- #1
RollingRust
- 15
- 0
Hi guys,
After taking some time off after my undergraduate degree in Math (in Australia), I've decided to go back and do a PhD in Mathematics.
I applied for a variety of postgrad programs in the US and Australia. Due to the break between undergrad and postgrad, and a few holes in my background, I was thinking the US programs would suit me better with the graduate coursework component. Unfortunately I was not accepted into any US programs and so am currently enrolled at a reasonably well ranked Australian university. My research interests are mostly in numerical analysis.
However I am quickly realizing just how many holes there are in my background (PDE theory, Differential Geometry, Stochastics - I am not completely ignorant of these topics, but certainly lacking), and with the shorter time frame of the Australian PhD (3.5 years max for scholarship), I am worried I won't be able to gain a competent mathematical education.
My career goals are not really to end up in an academic position, not because it isn't appealing, but because realistically I am not good enough. I would hope to possibly land a role in a national/commercial research lab though.
What would people suggest I do from this point? Just try and do the best I can in the Australian program? Or reapply at US schools next year? I'm not 100% sure why I didn't get into any schools, but I didn't apply for that many and I probably should have retaken my math subject GRE. Or maybe just shift my focus so that these hole are less important.
Thanks
After taking some time off after my undergraduate degree in Math (in Australia), I've decided to go back and do a PhD in Mathematics.
I applied for a variety of postgrad programs in the US and Australia. Due to the break between undergrad and postgrad, and a few holes in my background, I was thinking the US programs would suit me better with the graduate coursework component. Unfortunately I was not accepted into any US programs and so am currently enrolled at a reasonably well ranked Australian university. My research interests are mostly in numerical analysis.
However I am quickly realizing just how many holes there are in my background (PDE theory, Differential Geometry, Stochastics - I am not completely ignorant of these topics, but certainly lacking), and with the shorter time frame of the Australian PhD (3.5 years max for scholarship), I am worried I won't be able to gain a competent mathematical education.
My career goals are not really to end up in an academic position, not because it isn't appealing, but because realistically I am not good enough. I would hope to possibly land a role in a national/commercial research lab though.
What would people suggest I do from this point? Just try and do the best I can in the Australian program? Or reapply at US schools next year? I'm not 100% sure why I didn't get into any schools, but I didn't apply for that many and I probably should have retaken my math subject GRE. Or maybe just shift my focus so that these hole are less important.
Thanks