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I'm planning to apply to graduate school in applied mathematics, but I do not have any research experience. The reason being is that I did not become a math major until my junior year in college. How will a lack of research experience affect my application?

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You're in the US, I guess. – Dave Clarke Sep 20 '12 at 6:47
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I have retagged your question with the graduate admissions tag. There are a number of questions with the [graduate admissions] tag that might already contain the answer to this question, for example, my answer to this related question. Research is a plus, but not necessary if you have strong grades & test scores and good recommendations. – Ben Norris Sep 20 '12 at 11:48
@BenNorris ...unless you're shooting for one of the top departments, which generally require concrete evidence of research potential. – JeffE Sep 20 '12 at 21:28
I've heard a lot of people say that research experience is important. However this answer (4th paragraph from the end) says otherwise. – Dan C Sep 21 '12 at 6:40
@DanC: It does? My reading is that the author thinks research experience is important, but that he doesn't think organized REU programs provide actual research experience. – JeffE Sep 30 '12 at 21:17
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Evidence showing a research experience is definitely a plus.

However, do not get discouraged if you have none. Show in your application that you know what you want and why, be persistent and proactive and see how you can stand out in a positive sense from the rest of the applicants.

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