Successful applicants will have a solid mathematical background comparable to a good B.S. degree in mathematics. For PhD applicants, abstract algebra, analysis, and topology (as well as their immediate prerequisites of linear algebra, advanced calculus and differential equations) are very important. Master's degree applicants should have the prerequisite material of linear algebra, advanced calculus and differential equations, and should be ready for higher level courses in analysis and algebra. Demonstrable self-study knowledge of these subjects may substitute. A good performance on the GRE math subject test helps to confirm knowledge of these topics, and we very strongly recommend that you take the GRE math subject test. (We do not usually look at GRE general test scores.) We also expect letters of recommendation from your instructors in such courses. We expect three letters of recommendation from mathematicians who have taught you advanced mathematics courses.

We will admit students to the School of Mathematics Graduate Studies Program before they finish their undergraduate degree. However, The Graduate School admits them subject to the condition that they finish their undergraduate degree before they enter graduate school. Since the admission to the School of Mathematics Graduate Studies Program is subject to The Graduate School admission requirements, our admission is also conditional.

To apply, a prospective student should complete and

• return the Graduate School's applications forms to the Graduate School

• return the Math Department's form to the Math Dept, including:
  • A personal statement.
  • Three letters of recommendation preferably from the student's mathematics instructors, alternatively from other faculty who can judge the student's prospects in our graduate program. These are used to evaluate the potential and motivation for graduate work in mathematics.
  • A transcript of undergraduate work, which would normally include a year of abstract algebra, a year of rigorous analysis, and some beginning point-set topology.
  • A GRE (Graduate Record Exam) Advanced Subject Test in mathematics is expected. (We are not greatly interested in the General Test.)
  • For those who did not grow up speaking English in their home as a native language, a TOEFL test score is required, even if they have been living in the US.

    Important Note for International Applicants

    The University of Minnesota has created new guidelines for the TOEFL exam affecting graduate students supported as Teaching Assistants beginning in Fall 2010. These guidelines do not apply to students supported by fellowships, research assistantships, or other means. No student with a score below 18 on the speaking part of the exam can be supported as a Teaching Assistant. Furthermore, no student with a speaking score below 23 can be assigned to lead a classroom discussion section. These requirements are in addition to the Graduate School requirement for admission (at least 79 on the Internet based TOEFL with section scores of 21 on writing and 19 on reading). In addition, the current budgetary crisis has dramatically reduced the number of Teaching Assistants assigned to duties other than discussion sections. For the current semester, every Teaching Assistant is in the classroom. We hope that this situation will improve next year, but we have no guarantees. The combination of these factors has forced us to use the following guidelines for offering support to potential international graduate students: To receive full consideration for support, you should have a TOEFL score of at least 100 with a section score of at least 23 on speaking. Given current funding projections, the probability that you will receive an offer of support for Fall 2010 diminishes sharply for total scores below 100 or speaking scores below 23. Unanticipated improvements in funding may increase this probability. The probably of an offer diminishes to zero if your total score is below 79, your speaking score is below 18, your writing score is below 21, or your reading score is below 19.

Applicants with some prior graduate work completed will be expected to have made suitable progress, and may be asked to complete the steps toward a Ph.D. degree in proportionately less time.

Director of Graduate Studies in Mathematics (612) 625-1306     gradprog@math.umn.edu 127 Vincent Hall 206 Church St. S.E. Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA

www@math.umn.edu URL http://www.math.umn.edu/grad/admission.html The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. © 2009, The Regents of the University of Minnesota

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