Preparing for graduate school
The courses you should take to prepare for graduate school will depend on whether you are considering pure or applied mathematics or statistics. Consult your advisor for a list of courses that are most appropriate for you. Here are some guidelines. For pure mathematics, we recommend the MATH 111, 112, 153, 154, 105, 113 and 103 (with 111, 112, 153, 154 being of highest priority). Keep in mind that many of these courses are only offered every other year. For the most part, these courses will also prepare you for the Math Subject GRE (Graduate Record Exam). WARNING: The deadline for signing up for the Math Subject GRE is very early - often mid-September. You can find a breakdown of topics on recent sample exams at Math Subject GRE. Many of the questions on the Math Subject GRE emphasize MATH 122, so you should probably take it as well.
For applied mathematics, we recommend 153, 154, 122, 123, 144, 155, 166 and 103. Other useful courses include 164, 105, 176 and 165.
For statistics, we recommend 122, 123, 176, 153 and 154.
Consider doing a summer research project with a faculty member. Remember, when it is time to apply you will have to ask for letters of recommendation, and the best letters come from faculty members who know you well.
Picking a graduate school
Consult with your advisor about whether you want to go into a masters or Ph.D. program and which schools are most appropriate for you. For applied mathematics, you can also talk to Prof. Ostrov. Do not just apply to schools in the top 10. Many SCU graduates have found schools ranked 10 - 40 as the most appropriate.
Deciding between a Masters Degree and a Ph.D.
People with a Masters Degree in mathematics most often 1) go into industry and get a more interesting job than they could have with a Bachelors Degree, 2) teach at a community college or 3) continue on to a Ph.D. People with a Ph.D. in the U.S. become professors at universities,or go into industry. If you are quite unsure and are willing to commit the next two, but not the next five years of your life to graduate school, then start with a Masters Degree.
Applying to graduate school
You apply to a particular department, not a university. So, for example, your application might go to the U.C. Santa Barbara Department of Mathematics. Download or request the application materials from the graduate program's website. Specific due dates can be found there (they usually range from early December to late January). Three important parts of every application are GRE scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. For more information about the GRE, consult Math Subject GRE. The general test is computer-based and you need to schedule an appointment. The Mathematics Subject GRE is offered twice in the fall. See Official GRE Website for registration and exam dates as well as the date the scores will be sent to graduate schools you specify.
One way to make your personal statement stronger is to use the website MathSciNet to find out what professors are working on in the department you are applying to. (This website needs to be accessed from on campus - ask your advisor if you have trouble accessing or using it). In your personal statement, you can mention which of these topics are of interest to you and which professors you might like to work with.
For letters of recommendation, be sure to give your letter writers sufficient notice. You will often need three of these. Make sure to get to know some professors. If you sit quietly in a class, do very well and never visit the professor, then that professor will not have much to say in a letter.
Fellowships/assistantships
For most applications to graduate programs, you are automatically eligible for teaching assistantships or fellowships (ok, maybe you have to check a box on one of the forms). It is fairly common for part of the acceptance package to include one of these forms of financial aid and tuition is often waived. The funding package offered is often a deciding factor for choosing a graduate program. Another (fairly competitive) fellowship is offered by the National Science Foundation. Check the website NSF fellowship for deadlines and application materials.
After being accepted
Try to visit the departments you are most interested in. Some may even help pay for your visit. Visit the faculty you would like to work with. Talk to graduate students to find out about the atmosphere for students. Women should talk to female students about the treatment of women (unfortunately an issue in a few departments).