Graduate School

What's Grad School? Why Grad School?

What is Grad School?

• • Masters in Math/Stat/Data Science/Operations Research: 1-2 year program,  includes coursework, sometimes independent research

  • PhD in Math/Stat: 5-6 years, coursework followed by independent research with advisor

    • PhDs programs (usually with getting a masters along the way) usually paid for by institution (typically there are also responsibilities such as TAing) 

    • Don’t have to be 100% sure you want a PhD program to go into such a program since could leave with masters

What's Grad School For?

• • You can learn even more math!

  • Become a Math/Stat Professor!

  • Pursue a research-oriented industry position!

Sounds cool! When should I go?

• • Whenever is best for you! 

  • You can go straight after undergrad!

  • You can also get a job for a few years and then go to grad school afterwards.  Some people find working or doing something else first helps them clarify what they want out of graduate school.

What are Grad Schools Looking For?

Here are some general aspects that grad schools may look for. Keep in mind that having all of these will not guarantee admission, and are not necessarily all required either!

• Lots of math or stat classes!

• Research Experiences

• Involvement in math outside of class (ex. grading, tutoring or attending a conference)

Applying

Where to Apply: Apply to schools whose programs align with your interest!

• • Factors to consider: 

    • Potential Academic Interests (ex. algebra, discrete math)

      • Usually people don't know! But if you do know, it will help you decide where to apply.

    • Geographic Constraints

    • Program Size Preferences

    • Teaching Responsibilities

    • Program Atmosphere

    • Funding

  • If having trouble deciding, chat with faculty! Feel free to email or meet several different professors to discuss.

  • General advice is to apply for a paid PhD program! Not many masters programs pay you, and for many PhD programs you get a masters two years in anyways. 

Timeline: Deadlines are from Senior Year late Fall to Winter, and many hear back Senior Year Spring.  Make sure to check your program's specific timelines! 

Requirements: Here are some general requirements, but make sure to check your program on what they specifically require.

• • Personal statement

  • Letters of rec (usually at least 3)

  • Transcripts

  • General GREs, Math GREs 

    • It depends on the program whether required or not! Make sure to check your specific program requirements.

    • Here is a helpful spreadsheet with links so you can doublecheck!

• How many schools should I apply to?: Depends on you! Most students apply for 8-10 schools.

I've been accepted, what now?

How should I decide?

• • Visit programs! Often programs will pay for visit expenses.

  • Talk to current students and recent alums from the program!

  • Get advice from Wellesley faculty!

When do I need to decide?

• • Check with each program! But it is usually in April

  • Make sure to turn down any places as early as possible so other students can get off waitlists!

Is there a program that can help me prepare for grad school?

• • Edge Program: For women about to enter grad school

  • Smith Post-Bac: For women strongly considering graduate school but didn't major in math/coursework was light

  • And more! Click here for a full list!