Advice For Undergrad Sophomore
Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2018 5:06 pm
Hi everyone, as the title says I'm currently a sophomore in undergrad. I am planning on getting a pure math phD after I graduate (2020), not really sure specifically what I want to study but maybe number theory or topology. In terms of career I want to go into research.
Basically I am looking for any tips or advice on what I can do now so I can be a competitive applicant. If there are any mistakes, regrets, things I should avoid, please let me know those as well.
I think my dream schools are Cornell, Berkeley, and U of Chicago. I have read on their websites about their programs but not done any deep research about their faculty and specializations and such. As I said before I myself am not sure about what exactly I want research, but I wanted to list them just to give an idea the level of competitiveness I am aiming for.
Here is some information about me:
Undergrad Institution: Small, unknown, liberal arts
Major(s): Math and computer science double major
Minor(s): Japanese
GPA: 3.8 (3.6 math)
Type of Student: Domestic, white, nonbinary. Also have autism, maybe get some diversity points
Have not taken the GRE yet.
other:
- I do not really have research experience besides meritorious winner in COMAP's MCM. Hoping to do an REU this summer and the next, or BSM.
- I graded for a stats class and tutored a high school student for the SAT, but besides that no real relevant work experience.
- Math department is small so I have gotten to know most of the professors; I think I will get good letters.
- I slacked off my first semester but I have a better work ethic now and am confident I can raise both GPAs.
Some questions I have:
- Is the mGRE more important than the GRE? Or does it depend on the school? I ask because I think I could only afford to retake one of them.
- When should I take the GRE/mGRE? I was thinking this summer or during my junior year, because I want time to retake if needed, but I am sure having more time to study would be beneficial as well...I also don't have a lot of money to spare so the senior year discount is appealing.
- I live in Chicago and was thinking of reaching out to the departments at U of Chicago and Northwestern to learn about their programs. Is this a good idea/is there a good way to do this? I am afraid I'd be annoying but I would like to learn what its like to be a phD student and make connections and such. Any other schools that would be good to check out in the Chicago area?
- Any other good websites I should check out that are helpful for looking for grad schools and such? I was really glad to find this one, it looks so useful!
Thanks for reading my long post and for any advice!!!
Basically I am looking for any tips or advice on what I can do now so I can be a competitive applicant. If there are any mistakes, regrets, things I should avoid, please let me know those as well.
I think my dream schools are Cornell, Berkeley, and U of Chicago. I have read on their websites about their programs but not done any deep research about their faculty and specializations and such. As I said before I myself am not sure about what exactly I want research, but I wanted to list them just to give an idea the level of competitiveness I am aiming for.
Here is some information about me:
Undergrad Institution: Small, unknown, liberal arts
Major(s): Math and computer science double major
Minor(s): Japanese
GPA: 3.8 (3.6 math)
Type of Student: Domestic, white, nonbinary. Also have autism, maybe get some diversity points
Have not taken the GRE yet.
other:
- I do not really have research experience besides meritorious winner in COMAP's MCM. Hoping to do an REU this summer and the next, or BSM.
- I graded for a stats class and tutored a high school student for the SAT, but besides that no real relevant work experience.
- Math department is small so I have gotten to know most of the professors; I think I will get good letters.
- I slacked off my first semester but I have a better work ethic now and am confident I can raise both GPAs.
Some questions I have:
- Is the mGRE more important than the GRE? Or does it depend on the school? I ask because I think I could only afford to retake one of them.
- When should I take the GRE/mGRE? I was thinking this summer or during my junior year, because I want time to retake if needed, but I am sure having more time to study would be beneficial as well...I also don't have a lot of money to spare so the senior year discount is appealing.
- I live in Chicago and was thinking of reaching out to the departments at U of Chicago and Northwestern to learn about their programs. Is this a good idea/is there a good way to do this? I am afraid I'd be annoying but I would like to learn what its like to be a phD student and make connections and such. Any other schools that would be good to check out in the Chicago area?
- Any other good websites I should check out that are helpful for looking for grad schools and such? I was really glad to find this one, it looks so useful!
Thanks for reading my long post and for any advice!!!