Harvard (HST) and Linear Algebra

[matlas]

The HST website says the applicants should be comfortable with linear algebra: http://hms.harvard.edu/content/requirements-admission

Does anyone who has been accepted to HST know how strict this requirement is?

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[Euxox]

I haven't been accepted to HST (or applied to HST), but my understanding is that they aren't looking specifically for Linear Algebra on your transcript. Instead, they are looking for evidence that you have a strong knowledge of math. If Linear Algebra was a strict requirement they wouldn't say "be comfortable with", but "have completed." Even if Linear Algebra is a strict requirement, you probably won't need to have it completed by the time you apply, but by the time you matriculate (just as with other prereqs).

Anyway, that's enough speculation on my part. Why not just email the admissions committee and ask for a clarification?

 

[CrimsonKing]

Dude, it's HST.

You better be damn comfortable with Linear Algebra. If you aren't into advanced math, apply to New Pathway instead.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

HST is a track meant for students who want to do physical science research, hence the beefy math requirements. I seriously doubt they'd compromise on linear algebra because of that, and especially because this is ****ing Harvard we're talking about, a school that certainly has no shortage of applicants who meet the HST requirements and are still extremely competitive.

 

[erutha95]

.

 

[911 Turbo]

just take linear and deq... might as well lol

 

[MedPR]

The HST website says the applicants should be comfortable with linear algebra: http://hms.harvard.edu/content/requirements-admission

Does anyone who has been accepted to HST know how strict this requirement is?

I'd imagine it's fairly strict. As the others have said, this is Harvard we're talking about.

 

[galaxyx]

It's just linear algebra... If you're bright enough to be in a position reasonably apply to HST, you're bright enough to get "comfortable" with linear algebra in less than a week. It's not a hard subject.

 

[thesauce]

Dude, it's HST.

You better be damn comfortable with Linear Algebra. If you aren't into advanced math, apply to New Pathway instead.

Since when is linear algebra considered "advanced math?"

 

[CrimsonKing]

Since when is linear algebra considered "advanced math?"

Have you taken Linear Algebra? This isn't the same thing as "College Algebra".

Anything beyond Integral calculus is considered "Advanced Math", and Linear Algebra is generally studied between Multivariate Calc (Calc 3) and Differential Equations.

 

[thesauce]

Have you taken Linear Algebra? This isn't the same thing as "College Algebra".

Yes, I took it. Thanks for clarifying, but I don't think anyone thought it was the same as college algebra.

Anything beyond Integral calculus is considered "Advanced Math", and Linear Algebra is generally studied between Multivariate Calc (Calc 3) and Differential Equations.

Where did you come by this definition? In any case, linear algebra could be taken any time after pre-calc at my undergrad, and I'm not even sure why you needed to have that. Some kids had already taken it in high school.

 

[JGimpel]

Taking math through pre-calculus has been a pretty good way to fulfill most if not all of the math requirements for medical school. If you're really worried, taking NON-ENGINEERING Calculus 1 where you're most likely to get a good grade, probably at a CC, and you should have the requirements nailed. I think I remember only 4 colleges in the US that required a full year of NON-ENGINEERING Calculus and if you're applying there, your math classes are the last thing you'll have to worry about. I'd refer to the MSAR if you need anything more specific. By the way, did I mention that nobody has to take Engineering level Calculus or Physics to meet their requirements for med school?

 

[911 Turbo]

Taking math through pre-calculus has been a pretty good way to fulfill most if not all of the math requirements for medical school. If you're really worried, taking Calculus 1 where you're most likely to get a good grade, probably at a CC, and you should have the requirements nailed. I think I remember only 4 colleges in the US that required a full year of Calculus and if you're applying there, your math classes are the last thing you'll have to worry about. I'd refer to the MSAR if you need anything more specific.

Harvard HST's website suggests that the applicant be comfortable with math courses up to linear algebra and differential equations.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Since when is linear algebra considered "advanced math?"

Are you thinking of the right linear algebra? This isn't no y=mx+b stuff. There are only a few math classes left after linear algebra to be done with all the math you need for engineering.

 

[thesauce]

Are you thinking of the right linear algebra? This isn't no y=mx+b stuff.

Read the thread. We're talking about vectors and matrices.

There are only a few math classes left after linear algebra to be done with all the math you need for engineering.

"only a few" is correct. There are at least 3 or 4 after that. Engineering curricula typically finish math requirements in 4-5 semesters and linear algebra is one of the first.

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

Taking math through pre-calculus has been a pretty good way to fulfill most if not all of the math requirements for medical school. If you're really worried, taking NON-ENGINEERING Calculus 1 where you're most likely to get a good grade, probably at a CC, and you should have the requirements nailed. I think I remember only 4 colleges in the US that required a full year of NON-ENGINEERING Calculus and if you're applying there, your math classes are the last thing you'll have to worry about. I'd refer to the MSAR if you need anything more specific. By the way, did I mention that nobody has to take Engineering level Calculus or Physics to meet their requirements for med school?

HST is very different from normal med school programs. It not only wants a full year of calculus, but diff eq. and linear algebra, as well as calculus-based physics. IIRC they also want physical chemistry.

 

[FSU2013]

Where did you come by this definition? In any case, linear algebra could be taken any time after pre-calc at my undergrad, and I'm not even sure why you needed to have that. Some kids had already taken it in high school.

definitely agree with thesauce on this one. I was a physic major. The technically required math wasn't that much (through calc III, diff eq, lin alg, stats), but you basically had to get a math major (or teach yourself the equivalent through self-study as almost everyone did). Of all the math I learned, linear algebra was definitely the easiest. I would say it is intellectually on par with geometry. The applications of linear algebra are expansive and, as a subject, it can be extremely useful depending on what you're researching (probably why they want you to be comfortable with it), but it is not particularly tough to understand.

 

[Arbor Vitae]

Read the thread. We're talking about vectors and matrices.



"only a few" is correct. There are at least 3 or 4 after that. Engineering curricula typically finish math requirements in 4-5 semesters and linear algebra is one of the first.

fair enough, I'd still say it's the beginning of advanced math. It's what you take after calculus.

 

[911 Turbo]

Eh .....I consider everything after deq to be advanced

So the calc sequences, linear, and deq are not "advanced"

 

[JGimpel]

Harvard HST's website suggests that the applicant be comfortable with math courses up to linear algebra and differential equations.

First semester calculus should meet the requirements of most medical schools on the planet. If you've got to have something with the Harvard name on it, get an MPH or MBA from there. From the looks of it, you should complete a year of Calculus along with an upper division Biostatistics course to be eligible for their program.

Again, you have a whole pedigree of things to worry about before you even consider applying to HMS; if you want some help in determining if you'd even make it to that point, post in the "what are my chances" section.

Focus on being a physician first. Drop names only when you need to.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Eh .....I consider everything after deq to be advanced

So the calc sequences, linear, and deq are not "advanced"

They're also worthless to medical students, for the most part. Calc-based Physics, Calc II, III, Linear Algebra, and Diff Eq are certainly 'advanced' in the realm of medicine.

The HST program expects these because you're working in a physical science environment alongside engineers from MIT. You're going to need to be able to stand your own ground, and that's going to be a very high ground to stand upon.

Also, the HST program is amazing. 😍

 

[Narmerguy]

Linear Algebra isn't too bad, just look up some tutorials online and you'll see. I'd be surprised if they want to see an actual Linear Algebra class so much as demonstration of mathematical proficiency at a level beyond that which typical premeds have. For example, you better have more than just AP Calc experience or college calculus 1 & 2. If you're really curious though, try emailing/calling the school.

 

[pv515]

Where I come from, Linear Algebra is an almost entirely proof based class and is renowned to be one of the hardest courses at my school.

Consider yourselves lucky you only apparently have what's know as computational linear algebra.

 

[FSU2013]

Where I come from, Linear Algebra is an almost entirely proof based class and is renowned to be one of the hardest courses at my school.

Consider yourselves lucky you only apparently have what's know as computational linear algebra.

Geometry is proof based too, that doesn't make it hard. It's the same level of thought required. I would take linear algebra (don't care where or who teaches it) than complex variables or discrete math any day of the week. I suppose it could be harder than diff eqns or the intro calc series depending on who teaches it, but these arent the "hard" math classes offered to math majors.

 

[Narmerguy]

Geometry is proof based too, that doesn't make it hard. It's the same level of thought required. I would take linear algebra (don't care where or who teaches it) than complex variables or discrete math any day of the week. I suppose it could be harder than diff eqns or the intro calc series depending on who teaches it, but these arent the "hard" math classes offered to math majors.

A class can be advanced and/or difficult without being the hardest classes available for people who do it for a living. For example, one can take a class in advanced statistics without it being the "hard" statistics classes offered to stats majors.

To be honest, almost any college-level class can be made difficult if the professor cares to.

 

[phunky]

Linear Algebra is some of the most fundamental math there is, right up there with Real Analysis. If you don't have any Linear Algebra experience, I doubt you've been exposed to the amount of math they're looking for.

 

[ScholarStud]

Yes, I took it. Thanks for clarifying, but I don't think anyone thought it was the same as college algebra.



Where did you come by this definition? In any case, linear algebra could be taken any time after pre-calc at my undergrad, and I'm not even sure why you needed to have that. Some kids had already taken it in high school.

Linear algebra is the next class generally taken after diff eq in 99% of universities across the US

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Linear Algebra is some of the most fundamental math there is, right up there with Real Analysis. If you don't have any Linear Algebra experience, I doubt you've been exposed to the amount of math they're looking for.

😕

Linear Algebra =/= y=mx+b, it's mostly abstract math following some more tangible matrices and basic proofs.

Linear algebra is the next class generally taken after diff eq in 99% of universities across the US

Usually between Calc III and DE here.

As a math major, Linear Algebra was one of the tougher math courses at my university. It was entirely proof-based, none of that calculation gibberish from high school.

 

[thesauce]

Linear algebra is the next class generally taken after diff eq in 99% of universities across the US

And this thread just happens to be populated by several posters in the remaining 1%?

 

[ScholarStud]

And this thread just happens to be populated by several posters in the remaining 1%?

No, you misunderstand what Linear Algebra is.

 

[thesauce]

No, you misunderstand what Linear Algebra is.

Please enlighten me

 

[JGimpel]

Still not sure what the reason for this thread was; maybe one of these:

1. Pre-med wants to take advanced classes to get into HMS. They won't help; they're just requirements that get their box checked as you go through the application process. I would wait until you have an acceptance from HMS, then finish these requirements up as they ask for them.
2. Pre-med wants to take advanced math classes to make them more competitive for the other 99% of med schools that DON'T require them. They won't; anything beyond Calculus 1 will be looked at as an extra elective and it has little more than a week or two of application during your initial pharm classes and nothing thereafter. You will waste your time and possibly lower one of your GPAs if you go above and beyond in your math classes.

Again, let us know what HMS tells you when you get your acceptance packet and we'll try and help you from there.

 

[FSU2013]

No, you misunderstand what Linear Algebra is.

You do realize that just a few lines above he said that he took the course? Also pretty sure thesauce is a radonc resident, I.e. makes his living using applied mathematics to cure and provide palliative care for cancer patients - no big deal.

😕

Linear Algebra =/= y=mx+b, it's mostly abstract math following some more tangible matrices and basic proofs.



Usually between Calc III and DE here.

As a math major, Linear Algebra was one of the tougher math courses at my university. It was entirely proof-based, none of that calculation gibberish from high school.

I have a hard time believing someone who referenced the subject of real analysis thinks linear algebra means y=mx+b.

 

[Plue00]

It's just linear algebra... If you're bright enough to be in a position reasonably apply to HST, you're bright enough to get "comfortable" with linear algebra in less than a week. It's not a hard subject.

Really? I hear linear is one of the hardest? My mom (genius at math) said that was the hardest math class she's ever taken (still did well) and she pretty much aced the rest of her math classes in college. Also, a lot of my friends in engineer/math say it's really hard.

So I'm skeptical of how easy it is...

 

[ScholarStud]

There is nothing to be embarrassed about, really, please let us check snappy attitudes at the door. Linear algebra is math considered to be well beyond the scope of precalculus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_algebra

Linear algebra is central to both pure and applied mathematics. For instance, abstract algebra arises by relaxing the axioms of a vector space, leading to a number of generalizations. Functional analysis studies the infinite-dimensional version of the theory of vector spaces. Combined with calculus, linear algebra facilitates the solution of linear systems of differential equations.

You do realize that just a few lines above he said that he took the course? Also pretty sure thesauce is a radonc resident, I.e. makes his living using applied mathematics to cure and provide palliative care for cancer patients - no big deal.

No one questioned his credentials, although I don't see how that is relevant in the first place. The term "Linear Algebra" has simply been confused with high school algebra. A reasonable mistake, but still a mistake at that. I would rather be corrected on an online discussion board than in person--but that's just me.

 

[galaxyx]

Really? I hear linear is one of the hardest? My mom (genius at math) said that was the hardest math class she's ever taken (still did well) and she pretty much aced the rest of her math classes in college. Also, a lot of my friends in engineer/math say it's really hard.

So I'm skeptical of how easy it is...

Well, it seems to me from the gist of this thread that people have a wide variety of linear algebra experiences. I personally found it to be one of the easier classes I took in undergrad. I think it fell somewhere between vector calc (I guess calc III?) and diff eq in the order of things. But, I also had a major where we ended up using advanced math like diff eq and linear algebra generally before the math class fell in our schedules.
When every class you take involves complex differential equations, the clarity of linear algebra is refreshing. If the majority of your classes don't use a lot of math, I guess it could be hard.

 

[thesauce]

You do realize that just a few lines above he said that he took the course? Also pretty sure thesauce is a radonc resident, I.e. makes his living using applied mathematics to cure and provide palliative care for cancer patients - no big deal.

Very flattering, but the math is really what our physicists are for 😉

 

[thesauce]

There is nothing to be embarrassed about, really, please let us check snappy attitudes at the door. Linear algebra is math considered to be well beyond the scope of precalculus.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear_algebra

Linear algebra is central to both pure and applied mathematics. For instance, abstract algebra arises by relaxing the axioms of a vector space, leading to a number of generalizations. Functional analysis studies the infinite-dimensional version of the theory of vector spaces. Combined with calculus, linear algebra facilitates the solution of linear systems of differential equations.

No one questioned his credentials, although I don't see how that is relevant in the first place. The term "Linear Algebra" has simply been confused with high school algebra. A reasonable mistake, but still a mistake at that. I would rather be corrected on an online discussion board than in person--but that's just me.

No one has confused the two. I have no idea where you're getting this.

 

[Narmerguy]

No one has confused the two. I have no idea where you're getting this.

+1. Everyone has been on the same page with what class we're talking about, as hard as it may be for others to realize that there are plenty of us with similar math experience that still disagree with them.

 

[FSU2013]

+1. Everyone has been on the same page with what class we're talking about, as hard as it may be for others to realize that there are plenty of us with similar math experience that still disagree with them.

+2

 

[ScholarStud]

No one has confused the two. I have no idea where you're getting this.

There was confusion earlier in the thread.

 

[thesauce]

There was confusion earlier in the thread.

The thread isn't very long. Where?

 

[ScholarStud]

The thread isn't very long. Where?

Your post implied you did not understand that Linear Algebra was advanced math (in the relative sense that the general sequence is calc 1, calc 2, calc 3, THEN linear algebra and diff eq). I've never heard of anyone taking linear algebra before completing the full calc series.

Where did you come by this definition? In any case, linear algebra could be taken any time after pre-calc at my undergrad, and I'm not even sure why you needed to have that. Some kids had already taken it in high school.

 

[FSU2013]

Your post implied you did not understand that Linear Algebra was advanced math (in the relative sense that the general sequence is calc 1, calc 2, calc 3, THEN linear algebra and diff eq). I've never heard of anyone taking linear algebra before completing the full calc series.

I took it after calc 1.

Don't know why that was required....you never used any calc.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

I took it after calc 1.

Don't know why that was required....you never used any calc.

You could absolutely take Linear before Calc, but the additional exposure to Math certainly takes the edge off.

 

[thesauce]

Linear algebra is the next class generally taken after diff eq in 99% of universities across the US

And this thread just happens to be populated by several posters in the remaining 1%?

Your post implied you did not understand that Linear Algebra was advanced math (in the relative sense that the general sequence is calc 1, calc 2, calc 3, THEN linear algebra and diff eq). I've never heard of anyone taking linear algebra before completing the full calc series.

And now you have. We call ourselves the 1%ers.

 

[galaxyx]

I just checked the two schools I've attended and Calc II is a pre-req for linear algebra at both schools, not the whole series or diff eq.

 

[phunky]

I know. I'm graduating with a math degree this year. Linear algebra is fundamental to most advanced math. I'm talking actually advanced like Real Analysis, measure theory, and topology. A lot of what undergrads consider advanced math is really just advanced calculus.

😕

Linear Algebra =/= y=mx+b, it's mostly abstract math following some more tangible matrices and basic proofs.



Usually between Calc III and DE here.

As a math major, Linear Algebra was one of the tougher math courses at my university. It was entirely proof-based, none of that calculation gibberish from high school.

 

[JGimpel]

HEY MOM, I TOOK LINEAR ALGEBRA AND GOT INTO HARVARD!

Wait until you get the secondary app before you start fine tuning you last few semesters.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

HEY MOM, I TOOK LINEAR ALGEBRA AND GOT INTO HARVARD!

Wait until you get the secondary app before you start fine tuning you last few semesters.

Everyone gets a secondary from Harvard...

I wouldn't even worry about it until you have an acceptance in hand. HST is probably one of the most select programs in the country. We'll see if even the likes of Tots sneak in.