Applied math PhD application tips?
I have ~3.4-3.5 gpa, depending on how this semester goes, but it was probably okay. I go to Purdue majoring in applied math with a cs minor.
I have As in Analysis and an A+ in intro to proofs in analysis, A- linear algebra, mostly As/Bs on my transcript but some more rough grades in calc 3 (B-) and linear algebra 2 (C). This recent semester I took probability, ODE, abstract algebra. Still waiting on grades. So my grades aren’t that great besides the analysis ones.
I switched into applied math after my freshman year where I did bio. Since then, I became a TA for a Python course for a year, did research in computer science for a year, and I’m doing research in optimal transport/flow matching over the summer.
Additionally I’ll be doing research in probability in the fall with another professor.
I have 3 LORs already, one from my algebra professor who recommended I go to grad school and connected me with people, one from my research mentor who has a Stanford phd (for REUs, but could likely ask again for grad school), and one from my proofs prof. Maybe more with research developing, we will see.
I think my research, experience, letters, etc are relatively strong, but my gpa is kind of weak. I’m worried about it honestly, and my finals were difficult although I did well all semester. But I might not get the grades I wanted, and maybe even poorly in ODE since the exam was very hard. I went into all classes with As and I’m not sure I’ll keep them.
What kind of schools should I target. Do I have a shot at PhD programs or will my gpa be a filter, especially if this semester isn’t good?