Application Advice

We are delighted that you are considering the Duke Math department for your graduate work.  To ensure that your application is submitted and reviewed successfully, read the How to Apply page carefully. 

Broadly speaking we are looking for graduate students who will engage with and contribute to the department, its research community and its educational mission.  When reviewing applications we seek to identify students whose research interests are a good fit for the areas of expertise within the department, who are well prepared for graduate work, and with the potential for independent thesis work.

As you prepare your dossier, keep the following items in mind:

  • The letters of recommendation are one of the most influential components of your application: they provide reviewers valuable perspective on your mathematical work to date, and your potential for PhD thesis work.  Form relationships with faculty, so that they get to know you and your work; this will help them write strong letters on your behalf.
  • Take advanced/reading courses, and if possible take part in an REU, or similar research experience.   A strong letter of recommendation from a research supervisor can be very influential.
  • Writing a good letter takes time, and you might be surprised by how busy your letter writers are: give them at least a month.  A week before the letter is due, send a follow-up email reminding your writers of the due date(s).
  • The personal statement is also important.  Summarize your mathematical work/background and current interests.  (If your principal academic focus to date has been outside mathematics, tell us about that work and what brings you to mathematics now.)  Explain why you chose to apply to Duke Math.  (What makes the department a good fit for you?)  It is generally beneficial to keep the statement under two pages.
  • Indicate on your application any Duke Graduate Math Faculty whose work is close to your current area(s) of interest(s). 
  • If there are any particular faculty members you interested in working with, consider sending them a short email introducing yourself and letting them know that you applied.  (It does not obligate you to choose that faculty member as a thesis advisor.)  

NOTE: The Mathematics department has neither a Masters program, nor a separate track for students primarily interested in teaching. For teaching directions, we recommend Masters programs in Teaching or PhD programs in Mathematics Education. For advanced technical background supporting other professional development, other departments at Duke and other Universities have targeted Masters programs in areas like financial engineering, data science, and other applications.