Math Major Questions

mathlegend

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2009
Messages
436
Reaction score
0
Is a math major really that hard to keep the GPA high? What makes it so hard? What classes are required? I searched some schools such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, Stanford. I can't quite understand what the typical class schedule is like. Are there any math majors that would like to share their schedules? What are the classes typically taken? Will there be enough room to comfortably fit the pre-med requirements in? Sorry for all the questions 😳

Members don't see this ad.
 
Im still considering. Usually schools have pre-reqs to a math major. Pre-reqs in order to be eligible to declare a math major consists of Calculus I and Calculus II. Math major can be very difficult because Calculus III, Multivariate, Differential Equations are all very complicated to those who dont have a good math background. As you will probably see in calc II, a lot of your class mates will do horrible on there exams and not understand many of the concepts.

Math is arguably one of the hardest majors at any school if you ask people. It has a lot to do with engineering and physics and such (i suppose the other way around, you can understand though why its difficult)...

Since pre-med requires you to take Calc 1 and some schools calc 2, they would fit in just fine. Instead of taking upper level bio courses as bio majors would who are pursuing med school, you would just be taking upper level math courses.

The beauty of college is that you can pick whatever courses and make your schedule however you want. As long as you can take your major courses and plan when to fulfill pre-med courses it should be fine. If your really good at math, i would suggest finishing most of your pre-reqs early on. That way getting A's in Calc 1 and 2 will significantly boost your GPA if you happen to fall a little behind in your pre-req coureses for med school.
 
Well personally I thought that it shouldn't be too bad, since if I say so, my math isn't too bad. I'm a sophomore in high school right now, and I'm taking calculus BC. I'll be taking multivariable calc, linear algebra, and differential equations by the end of my high school years. I never really had trouble in math before. I had a tiny bit at the beginning of this year, since I skipped Calc AB. I also managed to make the AIME through the AMC 12 this year and just took the AIME today, so I guess I'm kind of good in those kinds of math that aren't taught at school.

So I'll be able to fit the med school requirements in as electives?

And also later on in college, should I retake calculus or use my AP credit (counting I get 4 or 5)? And since I'll be taking multivariable, linear algebra, differential equations at a community college, should I take that again in college or transfer credits?
 
Members don't see this ad :)
As a math major once upon a time, I can throw out a few classes that you'd end up taking as a math major.

Calc. I & II (and more) - your basic differential and integral calculuses. Similar U.S.-wide. Differential has you do lots of derivatives and integral has you do lots of integrals. Advanced stuff would be Multivariate, differential equations, etc., as Ey said.
Discrete Mathematics - as the name implies, this deals with discrete numbers. This contains some basic graph theory (Look up the Seven Bridges of Koenigsberg.) You'll do some basic proofs here too.
Linear Algebra - All about matrices. Add them, multiply them, solve them, love them.
Analysis - This gets into some of the heavier mathematics. This is a proof-heavy class that essentially proves the facts you learned in calc. Expect to prove that lines are continuous, integrals exists, etc.
Probability and Statistics - These were a two class set in my undergrad. Probability first (lots of cards, dice, etc.), then how statistics is built off of probability. Not a ton of proofs here, but some of my favorite stuff.

As a final note, have you two thought about majoring in statistics? Usually a separate major or a sub-major under mathematics. Still fairly rigourous (and math heavy), but I think it will give you a better nod in med schools.
 
So I'll be able to fit the med school requirements in as electives?

Oh yeah, definitely. From what I've seen, math has fewer requirements than many majors. You'll easily have time for all your pre-reqs, plus a biochem class and a few other advanced bio classes.

And also later on in college, should I retake calculus or use my AP credit (counting I get 4 or 5)? And since I'll be taking multivariable, linear algebra, differential equations at a community college, should I take that again in college or transfer credits?
No way to re-taking it. For your main pre-reqs, med schools might prefer a regular college, but for calc., etc., just start on some upper level math classes. Transfer the classes and take French or cooking in your extra time. Seriously, have at least one semester where you slack off. You'll thank yourself later.
 
I might think think about statistics. I'm not sure how much I like it; I think I'll have a better idea next year when I take AP statistics.

No way to re-taking it. For your main pre-reqs, med schools might prefer a regular college, but for calc., etc., just start on some upper level math classes. Transfer the classes and take French or cooking in your extra time. Seriously, have at least one semester where you slack off. You'll thank yourself later.
Awesome. Hurrah for transferring credits!
 
I just want to emphasize a couple of the points made by other posters here.

1) Math majors are doable, but are usually a very bad idea for people who don't enjoy the material or who can't think in very abstract terms. There are fewer classes required for a math major than for other majors like biology that require a sampling of other science courses before even letting students dive into the specifics. Common required classes are calc 1&2, linear algebra, multivariate, differential equations, advanced linear algebra, and electives such as number theory, dynamical systems, fourier analysis, mathematical statistics (not the same as regular statistics, fyi), etc.

2) Don't decide if you want to be a math major until you get to college. It sounds like you've done very well with math so far, but calculus and other courses like dynamical systems, fourier analysis, and even multivariate are very very different. When you make your way farther down the math chain, it will be very common to rely very heavily on proofs (and I'm not talking about the proofs you learned in geometry). I TAed for a proof class, and watched about 25% of the declared math majors at my school decide right then that math wasn't for them after all. It's better not to make your decisions quite yet.

3) Most math classes are short 1-2 hour classes 2-3 times per week. There are no labs, but there will probably be mandatory workshops or recitations that will take up a couple of hours of your time each week, so be prepared for that.

4) If you have AP credit, don't retake calc in college. You can use that credit to place into a higher level math series in college. That's what I did, and the series condensed 6 semesters of math into 4 semesters and taught proof-writing skills from day one. It was a beautiful, beautiful thing.

5) The community college credits are a little bit trickier. Since they aren't med school pre-reqs, not re-taking wouldn't hurt your med school chances. Unfortunately, there is a very solid chance that your undergraduate college won't accept the transfer credits, so if you want math as your major, you should be prepared to re-take.
 
So I should probably go into college as "undecided"?

What are recitations?

Is the pure math major full of proofs? What about statistics major?

I guess that would be okay...at least I should have an easier time in it later on in college.
 
So I should probably go into college as "undecided"?

What are recitations?

Is the pure math major full of proofs? What about statistics major?

I guess that would be okay...at least I should have an easier time in it later on in college.

I'm an applied math & statistics major. I stayed away from pure math because like you said, its full of proofs and lot fo abstract concepts. I find applied math a lot more fun. Being a math major will lead you to be a math teacher. Applied math is pretty much the same, although with stats you could become an actuary or something.

I enjoy stats, its fun to me. There are people who hate it. You'll just have to see what fits you best.

I'm double majoring my applied math major with chemical engineering, and a lot of the classes overlap.

As far as math classes go, I've taken Calc I & II, multivariable (calc 3) and diff eq (calc 4). Calc II was teh horror, calc 3 was okay, calc 4 was cool.

Took linear algebra, which I hated. What the **** is a kernal?

Took enumaration, which is basically probability proofs and problems. Not bad.

Took graph theory which is a lot of fun. Look it up on wiki if you're interested.

Took game theory, which conceptually is a mind****, but now I can strut around pretending I'm John Nash.

Took some probability and statistics, which were a lot of fun, and I've also TAed several probably & stats classes. Stats is a good thing to know if you want to be able to evaluate medical studies intelligently.


Consider engineering though. If you pick something like chemical engineering for example, your first semester will consist of intro calc, intro programming, gen chem etc... You'll be on your way and starting out with classes you'll need for a math major, a chem engineering major, and a premed. If you're good with math engineering can be a good fit, you'll actually be applying those cluster**** differential equations instead of just deriving them and patting yourself on the back.
 
Hm...I'm guessing perhaps I'll like applied math/stats more than pure math. I don't particularly enjoy proofs.

Calc 2 isn't that bad...I'm finding it so far easier than Calc 1. (Assuming that 2nd semester of calc BC is calc 2 and 1st semester is calc 1) Perhaps since I skipped AB...so the teacher went a bit faster on those topics.

I considered engineering (aerospace and mechanical), but it does seem like more work. I kind if view it unnecessary, unless I am actually going to be an engineer as my job. Though I guess only time will tell what I'll be doing.
 
So I should probably go into college as "undecided"?

What are recitations?

Is the pure math major full of proofs? What about statistics major?

I guess that would be okay...at least I should have an easier time in it later on in college.

Most people are undecided when they first get to college, and those who aren't usually change their mind at least once before freshman year is over. The only real exception is engineering which generally requires students to start immediately and stick with it to get things done on time. Personally, I started as a chem major, switched to math, switched to theatre, and then finally settled on neuro. You don't need to fill out any forms to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year, so take your time and play around a bit.

Recitations are a shorter version of workshops where students work with a TA to go over problems from lecture or the textbook. Some students find them helpful, others think of them as really boring torture.

Yes, pure math majors need to deal with many, many proofs. More than that, they need to memorize the famous ones and be able to recreate them at will. I can still remember the proof of Gauss' Law. It has been permanently burned into my brain. Statistics majors can vary from school to school...and depending on the type of course you may end up with more proofs than you would expect. Applied math involves fewer proofs as the last poster said, you may want to look into that.
 
Whoa, theatre. That seems kind of out of place, compared to your other switches. So basically most college kids take general courses the first 2 years in addition to some courses in the subject they think they'll major in?

Are TAs in college helpful? And I'm guessing that recitations are mandatory?

Applied math is sounding nicer and nicer...proofs are nightmares for me. It even took me a while to memorize the proof for product/quotient rule for calc...though I think I forgot them already.
 
Oh yeah, definitely. From what I've seen, math has fewer requirements than many majors. You'll easily have time for all your pre-reqs, plus a biochem class and a few other advanced bio classes.

This varies among schools, math majors don't have that much free time at my school, but the pre-med stuff is definitely doable. Just make sure you plan your schedule early.

I just want to emphasize a couple of the points made by other posters here.

1) Math majors are doable, but are usually a very bad idea for people who don't enjoy the material or who can't think in very abstract terms. There are fewer classes required for a math major than for other majors like biology that require a sampling of other science courses before even letting students dive into the specifics. Common required classes are calc 1&2, linear algebra, multivariate, differential equations, advanced linear algebra, and electives such as number theory, dynamical systems, fourier analysis, mathematical statistics (not the same as regular statistics, fyi), etc.

2) Don't decide if you want to be a math major until you get to college. It sounds like you've done very well with math so far, but calculus and other courses like dynamical systems, fourier analysis, and even multivariate are very very different. When you make your way farther down the math chain, it will be very common to rely very heavily on proofs (and I'm not talking about the proofs you learned in geometry). I TAed for a proof class, and watched about 25% of the declared math majors at my school decide right then that math wasn't for them after all. It's better not to make your decisions quite yet.

3) Most math classes are short 1-2 hour classes 2-3 times per week. There are no labs, but there will probably be mandatory workshops or recitations that will take up a couple of hours of your time each week, so be prepared for that.

4) If you have AP credit, don't retake calc in college. You can use that credit to place into a higher level math series in college. That's what I did, and the series condensed 6 semesters of math into 4 semesters and taught proof-writing skills from day one. It was a beautiful, beautiful thing.

5) The community college credits are a little bit trickier. Since they aren't med school pre-reqs, not re-taking wouldn't hurt your med school chances. Unfortunately, there is a very solid chance that your undergraduate college won't accept the transfer credits, so if you want math as your major, you should be prepared to re-take.

I agree about the not being absolutely sure until you get in college. I entered college as a math major, switched a few times and came back. But that was only after taking a math major class that I absolutely loved. You really can't know what to expect as a math major until you get into the more abstract stuff.

I have never had a math recitation or had to go to the math lab, but this of course varies from school to school. Ask when you go for orientation or something.

So I should probably go into college as "undecided"?

What are recitations?

Is the pure math major full of proofs? What about statistics major?

I guess that would be okay...at least I should have an easier time in it later on in college.

Pure math is proofs, yes. But you also can get into research. I'm focusing on my research this semester and next year and I'm really starting to love it. Not gonna lie, it gets super frustrating since most of the time you won't deal with numbers at all. But when something works out, it's an amazing feeling.

Just to reiterate, being a math major is not like calculus or math in high school. Most of my classes don't use numbers, which is crazy to think, but pure math boils down to more than just numbers. It's the theory behind it. It's not for everyone, but it's definitely doable. I have a 4.0 through this and my other major plus pre-med stuff, so if you stay on top of it all, you'll be fine.

😀 Yay math!
 
Members don't see this ad :)
Well personally I thought that it shouldn't be too bad, since if I say so, my math isn't too bad. I'm a sophomore in high school right now, and I'm taking calculus BC. I'll be taking multivariable calc, linear algebra, and differential equations by the end of my high school years. I never really had trouble in math before. I had a tiny bit at the beginning of this year, since I skipped Calc AB. I also managed to make the AIME through the AMC 12 this year and just took the AIME today, so I guess I'm kind of good in those kinds of math that aren't taught at school.

So I'll be able to fit the med school requirements in as electives?

And also later on in college, should I retake calculus or use my AP credit (counting I get 4 or 5)? And since I'll be taking multivariable, linear algebra, differential equations at a community college, should I take that again in college or transfer credits?

Man, you're a sophmore and thinking about all this stuff? College was the furthest thing from my mind when I was in your shoes, although this was probably a bad thing. But yeah, those upper level, abstract, math classes were just too difficult for me, I had to stick more to the applied courses.
 
I'm a few weeks from ending my junior year, and here are my reflections on the matter. I started a Chemical Engineering major, then I was a Biomedical Engineering major, and finally, I have settled as a Chemistry major.

The reason why I switched to a Chemistry major is because of the premed gpa game. I always loved math and science, and I always enjoyed how hard some of the more technical classes forced you to think. I enjoyed that specific type of intellectual stimulation, and I loved the process of tackling a really stubborn hard problem from multiple different angles before it finally got solved. But I faced a dilemma early in college. I could either stay with a technical major I enjoyed, or switch to an easier major I could do better in. I decided that my desire to become a physician trumped my desire to keep a challenging technical major, and I ultimately switched to a Chemistry degree track (which is much easier in my opinion). If I could do it again, I would probably pick either Biomedical Engineering or Physics as my major, but definitely not Chemistry.

Here's the secret lesson that I learned: if you really enjoy something, you will always find a way to do well in it. The reason is because working hard in something you enjoy is not drudgery; in fact, it's something you get a kick out of.

Here I am, having picked a Chemistry major for its easiness but yet still electing to take the hardest graduate level quantum mechanics courses I can get my hands on. My transcript proves my point. In many of my hardest classes, I have gotten As. In many of my easiest classes, I have gotten A-s and B+s, simply because for me, the satisfaction of succeeding in a really challenging task was always an extra incentive in it of itself.

Anyway, hope that gives you any insights.
 
Man, you're a sophmore and thinking about all this stuff? College was the furthest thing from my mind when I was in your shoes, although this was probably a bad thing. But yeah, those upper level, abstract, math classes were just too difficult for me, I had to stick more to the applied courses.
Heh yea. I cant help thinking ahead. Are all upper level math classes abstract? Or just some?
 
Anyway, hope that gives you any insights.
Yep, it does. I guess I'll go into college and try some math/physics classes and see how those go. Perhaps I'll be like most people and switch my major a few times along the way. I'll eventually find something right for me 😀
 
Heh yea. I cant help thinking ahead. Are all upper level math classes abstract? Or just some?

Not all of them are. And it does depend on your concentration as well. I'm concentrating in pure math, so my courses tend to be more proof-based and critical thinking-y. But I have taken upper level classes than are computational as well. But no matter then concentration, I think you'll be surprised by the amount you actually use numbers in the courses (not that it's a bad thing, just different).

Today, I ran for Treasurer of an honors society, and I pulled the I'm a math major so I'm good with numbers card. But as I was saying it I realized that was BS because I'm in 3 math classes this semester and have yet to solve for x or any of that other fun computation stuff. I probably shouldn't have won compared to the accounting girl that ran (at least based on the "my major will help me" argument), but I'm not complaining. 🙂
 
So if aren't acually working with numbers and solving for stuff, what do you do in those math courses?

Heh I ran for treasurer for student council before...I said that my math is good and it will help me...and it was then that I realized the treasurer at my school pretty much just had to know how to add/subtract.
 
So if aren't acually working with numbers and solving for stuff, what do you do in those math courses?

Heh I ran for treasurer for student council before...I said that my math is good and it will help me...and it was then that I realized the treasurer at my school pretty much just had to know how to add/subtract.

Well, of course, treasurer of student organizations don't do real math, but it's always a nice thing to add when you have to give a speech.

In these math courses, you learn theory. For instance, in my advanced calculus class, we are relearning calculus from the beginning, since when you first learn it, you learn the "simple way" - the only way that is necessary for the calculations. Yet there is much more to it than what Calc AB or BC or even multivariable teaches. In another class, I am reasearching how electromagnetic waves should act when they cross through a barrier (seems like physics, but we all know physics is a lot of math) - trust me it's way more complicated than it sounds. Other classes, learning how to write logical proofs and actually proving things. Pure math isn't a whole lot of application of math, it's learning the theory behind all that math we take for granted. We proved that 0 < 1 in my class this year (solely based on the fact that a + 0 = a and a * 1 = a and 0=/=1). It truly is interesting to see all this stuff. And it's funny how the stuff we take for granted is always the hardest stuff to understand with pure theory.

I do research in applied math, and take a lot of pure math classes so I kinda understand those two aspects. As far as statistics and actuarial stuff, I'm at a loss. Maybe someone else can help out there.
 
As far as applying undecided, since it seems like you are interested in math, I would go ahead and apply as a math major. You can always change if you don't like it.
 
In these math courses, you learn theory. For instance, in my advanced calculus class, we are relearning calculus from the beginning, since when you first learn it, you learn the "simple way" - the only way that is necessary for the calculations. Yet there is much more to it than what Calc AB or BC or even multivariable teaches. In another class, I am reasearching how electromagnetic waves should act when they cross through a barrier (seems like physics, but we all know physics is a lot of math) - trust me it's way more complicated than it sounds. Other classes, learning how to write logical proofs and actually proving things. Pure math isn't a whole lot of application of math, it's learning the theory behind all that math we take for granted. We proved that 0 < 1 in my class this year (solely based on the fact that a + 0 = a and a * 1 = a and 0=/=1). It truly is interesting to see all this stuff. And it's funny how the stuff we take for granted is always the hardest stuff to understand with pure theory.

Proofs dont seem too fun. 🙁 Perhaps I'll be staying away from pure math...
 
As far as applying undecided, since it seems like you are interested in math, I would go ahead and apply as a math major. You can always change if you don't like it.
Cool. 😀 The lower lvl courses for all math majors are the same right? So in the first year, if I dont know what kind of math I want to major in, I can just take lower lvl/general/premed classes?
 
Well personally I thought that it shouldn't be too bad, since if I say so, my math isn't too bad. I'm a sophomore in high school right now, and I'm taking calculus BC. I'll be taking multivariable calc, linear algebra, and differential equations by the end of my high school years. I never really had trouble in math before. I had a tiny bit at the beginning of this year, since I skipped Calc AB. I also managed to make the AIME through the AMC 12 this year and just took the AIME today, so I guess I'm kind of good in those kinds of math that aren't taught at school.

So I'll be able to fit the med school requirements in as electives?

And also later on in college, should I retake calculus or use my AP credit (counting I get 4 or 5)? And since I'll be taking multivariable, linear algebra, differential equations at a community college, should I take that again in college or transfer credits?

MY friend....if you passed the AMC 12 and landed a place on the AIME....forget what i said and major in math. Most of the stuff will be review.....if you want to take the easy way out and maximize your GPA....i recommend that you DONT report your AP scores or leave out the Calculus (idk if this system is possible)

This is because...you will get A's in Calc 1, Calc 2, Multi Calc 3, Diff Equations, Linear ALgeb....and your gpa will be strong as hell.


BTW AIME is extremely impressive, Hope you score high enough to be eligible for USAMO
 
Even if I submit my AP scores, wouldn't it be optional for me to use it or not?

Thanks. I don't think I'll make the USAMO this year...I'll try again for next 🙂
 
Cool. 😀 The lower lvl courses for all math majors are the same right? So in the first year, if I dont know what kind of math I want to major in, I can just take lower lvl/general/premed classes?

As far as I know they are, but again, each school is different. And proofs aren't so bad once you get used to them, but if you're the type of person that likes applying math, they probably aren't gonna be your favorite thing.

Even if I submit my AP scores, wouldn't it be optional for me to use it or not?

Thanks. I don't think I'll make the USAMO this year...I'll try again for next 🙂

Also depends on the school I believe.
 
Cool. 😀 The lower lvl courses for all math majors are the same right? So in the first year, if I dont know what kind of math I want to major in, I can just take lower lvl/general/premed classes?


Pretty much all the calcs are the same. For example, at OSU, 151,152,153 is the calc series for pretty much everyone. There are lower level maths, but those are like College algebra,etc. So as far as lower level, you would be fine just doing the regular calc series. I would steer away from like "Calc in bio applicatioms, etc" type courses though.
 
Heh yea. I cant help thinking ahead. Are all upper level math classes abstract? Or just some?

Not all, but of course, if you major in math, you'll have to take your share of abstract courses. I only got a minor in math, and thus, I managed to stay away from these types of classes. Applied math is much more my thing, which is why I majored in physics I guess. Nevertheless, you seem to have great potential, keep it up. Best of luck of with everything.
 
if you are a walking human calculator (much like myself) then a math major is a breeze. many people decide to major in math because they thought algebra II was easy in high school. if you take ap calculus and sleep through every class and still ace the tests and the ap exam, then you could probably handle a math major.

most math majors include: calculus I, II, III, a math proof class, differential equations, abstract and linear algebra, and then some electives such as number theory and probability theory and complex variables.
 
I don't sleep, but I find it fairly easy 🙂

So each year, what are the general courses needed? Are english, history, languages still required?
 
I don't sleep, but I find it fairly easy 🙂

So each year, what are the general courses needed? Are english, history, languages still required?

You don't sleep???

Courses change depending on the school, but I can basically promise that you'll need some language, english, and maybe history no matter where you go. You'll probably also need some humanities, social sciences, and basic science classes. Your undergrad will have a catalog that outlines all of that for you. Just check that out and go from there. They usually have suggested courses by year, as well. That is very helpful to use as a guideline.
 
Oops! Of course I sleep, I love sleep. I meant I don't sleep in class (at least not math...its fun!)

The basic science classes are basically the prereqs for med school, right? I'll look up the schools I want to attend (pretty much UCs...) to see what their required courses are and stuffs
 
I don't sleep, but I find it fairly easy 🙂

So each year, what are the general courses needed? Are english, history, languages still required?

I had a bunch of AP credits coming in, so if I had wanted to, I could have easily graduated without taking any of these classes.
 
Oops! Of course I sleep, I love sleep. I meant I don't sleep in class (at least not math...its fun!)

The basic science classes are basically the prereqs for med school, right? I'll look up the schools I want to attend (pretty much UCs...) to see what their required courses are and stuffs

Haha... makes more sense. Even your generic math major has to take some science but the premeds of course have to take more.

I had a bunch of AP credits coming in, so if I had wanted to, I could have easily graduated without taking any of these classes.

A great example of differences between schools. There's no possible way someone could test out of all our general education stuff. Totally sucks. I came in with 40 hours of credit and still have done my fair share of gen ed's. But at least they offer variety to my otherwise very science-y schedule.
 
I won't have that many APs. I'll only be taking AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Physics B, AP Spanish, AP Literature and Composition, AP Chem (hopefully...if school will still offer it), AP Econ/Gov (perhaps). I'm passing on the AP histories since I'm not too great and enthusiastic about history
 
I won't have that many APs. I'll only be taking AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Physics B, AP Spanish, AP Literature and Composition, AP Chem (hopefully...if school will still offer it), AP Econ/Gov (perhaps). I'm passing on the AP histories since I'm not too great and enthusiastic about history
That seems like a lot to me... My school doesn't even offer that many. ._.
 
xD I think my school offers 16 APs. Calc AB, Calc BC, Stats, Physics B, Chem, Bio, Environmental Science, European History, US History, American Government, Economics, Art, Spanish, French, English Lit+Composition, English Language+Composition
 
Top