How to apply

• Request for Information
• Application Instructions — For full consideration, application materials are due by February 1 for admission the following Fall.
• Application Status Check

Required Materials

• Application and Fee: The application form (U.S. Citizens: International ) and non-refundable application fee are required. The fee is waived if you are an ISU undergraduate. ISU undergraduates can apply online with a $5 fee or they can use the paper application procedure for no charge.
• Official Transcripts: One official set from every college attended. Be sure to include grades and credits earned along with degree received (if applicable). Foreign transcripts need to include an official English translation. Please send a photocopy or an unofficial transcript to the Math Office with other materials. Students can send one copy of official transcripts to Math and we'll photocopy and forward official paperwork to Graduate Admissions.
• Statement of Purpose: A brief essay describing your academic and career goals and how this program will help you meet those goals. If you complete this as part of the online application, you do not need to send an additional statement.
• Resume/Curriculum Vita
• Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to your potential for graduate study in mathematics are required. Students who have attended REU or other similar programs, are encouraged to have a letter from their supervisor or program director. Letters from individuals not able to assess mathematics can be sent but should be above the required three letters and could be emailed or postal mailed to the department with the following form attached.. They can be submitted using the online application process or sent to the address below. If they are submitted online, a paper copy does not need to be sent.
  • Graduate College Letter of Recommendation (PDF)
• Supplemental Applicant Information Form: Mathematics requires this additional form which can be sent by postal mail or email. You can access the form in the following two formats:
  • Supplemental Applicant Information Form (MS Word)
  • Supplemental Applicant Information Form (PDF)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Scores: Official Quantitative, Analytical, and Verbal GRE scores are required for all applicants. Advanced (subject) GRE in Mathematics is not required, but applicants are strongly encouraged to submit advanced GRE scores. Since it takes approximately 3-4 weeks for the official copy of your test scores to reach ISU and be processed, please take your test early enough to allow the scores to reach ISU prior to the application deadline. If you designate Iowa State University as one of the institutions to which scores must be sent by ETS (while making arrangements to take the test), the scores go directly to the Graduate Admissions Office and are entered into an online system available to departments. If you do not pay the application fee, we cannot access your scores and your application will be incomplete. You should include a photocopy in your application materials, but official scores are required for admission. Special instructions for current Iowa State students: Instead of GRE scores, ISU students should have taken Math 301 and Math 414 prior to application.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or IELTS: A minimum score of 79 on the iBT TOEFL, with at least a 20 on the speaking portion (21 preferred) is required of nonnative English speakers. In lieu of the TOEFL, a score of 7.0 on the IELTS will be accepted. Official scores must be received directly from ETS. Since it takes approximately 3-4 weeks for the official copy of your test scores to reach ISU, please take your test early enough to allow the scores to reach ISU prior to the application deadline. If you designate Iowa State University as one of the institutions to which scores must be sent by ETS (while making arrangements to take the test), the scores go directly to the Graduate Admissions Office and are entered into an online system accessible by departments. Applications are not reviewed without a TOEFL score meeting the minimum.

Other Information:

• Test of Spoken English (TSE) and Test of Written English (TWE) scores are not required.

What to Send to Mathematics (address below):

• Copy of GRE scores (or listed on application, resume, supplemental information form)
• Copy of TOEFL or IELTS score
• Statement of Purpose (if not submitted in online application)
• Resume
• Supplemental Applicant Information Form
• Unofficial or photocopy of transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation (if not submitted electronically)

What to Send to Office of Admissions, 100 Enrollment Services, ISU, Ames, IA 50011-2011:

• Official Transcripts (all schools attended)
• Official TOEFL (sent by testing services)
• Official GRE (sent by testing services)
• Financial Statement (international students only)

Do not send paper copies of the following to Graduate Admissions:

• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume
• Supplemental Applicant Information Form

Mailing Address:

Mail Program Envelope To:
Mathematics Graduate Program
396E Carver Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2064

Email Address:

merick@iastate.edu

Note: International students can include both sets of materials in one envelope and we'll forward the correct materials onto Graduate Admissions.