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Application Guidelines

Guidelines for Applying for Graduate Study in Mathematics at Virginia Tech

Letters of Recommendation

In addition to the requirements found on the Graduate School application form, the Department of Mathematics requires three letters of recommendation.

It is helpful if the letters of recommendation are from instructors of upper-level mathematics courses or research mentors. These letters should specifically address your potential to synthesize mathematics and perform research at the graduate level. 

GRE and TOEFL Scores

We don't require applicants to report GRE scores from the general test or subject test. Students who submit applications without GRE scores will be given equal consideration. There is, however, an English language requirement for international students, as set by the graduate school. 

Research Interests

While it is very common that applicants haven't yet narrowed down their area of interest before joining our graduate program, many applicants have found some potential areas of interest to them. If you have identified areas you would like to explore further in our graduate program, please include these areas as well as our faculty members that might serve as mentors for your research, in your personal statement. You can find various research areas in which our faculty work, using the Research Areas link in the right column of this page. Pleae note faculty members identified as appropriate "Research Advisors" within each research area.

We emphasize that, to become a competitive applicant, you need to identify and begin forming a relationship with a potential advisor. We encourage prospective students to reach out to potential advisors, via email, to learn more about their work and how it might align with your research interests.

Application Fee Waivers

In limited circumstances, the Graduate School offers fee waivers. In general, the Department of Mathematics does not offer fee waivers. However, we will consider special circumstances if requested by a potential advisor. 

Application Deadline

The department generally offer assistantships (GTA or GRA support) to all students admitted into the graduate program.

To receive full consideration for admission and graduate assistant support beginning in the Fall term, please apply by January 1st. Applications will be accepted past this deadline, however department funding is limited and not guaranteed to applicants who apply later.

The department begins reviewing applications early in January, and decisions for admission are made between February and April.