19 Graduate Schools?

Question

I am a junior in college and plan to go on to grad school to get my PhD in real analysis or algebra(grad level). I currently have 19 schools on my graduate school list. Is that too many?

Answer 1

Yes. Cut the list down to ten. Make sure that you have at least one where you will get in and a couple of reach schools.

There are some disciplines where you could be qualified to get a PhD at a top school -- but not get into any top schools (e.g., finance is like that).

The good news about mathematics is that a number of the better math programs are at large state universities that accept a number of students because they need TAs. This means that if you ar equalified to get into a top school -- you will get into SOME top school.

Answer 2

It's not too many if you don't mind forking out the application costs for nearly 20 schools. Practically, however, you should narrow your search to about 5 or 6. A couple that you are relatively certain will accept you, a couple that you are 50/50 about getting into, and one or two that may accept you but would be a stretch. Keep in mind post-doc placements when applying as certain schools have higher percentages about placing new Ph.D's in government, technology, biomed, academia, etc.

Good luck with your studies. It's a very rewarding path.

Answer 3

Yes. I had one on mine, and that was enough!

If you have 3-5 on your list, that's probably enough. Narrow down your list to the schools that have the: best rated professors, best-known professors, good classroom environment that you like, good campus that you like, good political or religious tone to the campus that you feel comfortable with, good library where you'd feel comfortable spending lots of hours, and financial aid that's best for you so that you can work the least & devote the most time to studying!