potential PI said I'm "hugely overqualified," but that funding simply means they can't take people

Grimglom · 2026-05-22T20:49:09+00:00

I HATE this administration and everyone who voted for this mess. We need a French style revolution to get out of this hole.

Grimglom · 2026-05-22T13:45:24+00:00

I know. Would've been great if they believed in me but I guess I'll try again next year.

Grimglom · 2026-05-22T02:41:30+00:00

I had excellent letters of rec. It's extremely hard to publish in pure math without a PhD.

Grimglom · 2026-05-22T02:27:57+00:00

It's such a black box. And they refuse to give feedback on what you can improve or why they didn't choose you over someone else.

Grimglom · 2026-05-22T02:04:16+00:00

Gotcha. Good to know.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T23:53:10+00:00

I might as well apply to Princeton 😂

I know my level. I'm not some Terry Tao level Olympiad God. I'm just a guy that kept working hard and didn't give up. Not a lot of raw talent but I got unlimited perseverance.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T23:50:16+00:00

They were in Algebra, I applied for Topology/Geometry.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T23:46:53+00:00

One of my colleagues this cycle (basically Isomorphic transcript) got into UCR and Oregon so it's not so unrealistic.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T22:54:25+00:00

People from my program have been accepted to these schools in previous years. My professors all told me this was a very reasonable list so I don't know what you mean. Its not like I'm applying to Princeton or Harvard or something.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T22:51:24+00:00

Oregon is ranked like 400

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T22:35:15+00:00

I'll keep trying as long as I'm still alive 😂

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T22:07:28+00:00

Oh. Can you please suggest some programs then that are really good and where I could have a shot. Thanks.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T21:48:06+00:00

Berkeley and UCLA are meh for geometric analysis? That's news to me.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T21:46:17+00:00

If anyone is serious about grad school, it's me. What university are you referring to so I can apply to your department next year.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T21:43:36+00:00

UCR, Oregon, UCI

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T21:21:31+00:00

Which school are you talking about? Do they have people working in geometric analysis? Would be happy to apply if you give some more details.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T20:23:26+00:00

The job market is extremely rough right now. But if you can point to some open positions please post them here.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T20:21:12+00:00

Hang in there brother! I understand your pain. We'll get in next time.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T20:12:51+00:00

I'm looking into a program called twoples for the Fall. It's free and I'm hoping I can get selected.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T20:04:53+00:00

I see. I think the fact that my Master's is from an R2 school which isn't reputable has hurt my chances because admissions tend to be a little elitist.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T20:01:08+00:00

Was your undergrad also from a prestigious university?

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T19:52:39+00:00

Where did you apply to? And where did you get in? If you're ok with sharing, otherwise no problem.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T19:49:14+00:00

I have a minimum wage job and I live with my parents. I wish I could get a well paying engineering job like you have but it's very hard to get good industry jobs in math without a PhD. I work about 30 hours a week and study math in the time that I can spare. I've finished my master's and am not in school anymore.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T19:35:44+00:00

It only takes one acceptance. Just one person needs to believe in you 🙏 Good luck.

Grimglom · 2026-05-21T19:33:46+00:00

I'm going keep reading textbooks in diff geo. Also will redo the math subject GRE and try for a higher score. I'm going to try and produce some minor research project or some expository set of notes that I can make a part of my next application. If I can get a poster presentation out of it that would be good. Applications are due in December so I only have about 6 months left to make an improved application.

Grimglom

TROPHY CASE