What are the criteria for a successful application?
-> An excellent and well-written personal statement that shows a solid background in mathematics
-> Excellent grades
-> Letters of recommendation from professors or university lecturers who know you well and who can vouch for your academic and mathematical abilities.
My grades are not all excellent. Do I still have a chance?
Yes, a well-written personal statement, additional documents that show mathematical experience (such as extra courses, conference or workshop attendances) and detailed and excellent letters of recommendation can make up for some bad grades. All applications are viewed as a whole.
Can I ask a professional colleague to submit a Letter of Recommendation for me?
Both letters of recommendation should be from professors or university teachers who know you well and can vouch for your academic and mathematical abilities. Letters not written by academic advisors are usually not helpful to us.
What should my personal statement include?
Your personal statement (letter of motivation) should be at least one full page or at most two pages long. It should describe your academic and career plans as well as your motivation and scientific interests.
The BMS embraces diversity. In line with our goal of striving to achieve a gender-balanced student body, we strongly encourage applicants of all genders to write confidently about their achievements.
Make your personal statement stand out:
- by describing your motivation and enthusiasm for mathematics,
- by showing the depth and breadth of your interest in the subject,
- by explaining what inspires you to continue studying math,
- and by demonstrating your commitment and your potential to excel.
When writing your personal statement, make sure you also provide answers to the following questions:
- What are your mathematical interests?
- How, where and when did they develop?
- What mathematical fields are you particularly interested in and why?
- Why do you think the BMS is the right choice for you?
- Which BMS faculty member would you like to work with and why?
Phase II: I am open to many research ideas and don't have a clear plan for my doctoral project yet. What should I write in the research statement?
Phase II applicants should already be knowledgeable in their research area and have an idea of whom they would like to work with at the BMS. It should explain the applicant’s ideas with respect to their future dissertation, as well as outline the underlying research project. While applicants should be familiar with the research of potential supervisors, prior contact with our faculty members is not necessary. However the applicant should mention in the research statement who could be a suitable supervisor. A description of all BMS research areas and lists of relevant faculty members can be found here: www.math-berlin.de/academics/rta
