Edit: Typo in the title, I can’t change it :/ I meant “What’s the math department like? Potential MS Student Here”

Hi! I recently was accepted into the MS of Mathematics program at Portland State. I don’t know if I’ve received a GA position yet but that’s likely to be a deciding factor on if I commit (as well as other programs getting back with me).

Former or current math grad students, what’s it like? I’ve never used a quarter system and Portland States seems a little strange (little to no classes in my field being offered summer quarter). My background is Math and Physics at a small out of state school in Arkansas, can anyone speak to the transition from living in a rural area to a large city like Portland. I’m particularly interested in Algebra as a research focus if anyone can speak to the algebrists in the department! Also, has anyone came in without a GA position but then quickly got one? I’m not able to take out loans for more than 1 quarter/semester.

Thanks guys, I’m excited to have been accepted!