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I'm a math major, and in an undergraduate real analysis sequence I got a B- and B over the two semesters. A year later I took the first year graduate real analysis sequence and got a B+ and a B over the two semesters. I know there's a lot of outside factors to consider, but in general how do these grades affect my ability to get a Master's in Statistics and a PhD in Computer Science?

My overall GPA is an A-. How can I remedy this track record if it looks negative? Does it involve taking even higher level courses in Real Analysis (i.e., comparable to 6000 level) and getting A's?

Kulgurae
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  • It certainly helps greatly, but I doubt you could easily get As if you're getting B's in all previous real analysis courses... – xuq01 Apr 25 '18 at 21:20
  • Yeah, it'd have to be the only courses I took that year, and I might need to find a tutor/schedule extra office hours. Getting a would be B to a B+ or a B+ to an A- should be doable – Kulgurae Apr 25 '18 at 21:35
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    Graduate math courses beyond the first year are often (but not always) automatic As with little or no workload. The primary function of such courses is for a professor to give lectures to his/her own grad students on a highly specialized topic. This would not be the right thing for your education or your resume. –  Apr 25 '18 at 21:47
  • I appreciate your criticism. Do you have more to add, say the resulting consequences or how to improve my situation if that option is not productive? – Kulgurae Apr 25 '18 at 22:05
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    Instead of bothering with taking more courses, maybe you could work out an arrangement with a statistics or CS faculty and work on a research project in your areas of interest. – Mad Jack Apr 26 '18 at 01:38

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Although this might be a showstopper for some specific schools), this need not be a show stopper in general. Especially if you have at least one very strong letter of recommendation. My answer is based on the assumption that you would apply for CS or statistics, which are just tangential enough to be able to pass muster from most people's point of view.

It could be more harmful if the B sequence were exactly aligned with what you're going to apply for. But it isn't.

(There are of course other ways to increase your chances, e.g.: don't apply late; if there's a subject GRE required, a strong score here could help; get some feedback on your essay draft.)

aparente001
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