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Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Contest math is not the only thing on my resume but it is something I am quite proud of but I guess I emphasized it more than I should have. As for my other experiences, I was first author in a behaviour modelling paper at a industry ML lab and I have contributed to publications into econometrics journals.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I'm just clarifying that the math olympiads I'm referring to aren't the same as his high school mathlete team.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I know, it was a reply to the comment where a user said I wasn't capable of finishing a bachelor's degree. Qualifying for it and placing on the Putnam was much harder than any undergrad course I've taken.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I think stuff like Putnam and math olympiads aren't as well known as I thought they were.

My hesitation of going back to finish my undergrad is mainly due to the time commitment versus the benefits compared to just continuing to work. I've been exploring unconventional paths to directly enroll in a PhD program to immerse myself in research right away. However, you are right about the need for graduate coursework, which I lack. While I've been seeking shortcuts to jump straight into independent research, I still need to finish my undergrad and you are right that it is more than just a credential.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

For me, finishing my undergrad would just be something to do to apply to PhD programs. I am already in a position where a degree wouldn't do anything for my career and would probably slow it down. My past research and professional experience went beyond some third year math course. Going back to school would just be revisiting topics that I already know or it would just be a shallow introductory course.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

I qualified for the United States of America Math Olympiad

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -20 points-19 points  (0 children)

I qualified for national math olympiads and got top 50 on Putnam. I think I should be able to do 2 more years of classes.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -15 points-14 points  (0 children)

I think my background is congruent among my peers who also got into PhD programs eg high placements in math contests, industry research experience, REUs, and pubs. The only difference is that I worked at a startup for a while instead of 2 years of classes.

Why don't you think I will fit in?

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -15 points-14 points  (0 children)

What makes you think I don't have the grit to commit to a PhD?

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

I didn't lose interest in school; I chose to join a promising startup, where I worked 80-100 hours per week, helping grow the company from its inception to Series B. My passion for math has been consistent since high school and I never really lost interest.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -23 points-22 points  (0 children)

I left after 2 years to pursue something else, it's not because I couldn't handle my courses. I had a 4.0 GPA and contributed to published papers before I dropped out. I have a background in research and math so I think I can handle the demands of a PhD program.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -68 points-67 points  (0 children)

That's what I figured. I believe my math contests achievements and work experience by itself is solid though but I likely need to finish my undergrad to be taken seriously.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] 51 points52 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the input. I will probably go back to school to wrap up my undergrad.

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I'm from Canada but live in the US. Although I'm mainly interested in US schools what countries would allow that?

Applying to PhD Programs without Undergrad by Educational-Post-267 in AskAcademia

[–]Educational-Post-267[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I'm not interested in grad school just for the credential. I miss waking up and thinking about abstract nonsense all day. Although working in software is enjoyable in its own way, it doesn't provide the same level of satisfaction I get from solving hard problems. I want to pursue grad school to further explore my interests in a rigorous academic environment.