Math phD programs without the GRE

[BG7]

I'm applying for grad schools this fall, in physics and applied math. For the applied math, I would like to apply to programs that combine pure and applied math, rather than just separate applied math programs. But since I decided to apply to grad schools just a couple months ago, I registered for just the physics GRE, not the math subject. Its too late to take the math subject. This turned out to be a huge mistake. Also, the only proof-based math courses I've taken are linear algebra, analysis and fourier analysis. No abstract algebra or topology

Here's my stats:

- physics gpa: 3.64, applied math: 3.93 from a top state school

- I just took the PGRE and expect to get around 80th percentile

- I've done two different research projects, but no publications.

Applied math programs I'm thinking of applying to (since these don't require math GRE):

Maryland, UC Davis, Cornell, Harvard, Brown, Arizona, and maybe NYU (they only accept 3.5% of applicatns)

A few of the pure/applied math programs mention that they'll accept the PGRE, but most of the top-20 math programs say they highly recommend the math GRE and mention they may not even look at your app if they don't see your math GRE. I spoke to a math prof at my school about this, and he said I'll still be competitive at pure/applied math programs like NYU, UCLA, etc, even though I haven't taken the math GRE. Is that really true?

Edited November 25, 2010 by BG7

[mathgeek]

You might want to double check, but I recall UT-Austin not requiring the subject test, and they are definitely a top 20 school.

[BG7]

You might want to double check, but I recall UT-Austin not requiring the subject test, and they are definitely a top 20 school.

After asking them about it, I got an email from them saying the physics GRE wont replace the math GRE, and my gpa isn't as important as not having taken abstract algebra or topology . I could apply, but it would be difficult, considering the competition

As for other schools, Berkeley mentioned that they could consider the physics GRE, though not as a full replacement to the math GRE. MIT mentioned I'll probably still be competitive for admissions. Cornell says they'll accept the PGRE, but wouldn't be put near the top of the applicant pool. Chicago reviews applications without the math GRE, but the strongest applications always include it.

Should I even bother to apply to these schools?