Profile and Program Question?

**joseclar** · 08-08-2012, 09:47 PM

Hello,

I have question regarding my profile whic is unusual. I graduated a mid level school in 2007, with a degree in economics. I decided on my major late and the following year enrolled in the rmaining math courses for a minor. I left to take a job instead of completing. So I have calc 1-2 and prob and stats. I do not have calc 3 or linear algebra. I have been working as a algorithmic trader (currencies) since that point. I have developed my on hf algorithms. I have read up on the required math topics, linear algebra, multivariate calc, algo design, to the point where I am confident that I can handle the quantitative requirement in a phd program.

Frankly, I dont want to go back and take courses that I dont have/need to. I certainly will if that is what it takes. That being said will I be able to at least be considered even though I am missing these courses, or will the school not even consider my candidacy.

I am considering schools, like rutgers, gc cuny, stony brook, fordham, temple, uc davis, santa cruz, and perhaps a few reaches columbia or nyu.

I dont know if it is done but I would definitely being willing to take any prereqs once in the program, and would convey that to them if possible, regardless of how it impacts my first year funding or funding in general?

Thanks very much in advance.

**anonecon** · 08-08-2012, 10:16 PM

Given that there are many more qualified applicants than spots (especially at top programs), it will be hard to credibly signal your math proficiency without real courses and grades. Many schools will likely not even humor your application because you haven't proven proficiency in even the minimally required courses. Especially for your reach programs, another deficiency is that you have no experience in proof based courses (e.g. Real Analysis or Topology). Even being incredibly proficient at applying lin-al, calculus, algorithms, etc. does not always translate into being good at writing proofs. And while you might even have bought and read Big and Little Rudin, you will definitely have a hard time convincing an admissions committee to trust you on your proof writing proficiency.

That being said, there are a number of 50+ kind of programs whose admissions criteria are quite literally "does this person have a pulse?" for students who aren't looking for full funding. But the job prospects out of these institutions are pretty bad. I've talked to a number of people who either (1) couldn't find a job, or (2) were getting paid less in the same (or similar) position after graduating with a masters or PhD.

My recommendation? Finish taking your math courses and then apply. The improvement in the types of programs you can get into will more than make up for the "lost time."

**joseclar** · 08-09-2012, 01:04 AM

Thank you for the reply. When you say 50+ programs, are any of the ones I mentioned in that group? Also is there any harm in applying more than once? For instance if I apply as is , while taking the additional courses, does that in anyway hurt my standing if I then apply the following cycle as well?

Finally regarding taking some of the courses/additional courses while in the program, do you think that is something that I should indicate in a personal statement if I decide to apply as is?

Thank you.

**anonecon** · 08-09-2012, 01:16 AM

By 50+, i mean low-ranked programs (such as those whose ranking is worse than 50).

There is little harm to applying more than once. A lot of these places get like 1000 applications for a couple dozen spots. They won't remember your name.

If you apply as is, I would state that you are confident in the mathematical sophistication you have gained from self study and work-application. It would be better if it weren't you saying this, rather if it were a letter-writer.

**joseclar** · 08-09-2012, 02:40 AM

Thank you again. To be clear, is the nrc ranking considered to be on of the more definitive rankings, and is that what you are basing your evaluation of the programs outside the top 50 on?

It looks like of my list temple and fordham are extremely low. The list was compiled mostly by location and fields offered. Are there any other programs in the ones I listed that you think are in the group you mentioned?

**anonecon** · 08-09-2012, 06:58 AM

Unfortunately, I do not have an intimate knowledge of lower ranked schools :-(. Just the one I took a few grad courses at. My evaluation of these courses is based on the experiences relayed to me by graduating students at such a university.

**joseclar** · 08-09-2012, 02:10 PM

Hello,

Can you list those programs you have specific knowledge of that fall into this group, or the ones where your friends had difficulty with placements? Thanks.