Fall 2020 Sweat Thread

[Integreat]

Applications are coming up, channel your nervous energy here!

Currently finishing up my NSF GRFP app and asking professors for letters of recommendation! Also started working on scholarships for Part III b/c I need that sweet, sweet funding

[pugaixia]

Any one knows how long it takes to get Sep 2019 test score? Literally 5 weeks? Couldn't be any sooner?

[gx34]

My April results took about 3 weeks.

[Integreat]

Any one knows how long it takes to get Sep 2019 test score? Literally 5 weeks? Couldn't be any sooner?

I took it in April (4/6) and received the email saying scores were available on 5/3. So for me, just under four weeks.

[pugaixia]

Thanks for the info guys.

[Integreat]

Anyone else applying to NSF GRFP? They seem very strict about formatting (e.g., using Word), but I found out some people submitted their applications in previous years in TeX. Not sure what I should do now!

[Cyclicduck]

Technically they don't require it to be in Word, as long as you follow the font/size/etc. guidelines. This can be done in TeX, but personally I'd rather just be safe and use the template they give because, as you say, they're very strict. After all Word is sufficient for what I need to express in this case, so my only concern would be with my personal loss of integrity and morality by using Word for something mathematically related.

[MathParent]

Anyone knows if there is any harm in reporting both general and subject GRE score, if they state on the department requirements that only subject is mandatory? It is not always clear, whether "just subject" is the Math department requirement, and whether or not there is some general grad school requirements for this university (and they indeed do expect general GRE as well). Is it safe to just sent both?

[Cyclicduck]

There's no harm in reporting both unless the general score is worryingly bad. However, it is doubtful that the general score will help in such cases.

[6ix9ine]

Hey yall, I'm a current first year grad student at Purdue with an interest in AG, CA, and AT. Feel free to ask any questions!

[yhimanshu484]

.

[MathParent]

Hey yall, I'm a current first year grad student at Purdue with an interest in AG, CA, and AT. Feel free to ask any questions!

What is this AG, CA and AT?

Let me make a wild guess...
Algebraic Geometry, Commutative Algebra and Algebraic Topology??
Come one, yhimanshu484, you are a mathematician. I am just a mother of one (well, I am an Engineer, too).

[6ix9ine]

Come one, yhimanshu484, you are a mathematician. I am just a mother of one (well, I am an Engineer, too).

Yup 3 for 3! Oof...no need to end this user's career in math before it even starts

[MathParent]

Yup 3 for 3! Oof...no need to end this user's career in math before it even starts

Sorry, yes, you are right. It is nervous time! I am on edge too. And you see, unlike you guys, I cannot do anything about it! If I were applying myself, I'd be in a position to influence things. When you are a parent - you just watch - and trust me, it is more difficult than actually doing...

[yhimanshu484]

Come one, yhimanshu484, you are a mathematician. I am just a mother of one (well, I am an Engineer, too).

Yup 3 for 3! Oof...no need to end this user's career in math before it even starts

Hey ! I am just a student of mathematics, not a mathematician .
6ix9ine I am interested in topology and geometry, can you suggest me some universities which can be a good safety school.
As of now I have shortlisted these 7 universities:
UCB
UCLA
University of Texas Austin
Cornell
University of Wisconsin Madison
Rutgers
SUNY Stony Brook
The last three are my safety schools. But I need some more safety school to apply for.

[6ix9ine]

Isn't Stony Brook like the garden of Eden for those interested in geometry/topology? I probably wouldn't consider UW-Madison or Stony Brook a safety school unless you know for a fact that you're god-tier. One school I do know of that wants more students interested in geometric aspects of topology is UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago). They have some very good faculty (Kevin Whyte, Julius Ross, David Dumas, Daniel Groves, and more) in these areas. I definitely also recommend UIC for people interested in Algebraic Geometry and Logic.

[yhimanshu484]

Isn't Stony Brook like the garden of Eden for those interested in geometry/topology? I probably wouldn't consider UW-Madison or Stony Brook a safety school unless you know for a fact that you're god-tier. One school I do know of that wants more students interested in geometric aspects of topology is UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago). They have some very good faculty (Kevin Whyte, Julius Ross, David Dumas, Daniel Groves, and more) in these areas. I definitely also recommend UIC for people interested in Algebraic Geometry and Logic.

I have talked to some professor here at my institute and they said that I can consider them safe, but I doubted it, given such good reputation of these institute the competition will be quite tough. But the reason behind their recommendations is that some of my seniors have been selected in UW-Madsion and other good institute and their profile was quite same to mine. However, I am still looking for some safe institute to apply. UIC is also highly ranked, so how can one consider it a safe place to apply.

[Integreat]

Isn't Stony Brook like the garden of Eden for those interested in geometry/topology?

My advisor also thinks very highly of Stony Brook. He got accepted there and to Cornell, and said he went chose SB over Cornell in a heartbeat despite the latter's name value. I also know of someone who got into Princeton but was rejected from SB.

I am interested in topology and geometry, can you suggest me some universities which can be a good safety school.

Consider Duke, NYU, UPenn, Notre Dame (off the top of my head, Mark Behrens is there), UNC. The latter two might be considered "safety" schools.

[yhimanshu484]

Isn't Stony Brook like the garden of Eden for those interested in geometry/topology?

My advisor also thinks very highly of Stony Brook. He got accepted there and to Cornell, and said he went chose SB over Cornell in a heartbeat despite the latter's name value. I also know of someone who got into Princeton but was rejected from SB.

I am interested in topology and geometry, can you suggest me some universities which can be a good safety school.

Consider Duke, NYU, UPenn, Notre Dame (off the top of my head, Mark Behrens is there), UNC. The latter two might be considered "safety" schools.

UNC Chapel Hill is also high ranked, so why is it considered safe?

[MathParent]

Isn't Stony Brook ...

6ix9ine - what would you say be large safety schools for someone who is into Algebra? Is Stony Brook a geometry heaven only, or Algebra too? The list of reach and fit sorta exists already, but I am trying to push my kid to add more safeties...

[6ix9ine]

6ix9ine - what would you say be large safety schools for someone who is into Algebra? Is Stony Brook a geometry heaven only, or Algebra too? The list of reach and fit sorta exists already, but I am trying to push my kid to add more safeties...

What type of algebra are we talking? I really only talked to professors interested in classical algebraic geometry (my advisor was a Joe Harris student), commutative algebra (F-module, D-module, and local cohomology) and algebraic topology (Derived algebraic geometry and Homotopy Theory to be specific) so I really only know about schools who have people in those areas. There's other big areas of algebra such as algebraic number theory, arithmetic geometry, representation theory, geometric group theory, and a few others. While I may not know much about school for these areas, I do have friends who particularly looked for schools in these areas.

[MathParent]

What type of algebra are we talking? I really only talked to professors interested in classical algebraic geometry (my advisor was a Joe Harris student), commutative algebra (F-module, D-module, and local cohomology) and algebraic topology (Derived algebraic geometry and Homotopy Theory to be specific) so I really only know about schools who have people in those areas. There's other big areas of algebra such as algebraic number theory, arithmetic geometry, representation theory, geometric group theory, and a few others. While I may not know much about school for these areas, I do have friends who particularly looked for schools in these areas.

Algebraic Topology and Algebraic Geometry mainly. May be Representation Theory. Thank you.

[MathParent]

So, How is everyone holding up?
December 10 is the earliest deadline I am aware of. I am told the web sites behave weird sometimes: some show right away all your reported GREs and letter your recommenders sent, some are promising that in 5-7 days after deadline(!!!) they will be able to check if anything is missing...
How is everyone doing?

[Cyclicduck]

How is everyone doing?

Ready to conquer the world!

[Integreat]

So, How is everyone holding up?
December 10 is the earliest deadline I am aware of. I am told the web sites behave weird sometimes: some show right away all your reported GREs and letter your recommenders sent, some are promising that in 5-7 days after deadline(!!!) they will be able to check if anything is missing...
How is everyone doing?

12/6 (This Friday AHHHHH) is my first one, for UToronto. Stanford (12/10) next, then a bunch on 12/15... Can't wait lol. Slowly cranking through them though.

Also, speaking of Stanford, anyone know if we actually have to mail in an official transcript? The site isn't super clear; for now I've uploaded a copy of my official transcript but I'll probably send one in just to be on the safe side.

[mishania1996]

yes, you need to send the hardcopy unless your school is connected to some "universal system"(I'm not sure how it is called) where your school can send the official transcript for you.

[MathParent]

... speaking of Stanford, anyone know if we actually have to mail in an official transcript? The site isn't super clear; for now I've uploaded a copy of my official transcript but I'll probably send one in just to be on the safe side.

I find the site to be super clear:

Preferred Methods:
• Electronic Delivery: The use of secure electronically-delivered transcripts that are pass code protected is necessary. Please check with the registrar’s office of your institution to see if they provide secure electronic certified transcript service. Transcripts sent as email attachments are not accepted. Use the email address mathgradadmissions@stanford.edu for electronic delivery.
OR:
• CollegeNET Document Service: Applicants from international institutions are encouraged to use the CollegeNET Document Service within the online application to request and submit authenticated transcript(s) and other academic documents.
Other Method:
• Have your institution(s) mail 2 hard copies of your official transcripts/academic records to the following address:
Department of Mathematics
Graduate Admissions
450 Jane Stanford Way, Building 380
Stanford, CA 94305-2125

[Integreat]

... speaking of Stanford, anyone know if we actually have to mail in an official transcript? The site isn't super clear; for now I've uploaded a copy of my official transcript but I'll probably send one in just to be on the safe side.

I find the site to be super clear:

Preferred Methods:
• Electronic Delivery: The use of secure electronically-delivered transcripts that are pass code protected is necessary. Please check with the registrar’s office of your institution to see if they provide secure electronic certified transcript service. Transcripts sent as email attachments are not accepted. Use the email address mathgradadmissions@stanford.edu for electronic delivery.
OR:
• CollegeNET Document Service: Applicants from international institutions are encouraged to use the CollegeNET Document Service within the online application to request and submit authenticated transcript(s) and other academic documents.
Other Method:
• Have your institution(s) mail 2 hard copies of your official transcripts/academic records to the following address:
Department of Mathematics
Graduate Admissions
450 Jane Stanford Way, Building 380
Stanford, CA 94305-2125

Thank you! I was confused because part of the site (https://mathematics.stanford.edu/academ ... admissions) states that we need a "[s]oft copy of transcripts/academic records (document(s) [to be] uploaded to online application)". But then later in the page it mentions having official transcripts, so I wasn't sure.
For what it's worth, it seems it'll still be reviewed even if they don't arrive on time ("Note: Your application will be reviewed using the unofficial transcripts that you uploaded to your online application. But your application status will not be complete until the official transcripts are received so please do have them sent as soon as possible." from https://mathematics.stanford.edu/curren ... nformation)

[mishania1996]

I really don't get these schools requiring the hard copy of a transcript before admission. This could be a trouble if you live on another continent. Application procedure is already a huge mess and they're trying to make it even more complicated for no reason.

[PhilippMainlander]

I really don't get these schools requiring the hard copy of a transcript before admission. This could be a trouble if you live on another continent. Application procedure is already a huge mess and they're trying to make it even more complicated for no reason.

I think top schools can get away with it. Most schools that are not T10 don't require it.

[nakayama]

Are there any other places that require an official transcript with the application? I have not seen this anywhere...

[MathParent]

Are there any other places that require an official transcript with the application? I have not seen this anywhere...

The wording from Rutgers and Ohio State seem to suggest that. Not 100% sure.

[Integreat]

Are there any other places that require an official transcript with the application? I have not seen this anywhere...

UT Austin and IU Bloomington do.

The wording from Rutgers and Ohio State seem to suggest that. Not 100% sure.

I don't think Rutgers does. The Ph.D. application page says that they require a transcript, but doesn't say anything further (i.e., they could easily put official transcript if they want it). The general page for graduate admissions says that it's case by case for the dept, but usually an unofficial one is satisfactory.

[mishania1996]

Are there any other places that require an official transcript with the application? I have not seen this anywhere...

UCLA, Stony Brook, Indiana Bloomington ask for hardcopy of transcripts just to consider your application.

[currentsnvortex]

Are there any other places that require an official transcript with the application? I have not seen this anywhere...

UCLA, Stony Brook, Indiana Bloomington ask for hardcopy of transcripts just to consider your application.

I am from UCLA and I asked the admission people in person. They said you don't have to submit an official sealed transcript for your application to be evaluated, even though the website seems to say you do. If your school can send an electronic version, I would send it just to be safe. But if you have to send a paper version and it is a lot of trouble, I would count UCLA as not requiring an official transcript.

[mishania1996]

Are there any other places that require an official transcript with the application? I have not seen this anywhere...

UCLA, Stony Brook, Indiana Bloomington ask for hardcopy of transcripts just to consider your application.

I am from UCLA and I asked the admission people in person. They said you don't have to submit an official sealed transcript for your application to be evaluated, even though the website seems to say you do. If your school can send an electronic version, I would send it just to be safe. But if you have to send a paper version and it is a lot of trouble, I would count UCLA as not requiring an official transcript.

Thank you. My bachelor was from a different country then my masters(where I am now) and there is no way for a school to send an electronic version. So it is indeed a trouble.

[analysister]

People who have applied in previous years:

How did you receive your decisions?

Was it a mix of paper mail and emails like undergraduate or was everything online?

Thanks.

[Integreat]

People who have applied in previous years:

How did you receive your decisions?

Was it a mix of paper mail and emails like undergraduate or was everything online?

Thanks.

I haven't applied before, but I imagine it is all electronic. I never received a mailed acceptance letter for undergrad admissions.

Just finished up applying everywhere due the 15th! Hopefully I didn't miss anything

[mathmcspirit]

How often do schools want you to send fall grades, and how do we find out if they want them? I looked around to no avail, so I'm assuming they would email if they wanted them added to your file.

[analysister]

People who have applied in previous years:

How did you receive your decisions?

Was it a mix of paper mail and emails like undergraduate or was everything online?

Thanks.

I haven't applied before, but I imagine it is all electronic. I never received a mailed acceptance letter for undergrad admissions.

Just finished up applying everywhere due the 15th! Hopefully I didn't miss anything

Interesting. I received around half of mine through old school mail for undergraduate, but I mostly applied to smaller liberal arts schools, so I'll be on the look out for emails! Thanks

[analysister]

How often do schools want you to send fall grades, and how do we find out if they want them? I looked around to no avail, so I'm assuming they would email if they wanted them added to your file.

I haven't seen any schools that request them anywhere on their website, so I assume if you submit your application before those would be on your transcript they wont care. But especially since none of them ask for them directly that I've seen I feel like if anything they would email.

[nakayama]

How often do schools want you to send fall grades, and how do we find out if they want them? I looked around to no avail, so I'm assuming they would email if they wanted them added to your file.

I believe I saw a post in the 2019 Sweat Thread that mentioned U Mich Ann Arbor asking someone for their fall grades once they started decision making. I have no idea how often this happens but it does happen and they will most likely contact you via email?

[JK10]

Will a score of top700 on putnam and top100 on VTRMC be considered decent by top30 program? Should I mention them in my application?

[jhill42]

People who have applied in previous years:

How did you receive your decisions?

Was it a mix of paper mail and emails like undergraduate or was everything online?

Thanks.

I haven't applied before, but I imagine it is all electronic. I never received a mailed acceptance letter for undergrad admissions.

Just finished up applying everywhere due the 15th! Hopefully I didn't miss anything

Interesting. I received around half of mine through old school mail for undergraduate, but I mostly applied to smaller liberal arts schools, so I'll be on the look out for emails! Thanks

I mostly applied to smaller liberal arts schools too. Maybe mine were all electronic because they were all rejections

[JK10]

OSU released their admission?

[AugmentedSeventh]

OSU released their admission?

I doubt it, considering there have been no posts on gradcafe and in the past OSU has never done first round of admissions in December before.

[MathParent]

OSU released their admission?

I doubt it, considering there have been no posts on gradcafe and in the past OSU has never done first round of admissions in December before.

There is a post in the "results" thread, where one admission, from OSU, on December 20 is showing. The author is knittingfreak, "Domestic White Female."

[AugmentedSeventh]

In their application profile they stated that they did an REU at a big state school. If I had to guess, they did an REU at Ohio State University and thus have personal contacts that allowed them to get admitted early.

[JK10]

Another offer from OSU, I'm so stressed

[utkarsh1729]

A very happy new year, everyone. Good thoughts and prayers for all!