How to Apply
Applications to this program must be submitted online.
Admission Requirements
The following application materials are required for a complete application.
- Online application form, including Statement of Purpose
- Non-refundable application fee
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Transcript(s). Applicants are required to upload to the application system unofficial transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Review the unofficial transcript requirements for additional details and FAQs.
- Three official letters of recommendation. Include as many of the three letters as possible from instructors in mathematics and statistics courses. Letters from non-mathematical sciences instructors, work supervisors and internship supervisors carry significantly less weight. Letters should directly address mathematical ability and should include comparisons. Examples of comparisons are percentage rank in courses (such as top 10%) and rank in graduating class (such as top quartile in cohort).
- TOEFL/IELTS Test Results (This is required if English is not your first language and you have not graduated from a college or university where English is the language of instruction). TOEFL minimum score is 100 IBT, ETS institutional code 5244. The IELTS may be used as an alternative to the TOEFL. The minimum qualifying IELTS score is 7.5.
Other Submitted Material
- Official transcripts from all previous academic institutions must be submitted to the Graduate School.
- GRE scores are not required for this program. However, applicants who have taken the GRE General Test may submit their scores. The GRE code is R5244.
Advice and Best Practices for an Application
- Detailed and informative letters of recommendation from mathematics instructors are essential. Having no letter which addresses mathematical classroom ability constitutes a serious flaw in an application. Letters should directly address mathematical strengths, and more such letters are preferable to fewer. Letters from job and internship supervisors which do not directly address mathematical ability carry far less weight. The letters should contain objective and comparative information such as grades in courses and percent standing in courses or programs.
- The best Statements of Purpose are those which demonstrate that the applicant has researched the Georgetown Math/Stat program, is familiar with its goals and approaches, and understands how it can enable his or her career. Rambling prose conveying ideas such as the beauty and challenge of mathematics will be read and understood but is not ultimately very helpful. It is better to provide reasons for wanting to be part of the program and articulate ways that the degree will be a professional benefit. It is best to avoid the extremes of terseness and verbosity – neither too short nor (especially) too long. The Statement should directly address any potential weaknesses in the application, such as occasional low grades that may have been due to illness or family emergency, as well as any other unusual and relevant aspects of the background of the applicant.
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae is very helpful in conveying a picture of the prospective student. Include undergraduate and graduate majors, US equivalent 4.0-based grade point averages, research and internship experiences, relevant work experiences and references to research papers and projects. The conversion of grades to a 4.0-based grade point average needs to be provided and displayed in a prominent location on the resume.
- Do not include research articles or papers in the electronic application. It is better to provide links to such articles or send them separately to Graduate Director, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057-1233.