GRE subject test scores for Applied math programs

[tranquillity]

Hi,

I am applying for applied math masters programs. My score on the GRE math subject test is 680 (56%ile) . Most of the programs I am looking at "recommend" but donot "require" the subject test scores.
Thus, I am in a dilemma as to whether I should report my scores or not, . I would really appreciate advice on this since I am in a tricky situation :

1. I don't want my application to be rejected due to my low score (which could have been avoided if I had not reported the scores in the first place).
2.Since my undergraduate major is engineering, would it be helpful to report my subject test score, even though it is low , so as to demonstrate some level of proficiency in math. I also happen to be an international student.

MY PROFILE
Undergrad major : Engineering (International)
GPA : 3.9/4
GRE General test : 166(V) 165(Q) 4(AWA)
TOEFL : 114
GRE subject test : 680 (56%)
Research project in computational biology
Areas of interest : Control systems, nonlinear dynamics, scientific computing

Programs looking at : (Applied math masters programs)
UPenn
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Arizona State
University of Arizona
University of south Carolina

I would also be extremely grateful if you could suggest programs that might suit my qualifications. Also, I have absolutely no idea as to whether I am overreaching or not. Would greatly appreciate some advice on that too..

Sorry for the long post and,
Thanks a lot, in advance

Yours truly

[Enigmatic]

Just a thought, but why applied math programs?

Control and nonlinear dynamics are equally prominent in both engineering and applied math. In engineering, control will probably have a bit more prominence compared to NLD, whereas applied math might focus more on the math modelling and NLD part. Nevertheless, you can study these as part of engineering.

Scientific computing is more in the computational science and engineering domain, and is not necessarily considered applied math. Most applied math programs I am aware of concentrate on the math modelling part, and do computing only when absolutely necessary. You might be more interested in some of these: https://www.siam.org/students/resources ... ograms.php
Also, scientific computing is sufficiently far removed from control and NLD, that it makes little sense to mention all the three together. Some overlap between sci. comp. and NLD is possible through turbulent fluid flows, weather forecasting etc. but there is little interface between sci. comp. and control. Incidentally, if you are interested in the three topics in the context of biological systems (which seems very plausible), consider an MS/PhD in systems biology or bio-engineering too! For example, the systems biology program in UCSD is excellent and has some facets of all three - control, NLD, and sci. comp.

With regards to GRE score, I wouldn't report it unless the university requires it. I don't see any way in which it can help your admission cause (it's not high enough to be considered a plus) and it could hurt you in a few places (if the adcom is stingy). I wouldn't take the chance. I'll just take a wild guess and say that app math programs at Maryland and Northwestern might interest you. Also see the SIAM link and bio programs like UCSD.

[pat2211]

The criteria for international students is >80%. You should not report that score

[tranquillity]

Just a thought, but why applied math programs?

Control and nonlinear dynamics are equally prominent in both engineering and applied math. In engineering, control will probably have a bit more prominence compared to NLD, whereas applied math might focus more on the math modelling and NLD part. Nevertheless, you can study these as part of engineering.

Scientific computing is more in the computational science and engineering domain, and is not necessarily considered applied math. Most applied math programs I am aware of concentrate on the math modelling part, and do computing only when absolutely necessary. You might be more interested in some of these: https://www.siam.org/students/resources ... ograms.php
Also, scientific computing is sufficiently far removed from control and NLD, that it makes little sense to mention all the three together. Some overlap between sci. comp. and NLD is possible through turbulent fluid flows, weather forecasting etc. but there is little interface between sci. comp. and control. Incidentally, if you are interested in the three topics in the context of biological systems (which seems very plausible), consider an MS/PhD in systems biology or bio-engineering too! For example, the systems biology program in UCSD is excellent and has some facets of all three - control, NLD, and sci. comp.

With regards to GRE score, I wouldn't report it unless the university requires it. I don't see any way in which it can help your admission cause (it's not high enough to be considered a plus) and it could hurt you in a few places (if the adcom is stingy). I wouldn't take the chance. I'll just take a wild guess and say that app math programs at Maryland and Northwestern might interest you. Also see the SIAM link and bio programs like UCSD.

You just summed up my confusion... Thanks a lot for the suggestions!

[tranquillity]

The criteria for international students is >80%. You should not report that score

Thank you for the info..