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I studied BSc chemistry and because I didn't like it, my BSc GPA is 2.46. Alongside with BSc duration, I studied mathematics at home as a self-learner. Since my BSc-GPA was too low, so I got admission to a very low ranking university in MSc-Maths. However, in my first year of MSc I got GPA 3.78 p. I am discouraged to apply for a PhD for a nice university because:

1- My current university's world ranking is >>4000 and I doubt that it would be a 'university' from the viewpoint of universities that I am trying to get my PhD admission.

2- I don't have BSc in math and very low BSc-GPA in completely different field.

My questions are:

1- Is it possible to get admission for PhD (with full scholarship) to a high-ranking universities in mathematics with such a conditions that I have?

2- If I have to study my PhD in the same university or a little better one, do my university reputation and and low GPA-in-BSc threat my future career after PhD (even if I show strong research ability and good recommendation letters)?

My target for PhD admission is countries: Canada (first priority), Europe and Australia. And I am not targeting USA.

Thank you for your helps. And, sorry for my terrible English.

Please feel free to edit the question to improve it.

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    I am discouraged to apply for a PhD for a nice university There is no reason to be discouraged from applying. The worst they can say is no. – MJeffryes Jun 26 '15 at 10:36
  • Would you clarify what you mean by "admission for PhD to a high-ranking universities in mathematics"? How high is enough for you? You said your current university is >>4000. Is top 200 high enough for you? – Nobody Jun 26 '15 at 11:21
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    @scaaahu: Of course top 200 is high enough! McMaster Uni, Uni of Waterloo and Uni of Calgary are between 100 and 200 in world ranking but very nice universities I believe. –  Jun 26 '15 at 11:28
  • @user231343 I saw the "Canadian," but marked as possible duplicate because the Canadian process is pretty similar to the US, and I'm unclear what information you are seeking that's not already in the linked answers. – jakebeal Jun 26 '15 at 12:36
  • Maybe you can another MSc in a better university? That (assuming good results) would increase your admission chances as well as readiness level greatly. – kfx Jun 26 '15 at 12:44

1 Answers1

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The whole package is important. An admissions committee will be very interested in your ability to pass their coursework. It doesn't make a difference how productive you are, or how deep a thinker you are if you flunk out on grades, which would just be wasting their resources.

You would need them to believe that your MSc grades would be indicative of future performance.

By all means, apply, and do the best to make your package look right. Lot's of students can have mediocre undergrad grades, but figure things out as they mature. The MSc with good grades was step 1. Good GRE's would be important, as would letters from the profs of your most difficult coursework confirming that you breezed through it without trouble.

You might also pay attention to those programs with a big die-off at qualifiers. If a department PLANS that 1/3 of their students will not successfully reach candidacy stage, then their grad program is built in a certain way that can deal with this efficiently. For example, programs like this do not tend to offer much in the way of financial support until you're paired up with a mentor, and then you're in the budget of that person for support. In a way, those programs are willing to gamble on you so long as you're willing to gamble on you.

Scott Seidman
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    I do not think that when universities look for a PHD students, they are mainly concerned if they pass the courses. They are mostly interested in the candidate's potential for research. – Alexandros Jun 26 '15 at 11:15
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    @Alexandros There are exceptions, but I think there's a general feeling that if you can't pass courses (which is lightyears easier than doing research), that's a very bad sign for your potential. – Ben Webster Jun 26 '15 at 11:53
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    Not only that, @Alexandros -- If you can't pass courses, you can't meet the academic requirements for continuing in the PhD program. Regardless of your potential, you will flunk out. Now, you've eaten up a slot, you've been stipended for three semesters, you've eaten up the time of the groups you've rotated through. Then, you get two C's, and the department has no choice but to dismiss you. If an admissions committee doesn't think you can hack the coursework, they won't offer admission. – Scott Seidman Jun 26 '15 at 12:02
  • But I haven't had any course in BSc math and any course in math that I had was high mark (but just in MSc). Unfortunately number of courses in MSc is much less than BSc. How can I show them that I am well-learnt BSc courses? –  Jun 26 '15 at 12:10
  • I'm referring to your MSc courses. Presumably, with a good MSc GPA, even with the low course count, there are some advanced courses in your discipline that you did well in. – Scott Seidman Jun 26 '15 at 12:13