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Do Grad Math programs admit Engineers?

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 5:43 am
by vishmaths
I was wondering if there are cases of Grad Math programs admitting Engineers who haven't officially taken rigorous courses like Real Analysis or Abstract Algebra in their Undergrad but have done it by themselves.

Is a high subject GRE score always a prerequisite in such cases ( even if he/she has a research publication and achievements in other Mathematics exams ) ?

Thank you for your help

Re: Do Grad Math programs admit Engineers?

Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2014 9:52 am
by fierydemon
I'm in the same boat as you man.
I hope that they do. I know that IIT CS people (and other high rankers) also face a little difficulty in getting into good programs. So yes. It is undeniable that engineers face problems getting into pure math programs.

But I would not lose hope. Try for a masters in India maybe, and then go abroad for a PhD. Innumerable people have done this over the years.

Re: Do Grad Math programs admit Engineers?

Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:43 pm
by vishmaths
Thanks for your reply. Though, I feel you have pretty good chances :)

Re: Do Grad Math programs admit Engineers?

Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 2:26 pm
by zeta_0.5
Depends what kind of program you are aiming for. I agree with fierydemon, having masters in math with good grades in graduate level classes will strengthen your profile. GRE subject score matters but only GRE scores won't help you getting in. Try to convey your ideas and motivation through Personal Statement.

In any case, give it a shot. I wish you good luck.

Re: Do Grad Math programs admit Engineers?

Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 4:40 pm
by Gasquet
These points should be added to the FAQ. They keep creeping up. I feel like I've answered this question way too many times. Look at the following:

http://www.mathematicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1497
http://www.mathematicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1230
http://www.mathematicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1230
http://www.mathematicsgre.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1186

And use the search function of this site.


(I don't check this site often, so PM me if you have questions)

Re: Do Grad Math programs admit Engineers?

Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 7:37 pm
by bobn
Definitely, I know at least 15 engineers from India now in Math Grad school (Top 10).

Re: Do Grad Math programs admit Engineers?

Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 9:13 am
by vishmaths
bobn wrote:Definitely, I know at least 15 engineers from India now in Math Grad school (Top 10).
Would you be able to tell me a bit about their subject GRE Math percentiles? What is the lowest such percentile for an engineer?

Re: Do Grad Math programs admit Engineers?

Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2015 8:37 pm
by bobn
Subject GRE is part of the application not the only part. As I told earlier, most of the MGRE questions are available freely. So, lot of people from specific regions usually score very high (> 95). But low MGRE definitely hurts.

I know one person from Brown with MGRE 76 (Engineer, but not from India), one from UMD 85,... few at Cornell between 95 ~ 97. If you apply for Yale, MIT, Harvard,.. if your score is above 800 that's it. If not it might be a concern. But if you look at some middle schools then you have to score >90 (like OSU). But, people never make decisions based on MGRE scores alone or your MGRE never a very important part of your application. However, it is important.

By the way, I know atleast two people at MIT whose MGRE scores are in 700s (ofcourse they are exceptional). When my advisor was in ad com, he told me that if MGRE score is > 800, he will look into that application, if not he won't till the end of first round.