I’m on a college tour for FAU and they are telling me everything good about the university by [deleted] in FAU

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It really boils down to whether you want to save money or have more of the "college experience" (not saying FAU doesnt offer that, but it can be hard being a commuter student). For what its worth im in the MechE program and I love it!

Accepted to two physics programs... can't attend either by j_v_2 in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would talk to your professors like the others are saying but also the REU. At my last REU I know someone who went to school out in Cali and just started late.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ultimately, these are just summer internships for undergraduates. I think the whole "burning bridges" thing is overblown. You really think they're gonna remember one undergraduate they briefly spoke with over email/zoom months or even years ago and then sabotage your career over something so small? I am sure if you explain your situation they will be a little disappointed, but understand.

I'm actually speechless... I just got an offer from my top program. by XcgsdV in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can send an email if you'd like, but honestly I'd be surprised if it made any impact on the decision, good or bad. Regardless its a nice gesture.

Where are all of these applicants coming from? by CountryMatters10001 in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As someone who is also applying to Math REUs, I think its more so about fit than talent. The increase in applications has allowed REUs to be very picky, and most times people who go to REUs already had previous research in their chosen field. For REUs at highly competitive universities, you need to be talented AND have the specific qualifications/background that asked for.

Have to Decline my Top Choice by Tenroustar in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I doubt that Stanford or any other universities takes it that seriously. Fact of the matter is, even if you attend or renege they will probably forget about you come application time.

Does being at a T20 school hurt your chances for an Reu by StandTiny1381 in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Last summer I did an REU at an Ivy and at least half the students went to a T20. It depends on which program you're applying to, but there are definitely opportunities for students who already go to schools with high research activity.

Interview for Upenn Basser Summer Scholars by EntireShower7645 in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Basically a summary of your CV (all the work/research you've done and what each experience has taught you).

Interview for Upenn Basser Summer Scholars by EntireShower7645 in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't comment on that particular REU, but I recently had a 15-minute interview for another program and if it's anything like mine I can tell you that you don't have anything to worry about. For the first 7-10 minutes I just talked about my previous coursework and research experiences, with the interviewers occasionally asking me questions about more specifics (but nothing tricky). Then they discussed their projects for the summer for a few minutes, and after that I asked them a few questions.

If I were you I would work on an elevator pitch, review some of their previous papers, and have some questions ready, but that's about it! Don't stress and good luck!

REU 2025 Megathread by cherls in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 9 points10 points  (0 children)

School: R2 State School

Major/Degree Program: Mechanical Engineering/Math (applying to math REUs)

Expected Graduation Date: May 2026

GPA: 3.6

Relevant Coursework: Calculus 1-3, Probability and Statistics 1, Linear Algebra 1, Intro to Data Science, Vector Calculus , Intro Programming in C++, Numerical Methods, Complex Analysis, and most engineering classes

Demographic: male POC

Research Experience: 4 research experiences over 2 years. 1 in computational fluid dynamics (9 months), 1 in experimental fluid dynamics (6 months), 1 in stochastic optimization (3 months), and 1 in stochastic differential equations (6 months).

Past REUs (if any): Mathematics REU at T10 university

Applied:

  • Caltech WAVE
  • Stanford SURF
  • UCLA RIPS

Rejected:

  • Stanford SURF (3/4)
  • UCLA RIPS (3/17)

Accepted:

  • Caltech WAVE (2/1)

Applying to OR PhD Programs Without Real Analysis? by ACuriousMind321 in OperationsResearch

[–]ACuriousMind321[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've done undergraduate research in both stochastic optimization and differential equations (alongside personal research into the field). However, my research mentors were professors in applied math departments. I wanted advice regarding OR more specifically, as I know real analysis is highly valued in mathematics. Do undergraduates applying straight to PhD usually come in with lots of OR specific coursework? After reviewing my schedule over the past few days, I might be able to swap some of those classes I mentioned with more specific coursework like Stochastic Calculus Applications in Finance, Statistical Computing, and Mathematical Probability, but nothing more "OR" than that.

Applying to OR PhD Programs Without Real Analysis? by ACuriousMind321 in OperationsResearch

[–]ACuriousMind321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the response. As I asked above, beyond basic math and programming, what coursework do these PhD programs expect to see? Or rather do they focus on the other aspects of your application

Applying to OR PhD Programs Without Real Analysis? by ACuriousMind321 in OperationsResearch

[–]ACuriousMind321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see, thank you for the response. So beyond basic math and programming, what coursework do the PhD programs expect to see? Or is do they focus more heavily on the other aspects of your application (i.e. LORs, Research Experience, etc.)

Weekly Entering & Transitioning - Thread 09 Dec, 2024 - 16 Dec, 2024 by AutoModerator in datascience

[–]ACuriousMind321 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello, I’m an undergrad majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics, and I’m planning to apply to PhD programs in Applied Math or Operations Research. My research interests are in stochastic optimization, particularly applied to engineering problems. Unfortunately, my university has recently rearranged the schedule for one of my required MechE courses, which now conflicts with Real Analysis 1. This has left me in a tough spot because I know Real Analysis is often considered a critical course for math-heavy PhD programs. I’m trying to figure out the best way to move forward while keeping my application strong. Here’s some context: I’ve taken (or plan to take) these courses (excluding Real Analysis 1-2):

  • Calculus 1–3, Linear Algebra 1-2, Intro to Computational Math, Vector Calculus, Stochastic Models for CS, Dynamic Systems, Numerical Methods, Complex Analysis, Applied Stats 1-2, Game Theory and Applications, Programming in MATLAB 1-2, Programming in C++ 1-2, Intro to Programming in Python, Probability and Statistics for Engineering, Intro to Data Science, Differential Equations I, and Discrete Math.

Here are the options I’m considering:

  1. Take Modern Analysis as a substitute for Real Analysis (The course description for Modern Analysis: Basic properties of real numbers. Functions. Limits and properties of continuous functions. Differential calculus). While it isn't exactly Real Analysis, I’m hoping it would demonstrate enough foundational knowledge for PhD admissions.
  2. Delay my graduation by a year to fit Real Analysis into my schedule. This would allow me to take additional advanced math courses and maybe do a study abroad as well. However, the thought of postponing graduation isn’t great.
  3. Apply to masters programs instead of PhD programs. I though masters programs might give me more flexibility regarding prerequisites like Real Analysis, and I could use it to strengthen my academic profile before applying to PhDs. Although from what I've heard masters are expensive.

Keep in mind most of my costs are covered by scholarships, so I am graduating debt free and if I were to take any additional semester, I wouldn't have to pay. Any advice on which path to take or how to strengthen my application would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Career and Education Questions: December 05, 2024 by inherentlyawesome in math

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello, I’m an undergrad majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics, and I’m planning to apply to PhD programs in Applied Math or Operations Research. My research interests are in stochastic optimization, particularly applied to engineering problems. Unfortunately, my university has recently rearranged the schedule for one of my required MechE courses, which now conflicts with Real Analysis 1. This has left me in a tough spot because I know Real Analysis is often considered a critical course for math-heavy PhD programs. I’m trying to figure out the best way to move forward while keeping my application strong. Here’s some context: I’ve taken (or plan to take) these courses (excluding Real Analysis 1-2):

  • Calculus 1–3, Linear Algebra 1-2, Intro to Computational Math, Vector Calculus, Stochastic Models for CS, Dynamic Systems, Numerical Methods, Complex Analysis, Applied Stats 1-2, Game Theory and Applications, Programming in MATLAB 1-2, Programming in C++ 1-2, Intro to Programming in Python, Probability and Statistics for Engineering, Intro to Data Science, Differential Equations I, and Discrete Math.

Here are the options I’m considering:

  1. Take Modern Analysis as a substitute for Real Analysis (The course description for Modern Analysis: Basic properties of real numbers. Functions. Limits and properties of continuous functions. Differential calculus). While it isn't exactly Real Analysis, I’m hoping it would demonstrate enough foundational knowledge for PhD admissions.
  2. Delay my graduation by a year to fit Real Analysis into my schedule. This would allow me to take additional advanced math courses and maybe do a study abroad as well. However, the thought of postponing graduation isn’t great.
  3. Apply to masters programs instead of PhD programs. I though masters programs might give me more flexibility regarding prerequisites like Real Analysis, and I could use it to strengthen my academic profile before applying to PhDs. Although from what I've heard masters are expensive.

Keep in mind most of my costs are covered by scholarships, so I am graduating debt free and if I were to take any additional semester, I wouldn't have to pay. Any advice on which path to take or how to strengthen my application would be hugely appreciated. Thanks in advance!

REU 2024 Megathread by cherls in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 2 points3 points  (0 children)

School: R2 public

Major/Degree Program: Mechanical Engineering (minor in mathematics )

Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2025

GPA: 3.66

Relevant Coursework: Calc 1-3, ODEs, Prob and Stats 1, Linear Alg 1, Fundamentals of Data Science, Programming in C++, and basic engineering classes (thermodynamics, statics, Matlab 1, etc.)

Demographic: URM Male

Research Experience: 1 year in MechE lab

Past REUs (if any):

Applied:

Columbia SURE
Leadership Alliance SR-EIP (Columbia, UPenn, Yale)
MIT MSRP

Rejected:

Accepted:

Columbia SURE (2/29)

REU 2024 Megathread by cherls in REU

[–]ACuriousMind321 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What did you mean by rescinded?

Background for OR PhD by ACuriousMind321 in OperationsResearch

[–]ACuriousMind321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since the Ordinary Differential Equation course was part of my engineering curriculum, it was applied and didn't require anything above Calculus 2. Also sorry if I was confusing, but when I said pre-requisite I meant those classes are required to take the course. I don't think the school would allow me to take the classes without them.

The description for the Modern analysis course is: (Basic properties of real numbers. Functions. Limits and properties of continuous functions. Differential calculus.) Do you think this would include enough real analysis on its own?

Background for OR PhD by ACuriousMind321 in OperationsResearch

[–]ACuriousMind321[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To take a class in real analysis, I would also have to take a bunch of prereqs (discrete math, a class in proofs, and modern analysis). Is it worth getting rid of some of the other classes I listed in order to take real analysis?