Profile Evaluation

Forum for the GRE subject test in mathematics.
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CzechSquare
Posts: 1
Joined: Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:21 pm

Profile Evaluation

Post by CzechSquare » Wed Aug 05, 2020 8:29 pm

Hi,

I am currently considering doing a PhD or masters degree, but am not sure what sort of schools to target, or if PhD applications are worthwhile if I cannot take the math subject test (not being offered anywhere practical).

Programs I’m interested in (they have work being done in quantum computing, though not necessarily housed in the math department): Waterloo, Cambridge, UT Austin, Cal, UCSB, Oxford (are these too much of reach)?

Undergraduate Institution: Large State School

Major: Applied Mathematics

GPA: 3.8

Type of Student: Domestic white Male

Graduate Institution: N/A

GRE Score:
163V/170Q/5.0W

Subject: no locations available to take it until April

Relevant Classes:

I have low grades in Diff Eq and Linear Algebra 1 due to shirking homework assignments when I wasn't a mathematics major (I was frequently preoccupied with CS assignments). The Quantum grade is low because of covid (I know this isn’t an excuse); I was on track for a solid A prior to moving online.

Cal III (A), Two years of CS courses (A's), Linear Algebra (B), Differnetial Equations (B), Probabilty /MathStat1 (A), Mathematical Statistics 2 (A), Honors Real Analysis 1 (A), Topology (A), Combinatorics (A), Honors Linear Algebra II (A), Honors Quantum Computing and Information Theory (B), Graduate Abstract Algebra (Fall), Graduate Analysis of Algorithms (Fall), Honors Real Analysis 2 (Fall, may see if I can take the graduate version), Differential Geometry (Fall).

Research Experience:

No math research, but I've done some research on radiation effects on microprocessors as part of an internship with NASA for two summers. May be seen as slightly relevant to quantum computing, as radiation is a source of decoherence that is difficult to isolate.

Work Experience:

Undergrad teaching fellowship for the basic E&M course.

NASA

Letters:

Average - Above Average?

I can get two good letters from professors well known in their fields, one of whom publishes papers in QC. I can also get a good letter from my mentor at NASA, although I'm not sure how good of an idea this would be for a math program. He has an undergraduate degree in math and physics, and a PhD in physics, and he’s familiar with my work, but not my mathematical abilities.

Am I being too ambitious with the schools I'm looking at? Is it hopeless to get into a PhD program if I can't take the math subject test? Any suggestions on what sort of programs Imight be competitive at, some safety schools to consider, and any general advice would be greatly appreciated.



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