Do I have a shot to top 10?
Posted: Mon Nov 04, 2013 5:51 pm
Hey all.
Thank you for reading my post!
I have lived in United States for 12 years, but I am unfortunately still international student(F1) in status. It would be nice if you can give me some insight on the likelihoods for me to get in to top 10 (Esp with my recently not so great Sep 2013 PGRE score.)
Undergrad Institution: California, Small Private University.
(Physics Program is very new here, but we are growing fast.)
Major(s): Physics and Mathematics
Minor(s): None
GPA in Major: 3.97 (one A-.)
Overall GPA: 3.98
Length of Degree: 4.5 years
Position in Class: Top in both mathematics and physics program. (But our physics program is very small, so somewhat meaningless.)
Type of Student: International Asian Male (Korean)
Type of Degree Applied For: PhD
GRE Scores :
PGRE: 810
Q:169
V:159
W:did not receive result yet
Research Experience:
- Astrophysics (numerical analysis) research in galaxy formation for 1 year leading to publication in MNRAS (co-author)
- Quantum Gravity (theory) (ongoing) research beginning this summer of 2013. May lead to publication, but not entirely sure.
- Research in Mathematics: 1) Hyperbolic Analysis research last year (wrote up some stuff, but may not submit.). 2) Sheaf theory and bicomplex holomorphic functions (recently started). 3) Generalized Fourier Analysis (somewhat basic research, will submit a paper soon.)
Letter of Recommendations:
1 from well-known quantum gravity physicist.
1 from well-known astrophysicist
1 from my school chancellor (well-known mathematician).
All three of whom I did/am doing research with.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions:
-Received 7 different scholarships from community college that I transferred from, received 3 different private scholarships from my current university ($34,000 per year). Received men of distinction award at community college (15 graduating men and 15 graduating women per year)
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
-Amateur Astronomer (do astrophotography).
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
- I have worked as an editor for this one physics book, which was a compilation of different papers by very well known physicists (3 Nobel Laureates, and many very big name physicists).
- I think I might have unusually stronger background in mathematics for physics major.
I have read many graduate texts in mathematics, and have taken / taking algebraic topology, sheaf theory, bicomplex analysis, and will take differential geometry.
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
International Asian Male who lived in US for 12 years (went to elementary / jr. high/ high school here in US)
Applying to Where:
I want to apply to Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, UCSB, UCB, and Colorado. (for theory)
I thought I might have a pretty good shot if I do well on GREs, but with my recent score, I lost my confidence. I literally prepared for less than 2 weeks for the PGRE. It is my fault, but I know if I take another year, I will be able to do very well on the exam. Do you think I have a good chance as I am right now? I sincerely thank you for helping me out.
Thank you for reading my post!
I have lived in United States for 12 years, but I am unfortunately still international student(F1) in status. It would be nice if you can give me some insight on the likelihoods for me to get in to top 10 (Esp with my recently not so great Sep 2013 PGRE score.)
Undergrad Institution: California, Small Private University.
(Physics Program is very new here, but we are growing fast.)
Major(s): Physics and Mathematics
Minor(s): None
GPA in Major: 3.97 (one A-.)
Overall GPA: 3.98
Length of Degree: 4.5 years
Position in Class: Top in both mathematics and physics program. (But our physics program is very small, so somewhat meaningless.)
Type of Student: International Asian Male (Korean)
Type of Degree Applied For: PhD
GRE Scores :
PGRE: 810
Q:169
V:159
W:did not receive result yet
Research Experience:
- Astrophysics (numerical analysis) research in galaxy formation for 1 year leading to publication in MNRAS (co-author)
- Quantum Gravity (theory) (ongoing) research beginning this summer of 2013. May lead to publication, but not entirely sure.
- Research in Mathematics: 1) Hyperbolic Analysis research last year (wrote up some stuff, but may not submit.). 2) Sheaf theory and bicomplex holomorphic functions (recently started). 3) Generalized Fourier Analysis (somewhat basic research, will submit a paper soon.)
Letter of Recommendations:
1 from well-known quantum gravity physicist.
1 from well-known astrophysicist
1 from my school chancellor (well-known mathematician).
All three of whom I did/am doing research with.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions:
-Received 7 different scholarships from community college that I transferred from, received 3 different private scholarships from my current university ($34,000 per year). Received men of distinction award at community college (15 graduating men and 15 graduating women per year)
Pertinent Activities or Jobs:
-Amateur Astronomer (do astrophotography).
Any Miscellaneous Accomplishments that Might Help:
- I have worked as an editor for this one physics book, which was a compilation of different papers by very well known physicists (3 Nobel Laureates, and many very big name physicists).
- I think I might have unusually stronger background in mathematics for physics major.
I have read many graduate texts in mathematics, and have taken / taking algebraic topology, sheaf theory, bicomplex analysis, and will take differential geometry.
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter:
International Asian Male who lived in US for 12 years (went to elementary / jr. high/ high school here in US)
Applying to Where:
I want to apply to Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, UCSB, UCB, and Colorado. (for theory)
I thought I might have a pretty good shot if I do well on GREs, but with my recent score, I lost my confidence. I literally prepared for less than 2 weeks for the PGRE. It is my fault, but I know if I take another year, I will be able to do very well on the exam. Do you think I have a good chance as I am right now? I sincerely thank you for helping me out.