Below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and answers regarding admissions into the graduate program at the FSU Mathematics Department.
| How do I send application materials? |
You should complete the online Departmental Application.
Four letters of recommendation (direct e-mail from recommender to admissions@math.fsu.edu.
To expidite consideration, scanned or photocopies of all transcripts and test scores (unofficial ones are acceptable) may be emailed to admissions@math.fsu.edu or sent to:
* Graduate Admissions CoordinatorYou should then compete the online university application (https://admissions.fsu.edu/gradapp/). All of your official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions; the mailing address is as follows:
Mathematics Department
Florida State University
Room 208, 1017 Academic Way
Tallahassee, FL 32306-4510
Florida State University
Office of Admissions
282 Champions Way
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5000
The Office of Admissions also requires official GRE and TOEFL scores be sent directly.
| How many transcripts should I send? |
For FSU Admissions, have official transcripts sent from every college and university attended. Transcripts are considered official when they bear an official seal and signature and are sent from the issuing institution directly to FSU's Office of Admissions (address is above). (Photocopies of your official transcript or unofficial transcripts may be sent to the Mathematics Department. [address is above *])
| What is the school code for submitting test scores? |
The school code for FSU is 5219. ETS will send the scores directly to the Office of Admissions.
| Is it possible to be admitted in any term? |
First-year course sequences in all four department specializations begin in Fall term (just after August 15). Funding is generally available only beginning in Fall term. Spring term admission (just after January 2) is unusual. If desired, e-mail admissions@math.fsu.edu to see if such is academically feasible for you. A few "new Fall" students begin in Summer "C" (just after June 20) For background study, in particular:
(1) Students in any area who have not completed undergraduate Complex Analysis may wish to take advantage of FSU's offering of this during the second 6 week summer term "Summer 'C'".
(2) Students in Financial Mathematics who have not completed the undergraduate Finance Department equivalent to FSU Fin 3403, 3244, or 4504 may be able to arrange that in Summer "C" and should correspond with the Financial Mathematics Director.
(3) Practice in Spoken English may be available in Summer "C" and helpful for some International students.
| Is initial department financial aid awarded only in the Fall term? |
Funding is not usually available for awards except beginning Fall term.
| Is there a department form for financial aid? |
If the applicant answers "Yes" to the question "Seeking Financial Aid?" on the Departmental Online Application , then the applicant will be considered by the area admitting the student for financial aid in the form of a departmental teaching or research assistantship.
There are other sources of financial aid extended by the Graduate School. The applicant must investigate and apply for these sources separately through that office.
| I was not sure which area I want to study — can I change after I arrive at FSU? |
Changing is difficult and not assured. You may ask to be reconsidered for admission by your new choice of area, but if area change is permitted funding allocated from the first area will not follow. FSU Math admission and funding is awarded by areas so that students will find faculty with suitable interests available to work with them. Please correspond with the Graduate Chair and Directors so that they can help you make an appropriate determination. During the admissions process, if want to make a change to your area application, please email admissions@math.fsu.edu and you will be advised as appropriate.
| Is there an online department form for submitting letters of recommendation? |
There is no recommendation form. We request four (4) free-style letters sent directly by e-mail from persons familiar with the academic background of the applicant. One or two of the four should be from job supervisors if the applicant has been employed full-time after the bachelor's degree. These should be sent admissions@math.fsu.edu.
For questions, email: admissions@math.fsu.edu. In some cases a recommendation may be accepted by FAX: (850) 644-4053 Attn: Graduate Admissions
| Will the GMAT substitute for the GRE? |
NO! There is no substitute for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
| Can all materials required by both University Admissions and the Math Department be sent in one package? |
Filling out and submitting the online Florida State University Application (Domestic and International Applicants) IS REQUIRED IN ADDITION to filling out and submitting the online Department of Mathematics Application.
If necessary, sending all materials (official and unofficial transcripts, copies of test scores) in one package to the department is acceptable; official transcripts can then be forwarded to Admissions.
| What are the deadlines and what happens if I miss a specified deadline? |
We will try to accept admissions applications and supporting materials after the posted deadlines. Funding is unlikely to be available. Please be aware if you are an international applicant the processing of materials takes longer.
| Where can I find more information about the University graduate application process? |
The FSU Office of Admissions website is accessible by this link: https://admissions.fsu.edu/
To be more specific:
Domestic applicants can find information at Domestic Graduate Admissions and
International applicants can find information at Prospective International Students and FSU's Center for Global Engagement.
| What GRE scores are expected for TA/RA/Fellowship funding? |
The department holistically considers application materials. Admissibility is considered when scores on the Revised GRE are at least V=140 and Q=155 V and 155. On the older test, a longstanding minimal department requirement is that the general test is required with a minimum of 700 on the quantitative portion and a minimum sum (Q + V) of 1100. Especially if funding is desired, retaking is recommended for students whose scores fall near these minimums; most successful students are higher. The test is easy (though costly) to retake these days, from most locations. Sample test and other practice/preparation using online materials are strongly advised, especially for retesting.
The GRE must have been taken in the last five (5) years. The Mathematics Subject test is not a requirement, but may be submitted to augment the application.
See also http://www.math.fsu.edu/~smith/GradProg/GREpolicy.math
| For whom is the TOEFL or IELTS required? |
This is a University requirement — see http://admissions.fsu.edu/international. It is summarized in the departmental application section "Standardized Test Scores" https://www.math.fsu.edu/Academics/Graduate/grad_app.php.
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Last modified: 3 January 2012
