Math PhD Profile Eval

[Sehkai]

Undergrad: USC (pure math) + master's in applied math

GPA: 3.1

GRE: 170Q / 164V / 820 math (81%)

Courses: My transcript is a bit of a mess and is unpleasant to look at. For example, my first semester included abstract algebra and number theory, I took measure theory my third semester (only received a B, but PhD-passed the qual), but I took linear algebra (the lower div one) my sixth semester. I took a lot of grad courses. My GPA at the end of my first year was 1.x, as my second semester consisted of straight F's.

Letters: My letters should be fine, at least one should be really good.

Research/Interests: My ("only") interest is harmonic analysis, which is what I wrote my master's thesis in. I have an intense dislike for most other math, but only a mild dislike for harmonic analysis.

 

Can anyone give me some recommendations on math PhD programs to apply to? I "applied" to USC, UCSD, UCSB, UWM, CU Boulder, and some others this cycle, but never sent in my GRE scores because I knew I would be rejected from them and didn't want to waste more money.

I'm also recently become interested in statistics - I don't have a lot of programming experience, but I'm trying to learn R, Matlab, and Python to a reasonable degree before the next cycle.

 

Thanks!

 

Edited January 27, 2020 by Sehkai

[BL250604]

Hi,

So I have one question before I start, is your interest in statistics because you're applying to Statistics Ph.D. programs, or are you applying to mathematics grad schools and are just interested on statistics on the side? If it's the latter, the better spot for a profile review is https://mathematicsgre.com . If it's the former then I've got something!

First and foremost, your GRE scores are more than fine. The main factor of the GRE is a 'weed-out' criteria, specifically in the Q section. Your GRE is more than fine so it's perfectly reasonable to include that in your application. Additionally, if you want to, I would recommend submitted your subject math GRE score along with your application. The general rule of thumb is not to submit it unless you score above 75th %ile and you clear that mark- but it is up to your discretion. 

As for programs. It seems that you took a very intense mathematical course load very early on. The low gpa initially is concerning, but if it can be explained, and a clear progression in your grades is there, you should be okay. It does remove the top tier of schools (in my opinion) but you may have a shot at the top 30 - 50 schools.

I assume based on your coursework you had already taken multivariable calculus in high school, otherwise, you would have taken it in college. Additionally, measure theory is a rigorous course but the adcoms traditionally like to see real analysis, so hopefully that's somewhere in your graduate career (with a good grade). A statistics course or two would have been nice, but I think your mathematical background checks out. As long as you can explain why you will succeed in a Ph.D. program and how you've matured as a person and a student, you should be okay given the bumpy start. 

Just my thoughts. 
BL