Has the ship sailed? (Math)

[scarbo]

I graduated from college in 2010 and have been studying for the actuary exams recently. Some of the mathematical finance has rekindled my interest in pure math. Basically, is it too late to apply to PhD programs?

Background: Graduated with honors and a 3.7 math GPA including 5 courses at and beyond first-year graduate level (mathematical logic, real analysis, complex analysis, measure and integration, probability), 3.5 overall GPA

The two biggest hindrances are the amount of time I've spent out of school and procuring the necessary 3 LORs. I know my honors advisor would be willing to write one for me, and a professor who served on my honors committee might be as well. What would be the best way to get a third? I considered taking a course at my alma mater with a professor I've never had before and asking him/her for a LOR. Would this be acceptable?

As for being "out of math" for a while, I've passed a couple actuary exams, but what would be the best way to demonstrate my suitability for academics?

 

Many thanks.

[bsharpe269]

Taking the math subject test could be a great way to show that you havent forgetten your math!

 

Since you have been out of school for a while, I think that schools would understand if you have to get one of letters from a work advisor... preferably someone who can comment on both drive and inteligence. I dont think its work taking another class just for a LOR.

[Admissions Advice Online]

First off, for PhD programs, being out of school since 2010 will NOT be considered too long ago, so you should have no problem needing to prove anything.  As long as your math grades were up to par when you graduated, they should still be relevant today. If you wanted some level of comfort, you should just do well on the quant section of the GRE and that should be more than enough proof. Also, most Phd programs really want a LOR from a faculty member rather than a work experience reference. Since you will have two "strong" LOR's the third can come from any professor that gave you a A grade. Most professors will gladly write a LOR for students that received an A grade in their class. Since it has been some time since you graduated, you should provide them with a "Cheat" sheet so that you can remind them of what happened during the term as well as providing them with more information about you. -Admissions Advice Online