Math PhD at University of Illinois – Chicago

[Vulcan Logic]

I’ve been accepted into the math PhD program at the Universityof Illinois – Chicago (UIC) for fall 2011. Unfortunately I didn’t receive anyfinancial support besides federal loans. I missed the boat on taking the math subject GRE this winter and feel Imight have better luck with aid were I to take it. My application was competitive(4.0 from UW-Madison in math, 3.8 overall, some undergrad research, 800 math generalGRE, and 460 verbal general GRE), but not excellent. I like UIC’s community environmentand interest in my admission (UIC prof actually called me to advise on application);however, I didn’t have many other options.

Here is my dilemma: do I accept UIC’s offer and take outloans or wait a year, take the math subject GRE (hopefully score well) to seewhat offers I get? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Xero735]

Wait a year. It is a huge mistake to go to a school without taking out loans. You will be out of state and paying for yourself with no funding in sight. Generally they won't give you funding either because any money they have they give to fresh blood and bringing in new students. Wait a year and take the subject GRE.

[Vulcan Logic]

Sorry just to clarify I only received federal student loans, but no tuition waivers, TAships, research assistantships, etc. Just enough loans to cover school and living expenses.

[Xero735]

Yes that means they didn't want you. Being out of state for a degree that is expected to take 5.5 years means that you will have to take out approximately 40k a year for 6 years about. Thats over $200,000 that you will almost never pay back.

[coffeeintotheorems]

fyi, I just declined my offer at UIC, so funding might suddenly open up for you or someone in a similar situation. (Are you the guy I just wrote to on the math gre forum?)

[Vulcan Logic]

I don't believe so but thanks for the heads up.