Graduate School

Sophomore Year

  • Start looking for/applying to research programs/interships
  • Plan to take courses graduate schools look for, such as Abstract Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, and Topology

 

Junior Year

  • Start looking for graduate programs. Note the requirements for each program.
  • If required, start preparing for the GRE/GRE Math Subject Test.
  • In the summer after your Junior Year, start reaching out to faculty members for letters of recommendation.

Senior Year

  • Follow-up with your recommenders in the fall
  • Assemble and submit your applications. Deadlines range from December-February

Graduate School

When preparing for graduate school, students should be aware of the different parts of the application process. Below we have put together resources and guides on this process and what to expect as they approach senior year.

    Finding Schools and Programs

    The American Mathematical Society has put together a comprehensive list of schools that have Bridge/Postbacclaureate, Masters, Doctoral, or Certificate programs: https://www.ams.org/find-graduate-programs

     

    The GRE (Graduate Records Examinations)/GRE Math Subject Test

    Some programs require the GRE or the GRE Math Subject test. Find out more about the exam and how to register: https://www.ets.org/gre.html

    Exam Study Guides:
    Rutgers Math GRE Bootcamp: https://sites.math.rutgers.edu/~iacoley/gre/lecture-notes.pdf

    Education Test Service Practice Booklet: https://www.ets.org/gre/test-takers/subject-tests/about/content-structure.html

    Math Alliance Practice Booklet: https://www.mathalliance.org/wp-upload/2014/02/GRE_practice_book_math-1.pdf

    Letters of Recommendation

    As you look to professors for letters of recommendation, here are a few things to keep in mind:

    • Ask the person well in advance, giving at least two weeks notice.
    • You should be more than a name; a recommendation letter has the most effect when the recommender can include personalized information and talk about you beyond your class performance.
    • Send the recommender details about the application and if there are particular aspect of your performance in their class you would like them to highlight in your letter. 

    For further information, check out the following guide created by Professor Hanusa: http://qcpages.qc.cuny.edu/~chanusa/about/letters.html

    Research Opportunities and Internships

    For more lists and to stay on top of new opportunities that may not be in the above list, you can look through the following organization pages:

    National Science Foundation: https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/

    National Institue of Standards and Technology: https://www.nist.gov/surf

    U.S. Department of Energy: https://science.osti.gov/wdts/About/Laboratory-Participants

    American Mathematical Society: https://www.ams.org/opportunities

    Math Alliance: https://www.mathalliance.org/wp-upload/2022/08/reulist.pdf

    Math REU Programs compiled by Steve Butler at Iowa State Univeristy: https://www.mathreuprograms.org/