Feeling overwhelmed with graduate options
Posted: Sun Apr 03, 2011 8:53 pm
Hello all, I am a senior at a very unknown school (in terms of math, but comparing a few classes to youtube series at well known schools, our classes are certainly not a joke or anything). And I am trying to find the balance of realistic options but still want to go to the best school as possible. So i guess I'll share some info in hopes that someone could give me some advice
So my major is pure math and my minor is in chemistry and here is a list of all the classes I'll have finished by the time I submit my applications:
Calculus 1,2,3 and Proofs (Duh but figured I'd list it haha)
Abstract Algebra (Groups/Fields/Rings... etc)
Abstract Algebra 2 (Factor Rings/Ideals/UFDs/Finite Fields/Galois Theory)
Linear Algebra (Teacher loves Abstract and proofs)
Complex Variables (will take in fall 2011)
A. Calc (will take in fall 2011)
Numerical Analysis ( " " " " ")
History of Math (" " " " ")
Diffe Q
Elementary Number Theory (Indepenent Study, school only offers it one in seven years >.<)
Algebraic Topology (Indepenent Study)
Classes in Spring 2012
Point Set Topology ( I know I should take this before Algebraic but I plan on learning point set this summer on my own)
A.Calc 2
My GPA for major and overall should be around 3.7-3.8ish (idk guessing kinda). I'll get a A+ letter from a recent UCLA PHD grad, a A to A- from a recent PHD grad from Penn State and I have to figure out who I'll get my third from. So will letters hold more weight if I apply to schools that my professors graduated from?
(Trying to be realistic) I think I can say schools like Harvard, MIT... etc are out of my reach, but say I got a 70% in one scenario on the subject what would my options look like? And what about 80%, and 90% and 95%?
Oh and I should mention that I want to do algebra, topology or number theory. Anyways any advice is appreciated and pointers to increase my chances. Thanks all!
So my major is pure math and my minor is in chemistry and here is a list of all the classes I'll have finished by the time I submit my applications:
Calculus 1,2,3 and Proofs (Duh but figured I'd list it haha)
Abstract Algebra (Groups/Fields/Rings... etc)
Abstract Algebra 2 (Factor Rings/Ideals/UFDs/Finite Fields/Galois Theory)
Linear Algebra (Teacher loves Abstract and proofs)
Complex Variables (will take in fall 2011)
A. Calc (will take in fall 2011)
Numerical Analysis ( " " " " ")
History of Math (" " " " ")
Diffe Q
Elementary Number Theory (Indepenent Study, school only offers it one in seven years >.<)
Algebraic Topology (Indepenent Study)
Classes in Spring 2012
Point Set Topology ( I know I should take this before Algebraic but I plan on learning point set this summer on my own)
A.Calc 2
My GPA for major and overall should be around 3.7-3.8ish (idk guessing kinda). I'll get a A+ letter from a recent UCLA PHD grad, a A to A- from a recent PHD grad from Penn State and I have to figure out who I'll get my third from. So will letters hold more weight if I apply to schools that my professors graduated from?
(Trying to be realistic) I think I can say schools like Harvard, MIT... etc are out of my reach, but say I got a 70% in one scenario on the subject what would my options look like? And what about 80%, and 90% and 95%?
Oh and I should mention that I want to do algebra, topology or number theory. Anyways any advice is appreciated and pointers to increase my chances. Thanks all!