Complicated Columbia Math Question..

[m4thguYY]

Hi all,

So, I am an american mathematics guy and I am applying to PhD programs near NYC.

I have a B.A. in Math from a medium public school, pretty good overall reputation but nothing crazy.. GPA 3.1 with 4 C's. Two of those C's I made up over the summer and got an A in both. I did some independent study but nothing big.

I have an M.A.T. in Math & Math Education from same school as undergrad. GPA 3.65. Did plenty of independent study in educational psychology linked to mathematical teaching methods. Also took three grad math classes. Two A and one B. The main advantage here would be my enjoyment for teaching. Schools need their PhDs to teach, so having a student that has a strong teaching background is definitely a plus.

I have an M.A. in Math from large public school, pretty good math department, ranked ~50. GPA 3.7. Concentration in Probability & Stochastic Processes, and Pure Math. Concentration GPA 3.95. I also have a thesis that I did during this masters titled "Economic Forecasting Using Stochastic and Poisson Processes."

I still need to take the GRE but last time I took it I got 800Q/600V. I am assuming this time I will still get perfect math, verbal should hopefully increase.

My letters of recommendations are from my thesis advisor & probability professor (I ranked #1 of 70 in her grad probability class), my cryptography professor (I ranked #2 of 15), and abstract algebra professor (I ranked about #2 of 15). They are all really great professors, really nice, and I enjoyed having them. I think they will reflect nicely and accurately on my passion for math and teaching it.

I do not have the time to take the math subject test, and none of my schools require it. Its just not happening, I am too busy as a professor at a local state college.

I am applying to these PhD programs:

Rutgers Statistics

NYU Economics

Stony Brook Applied Math

CUNY Math

Rutgers Economics

Now my main issue:

I really like three programs that Columbia offers, and they all tie very nicely into what I want to teach one day. Yet, I can ONLY APPLY TO ONE.

Columbia Economics PhD - Great program, love economics and its ties to mathematics. I do NOT have an economics background, but my math background is broad and my thesis is on economic forecasting. No economic courses though. (Ranked US News #10 Economics)

Columbia Statistics PhD - My previous work was in stochastic processes & applied probability, so their research links well with my own. (US News #22 Stats)

Columbia EESC PhD - I love astronomy and planets, and their program has research in planetary dynamics. The main reason I would do this PhD is to teach math & astronomy (& maybe geology/physics) one day. If this isn't a realistic goal, then please let me know.. (US News #5 Geology)

Now, I do not expect you to tell me which one to apply to, nor make a decision which I have the most passion for. I have researched all three for a VERY long time and I know I would enjoy any of the three PhD's.

I am simply asking your opinions on which combinations of these PhD's I have a good shot of making. i.e. If you think I have no shot at economics but maybe stats and eesc, then thats cool. I am basically trying to eliminate the most unrealistic program, and hopefully, I will end up with the one most realistic program that I have the best chances of making.

I REALLY appreciate your help. Feel free to ask questions. THANKS!

[Quant_Liz_Lemon]

I'd pick the stats phd option. Econ is really competitive even for those with strong training in econ AND math.

[wine in coffee cups]

Agreed with Quant_Liz_Lemon that econ is crazy competitive, Columbia's econ PhD has about a 2% acceptance rate. You have pretty much no shot with those grades and without having any relevant coursework.

EESC requires a year each of chemistry, physics, and earth sciences with B's or better. I don't know how selective that program is or if you have more to your background in those disciplines than just your interest stated here, but do you meet those minimum coursework and grade requirements?

Statistics seems to be the most reasonable of the three in terms of what you are qualified for. I can't remember if I saw/heard any acceptance rates when I was considering Columbia stats earlier this year, but I'd be surprised if it was more than 20% or so (potentially closer to 5% if comparable to, say, Duke or Northwestern in selectivity), so I'd still very much consider it a reach. Your research interests sound like a reasonable fit for the department if that's what you want to stick with, at least.

[m4thguYY]

Thanks for the reply. Both of you. For EESC, I the almost meet the requirements. I do not meet the Bio/Chem ones, but I do meet the Geology/Physics ones. Yet, my research interest is planetary atmospheric dynamics, which is heavily math & physics based. the chair told me my background would be fine, yet i am sure they always say that.

I think I want to stick with Columbia Stat, even though I heard their acceptance rate is much lower than 20%, and yes I do consider Columbia a reach (no matter which program I decide to apply to).

I also have a separate question - Have you heard much about NYU Physics PhD or NYU Stern Stats PhD? I have a feeling I would have no chance of getting into Stern PhD in Stats considering their ridiculous acceptance numbers. Also, I really like NYU Physics PhD program (concentration would be astrophysics). The chair told me that with a strong math background, I would have a shot. The only qualifying feature is passing the 6 core courses. I am underprepared for them but he said you can jump in undergrad classes to make up for it. Have you heard anything about their program? Would I even have a shot?

Thanks!