I have a ph.d. in math from a UC school. Everything you say is spot on! I would only add the following. Here's how I would rank the importance of the different parts of the application. Note that the higher importance of one cannot overcome large deficiencies in another. No letter of rec will overcome a 2.1 GPA in math classes and failure to take abstract algebra or real analysis. 1. Letters of recommendation are by far the most important part of any application. All but one of these should be from math professors who taught you upper division and can speak directly to your abilities in math, specifically reading and writing proofs, problem solving skills, and perseverance. You can also have at most one letter of rec from a non-STEM person who can speak to your character and integrity. Strong letters of rec can easily put you ahead of someone with slightly higher grades or test scores. 2. GPA in math and STEM classes. Don't worry too much about your overall GPA. I mean, do your best but don't sweat a B or even a C in English or history class. Your math and STEM classes are the grades that count. A few B's or even a C here and there are okay as long as you have at least 3.0 and are consistent throughout semesters. 3. GRE subject test. This is important because it is really the only standardized independent measure of knowledge that programs can use to compare applicants. You don't need to ace it, but a really low score could sink your application all by itself. The department hiring committees know that the subject GRE does not test for creativity, imagination or perseverance. But it does test for basic knowledge. And yes, the topics and problems in the subject GRE are BASIC knowledge. If you need to, study for a few months and take practice tests before the real one. There are many study guide books available. 4. Variety of STEM classes taken. If you are serious about getting into ph.d. you MUST take either a year of abstract algebra or real analysis. If you don't, you have practically zero chance of being accepted. It would be best if you took BOTH of these classes, but definitely at least one. Beyond that, you should take at least 3 other upper division math classes such as topology, modern geometry, set theory, probability theory, graph theory, complex analysis, differential equations, or numerical analysis. You should also take at least one semester of general physics or computer programming. Again, taking both would be advisable. Take as many math and STEM classes as you're interested in and can work into your schedule. 5. Research or internship experience. This is not required by any means if the other parts of your application are strong, but it certainly helps. It doesn't have to be a super prestigious program but just something real world that you have done related to math outside of classes. 6. Extra curriculars. This includes campus math and science clubs, membership in AMS or MAA, taking competitions like Putnam (even if you get a 0, don't mention the score), and community service like tutoring or advising high school students. 7. Personal statement. I really think this is the least important of all. Of course, put some effort into it and have people read it, but don't sweat it. This part would be much higher in a humanities program application. Just be honest about why you want to learn math, what subjects interest you, and how you plan to handle adversity/failure. It doesn't have to be long, a page at most. I would say your estimate of starting a year before is conservative. I would say at least 2 years. The summer after your sophomore year, you should start planning. It takes that long to take the right classes and build up relationships with professors who can write letters for you. GO TO OFFICE HOURS and spend time talking with your profs about more than just homework but about life, show them your interest and passion extend beyond passing your classes. Ask them about their grad school experiences and what outside books or problems they would recommend you work on to develop your skills. This will help them remember you and go a long way to a great letter of rec later. Develop a timetable over 2 years of when you plan to take what classes, when you will study for GRE, when you will take GRE, when you will investigate different schools to decide where to apply, deadlines and so on. Keep to this schedule. If you wait until even 12 months before it might already be too late for the next fall.
Thanks for the great info! I’m currently an applied physics BS student at a UC and I was wondering if a physics student could realistically enter a math MS/PhD program.
Rising Junior here. I have had a very unique upbringing/ education, so this is going to be tricky. I do have a stellar GPA (and general GPA) so far in my math major, so hopefully that will help- and hopefully I have enough time!
What my Riemamnnian geometry teacher told me was to get letters of recommendation for renowed teachers, I'm from latin America, but this teacher made his phd at Harvard, so he may know something :^)
Of course, the Gre subject test will be tough, after all, doctoral students are expected to do original research. Therefore, want to make sure that are selecting individuals who have wide knowledge, which will give them flexibility when they looking for what area of math they should do their research in. Topology might be the area a particular student would have done better in (during research) but that student might choose algebra because they didn't take any topology courses at the undergrad level. Princeton's review (and other prep books) can only take you that far. Pick up a text , practice problems and read and understand concepts which will help you when you are doing your research. A student's mentality must be if .. can't handle a Gre subject test well (or somewhat decent score), how does the student expect to do good original research.
couple of points - if you do a PhD then do one at a TOP 40 university in the field - second - many top graduate university programs are fed from TOP undergrad programs - sad fact of life - if you don not have a degree from a very selective undergrad program then you are going to face a challenge - lastly - if you don't have straight A's then you are not getting into a top PhD program unless you're an URM
I'm only applying for Master's rn as I know my research interests, but I could use a stronger foundation in higher level math (did Analysis, Abstract, PDEs, and Complex, but not Topology, Functional, etc...). Nonethless, it's not fun seeing rejections and waiting on other schools
Thank you for making this. When did you apply for a master’s program? Also, what I’m struggling with the most rn is getting undergraduate research. Could you make a video on this?
It would be during grad school. Usually it involves something like translating a math paper from another language. Not every program has this requirement and it has kind of fallen a bit out of favor.
I was wondering if someone can answer this for me. Applying and getting a PhD, what is the average cost to do so? I am leaning towards getting a degree in mathematics but if i were to do so I would want to strive to acquire a PhD. I know i want a career revolved around mathematics in some way.
PhD. in math education as the title implies it focuses more on the education part of mathematics (how to teach, curriculum, instruction, strategy in teaching etc. and some major subjects of math) . while PhD in math (applied math) focuses more on the math theoretical subjects. In terms of the job position I think Ph D in math would have a higher chance to be admitted in higher positions but since this PhD is very rare a PhD in mathematics education is also enough.
Myths People Believe About Math Majors!
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I have a ph.d. in math from a UC school. Everything you say is spot on! I would only add the following.
Here's how I would rank the importance of the different parts of the application. Note that the higher importance of one cannot overcome large deficiencies in another. No letter of rec will overcome a 2.1 GPA in math classes and failure to take abstract algebra or real analysis.
1. Letters of recommendation are by far the most important part of any application. All but one of these should be from math professors who taught you upper division and can speak directly to your abilities in math, specifically reading and writing proofs, problem solving skills, and perseverance. You can also have at most one letter of rec from a non-STEM person who can speak to your character and integrity. Strong letters of rec can easily put you ahead of someone with slightly higher grades or test scores.
2. GPA in math and STEM classes. Don't worry too much about your overall GPA. I mean, do your best but don't sweat a B or even a C in English or history class. Your math and STEM classes are the grades that count. A few B's or even a C here and there are okay as long as you have at least 3.0 and are consistent throughout semesters.
3. GRE subject test. This is important because it is really the only standardized independent measure of knowledge that programs can use to compare applicants. You don't need to ace it, but a really low score could sink your application all by itself. The department hiring committees know that the subject GRE does not test for creativity, imagination or perseverance. But it does test for basic knowledge. And yes, the topics and problems in the subject GRE are BASIC knowledge. If you need to, study for a few months and take practice tests before the real one. There are many study guide books available.
4. Variety of STEM classes taken. If you are serious about getting into ph.d. you MUST take either a year of abstract algebra or real analysis. If you don't, you have practically zero chance of being accepted. It would be best if you took BOTH of these classes, but definitely at least one. Beyond that, you should take at least 3 other upper division math classes such as topology, modern geometry, set theory, probability theory, graph theory, complex analysis, differential equations, or numerical analysis. You should also take at least one semester of general physics or computer programming. Again, taking both would be advisable. Take as many math and STEM classes as you're interested in and can work into your schedule.
5. Research or internship experience. This is not required by any means if the other parts of your application are strong, but it certainly helps. It doesn't have to be a super prestigious program but just something real world that you have done related to math outside of classes.
6. Extra curriculars. This includes campus math and science clubs, membership in AMS or MAA, taking competitions like Putnam (even if you get a 0, don't mention the score), and community service like tutoring or advising high school students.
7. Personal statement. I really think this is the least important of all. Of course, put some effort into it and have people read it, but don't sweat it. This part would be much higher in a humanities program application. Just be honest about why you want to learn math, what subjects interest you, and how you plan to handle adversity/failure. It doesn't have to be long, a page at most.
I would say your estimate of starting a year before is conservative. I would say at least 2 years. The summer after your sophomore year, you should start planning. It takes that long to take the right classes and build up relationships with professors who can write letters for you. GO TO OFFICE HOURS and spend time talking with your profs about more than just homework but about life, show them your interest and passion extend beyond passing your classes. Ask them about their grad school experiences and what outside books or problems they would recommend you work on to develop your skills. This will help them remember you and go a long way to a great letter of rec later. Develop a timetable over 2 years of when you plan to take what classes, when you will study for GRE, when you will take GRE, when you will investigate different schools to decide where to apply, deadlines and so on. Keep to this schedule. If you wait until even 12 months before it might already be too late for the next fall.
Thank you for this incredible resource!
Thanks for the great info! I’m currently an applied physics BS student at a UC and I was wondering if a physics student could realistically enter a math MS/PhD program.
Thank you so much !!!
Great sir
How should I apply for math PhD abroad?I have completed Msc and Mphil in mathematics
Great advice!
Rising Junior here. I have had a very unique upbringing/ education, so this is going to be tricky. I do have a stellar GPA (and general GPA) so far in my math major, so hopefully that will help- and hopefully I have enough time!
What my Riemamnnian geometry teacher told me was to get letters of recommendation for renowed teachers, I'm from latin America, but this teacher made his phd at Harvard, so he may know something :^)
Sounds like a smart teacher!
Johnny Sins of the Math World
wdym?
yeah wtf does this mean
😂@@jacobslagle2734
this is very helpful...although PhD is not my thing now..especially its hard to get recommendation from former professors especially in my end
Glad you thought it was helpful. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
Make sure you know what research fields are hot if you're doing pure math. My number one mistake.
Which you think are the hot ones? I'd like to hear more
Of course, the Gre subject test will be tough, after all, doctoral students are expected to do original research. Therefore, want to make sure that are selecting individuals who have wide knowledge, which will give them flexibility when they looking for what area of math they should do their research in. Topology might be the area a particular student would have done better in (during research) but that student might choose algebra because they didn't take any topology courses at the undergrad level.
Princeton's review (and other prep books) can only take you that far. Pick up a text , practice problems and read and understand concepts which will help you when you are doing your research. A student's mentality must be if .. can't handle a Gre subject test well (or somewhat decent score), how does the student expect to do good original research.
Good advice!
couple of points - if you do a PhD then do one at a TOP 40 university in the field - second - many top graduate university programs are fed from TOP undergrad programs - sad fact of life - if you don not have a degree from a very selective undergrad program then you are going to face a challenge - lastly - if you don't have straight A's then you are not getting into a top PhD program unless you're an URM
I'm only applying for Master's rn as I know my research interests, but I could use a stronger foundation in higher level math (did Analysis, Abstract, PDEs, and Complex, but not Topology, Functional, etc...). Nonethless, it's not fun seeing rejections and waiting on other schools
Thank you for making this. When did you apply for a master’s program? Also, what I’m struggling with the most rn is getting undergraduate research. Could you make a video on this?
I’ve heard people say that research isn’t that helpful while some say it may help getting into a PhD program. Any thoughts?
Lol, I did the EXACT same thing as you. Congrats on the Masters
Very cool! Thanks a lot!
Would the foreign language be during grad school, or do they require you know a foreign language before applying? Awesome videos, by the way :)
To my knowledge it would be during grad school. Have a great day!
It would be during grad school. Usually it involves something like translating a math paper from another language. Not every program has this requirement and it has kind of fallen a bit out of favor.
great info, Bri
Glad it was helpful!
I was wondering if someone can answer this for me. Applying and getting a PhD, what is the average cost to do so? I am leaning towards getting a degree in mathematics but if i were to do so I would want to strive to acquire a PhD. I know i want a career revolved around mathematics in some way.
You get a stipend --> salary
The stipend depends on the country you live in.
In Denmark, we get almost 5.000 dollars a month
@@islandsfuldkornthats a decent stipend. Here in the U.S. it is probably between 3500 to 5k a month as well.
My undergrad is in mathematics, and I want to go into a biostatistics phd program. Should I take a GRE math subject test for that?
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What is the best courses or certifications the math teacher should have
Trying 4th tier proof hope it works
Hi Bri is applied maths in econ and finance worth it ..
Really depends on what you want to end up doing! Only you can answer the question of "worth". (Sorry if that's a cop out :))
Please suggest good resources for preparing for the math subject GRE test. Thank you.
after Masters in Mathematics which field ican do phd except pure mathematics other option also.. please
Hello Buddy, Is it okay to have PhD in mathematics education? What's the difference between PhD in applied mathematics?
PhD. in math education as the title implies it focuses more on the education part of mathematics (how to teach, curriculum, instruction, strategy in teaching etc. and some major subjects of math) .
while PhD in math (applied math) focuses more on the math theoretical subjects.
In terms of the job position I think Ph D in math would have a higher chance to be admitted in higher positions but since this PhD is very rare a PhD in mathematics education is also enough.
Please do not be affended when I ask you this, but what is wrong with your eyes?