From BS in Mech Eng to a later in life PhD in Mathematics

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I graduated in 2012 with a BS in ME and a minor in mathematics from Northeastern University with a 3.8 GPA. As was required by my major I took Calc 1-3 and a joint differential equations/linear algebra course.</p>

<p>Beyond those requirements I took the following math courses.</p>

<p>Combinatorial Math
Probability
Statistics and Stochastic Processes
Partial Differential Equations</p>

<p>These were chosen based on the availability in my schedule, not particularly on interest. I had an A in every math class I took except for Combinatorial, which I had a B+.</p>

<p>While I was in school I flirted with the idea of pursuing a PhD in Math because I truly enjoyed studying the subject. Regardless I ended up going out to make some money first because it seemed to be the responsible decision considering the debt I had accumulated.</p>

<p>After I pay off my undergraduate debt and save up some money I would like to pursue the PhD in Math and that is what I have come here to ask about. I am interested in going to any respectable coastal program, but UCSD is currently at the top of my list (if anyone knows of any other good programs along the coast I'd be happy to hear about them). I don't plan on pursuing this goal for anywhere from 5-7 years. </p>

<p>My questions are as follows:</p>

<p>What steps should I take to make applying to graduate programs in 5-7 years as smooth as possible?</p>

<p>Am I a competitive applicant with my current credentials, or should I assume I will need to go back to school for a couple semesters to fill in some holes and possibly finish my math degree (this could put me farther out, maybe 7-10 years)?</p>

<p>Will my undergraduate credits even be valid this long, or do they ever "expire"?</p>

<p>If I were accepted into a PhD program with my current credentials, is it realistic to think I could fill in knowledge gaps (no high level algebra/analysis) and still finish the program in 5 years?</p>

<p>I know I'm throwing a lot on the table here but from what I've seen lurking on these forums it is one of the best sources for this type of information. If anyone has any experience with people going back for a PhD after a while in industry (especially in a separate field) any input would be greatly appreciated!</p>

2

<p>The question I would ask myself is… "Why wait that long to apply to grad school if you really want to go that route - why not now? ".
Working to Pay off student loan before applying to grad school is a good idea, but you also have to work in a related field so to keep your interest in line with your future goals. 'Just did not think, paying off current student loans in full before embarking on a PHD program that you are certain on, was quite a great plan.
When it comes to requirements, every school is different, some require undergraduate degree in mathematics or upper level courses in mathematics, while others just have few requirements, with hopes that you have a great GRE score and related work or research experience. The requirements for PHD in MATHEMATICS from PRINCETON or MIT, might not be the same as UCSD. This information can best be deducted by checking the specific school’s website to see the requirement.</p>

<pre><code> However, if you are very undecided about the PHD route, then that will make sense to wait for a few years and see what you will enjoy doing for the rest of your life, before making that commitment.
</code></pre>

<p>If I may add, for a PHD, most schools offer scholarship for tuition, plus TA or research job on campus and a yearly stipend. So with that, you can put of the loan or just pay the interest till you graduate from your PHD.
Best of luck to you.</p>

3

<p>Here is UCSD’s answer to your question on preparation for its graduate programs in math:</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.math.ucsd.edu/programs/graduate-program/frequently-asked-admissions-questions/index.html”>http://www.math.ucsd.edu/programs/graduate-program/frequently-asked-admissions-questions/index.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>cco2018: My reasoning for waiting is that I landed a job that is allowing me to save a lot of money in a short amount of time. By investing this money and not having to rely on it due to stipends/teaching assistantships I will be putting myself in a really good position both financially and towards my career goals over the course of the 5 year PhD. I am happy with the job that I’m doing right now so I am in no rush, but I am certain that I would like to pursue a career in mathematics after I have put together a decent nest egg while my earning power is guaranteed. I am currently debating between the PhD route, and the secondary teaching route. Based on my desire to continue learning more on the subject of mathematics I am heavily favoring the PhD at the moment. I know this isn’t the most common route to a PhD and that is why I am trying to do some up front research so I am better prepared for the transition in the future. Thanks for your reply I really appreciate it.</p>

<p>Ucbalumnus: Thanks for that link! I was on their site and never thought to look at the frequently asked questions page- lo and behold it has precisely the information I was looking for. Clearly my research skills can use some work! It appears I should pursue the year of math to cover the holes before I apply. I figured that would be a good plan because going back to school will allow me to get reacquainted with structured learning, and to form some relationships with professors for letters of recommendation.</p>

5

<p>That makes a lot of sense - having your investment grow while burning the candle for 5 years in grad school seems very reasonable. I hope it works out for you, and other things do not get in way within the next 5 years.
Best of luck to you.</p>