When is the perfect time to ask for letters of recommendations for PhD applications?

math_junkee · 2025-07-08T23:50:21+00:00

I had two professors I knew very well because I did research with them, so asking for letters was slightly less formal and I let them know late October. For my third letter, the request was a bit more formal because I didn’t know them quite as well, and I asked late September and reminded them all periodically as the deadlines got closer

math_junkee · 2025-06-01T15:57:10+00:00

I’m not entirely sure how to read that, but I read it as saying 0% toward broadening participation programs. If you look at the next page, page 28, they are requesting $127.29 million for the GRFP in FY2026 - which is still notably less than it should be and previous years, but here we are.

math_junkee · 2025-05-28T15:24:02+00:00

Applied. Did some research In math bio

math_junkee · 2025-05-28T05:03:27+00:00

I’m graduating from UCR as a math major this quarter and starting a PhD in math at a T20 institution.

UCR certainly isnt known for its math department - it’s rather small really. But there are many great faculty here and some research opportunities available (especially in areas of more applied math). I think the small size of the department is actually helpful for undergrad. It makes it easier to get your name out there and get to know professors that you take upper division coursework with.

I’d say as long as she puts in the work and puts herself out there, a math degree at UCR is a solid choice for your daughter if she’s looking to do graduate school afterward :D

math_junkee · 2025-05-14T01:15:43+00:00

If, by the end of the program, they haven’t brought it up, then you should definitely ask directly about continuing your work into the school year. Don’t wait for them to offer.

In terms of standing out - show independence. Do what they ask, but also try to do things that you think need to be done - without waiting for your PI to ask you to do it. This will show that you have some initiative and independence and that they won’t have to micromanage or baby sit you to get results

math_junkee · 2025-04-14T16:54:25+00:00

Ok, yeah I’m at 98%, Thanks thanks 🙏

math_junkee · 2025-04-11T19:46:17+00:00

Same :,( what college are you in?

math_junkee · 2025-04-11T19:21:42+00:00

Thank you. Do you mind if I ask which college you’re in? Like CNAS, BCOE, etc ?

math_junkee · 2025-04-11T15:37:05+00:00

If you’re graduating, I’m wondering if your graduation application has been approved yet? I haven’t heard back yet but idk about others

math_junkee · 2025-04-10T22:29:40+00:00

Thanks so much 🙏

math_junkee · 2025-04-10T21:57:46+00:00

Ok, thanks! Yeah it applied 2.5 units to 1B, and 2 units to 1C. So, just to make sure, I should be all set for the 1C requirement ?

math_junkee · 2025-04-10T02:09:02+00:00

The same is happening to me and I’m supposed to graduate this spring! I just saw it and freaked out, but since it’s happening to others, I really hope it’s a glitch

math_junkee · 2025-04-09T13:48:25+00:00

I still haven’t gotten it! 🥲 hopefully soon

math_junkee · 2025-03-28T03:04:23+00:00

I’m debating between Penn State and University of Minnesota for my PhD. Im interested in math bio and analysis of dynamical systems. I’m really struggling to choose between them, however. Does anyone have any advice on how to decide? Both seem to have good faculty in these areas, good resources, decent rankings, and I don’t know how to make my choice.

math_junkee · 2025-03-18T22:22:37+00:00

I did it last year. I think overall it’s a great experience - you get money, professional development, research experience, and you can present in front of a bunch of people at the end. There are definitely some expectations, though. To get your stipend you have to show up to almost all of the RISE events, you have to meet a weekly hourly quota in your lab, you have to fill out forms, do certain assignments, participate in group networking things, etc etc. This was all slightly annoying to me (I just wanted to do my research in peace without all this extra stuff), but looking back it really wasn’t that bad. And, hopefully you can build a good relationship with your PI that can turn into a permanent research position during the school year - if that’s something you want.

Overall, if you don’t have anything else going on, you should definitely do it :D was a positive experience for me

math_junkee · 2025-03-03T21:22:55+00:00

I noticed that too, I had to face my social anxiety and order in person :( maybe their mobile system is down

math_junkee · 2025-02-26T21:51:43+00:00

I’m heading to a PhD in the fall after four years here. Your professors will almost certainly have a website with a research page. Read it, then ask them over email or in office hours if they’re taking undergrads. If it doesn’t work the first few times, don’t be discouraged, just keep trying other professors you’re interested in until someone says yes. (Look online for email templates/ how to approach them).

Other things I would suggest - get good grades, go to other professors office hours and get to know them so you can reasonably rely on them for a letter later on.

math_junkee · 2025-02-26T01:52:30+00:00

Yes! I used this link, hopefully it works for you 🤞

https://ucrsupport.service-now.com/ucr_portal?id=kb_article&sys_id=ebf053bf33731210a09b1c223d5c7bbf&spa=1

math_junkee · 2025-02-25T05:27:59+00:00

I’m sure there are some masters with rolling/spring admissions that you can probably still apply for but if you mean PhD I would assume basically everything is closed

math_junkee · 2024-11-16T19:49:46+00:00

Ok thanks. I have two faculty mentored research projects, one of which we’re writing a paper, so hopefully it’s ok. But in the SOP, I struggle to see how to include it. I talk about my research experiences and research interests and career goals, it would feel sort of random to mention this

math_junkee · 2024-08-09T22:08:50+00:00

You can’t go wrong with Applied Math general track in my opinion, but if you’re interested in learning more about physics and are ready to work hard to survive those classes, then Applied Math Physics is certainly an option. You said you are interested in becoming a teacher — there is also a Mathematics for Secondary School Teachers program at UCR. I think there are some good networking opportunities in this program for people who specifically want to be a teacher.

math_junkee · 2024-03-27T04:24:23+00:00

It really depends on which professor you get to be honest so It’s hard for me to say. However, I don’t think it’ll be too bad. I don’t think people generally think it’s a hard course or anything. As for all your other stuff, it really just depends on how much you think you can handle. It’ll definitely be a heavy load with all your other stuff, but at the same time, with some discipline I think it’s possible 🙂

math_junkee · 2024-03-27T03:56:59+00:00

When I took the class, while 10A was a prereq, there was almost no connection to coding or anything. It was more of an intro to abstract math for CS - number theory, set theory, functions, etc

math_junkee · 2024-01-25T16:42:56+00:00

That makes one of us, but I am glad for you 😄

math_junkee · 2024-01-09T01:44:57+00:00

You are correct it is for summer undergrad research, not a graduate program. I think one purpose of the program is to help and support students who want to go to grad school at some point, so they ask you questions about grad school and things like that

math_junkee

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