All Questions
63 questions
51
votes
6
answers
11k
views
Regret after not being able to solve a problem that my supervisor did easily
I'm a first year PhD student and I was asked to think about a problem last week and I tried to work out some examples, did some computations, but I wasn't successful. Basically, I didn't really make ...
- 2,387
38
votes
7
answers
15k
views
Why do many graduate programs in mathematics (United States) still have foreign language requirements today (in 2010s)?
As far as I know, nowadays most of the mathematical literature is written and published in English and mathematicians communicate with each other in English. Although there are certain number of books ...
- 4,246
24
votes
8
answers
6k
views
Feeling unprepared for PhD because of poor educational system in my home country. Should I leave PhD to retake courses somewhere else?
I will give some background. I am from a third world country, and I am doing my math PhD in Europe. During high school and university years I participated in many maths competitions, and even got to ...
- 353
22
votes
5
answers
4k
views
Should I stay in PhD program I dislike to have a shot at liberal arts teaching?
TL;DR: I'm a pure math graduate student who doesn't like research mathematics. Should I continue and get the PhD because I suspect I might like teaching at a 4-year liberal arts college?
I am ...
- 823
21
votes
1
answer
4k
views
How to cope with feelings of powerlessness on a PhD?
I am currently a third year PhD student of pure mathematics.
I've been dealing with a feeling of burn out for a long time now. Quite frankly I struggle to find interest in anything related to my ...
- 213
19
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Is it a red flag for a PhD program if their graduating students cannot find postdoc?
I got accepted to one of my top choice schools for a math Ph.D.
However the graduate students there said in the past few years, the Ph.D.s before them (both pure and applied math) had quite a bit of ...
- 293
18
votes
10
answers
7k
views
Are Mathematics graduate programs open to admitting a student out of high school with graduate work?
During my high school career, I had the unique opportunity to take multiple mathematics courses at my local university, and after graduating, I took two graduate level math courses: Measure theory, ...
- 313
18
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Is the gap between lower- and higher-ranked graduate programs in pure math really that big?
Initially I asked this question on math stackexchange but it seems academia stackexchange is more appropriate place for this.
Note: a question similar to that I'm going to ask was discussed here, but ...
user69630
16
votes
12
answers
7k
views
Is programming experience relevant in a pure Math graduate program?
Programming skills such as experience with Java, Python, C++ or work experience as a software developer can be indispensable for applied mathematicians. How useful is it to have such experiences as a ...
- 887
16
votes
4
answers
5k
views
Why are Ph.D admission numbers low?
I am applying to a few Ph.D programs in mathematics and I found that most schools only admit about 5% of applicants. I know most programs fund students; some schools give stipends to all incoming ...
- 819
16
votes
1
answer
865
views
Not sure if grad school was the right choice
I went to a tiny undergrad school and majored in math. I had absolutely no idea what to do with my major, so I went to grad school (I've been here for two months now). Now that I'm here, I'm leaps ...
- 181
11
votes
7
answers
5k
views
Thoughts on if it's possible to succeed in math @ PhD level w/o natural ability in quant reasoning? [closed]
As someone who has a relative deficit in quantitive reasoning (63%ile) vs. verbal (97%ile), but a strong interest in applied math, is it possible to be successful and competitive at the PhD level?
I ...
- 111
10
votes
3
answers
928
views
Is it wise to select a PhD topic before choosing an advisor?
I am a student of Pure Mathematics interested in Linear Algebra and Abstract Algebra. I was browsing the Internet for good research topics containing both a flavor of linear algebra and also having ...
- 2,786
9
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Why do most mathematics PhD programs in United States have rigid qualifying and breadth requirements for every PhD student?
For a long time, I have been confused about the purpose of having (roughly the same) qualifying requirements and breadth (course) requirements for every mathematics PhD student (in many, if not most, ...
- 4,246
9
votes
4
answers
2k
views
How important are physics and other non-math courses for admission into a math PhD?
I am a second year math major, and I intend to do my PhD from a top math school. Until now, I haven't taken any university level physics course. Somewhere in this site, I saw someone writing that ...
- 626
7
votes
3
answers
676
views
Should I list my research interests that are not popular on a statement of purpose?
I am currently applying to Ph.D programs in the US in Mathematics and am trying to decide what to list for my research interests. I am very interested in field Y, but I also have a background (and ...
- 351
6
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Why do top Indian Math grad school students leave for the US/UK?
I am currently a senior year student at Hansraj College, University of Delhi. I have completed my 2-month summer internship at IISc Bangalore recently. During my stay, I got to interact with a lot of ...
- 173
6
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Level of difficulty of exams in math PhD and anxiety over being able to do well
I am a first year PhD student in math. I have a course right now that is pretty challenging as expected. I get high grades on all the homework. On our midterm the highest grade was a 35 percent. I was ...
- 163
5
votes
3
answers
7k
views
Are My Interests More Suited for PhD in CS or Mathematics? [closed]
So let me give a little info of who I am and what my interests are. I just graduated with a BA in Mathematics, concentrating almost exclusively in pure math courses (favoring analysis, algebra, ...
- 67
5
votes
4
answers
615
views
How to get feedback from my supervisor about me
I'm a first year PhD student in mathematics. One day I was having some conversation with my supervisor and we got to a point where he casually mentioned about his other students and said that one of ...
- 2,387
5
votes
4
answers
925
views
Feeling like a failure because of a class
I am a PhD student in the area of CS/math. My dream (for a long time) is to develop an academic career, and I work really hard (like any of us) to achieve that.
This semester I am taking a class ...
- 53
5
votes
3
answers
707
views
Does mentioning why I took a break after my MSc affect the chances of admission?
I had taken a year break after my masters, before seriously applying to PhD programs. The reason was that I was stressed and burnt out, especially during the COVID times, and wasn't ready for a PhD ...
- 187
5
votes
1
answer
306
views
How should I interpret the result of AMS annual survey
I'm going to be a first year graduate student in mathematics and is thinking about which field to specialized in. Besides the important factors such as potential advisor I can find, personal interest, ...
user22080
5
votes
1
answer
554
views
Can a (stapler) PhD thesis comprise multiple unrelated papers? [duplicate]
Traditionally, a thesis is assimilated to a monograph and comprises a unified body of work. However, with "stapler" theses becoming more common, I'd like to know if a thesis is allowed to comprise ...
user109017
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Applied mathematics or Computer science PhD? [closed]
I am very interested in artificial intelligence and its relation with pure mathematics topics such as differential geometry, topology, algebraic topology, analysis, probability, etc. I am finishing my ...
- 187
4
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Tenure Track Positions
What is the difficulty of landing a tenure track professorship at a top 25 program nowadays? I am considering pursuing a PhD in mathematics (thinking applied or computational) and curious on what the ...
- 383
4
votes
3
answers
514
views
Seeking Advice on Obtaining a Recommendation Letter for PhD Applications
I am currently in the process of preparing my PhD applications in mathematics, with a particular interest in Additive Combinatorics or Elliptic Curves. As I embark on this journey, I have encountered ...
user172089
4
votes
0
answers
587
views
What GRE verbal score is needed for a non-native English speaker to get into math or applied math PhD programs in the USA? [duplicate]
I am an international student whose native language is not English. I am planning to apply for a Phd program in math or applied math in US in the future and general GRE test is a requirement.
From ...
- 902
3
votes
2
answers
262
views
Master's at Undergrad University Then Pursue PhD Elsewhere
My university has a 5 year BS/MS degree for mathematical sciences and I am graduating a year early, so I can do the BS/MS in only 4 years. I am considering applying to PhD programs at other ...
- 383
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What is the difference between a MSc in Mathematics, a MSc in Applied Mathematics, and a MSc in Applied and Computational Mathematics?
I'm interested in how a MSc in Mathematics, MSc in Applied Mathematics, and MSc in Applied and Computational Mathematics compare in terms of content, but also in terms of how they are perceived and ...
- 31
3
votes
1
answer
402
views
MS/PhD Pass Qualifying Exam and Finding an Advisor
There are three outcomes in my department's qualifying exam: PhD pass, Master's pass, and fail. I am fairly certain that I will not PhD pass and will only Master's pass. I still have a chance to ...
- 31
2
votes
3
answers
1k
views
Passionate about a PhD in math, but unsure how to explain my chaotic transcript due to mental illness
I'm passionate about getting a PhD in Math for a career as a research mathematician and then as an educator working at a community college.
I got A's in community college. I transferred to our local ...
2
votes
3
answers
2k
views
When I was 16 I took 30 credits a quarter and my math GPA suffered will this effect my ability to go to grad school? [duplicate]
I took all my college level math courses when I was 16 in running start while taking 30 credits a quarter(don't ask me what was going through my head at the time). As you can imagine I got an average ...
2
votes
1
answer
486
views
What is the most reliable math phd ranking? [closed]
There are a lot of subjects rankings of world universities availible: usworld, qs, shanghai. They all agree on the first 10 positions but differ dramatically even on the top 50. Moreover, I am sure ...
- 31
2
votes
1
answer
853
views
What to do if I only want to study master not PHD with a professor
I decided to study math after graduating from business department. I entered a 2-year taught program in the same university in Asia and used the time to take all the necessary courses. In the first ...
- 902
2
votes
1
answer
522
views
What kind of PhD proposals should I read?
I am finishing up my master's in mathematical finance and am hoping to pursue a PhD in stochastic analysis.
I was given a sample PhD proposal from an education office that helps people apply for ...
- 3,133
2
votes
1
answer
788
views
Will a D in a major elective keep me from getting into a PhD program? [closed]
I am in my last semester of undergrad (majoring in mathematics) and am currently working on applying to PhD programs (in mathematics). During the fall of 2016 due to a health issue that lasted for the ...
- 31
2
votes
0
answers
290
views
Applying for PhD in mathematics as Third-Year Undergraduate Student
I am currently a sophomore majoring in mathematics. I plan to pursue PhD right after my graduation. According to my current schedule, I will be able to graduate within 3 years if I only take classes ...
user78868
2
votes
0
answers
173
views
Advice on optimal way to learn more math [closed]
I live in the US, I'm in my early 50's, worked in Wall Street for 25 years and retired from that life early this year, with no intention to go back. My dream is to dedicate the rest of my life to ...
2
votes
0
answers
333
views
Chosing a suitable Ph.D. program in Mathematics [closed]
I am new to this webboard so I am not sure if I can ask this questions here (I am sorry if it is not suitable).
I am currently pursuing a MS degree in Pure Mathematics in a university in America. In ...
- 153
1
vote
3
answers
1k
views
Failing my PhD courseworks and Possibility of Transferring to other Fields/Industry
Background:
I am a first year PhD student in Math and I am failing my classes miserably. I believe that I am a hard worker, passionate about math and I am definitely committed to the program. However, ...
- 19
1
vote
2
answers
349
views
Are graduate Math programs that use the quarter system more difficult?
It seems to me like 10 weeks per course may not be enough time for some graduate courses if they are not developed carefully. Do colleges using the quarter system like Dartmouth or UC Irvine have ...
- 887
1
vote
2
answers
641
views
What physics background is necessary for pursuing a PhD in Mathematical Physics? [closed]
If I wanted to do research related to the topology and geometry of space or their applications in quantum mechanics or general relativity, would it be possible to do that from a Mathematician’s POV ...
- 887
1
vote
1
answer
534
views
Who can be my third reference for doctoral applications?
I am a postgraduate student in mathematics (if it matters) who is now also applying for doctoral positions, some of which require three references.
It was a logical enough decision to select my ...
- 2,355
1
vote
3
answers
693
views
Suggestion for websites which list open PhD positions in Mathematics in France, UK, Netherlands, Denmark only
I am a student of an Asian country who completed the 2nd year of masters last year and I am applying for PhD positions in Pure Mathematics in Europe.
I know about this scholarship database website ...
user135061
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
Where can I find academic CV samples containing minor research projects for PhD applications without publications?
Context:
Prof messaged me, interested in my CV
During my master's in mathematical finance, I may have had one "publication" if a quasi-thesis, that wasn't exactly a thesis, counts.
While applying to (...
- 3,133
1
vote
1
answer
171
views
Prospective math PHD student currently majoring in CS
I'm a computer science major at a prestigious university. I've consistently achieved top grades in all my courses and have developed a strong interest in mathematics. I've completed a year-long ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
248
views
Graduate students funding availability in Pure vs Applied Math
Universities in the U.S. are sometimes limited in how many students they can accept by the available funding. How does funding compare in Pure vs. Applied departments? Is one generally more funded ...
- 887
1
vote
1
answer
251
views
Is a late switch in your PhD topic detrimental to an academic career?
I did my undergraduate in math and physics with equal coursework from both. I am now a PhD student in a physics department with an advisor who is a faculty member in both the math and physics ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
463
views
Few Months Left to Prepare for Pure Math PhD Application
I'm hoping that I can get some general advice on strengthening a graduate application in the last few months through introducing myself to some faculty in my current program.
I have recently landed ...
