores. Also, I was told by one of graduate program member that the situation changes every year. So do not depend too much on past years' acceptance results. Write a good SOP detailing your math background and what you intend to do in future.

US schools require minimum of three recommendations. Your GRE scores a bit low. Try to do well in Sub GRE. It seems that you already have more than an inkling about what you will eventually do. That should reflect in your SOP. Professors get tons of e-mails from prospective students during admission season. So do not get overly worried if you don't get a reply in time. Now, if you wish to apply for a masters again in USA, it is highly unlikely that you will get a scholarship. You will have to spend from your own pocket. It is better to apply for Phd. If the reason for you wanting to do a masters once again is to get a better shot at top schools the next time, then that is not really necessary. I myself did not have *any* research experience when I applied to grad schools. Try and get better GRE scores. And your current stint at IUCAA will definitely help your chances.

I will enter graduate program in Mathematics at U Washington this fall and my stipend for 11 months is 19 K . Whichever city you live in, the stipend will be enough for a single graduate student.

The one by Princeton review is very good. Three-fourths of Subject test is calculus and linear algebra. Also, try to take a few timed mock tests to get a 'feel' of the real thing. In my experience, speed is very crucial. The questions are easy enough. But like majority of objective based exams, this one also demands speed.

The best possible advice you can get

Your GRE scores are well above cut-off. Ensure that you get good grades in sub GRE too. You seem to have the requiste background needed for a graduate program in pure math. And a publication always helps. The list is quite random. You must definitely consider some safety schools i.e worst case scenarios. Make sure you space out your application. Two or three in the top places , Bulk in the midlevel and two safety schools. Since you have mentioned that you are looking for a big department, you can strike off Dartmouth from the list. You already have decent background in Analysis. Try taking Algebra courses this year. What about graduate level courses ? I didn't have any publication or outstanding academic record. However I think it helpled my application when I mentioned that I had taken some graduate level courses like Functional Analysis, Measure theory and Distribution theory.

Got rejected from UCSB for this fall. Was told there is place for only one international applicant in the current scenario. It is better to ask them before you apply

Since you wish to study Abstract Algebra, I am a little curious to know your Abstract Algebra background

The Statistics Department of U Washington Seattle is one of the best. Just based on reputation, it is a no brainer. But it is better to ask people in the field.

@ Wine in Coffee cups: Your advice is spot on and excellent. I concur with you. Although I still feel that Sub GRE is not that difficult. With a bit of practice, it is easy to get a competitive percentile. 75 % of the paper is linear algebra/calculus. It is imperative that one takes timed tests to gauge the preparations.

I suggest that you take a course in proof based Mathematical Analysis. That will give you a strong foundation which will be very helpful in your chosen career. If possible, after the introductory Real Analysis, go for a Measure Theory course. It will also give you an edge over other people applying for Phd positions. As for the GRE, it is not that difficult. Some of the questions in Sub GRE are from Analysis, Topology( of Metric Spaces) and algebra. However, 50 % of the paper is calculus(one/multi variable) and a fair amount comes from Linear Algebra. So I don't think you should face major problems

Apologies. I thought you wanted to apply to a Math Phd Program. I see that you are currently pursuing a masters degree. What all courses are you taking?

Yes. The master's program at the top universities is very competetive. You will have to very well in your GRE

I see you haven't taken any Real Analysis courses nor any Abstract Algebra. The courses that you mentioned are offered in an engineering program as well. I suggest you apply for Masters. I am of the opinion that a Phd program requires more background esp a truly advanced Calculus course along with an introductory analysis course .