Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to graduate school is similar to applying for college, but there are some important changes. Remember that every application is different, so be sure to tailor your application to the school you are applying for.

1. Letters of Recommendation: Usually, you need two or three letters of recommendation. You should think carefully about who you want to ask for a letter, since many graduate schools base decisions off of the letters. Also, unlike undergraduate applications, graduate programs aren't interested in your non-academic accomplishments. So, you should choose letter-writers who can comment on your outstanding math/academic achievements. Be sure to ask your letter-writers with plenty of advance notice, and be sure to give them all the information they need (eg. if you would like to ask me, please refer here).
2. Essays: For most applications, you need to write a few essays/prompts that explain who you are and why you want to pursue higher education in math/stats. This is where you get a chance to show the graduate program how passionate you are about math/stats, what you plan to do during and after grad school, and provide any more information about yourself that you think is important (eg. time-management skills, research opportunities you have had, any less-than-average grades, etc). One of the main themes that grad schools want to see in your essays is dedication/perseverance. They want to know that you won't give up when you hit a roadblock (which will happen, trust me).
3. GRE: You usually have to submit general GRE scores, and sometimes have to submit the math subject GRE scores (a different test) to graduate programs. I recommend taking these tests early (by the fall semester of your senior year) so that the scores will be reported in time for the admissions committee to see them. More information about the general GRE and the subject GRE tests can be found here. The general GRE is very similar to the SAT, while the math GRE tests you on knowledge seen in typical undergraduate math courses (like calculus, linear algebra, abstract algebra, analysis, topology, etc). I recommend practicing before you take either test!
4. Deadlines: Applications are most likely due between late December and early Mach. Most are due in early January and most schools will let you know their decision by April 15.
5. Funding: One of the best parts about graduate school in a math/stats/science field is that you can attend without having to take out loans. Most graduate programs in math/stats will pay for your tuition, and there are many assistantships or fellowships that will pay more for fees and other living expenses.
   • Teaching assistantships: Grad students are paid in return for grading or teaching a few classes. These assistantships are usually the lowest pay (especially for the work involved), but they give great experience if you are looking into a teaching career.
   • Research assistantships: Some grad school programs or faculty have grant money to support grad students for a semester or two in order to focus on their research. This usually happens once you have chosen an advisor and have a specific research problem to work on.
   • Graduate fellowships: These are similar to scholarships that you can apply for and receive during your time in grad school. There are different types of fellowships and most are incredibly competitive. Below is a list of some fellowship opportunities:
     • National Science Foundation: These are highly competitive, but there are some directed toward minority students.
     • Hertz: These are fellowships for applied math.
     • Department of Defense
     • National Physical Science Consortium
     • VIGRE: These are grants designed to support American students. There isn't an application, but some schools were given an NSF VIGRE grant to help fund their students.
     • Department of Energy/Krell Institute: These are fellowships directed to computational science.
6. Visits: If you are accepted to a graduate program, you should definitely visit to get a better idea of what the school and program are like. Some programs coordinate an "accepted student" weekend, where all currently accepted students visit at the same time (and usually have a lot of information sessions with faculty and students). Others will pay for you to visit individually. And some will set up a visit, but will not pay for it. The most important part of any grad school visit is to ask them A LOT of questions to get a good idea of what you'll be doing for the next few years. You want to make sure the school is a good fit for you, so pretend like you are interviewing them (especially since you have already been accepted!). I've compiled a list of some good questions here, but you should be sure to ask anything you want!