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Contacting with professors

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 10:56 am
by Transcendent
Hi there. I want to apply for MSc in mathematics. But I've noticed most of universities only offer a PhD. Is that true, or I have not observed carefully?

Now, for getting an admission in a PhD, does talking to professors increase the chances of getting an admission?

Re: Contacting with professors

Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2016 4:39 pm
by mango
http://www.ams.org/programs/students/fi ... fgp-search

There are lots of schools that offer masters in math out there.

Edit: As to speaking with professors. IF you can convince a professor to take you as an advisee, and thats a big IF, that will help. Be careful here, because if a professor agrees to take you as an advisee you are basically bound to that institution or professor (and if you go elsewhere you will make yourself look very bad, academia is a small world) However otherwise probably not. It is still a good idea to contact professors, if only to find out about their research and the program, but don't think it will improve your chances of being accepted.

Re: Contacting with professors

Posted: Wed Nov 23, 2016 4:00 am
by Transcendent
Thank you very much!

Re: Contacting with professors

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 12:54 am
by verysweetjuices
In the USA, the master's degree is more or less a consolation medal you get for dropping out of a PhD. Master's degrees are more common in commonwealth countries such as Canada, where they are required for entry into a PhD program.

Re: Contacting with professors

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 11:34 am
by Transcendent
I'm applying to 3 universities in the USA (PhD) and 2 universities in Canada (MSc). I haven't talked to any professors, because I have no idea in what areas/with which professors I'm going to work. Does this ruin my chances?

Re: Contacting with professors

Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2016 3:32 pm
by verysweetjuices
Transcendent wrote:I'm applying to 3 universities in the USA (PhD) and 2 universities in Canada (MSc). I haven't talked to any professors, because I have no idea in what areas/with which professors I'm going to work. Does this ruin my chances?
No. Few people know what area they are going to work in when they apply for grad school. At least in Canada, professors/supervisors do not need to be contacted before the application.You figure all that out after you get in.