2018 Applicant Questions

[ShockerMath]

Hello!

I am a current undergraduate in mathematics and am about to enter into my senior year. I am trying to get on top of applications so that I can meet all the necessary deadlines for graduate programs, and upon searching I couldn't find the answer to the question "When do applications open for the next application year". I know plenty of graduate schools are probably wrapping, if not have wrapped up their decisions for this year, but I am curious as to when I will be able to start my applications.

Additionally, I am currently interested in pursing mathematical biology, and below have listed a few schools I am considering. By no means is this a comprehensive list, and would love to get input from anyone who knows of some great math bio schools!

South Carolina University
University of Vermont
Northwestern University
University of Washington
University of Utah
University of Miami (Florida)
University of Georgia

I hope all of you find what you're looking for and get to go where you want for you mathematics pursuits! Thanks for any input in advance!

[mathandcoffee]

I'm not entirely sure when applications opened last year. I created accounts for applications and such in September, so I would assume applications were at least open in August. I'd guess June if I'm feeling optimistic. Right now, many schools are still sorting through their wait lists, so it doesn't surprise me that next season's applications aren't open yet. I'd focus on sorting out a list of schools to apply to and taking GREs (if you haven't already) in the meantime. Unfortunately, I don't really know anything about mathematical biology, so hopefully someone else can help there. Best of luck to you in your application process!

[korobeiniki]

I will also be applying to PhD programs in the fall but it is probably too early to talk about this yet (this year's application & decision season hasn't even finished).

Most likely they'll have their platforms up and running by September but you can get a headstart on various things before then - taking the general GREs, reading for the subject GREs taking place in the fall, writing your personal statement, even asking a professor to write a rec letter and store it somewhere until the time comes for submission.

[mathandcoffee]

I will also be applying to PhD programs in the fall but it is probably too early to talk about this yet (this year's application & decision season hasn't even finished).

Most likely they'll have their platforms up and running by September but you can get a headstart on various things before then - taking the general GREs, reading for the subject GREs taking place in the fall, writing your personal statement, even asking a professor to write a rec letter and store it somewhere until the time comes for submission.

This is all good advice. The personal statement can take a VERY long time and I still wasn't satisfied with mine when I submitted my applications. Also, I'd recommend spending a long time on your CV/resume. For what it's worth, I had a section for academic projects on mine, since I had no publications or anything. If you're taking the subject area GRE, try to take it more than once if you can. Also, definitely talk to your professors about recommendations as soon as you can. Give them a heads up that you want to pursue graduate study even if you don't have a finalized list of schools.

[Voided]

Also, definitely talk to your professors about recommendations as soon as you can. Give them a heads up that you want to pursue graduate study even if you don't have a finalized list of schools.

In particular you shouldn't really finalise your list of schools without talking to your professors. I didn't initially have U Oregon on my list but added it after I was told by one of my professors (who wrote one of my LOR) it was a good match for my interests and they knew people there, and now I'll be starting there in the Fall.