Math PhD program

[mom_in_virginia]

<p>I am hoping to get some perspectives on the math PhD program at Berkeley. My son is fortunate enough to have been offered a spot and is very excited at the prospect, knowing it's one of the top in the nation. </p>

<p>While I realize it's his job to figure out what's the best fit for him (and he's doing that, talking to his profs and headed to Berkeley's Open House next week), I can't help turning to CC for your thoughts about: how competitive is the atmosphere (I've heard that more grad students are accepted than the profs can readily handle, making for a competitive environment); how difficult is the process to declare in-state residency after the first year; and realizing that Berkeley is the flagship of the UC system, is the solvency issue taking its toll on the graduate program?</p>

<p>Or any other thoughts you care to offer--thanks very much!!</p>

[UCBChemEGrad]

<p>Congrats to your son!</p>

<p>While I can’t answer your questions specifically about the math PhD program, I can provide insight to your other general questions.</p>

<p>

how difficult is the process to declare in-state residency after the first year

It is difficult. Here is a link to what Berkeley says on the issue:
[Establishing</a> Legal Residence - Office Of The Registrar](<a href=“http://registrar.berkeley.edu/establish.html]Establishing”>http://registrar.berkeley.edu/establish.html)</p>

<p>

realizing that Berkeley is the flagship of the UC system, is the solvency issue taking its toll on the graduate program

UC funding has stabilized with the passage of Proposition 30 back in November. I haven’t heard educational quality or academic programs being impacted due to budget cuts. Berkeley has taken steps to reduce redundancy and waste by such things as centralizing purchasing and streamlining back office functions.</p>

[ucbalumnus]

<p>Regarding residency and funding issues for PhD students in math:</p>

<p>[Financial</a> Aid | Department of Mathematics at University of California Berkeley](<a href=“http://math.berkeley.edu/programs/graduate/financial-aid]Financial”>http://math.berkeley.edu/programs/graduate/financial-aid)</p>

<p>

@UC Berkeley Math Department

The Department pledges incoming PhD students sufficient financial support so that they have funding for at least 5 years of graduate study at Berkeley, subject to the student making good progress toward the degree and satisfactory performance of all teaching duties. </p>

<p>For entering PhD students without outside support, the Department normally covers all fees and nonresident tuition during the first year of study. Nonresident tuition will be covered for up to 4 additional years for PhD students making good progress who are ineligible to become California residents. Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to establish California residency after one year in the state and should plan to do so. The Department lacks the resources to cover their nonresident tuition for longer than one year. Students will receive advice on how to qualify for residency. The Graduate Division Fellowship Office requests that all domestic students submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This information is for use only by the Fellowship Office to allow for the use of need-based funds.

</p>

<p>Regarding [Establishing</a> Legal Residence - Office Of The Registrar](<a href=“http://registrar.berkeley.edu/establish.html]Establishing”>http://registrar.berkeley.edu/establish.html)</p>

<p>Note that, according to [Financial</a> Independence - Office Of The Registrar](<a href=“http://registrar.berkeley.edu/changes.html]Financial”>http://registrar.berkeley.edu/changes.html) , it is easier for graduate students to meet the financial independence requirement to establish residency than it is for undergraduate students.</p>

[mom_in_virginia]

<p>thanks very much!</p>