Profile evaluation-Math PhD Fall 2022

[Ken Wong]

Hello everyone, I would like to apply math PhD fro fall 2022. I don't have a traditional background, therefore I would like someone evaluate my profile. Since there's a lot of uncertainty in 2021, much of the information here have their uncertainty as well. However I will update the information when the things are certain. Also any advice is appreciated.

Undergraduate institution: East asian university in top 20 of qs ranking

Major: Physics

GPA: 3.25/4.0(overall) 

Math course: Calculus(A-), engineer maths(A), multivaraible calculus(B+/A-), Linear algebra (A-), topology(B)

 

Graduate: One of the German Universities Excellence Initiative

Major: Master of Mathematical physics

Grade:1.47(German grading, 1 is the best, 5 is fail)

Math course: Geometry of manifolds(1), representation theory(1), mathematical quantum theory(1.3), mathematical relativity(1), mathematical statistical physics(2), algebraic topology(taking), introduction to commutative algebra and algebraic geometry(taking), functional analysis(taking)

Course plan to take in 2021: Introduction to real analysis, introduction to abstract algebra

Research experience: 1. Working as a master student(research oriented) in my alma mater in theoretical physics for three years. 2. Undergraduate project on physics. 3. Working on master dissertation right now (C* algebra)

LoR:  My plan is one letter form my supervisor, two letters from the course I get 1. 

GRE: Not taken(may take it in 2021)

GRE math: Not taken(may take it in 2021)

Award: Two year scholarships for full time master student in my alma mater.

type of student: International Asian male

Type of PhD: Mathematics 

Research interest: Operator algebra, noncommutative geometry

School I am planning to apply:  UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt U, U of Chicago

Am I too weak for these schools? Anything I can do in 2021 to increase my chance? Thank You in advance! 

[Nothalfgood]

It may be a problem that you haven't yet gotten into real analysis or "proper" abstract algebra even if you do have some other tough courses on your list. Since you are an international student too, you might want to aim a little lower.

Unfortunately, UC Berkeley and U of Chicago are probably out of the question. Maybe try for more big state schools like Texas A&M and Purdue and fewer elite or private schools. That might increase your odds of success.

You might want to consider applied math programs since your preparation seems to favor applied math. I'm not totally sure whether operator algebra is predominantly an applied topic, but I would bet it's common enough in large departments.

[MathGirl314]

I agree, applying to more big state schools would probably be good. You should consider applying to Kent State, SUNY Albany, and University of New Hampshire.