planning for graduate school robert ellis applied mathematics, iit
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Planning for graduate school
Robert EllisApplied Mathematics, IIT
Good web resources American Mathematical Society (AMS)
page for undergraduates Best schools Who’s supporting grad students Graduate fellowships REU’s, semester programs, contests Which careers use math
IIT Applied Math page for undergraduates
Why consider graduate school in mathematics?
To make research a part of your career To teach mathematics at the collegiate (or
advanced high school) level Research-focused universities also value
teaching Mostly teaching positions with some research Teaching positions at 4-year colleges, junior
colleges, etc.
To obtain advanced training for government or industry job
How to prepare (I)
Your enemies: Unlimited texting plans Guitar Hero 3-,4-,5-day weekends Insufficient sleep Email/news/facebook/etc.
How to prepare (I)
Your friends: Motivation -- a sense of purpose A good work ethic Planning ahead Participating in the add-ons (research,
contests, seminars, events) Always seeking growth and improvement
How to prepare (II) Coursework matters! Work hard and get
good grades. Find a group of peers and go through the
process together Prepare for the general GRE, Mathematics
Subject Test GRE (and TOEFL for some) REUs, contests, summer & semester
programs, internships, conferences Read A LOT about graduate programs.
Things to know about grad school
Mike McCourt, IIT Alumnus, NSF Fellow(Jump to Mike’s slides)
How to apply Make a wish list and a safe list of schools Plan applications and test dates months in
advance Request recs from faculty, REU advisors,
etc. Ask instructors who know first-hand about
your best coursework/research Give notice! Six weeks is great. One week
makes a recommender mad. Your recommender is busy, so help by getting all
information together in one place, providing mailing labels, providing copies of your application materials, etc.
Follow-up for applications
Are campus visits offered? Is your financial package clear? Is your TA or RA assignment clear? Are there really active faculty that
you are likely to work with? Will you be content to work hard
there for several years?
Sample timeline for a SeniorFall 2010 Sep 22: Take a deep breath. Don’t panic. Oct 8: Registration deadline for 11/13
Subject GRE Any time: General GRE (Scores within 15 days) Nov 18: NSF Graduate Fellowship application
due Nov/Dec: Application deadlines begin Investigate Summer 2011 programs (bridge
programs, research, workshops, conferences)
Sample timeline for a JuniorFall 2010 Investigate Summer `11 REUs, math
semesters, internshipsOngoing Check ResearchWeb (e.g.) for research
opportunities; FWS & other stipends Spring 2011 (before in some cases) Apply to summer or semester programs,
CSL/AM summer fellowship March 4: Registration deadline for April 9
Subject GRE (2 chances left)
Sample timeline for a Junior
Summer 2011 Prepare for NSF Fellowship application Take General GRE while less busy?Fall 2011 Last two chances for Subject GRE (many for
General) Make list of grad schools, request letters,
start applying Investigate Summer `12 programs
Sample timeline for a Junior
Spring `12 Finish applying to grad schools,
summer programs Campus visitsSummer `12 Bridge programs, research,
workshops, conferencesFall `12 Begin grad school.
Contests & Conferences Oct 30: VA Tech Regional Math Contest Dec 4: Putnam Exam Jan 6-9: AMS Joint Meetings, New Orleans Jan 28-30: Nebraska Conference for Women
in Mathematics Feb 10-14: MCM/ICM Modeling contest April 7-9: ISMAA (Naperville)
Problem-solving contest, best paper
Grad school algorithm
Step 1. Check if degree completed.Step 2. If YES, skip to Step 5.Step 3. Work harder.Step 4. Go to Step 1.Step 5. Open champagne.
Once you are in grad school Work hard! That’s what you’re there for. Every
year you’re in graduate school is a year with a low salary.
Prioritize your efforts. Research, teaching, or professional skills?
Try not to take on unrelated jobs. Find mentors and peers to learn from and work
with. Continually ask yourself if you are making
progress toward your desired career. Go to conferences and meet people in your
field – you’ll be asking them for a job one day!
Q&A
Things To Know About Grad School (Mike McCourt)
Written by: Aaron SorkinDirected by: Spike Lee
Uniqueness
Every grad school experience is different Classes, environment, advisors,
expectations, funding
Make sure you understand what is expected of you
Find a school that you are comfortable working at, because you will do a lot of work
Funding
Teaching Assistant Technical Work Research Assistant Outside Funding
Fellowships
Must be a US citizen NSF GRFP
3 years, $30000 per year, no strings attached
More fellowships available now than ever
DOE CSGF 4 years, $32400 per year,
computer/travel support Opportunities to work at National Labs
Applying for Fellowships
Remember the “Big Picture” Tie your experiences to your future goals
Why are your abilities/goals relevant to the fellowship?
Explain how you have progressed thus far in your education. Use that to indicate how you will
continue to progress. Concrete expectations help.
Intellectual Merit
Choice of Institution GRE Scores Strength of Academic Record Previous Research Experience References
Broader Impacts
How do you see the big picture? Can you communicate your research to
a wide audience? How will society benefit from your
work? Will your work affect underrepresented
minorities? Have your previous experiences had a
broader impact?