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Profile evaluation for a really tense student

Posted: Thu Jun 16, 2016 5:42 pm
by fierydemon
Hi there!
I am an Indian student enrolled in the PhD program in Mathematics at Central Michigan University (a relatively unknown program). I have a weak background in my undergrad. I did Mechanical Engineering (at BITS Pilani, for people who know about Indian colleges), and had a low CGPA (6.7/10) with bad grades in Math subjects.
The professors here think I should apply to other colleges for a PhD, as they think I am relatively strong for this program. I was comfortably considering top 20 colleges. But looking at the profiles here, I am having a panic attack. I will be getting my Masters next year

My profile:

1. Dean's Research Assistantship. This is the most prestigious fellowship given to any incoming student at Central Michigan University.
2. Nominated by the Department to attend a workshop on Tropical Geometry at MSRI, Berkeley.
3. Pursued Mechanical Engineering at BITS Pilani, India, and then switched to Mathematics.
4. Only candidate to clear the Algebra qualifying exam. I got around 90%. The passing mark was 70%
5. GRE: 336/340. Subject GRE: 88 percentile. Retaking in October.
6. Currently reading Dr. Ravi Vakil's notes on Algebraic Geometry. Also, solving problems in Atiyah-Macdonald's "Commutative Algebra"
7. Singapore Math Olympiad: Bronze
8. GPA: 3.85/4
9. Selected for the Master's program at Chennai Mathematical Institute. Interview calls from TIFR Bombay and Bangalore. Selected for the program at Bangalore. I also attended the VSRP program at TIFR Bombay.
10. NET rank: 28
11. Six month internship with Prof Kapil Hari Paranjape on Differential Geometry.
12. Awarded the Keppel Magus Scholarship to complete high school in Singapore. Only student selected from Kolkata.

I am currently working on my Masters' thesis, which might or might not result in a publication.

Can I get into a place like Purdue?? Thanks in advance.

Re: Profile evaluation for a really tense student

Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 4:27 pm
by fierydemon
Bumping this. Please help me out!

Re: Profile evaluation for a really tense student

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 10:12 am
by SamSS
I know a few other people who got into good programs with profiles far worse than yours, so I don't think you should panic just yet. You do have a solid profile : great test scores, a degree from one of the best colleges in India, and I am certain that your professors will award you great recommendations as well (because they encouraged you to try for programs elsewhere). You may lack research experience and good grades, but other parts of your profile definitely make it up for that. In the end, it might come down to having a strong personal essay that would justify your migration from your current university and outline your passion for this field. I can't comment on your chances for the top 20, but I would say you can comfortably get within the top 40 - just give it your best shot.

Re: Profile evaluation for a really tense student

Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:26 pm
by fierydemon
Thanks for your support man!