All Questions
63 questions
0
votes
2
answers
345
views
How exactly do you expand your knowledge about your research field as a PhD student?
My research field is functional analysis, and currently, I am acquiring new knowledge simply "by chance". This means, I need something specific to know, so I educate myself on it, and ...
- 19
0
votes
4
answers
549
views
How critical is memory in achieving proficiency at Master's and PhD levels in mathematics?
How significant is memory in excelling in higher-level mathematics, particularly at the Master's and PhD levels?
I sometimes have trouble remembering certain theorems, proofs, and conclusions. However,...
- 1
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
0
votes
1
answer
2k
views
Should I be worried that I might not be interested in the exact type of research my supervisors do?
I started a PhD program this September and I keep having doubts about whether or not I can achieve what I want being in this program and working with my current supervisors. I'm in the differential ...
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
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
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
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
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
-1
votes
1
answer
991
views
Is it possible to switch from applied maths to pure maths? [closed]
I've found a couple of questions of the type "is it possible to go from pure to applied" so I was wondering if anyone knows for the opposite direction.
Say you are an applied mathematician ...
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
0
answers
109
views
How to stay calm on days of no progress? [duplicate]
I'm a math PhD student working in Pure Mathematics. I guess, everybody is familiar with those days when you make very little progress or no progress at all. As the title suggests, I would like to know ...
- 2,387
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
0
votes
1
answer
702
views
Is it possible to work on my thesis on my home country? [closed]
I was wondering if it's possible (and how frequent it is) to work my (math) PhD thesis in my home country if I am an international student?
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
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
-1
votes
1
answer
380
views
Getting into a US PhD programme for math after an Indian MS [closed]
I studied math as an undergrad in India, and after two years away from the field, have decided to come back to it. I am interested in learning more about pure mathematics, and am interested in the ...
- 113
0
votes
1
answer
294
views
Is it a good idea to apply for PhD in Econ before finishing my Msc in Economics first?
Ok so I am currently pursuing a Msc in Economics with a research distinction in Norway. I just finished my first year of studies and my grades are competitive. All A's except of a B. I have 2 more ...
- 3
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
2
answers
1k
views
For the average pure math US PhD program, what are essential topics after basics topics of complex analysis, abstract algebra and topology? [closed]
Edit: Right so I forgot this really big thing. My question is actually under this framework: Why are US PhDs different from European PhDs?
After the basics of topology, linear algebra, abstract ...
- 3,133
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
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
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
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 ...
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
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
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
0
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Chances of Getting into a Top PhD Math Program
I know many people have asked similar questions and admissions can sometimes be a crapshoot. But, I am currently a sophomore mathematics major at a non-target top 25 public school. If I can maintain a ...
- 383
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
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
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
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
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 ...
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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