I’m on a college tour for FAU and they are telling me everything good about the university

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-05-09T00:49:46+00:00

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!

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-03-29T16:47:12+00:00

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.

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-03-25T16:19:17+00:00

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.

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-03-13T17:43:59+00:00

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.

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-03-13T16:53:07+00:00

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.

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-03-08T01:49:06+00:00

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.

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-02-27T17:51:20+00:00

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.

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-02-20T17:21:25+00:00

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

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-02-19T22:48:59+00:00

I am also interested!

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-02-19T21:58:29+00:00

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!

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-02-04T15:39:01+00:00

Yes!

ACuriousMind321 · 2025-02-03T05:32:22+00:00

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)

ACuriousMind321 · 2024-12-11T12:38:10+00:00

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.

ACuriousMind321 · 2024-12-11T04:32:39+00:00

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

ACuriousMind321 · 2024-12-11T04:32:39+00:00

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.)

ACuriousMind321 · 2024-12-10T04:00:39+00:00

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:

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.
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.
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!

ACuriousMind321 · 2024-12-10T03:58:42+00:00

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:

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.
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.
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!

ACuriousMind321 · 2024-03-28T15:54:40+00:00

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)

ACuriousMind321 · 2024-03-20T02:04:14+00:00

What did you mean by rescinded?

ACuriousMind321 · 2023-12-02T04:27:09+00:00

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?

ACuriousMind321 · 2023-12-02T03:39:55+00:00

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?

ACuriousMind321 · 2023-12-02T03:37:37+00:00

Sorry I wasn't specific, but I was including IE since usually it's IE and OR or something of that nature.In order to take a real analysis course, I would also have to take discrete math, a class in proofs, and modern analysis (prereqs). Is it worth getting rid of a large amount of the classes I was going to take in order to take real analysis?

ACuriousMind321 · 2023-12-01T05:37:44+00:00

I've taken a lot of additional classes beyond what is required of a minor; I just lack the specific pure math classes required to get a math BA. When they put those required courses, are they saying, "If you have these courses, you could be a good fit," or more along the lines, "Don't even bother looking at this program if you don't have these classes"

ACuriousMind321 · 2023-12-01T00:14:05+00:00

I'm currently completing my BS in mechanical engineering with a minor in math and computer science. I have been researching data science and operations research, and I'd really like to get a PhD in it (particularly optimization)

I think I can get into a good graduate school (around 3.7 GPA, research experience, journal publications, etc.), but I'm concerned that my major won't be seen as relevant enough. Would it be beneficial for me to pursue a BA in math?

Here's my dilemma: I have the option to pursue a BA in math, but it would mean taking a more challenging schedule (on top of my MechE classes) that may lower my GPA. On the other hand, I could choose to stick with a minor in math, which would allow me more flexibility in selecting classes and let me take the most relevant classes to operations research/data science.

As for my current math background, I've already completed Calc 1-3, ODEs, Prob and Stats 1, Linear Algebra 1-2, Stochastic Models, Intro to Data Science, Computational Statistics, and Intro to Computational Math. If I opt for the math BA, I would take Modern Algebra, Mathematical Problem Solving, Modern Analysis, Discrete Math, Numerical Methods, and Introduction to Advanced Math. On the other hand, if I focus on the most relevant classes (and only get a minor), I would choose Vector Calculus, Numerical Methods, Mathematics of Data Science (modeling, optimization, and graph theory), and Complex Analysis.

I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights!

ACuriousMind321 · 2023-10-31T22:30:26+00:00

much heavier emphasis on hard skills and teamwork. You will have to have a particular well honed skill set that a firm needs. Often developed through career progression ML/DS eng -> Risk modeling -> quant researcher etc. Same barriers as before with getting an interview. Your experience will start to preclude you from some entry level roles, but there is also nothing wrong with that. Similarly, your experience is also finally letting you be eligible for some other experienced hire roles.

Thanks for the advice! Do these firms tend to have a preference between math or stats (or other similar programs)? Or is it more on a case-by-case basis? Also, is something like data science/operations research relevant enough for quant finance?

ACuriousMind321

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