Seeking advices on Math PhD

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I am currently a sophomore at a top US undergraduate school with double major in mathematics & economics, and also on track for a minor on computer science. I am looking for some insight on top-tier graduate schools in math and really appreciate any advice you guys have for me.</p>

<p>My situation is probably a little bit unconventional, especially with regard to research experience. I have not had any research experience related to mathematics and probably will not have any by my graduation. The fact that I am an international student somewhat disqualifies me for the majority of REUs. Neither do I want to do summer research since my preference kinda leans toward internships. Should the lack of research experience significantly weaken my prospect with math graduate school? </p>

<p>Could a substantial number of upper-level math courses compensate for my lack of research? Up to now, I have had Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Ergodic Theory and some Statistic courses. I intend to take Topology, Functional Analysis, Measure Theory, Complex Analysis, Control Theory among others to pile up my coursework in math to 16 (with half of them are 400 level and only 3 are 200 or below, highest possible since my college offers no grad course). My interest includes measure theory and analysis, probability and computational statistics. Thus, except for some exposure, I will have relatively little coursework in algebra, geometry, etc (traditional pure math). Would graduate school prefer student to have board experience in different areas of math or substantial focus on a specific field?</p>

<p>Just a little bit on my other background:</p>

<li><p>I have decent GPA on all my math courses and should be able to to keep it up untill graduation, as well as courseload consistently 25-50% higher than the average courseload at my college, in terms of quantity (I have no clear idea in terms of quality thus will not comment on it).</p></li>
<li><p>I have excellent track record on mathematics and science competitions (think Olympiad, etc). But they were high school stuff so I have no idea how much weight they carry. I plan to take the Putnam by the end of this year and see how it turns out.</p></li>
<li><p>LORs: hopefully they will be good.</p></li>
<li><p>GREs: After spending my entire high school (5 years) doing nothing but basically preparing for exams, I am quite good a test-taker so it should not be a problem.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thanks everyone</p>

2

<p>
[quote]
I plan to take the Putnam by the end of this year and see how it turns out.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>This is about the best thing you can do. A good score on this will show high aptitude that a class can't properly gauge, but still the lack of research will leave something to be desired.</p>

3

<p>I hear it's hard to get math research work as an undergrad because it's not as cut and dry as, say, a biology or chemistry lab core.</p>

<p>BTW, you're a sophomore - live a little and enjoy college! Don't stress about graduate school until Spring of junior year at earliest, and even early on that semester is a bit far in advance!</p>

4

<p>I think they might have some leniency for international students not being able to do summer research. My friend that's an international student got into Chicago and waitlisted at MIT without research, but he did also have 3.9ish GPA with lots of graduate level math classes and an 890 on his GRE.</p>