Question on dual degrees

[computationalirrationality]

Circumstances:

I'm a Swedish student, who straight out of high school decided to go B-school (major finance) (we basically have undergrad b-school in sweden) which im projected to finish with a GPA of like 4.3/5 ( ~3.4-5/4). However, since i found all that law, marketing and whatnot terribly dull I decided after finishing my first year to start a second bachelor, in math/appl.math. My projected GPA here is pretty decent, half-way thru i am still at 5.0/5 (4/4). So I'll basically have two undergrad degrees (bschool done this year and math done next) in a total of 4yrs from two different universities in two different fields which i completed at the same time with no course overlap, i.e totalling twice the normal amount of credit hours.

 

EDIT: Note, Euro bachelors are 3yrs/degree

 

Q:

How will U.S. P.hD. adcomms interpret my two degrees, will they assume a double major (which it really is not, since I've done 200% workload for 2 yrs almost)?

How do I best use my particular background to leverage myself into a program?

Should I leave out that i attented B-school (this would probably be silly since it's a very reputational school and would leave me with a 1yr gap)?

 

Should probably mention that I'm hoping to attend a top Applied Math program in either U.S. or Oxbridge.

 

Thanks in advance

/CI

Edited February 27, 2013 by computationalirrationality

[JZappa]

Perfect example of what a personal statement is for. Just explain to them your situation and presumably all the extra work you've put in just because you enjoy math,etc,etc. I should point out that your 200% workload will show up on your transcripts when you have to send them in too so they will have some idea that you've been working overtime. Don't leave out the B-school. At least in the US they could theoretically nullify your offer if you don't tell them about all of your post-high school stuff and they find out about it.

[computationalirrationality]

Thanks for the swift reply. I was worried my 4.3/5 would drag down my CGPA without even letting me explain the circumstances. It kinda feels like making excuses, although I deep down know its a pretty good one

[JZappa]

Yep never fear! I had a semester that was quite poor and pulled down my GPA but at least thanks to the statement of purpose or what not I was able to explain it and I've gotten offers from several very good stats phd programs. Not that that is the same as math but still departments definitely take the whole picture into account rather than just your numbers. Also if you've done well in all your math classes which it appears you have then they aren't going to care about a few lower grades on the business end of things.