Consequences of selecting an area of interest during admissions

Forum for the GRE subject test in mathematics.
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fiveier.analysis
Posts: 28
Joined: Sun Mar 19, 2023 1:24 pm

Consequences of selecting an area of interest during admissions

Post by fiveier.analysis » Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:07 pm

As the titles says.

In admissions applications, usually we are asked to choose a field or area of interests. Does this increase or decrease our chances of admissions? Does it "lock us in" to that area if we are admitted?

I was under the impression that if say you chose "bio math" over "theoretical math" of obviously cannot switch after being admitted. But what if I chose algebra and decided to do numerical analysis later?

hilberthotel
Posts: 32
Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2023 9:57 am

Re: Consequences of selecting an area of interest during admissions

Post by hilberthotel » Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:19 pm

It does affect your chance of getting in. Funding is reserved for different research groups.

But in most cases, you can freely choose other groups(and sometimes even other departments!).

If biomath and non-commutative algebra are in the same department, there is no stopping you from picking a different advisor.


I've generally been suggested to apply to the group that looks the strongest in your CV/SOP/transcripts and then switch over.



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