Advice on math courses to take this year... for 2009 PhD program entry

[Danny-lo]

I'm eagerly seeking some advice on which math courses to take this year.

I am a non-degree seeking grad student at DePaul University in Chicago. Got my BA in Econ in 2004 (3.6 major, 3.3 overall), but it was not a math-intensive program at all.

Currently taking math / grad econ courses (econ GPA 3.88)

Have taken Calc I, II, III (grades = A, B, B) planning on taking MV Calc I in the fall MV Calc II in the winter and Linear Algebra in the spring

Unfortunately we're on quarters and that's the sequence.

Real Analysis I-III are also offered in this same sequence.

I'm planning on taking the GRE this fall. (hopefully only once)

Applying this winter for Fall 2009 entrance... So my cause for concern is two-fold:
1. I wont have linear algebra completed until June 2009 (~ 5-6months after app deadlines)
2. Don't have the prerequsites for Real Analysis so I'd have to try to get waived to get in the classes.

Questions are: Do I just stay on the given path and take lin alg in the spring (will it be too late) and does it make sense to apply w/ out real analysis or should I try to get into the sequence now?

Thanks for the help!

[oldprogrammer]

What caliber of schools would you like to apply to? Your chances will be improved by finding some way to have Linear Algebra on your transcripts with a respectable grade. And you didn't mention any statistics, which is also rather important. If you're considering taking Real Analysis then you should also consider taking a calculus-based statistics class. You might be better off waiting one more year. That would also give you time to retake the GRE if you need to, and maybe get in a little more research experience.

[ICECOLDECON]

Linear algebra is pretty essential to have on your transcript, you can mention that you are taking it before the program begins, but youll still be at a disadvantage not having it on your transcript. I think Real Analysis may be tough if you dont have the prereqs, so I wouldnt try to get into it before having the proper prereqs. The poster above is correct in suggesting a calc based stat course (usually titled Probability Theory or Math Stat I). I also think the poster above is right in sugggesting that you may want to wait a year to apply, but it all depends on what your expectations are. Are you trying to get into a top 30 program, because that will probably be out of reach this year (though you may have some luck in another yr). Are there schools out there that will take you? Probably. But they are likely to be in the 40-70 range (in my estimation, unless there is something else about your profile that stands out [such as research experience]). But there is an element of randomness, so I guess you never know.

[Lokayot]

A not so good real analysis score will hurt you quite a bit I think, so I wouldn't take if I were you. You should wait an extra year (you can apply for a masters program for instance) to get the linear algebra course in your transcript.