Do I Have a Reasonable Chance of Getting Into a Good Grad School for Math?

[nigelvr]

Hi. So my first year of university was good. I had a 3.7/4 gpa then. Then, I transferred to another university and my marks dropped significantly (for certain reasons, not all of which were entirely my fault). My gpa in my second year was 2.88/4. Now, I'm in my 3rd year, first semester, and I expect to have an 85% average for this semester (exams are soon, and I know the grades I'm going into the exams with). I expect the following semesters will be at least as good.

Now, I have been looking at some grad schools for math (some masters programs, some phd programs), and it seems that I will be meeting the minimum requirements (by a reasonable margin). Despite this, I feel that the chance of me getting in is pretty low, when I realize that there are going to be a ton of applicants who have been getting 90 averages for every year of their undergrad career.

I just want to know if I have a reasonable chance getting into a good grad school for math (i.e. one that is recognized by the math community as a good one). Thanks.

 

[R.Mesri]

Yes, you do have a reasonable chance of getting into a good grad school for math. Your admissions chances will depend on various factors, such as your academic record, letters of recommendation, research experience, and GRE scores. Admissions committees will take into account the fact that your grades dropped significantly during your second year and will be more understanding if you explain the reasons behind it in your application. As long as you have been able to demonstrate consistent improvement in your grades since then, and can show that you are capable of doing well in a rigorous graduate-level program, then you should have a good chance of getting accepted.