Low grade in abstract algebra

[noinim]

Hi, I'm a 2020 Statistics PhD applicant and I have a bit of an unusual question. I go to a well-known liberal arts college and have taken courses at nearby college campuses. I took one of my more important higher-level math courses (abstract algebra) at one of these adjoining campuses and got a B+ -- this particular school, however, is known for grade deflation. I think the B+ at this other school would have definitely been a A- or above at my own. (I realize this rather specific description probably outs which school I'm from...) 

Unfortunately I haven't taken any upper-division math courses beyond abstract algebra (I got a A in real analysis at my home school.) I'm worried that the B+ on my transcript, especially from my own school (which doesn't have the grade-deflating reputation of my neighboring school), would hurt me. Can/should I make a note of this on my application? Or add the neighboring school to my educational background? Thanks so much for any advice!

 

[DanielWarlock]

Abstract algebra seems to be completely useless for most statistics, unless you intend to work on some highly specialized areas of probability such as random walk on groups etc. If you are applying to top 10 pure math programs, I'd say you may be in trouble because abstract algebra is very essential for pure math and a B+ may put you at a disadvantage at top places. But for statistics I really don't see how it is a factor. That aside, you got B+ which is almost an A! It is not even that bad if at all. Many people would consider B+ to be an "honour grade". I would only worry about that if I had an otherwise perfect profile. But again, when your profile is that perfect on other aspects, no one will care. I strongly discourage you from including a note about grade deflation etc. because that may come off as pretentious considering that (i) there is no official, scientific quantifier as to what school has deflation; (ii) B+ is a very good score on a hard topic. It's like explaining I got 169 instead of 170 on GRE because there is a very unfair question. Makes no sense.

Edited October 25, 2019 by DanielWarlock

[noinim]

That makes a lot of sense, thanks so much for the advice and reassurance! I'm definitely interested in more applied areas of research rather than theoretical probability, so I will probably just let it go and work on strengthening other parts of my application. It's just hard not focusing on every little detail of my application now that deadlines are coming up...

Good luck on your apps too!!

 

[bayessays]

I wouldn't spend time making excuses for grades, as the graduate classes will likely be harder and it won't come off well.  A B+ in abstract algebra is not going to kill your application, don't worry about it.