<p>I am currently working on my Masters in Math so list all the classes that I need. Realism works only to “fuel” my desire to continue on. </p>
<p>I was told from young that I would not be able to accomplish ANYTHING. Here I am graduated Summa Cum Laude and working on a Masters in Math. All when my HS teachers questioned weather I would be able to attend college at all. </p>
<p>I just do not feel the need to list all my accomplishments as so many have done because the only thing I wanted was a list of courses for Math that I can select from my grad school from people who have already tried to get in. That is all. I will compare it to the list that my counselors give. Considering that all my HS Counselors did was suggest that a person of my impoverished background would be better off in a vocation, I approach all counselors with eye brows raised. </p>
<p>Now that you have told me that entering Harvard was long shot. Tell me what is needed to make that long shot. Better yet tell me why YOU didn’t get in so that way I do not make the same errors. You have pointed out only publication. Was that the only reason? As for the grades in the Math courses that is nothing I need to worry about. I work at the problems and get the answers. Sometimes it requires a lot of work and sometimes I can sense the answer. The only time I will believe I can not get in is when Harvard says so. But if I work at getting into Harvard the qualifications to enter into a PHD Math elsewhere would be covered already. I aim high because anything else is not considered trying in my book. I have time on my side. </p>
<p>So no I am not the “traditional” applicant to a PHD in math program but why should I stop trying? WEB De Bois was not the typical college student when he applied in the 1800’s. So again way should I be “realistic” as you aptly put it. If MLK Jr had be “realistic” I would still be sitting on the back of the bus. It takes a dreamer to make a dream come true.</p>