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Profile Evaluation (Looking for Safety Schools)

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 5:48 pm
by bruins613
Hey all! I'm finalizing my list of programs, and I'm looking for more universities who have professors doing the research I like, but that may not be such high reaches as the schools I'm applying to now. I'm interested in theoretical computer science, algorithms, game theory, combinatorics and such. If you could give some insight on how qualified I may be for the programs I've listed, that would also be great. Thanks!

Undergrad Institution: UCLA
Major(s): Math
Minor(s): Specialization in Computing
GPA: 3.91
Type of Student: Domestic white male

GRE Revised General Test:
Q: 170 (97%)
V: 162(91%)
W: 5.0 (93%)
GRE Subject Test in Mathematics:
M: Took October test so no scores, estimated ~740, ~70%

Program Applying: Some pure combinatorics, mostly Interdisciplinary Math/CS PhD programs, ACO PhD programs, Theoretical CS PhD programs, etc.

Research Experience: High school independent research in combinatorial optimization, chosen as one of five to present work. Very little since then, a major weakness in my application. Currently reading on possible research topics on graph theory and flow problems with a known graph theorist.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: I live on the Dean's List, but that's about it.
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: I'm an extremely dedicated teacher. I have two years teaching for the Los Angeles Math Circle, the second largest in the country. I've worked for tutoring companies, private schools (as a teacher), and even public schools through the CalTeach program. Through this I've gotten a lot of experience with curriculum development, and I'm planning to attach a sample to my application. I have a large private tutoring clientele from gifted elementary to college level, teaching math, physics and computer science. UCLA doesn't allow undergraduates to TA math classes, but I was a grader for the math department for a year. I also dedicated a lot of time to founding my fraternity, and served many leadership positions while raising membership by 500%, although I don't know how relevant this is.
Any Miscellaneous Points that Might Help: Two of my three recommenders are relatively well-known in their fields.
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: My lack of research experience is mostly due to my focus on my teaching career. It was only recently I decided the best way to educate my students is to be completely knowledgeable of my field, and that getting a PhD is the best way to make myself a great teacher. This is mostly the theme of my application, personal statement, and one of my letters of recommendation.

Applying to Where:
School - Stanford CS / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - UCLA Math / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - UC Berkeley CS / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - USC CS / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - Cornell CS / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - MIT Applied Math / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - UT Austin CS / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - CU Boulder CS / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - Caltech CMS / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - Georgia Tech ACO / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - UCSD Math / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - Carnegie Mellon ACO / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - University of Waterloo C&O / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - UW CS / Pending on (11/8/17)
School - UC Irvine CS / Pending on (11/8/17)

Re: Profile Evaluation (Looking for Safety Schools)

Posted: Wed Nov 08, 2017 10:07 pm
by djysyed
Have you considered UIUC?