Ultimately, though, a PhD is a research degree. It\u2019s not an extension of college, or an easy career path for people who excel in school. What it is is a fulfilling path for those who love striking out on their own intellectual journeys, who relish both the uncertainty and the thrill of exploring the unknown.<\/p>\n
The question that I should have stopped to ask myself at some point during my semester in St. Petersburg was: Why do I want to get a PhD in math? If I could give myself one piece of advice regarding the grad school application process, it would be to consider that question carefully \u2013\u00a0not least because it would have made sitting down to write my statement of purpose a smoother process.<\/p>\n
So, particularly if you\u2019re currently an undergraduate, I suggest that you take out a sheet of paper and write down all the reasons why you want to go to grad school, from the obvious (\u201cI want to pursue a career in academia\u201d) to the personal (\u201cEver since I took that trip to NASA when I was ten, I haven\u2019t been able to imagine doing anything else\u201d). Be as specific as possible. When you\u2019re done, do some research (including chatting with your college professors) to make sure that your motivations match up with the reality of going to grad school. This exercise will ensure that you know you\u2019re going to grad school for the right reasons and will also set the tone for your statement of purpose and the remainder of your application.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve explored your motivations for applying to grad school, begin gathering your application materials \u2013 starting now<\/em>. <\/strong>One downside of studying abroad during my senior year was that I didn\u2019t have time to take the GRE subject test, which significantly limited my options for where I could apply. I\u2019m happy with where I ended up, but my experience underscores the point that it\u2019s important to plan as far ahead as possible.<\/p>\n Though individual program requirements vary, most math graduate programs require the following: the GRE (and often, a GRE subject test), three recommendation letters, undergraduate transcripts, a CV\/resume, and a statement of purpose. Scheduling the GRE and requesting recommendation letters are two simple but time-critical steps that can save you a huge amount of hassle down the road. GRE spots fill up quickly, so to avoid having to take it at an inconvenient time or location, sign up as soon as possible. Similarly, professors get busy, so requesting letters well ahead of time ensures that no one is left scrambling at the last minute. Knock these items off your to-do list now, and you\u2019ll be on your way to submitting your applications on-time, and with minimal hassle.<\/p>\n Next, update your CV and sketch out a timeline for preparing for the GRE. Everyone has a different approach to studying for the GRE, but what worked well for me was to spend a few days with a prep book right before the exam, memorizing the various formulae (particularly for the essay section and the math section). Any more than that would have been overkill; any less, and I would have put myself at an unnecessary disadvantage. The subject GRE is, by many accounts, harder, and will probably require more preparation.<\/p>\n Another important application material is, well, money. Graduate school applications can be expensive: GRE registration fees, travel to GRE centers, and application fees add up quickly. Be sure to budget for the cost of applying to grad school, and if that\u2019s not feasible, look into resources at your institution or elsewhere that can help with these costs. Many graduate programs have application fee waivers available for eligible students.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.ams.org\/mathgradblog\/files\/2017\/08\/Applications.jpg\")
<\/a>