My friend loves mathematics and wants to continue research as a
mathematics PhD student, but this doesn't seem possible!
She did a prestigious but inadequate bachelors program (almost no math) and
because of this she is having a very hard time getting good grades for her master courses.
Thus she feels she has inadequate knowledge for a PhD position; which is probably right.
Her thesis adviser told her that she cannot continue a career in
research mathematics: no university would consider her given the situation now nor if she took an extra year or two to study more.
- Question: Is this true? Does it really stop here?
- I'm interested in similar experiences, opinions and suggestions (from
experienced professionals). - I'm particularly not looking for a rosy picture!
In my opinion she is very talented, motivated, original and quick! She
would flourish given more time to take specific foundational bachelor
and deepening masters courses. Until now she performed extremely well
(near perfect score) and this is confirmed by for example two scholarships she
won (BA and MA).
PS. I tried to keep it terse but please ask for further details if needed.
Thanks a lot!
Update: Thank you all very much for the responses and useful comments.
It turns out that there is much more "staff rotation" in applied PhD programs and
it seems plausible that she can find a nice position there; from which to continue
her studies.Thanks again.
Best Answer
To supplement Kevin Lin's point about the Berkeley pre-PhD program, Smith College (in the U.S.) runs an analogous post-baccalaureate program that has been successful in placing students in various graduate programs. It seems a good fit for the situation and aspirations of the person described: