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Profile Eval

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 10:22 pm
by FreddieBiddleBooty
Hey guys. My first notification from a school was a rejection, so I'm posting this like an anxious little turtle.

Do you think I have a chance at any other of my schools? I'm not looking for sympathy etc., I appreciate honesty.

Undergrad Institution: State School, ranked but low.
Major(s): Mathematics
Minor(s): Philosophy
GPA: 3.2
Type of Student: Domestic White Male

Graduate Institution: Same
Major(s): Mathematics
GPA: 4.0

GRE Revised General Test:
Q: 163 (84%)
V: 149 (39%)
W: 4.5 (82%)
GRE Subject Test in Mathematics:
M: 680 (55%)

Program Applying: Pure Math PhD (Number Theory)

Research Experience: Undergrad: REU in Graph Theory and Noncommutative Algebra (no publication). Did readings in Algebraic Geometry with a post-doc. Grad: Currently working on Master's Thesis in Number Theory. Also doing reading in Arithmetic Geometry with another professor, which should turn into expository paper next semester.

Awards/Honors/Recognitions: 4.0 every semester in Master's so I guess just the Dean's list stuff.
Pertinent Activities or Jobs: Teach Calc classes every semester for my current TA-ship
Any Miscellaneous Points that Might Help: 2 rec letters will be very good, 1 will be good, and 1 more I'm not sure about but should be positive. Advisor has some connections with some schools I'm applying to. Had some seminar talks during grad program.

Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: Although I've done only one original research project, my research interests are specific. This is reflected in my SOP, which also mentions faculty for most schools that I'd ideally like to work with (this could hurt or help, not sure).

Applying to Where:
U of Illinois Urbana-Champaign:
Duke:
Ohio State:
CU Boulder:
U of Oregon: rejected 1/31 via email
Dartmouth:
Emory:
UC Santa Cruz:
U of Tennessee Knoxville:
Oregon State:

Re: Profile Eval

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 10:45 pm
by djysyed
My professors specifically told me not to pick a specific area of interest but mention your interests lie in broader areas. For example, instead of saying I want to do research in Arithmetic Geometry or Algebraic K-Theory, I said my interests are in Algebraic Geometry and Algebraic Topology as I've enjoyed my exposure to whichever subareas I've seen.

UIUC is a tough one based on my professors.

Re: Profile Eval

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 10:49 pm
by FreddieBiddleBooty
djysyed wrote:My professors specifically told me not to pick a specific area of interest but mention your interests lie in broader areas. For example, instead of saying I want to do research in Arithmetic Geometry or Algebraic K-Theory, I said my interests are in Algebraic Geometry and Algebraic Topology as I've enjoyed my exposure to whichever subareas I've seen.

UIUC is a tough one based on my professors.
Very helpful info. Thank you!

Re: Profile Eval

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 11:03 pm
by EGA
It's difficult to judge, but I think the 3.2 undergraduate GPA may make UIUC, Duke, and Ohio pretty unlikely (especially since masters programs typically have higher grade inflation), and maybe rules out Emory (as their number theory program is pretty competitive). If your letters are strong and the admissions committee is willing to overlook the undergraduate GPA based on the graduate GPA, I think you have a fair shot at all the other schools though - outside of your GPA, your profile looks about right for the remaining schools. For example, excluding your undergrad GPA, you probably would have been a competitive applicant at U. Oregon.

I think it's likely you'll get into at least one school from your list.

Re: Profile Eval

Posted: Wed Jan 31, 2018 11:11 pm
by FreddieBiddleBooty
EGA wrote:It's difficult to judge, but I think the 3.2 undergraduate GPA may make UIUC, Duke, and Ohio pretty unlikely (especially since masters programs typically have higher grade inflation), and maybe rules out Emory (as their number theory program is pretty competitive). If your letters are strong and the admissions committee is willing to overlook the undergraduate GPA based on the graduate GPA, I think you have a fair shot at all the other schools though - outside of your GPA, your profile looks about right for the remaining schools. For example, excluding your undergrad GPA, you probably would have been a competitive applicant at U. Oregon.

I think it's likely you'll get into at least one school from your list.
Super helpful input. Thanks EGA. My undergrad GPA is what I've been worried about, but can't change it now.