Being a girl...

<p>I know that women are traditionally underrepresented in math and science, but how big of an issue is it really?
(if you're a math major and female) Do you have any issues with sexism, both apparent or subtle?
(if you're in math beyond gen ed) What percentage would you say of your class if female?
I've read that women are more underrepresented in math still than other sciences, though if you have any info on these questions relating to other sciences, I'd love to hear the answers! Thanks!</p>

<p>Lots of asian girls in my classes (like 25% of total class). Not many of other races. As a whole, they’re underrepresented.</p>

<p>And it’s common for a slightly-above mediocre white girl to get into a top tier grad school (MIT, Berkeley, etc) for math.</p>

<p>I don’t know if they deal with sexism. I hope they don’t. But maybe I’ll ask my friend next time we go hang out.</p>

<p>I’m a math and comp sci major who is male. So I nothing about other fields.</p>

<p>In advanced math and cs courses (courses for math majors), there are around 3-4 girls per 25-ish person class. </p>

<p>I TAed calc I and about half the class was female. This is really subjective, but I felt there was just as many “bright” female as male students (A or high B students), but the “average” male did better than the “average” girl. Also, of my 25 student class, 5 got Ds or lower and only one was male. </p>

<p>I feel theoretical fields (math, physics, etc.) have fewer girls than even other STEM fields.</p>

<p>I don’t know too much about there struggles (if any) they have gone through though. I’ve seen strong students who went to great high schools (both male and female) and I’ve seen first gen STEM college students struggle a bit(both male and female) and some in between. </p>

<p>Feel free to ask anything else if you feel I missed something.</p>

<p>@louie412 … I know this is off topic and forgive me if I’m being too direct here, but , why are you asking this? I am simply curious, that’s all. </p>

<p>(I’ve always known girls to be less lazy and more hardworking and hence they usually triumph over guys even in math/CS fields. Under representation however, is another issue though.)</p>

<p>I don’t mind you being direct, rishavmadcapped!
Well, I’m interested in math and science, and I’m female. I guess I don’t really have much of another reason. I’ve read some articles about discrimination in professional fields and how women sometimes drop higher math and science careers due to the lack of female influence, among other things and wondered if this is present in college. Like you, I suppose I’m curious, due mostly to the fact that I could be in this situation at some point.
Thanks for all of the feedback!</p>

<p>Sex discrimination is more a problem that was present in the past. But as the older engineers and managers have retired, this discrimination has pretty much disappeared. </p>

<p>There is some discrimination by personality traits. For example; extroverts usually get more noticed (i.e. better assignments, better pay, etc.) than introverts. But, even these things are not deal breakers as a good manager will coax that introvert into speaking up and making contributions at design meetings, for example. I use the example of introverts verses extroverts as, although many engineers can be described as introverts, from my observation a higher percentage of the women seem to get the introvert label. It then gives the impression to someone from the outside that there is discrimination based on sex when it is really by personality trait. {You don’t need to be a extrovert only to succeed, but wall flowers tend to get missed amongst their peers. If you have something to add, speak up, that is what you are being paid to do. Besides the introvert/extrovert issue is no different is any other field}</p>

<p>So, if you enjoy the STEM fields, go for it. Select a career that is something you like to do. You’ll enjoy it and do well.</p>

<p>You’re asking specifically about math? If so I’d say the few math classes I took had more males than females but it wasn’t extremely one sided. Maybe 1/3 female 2/3 male. I don’t think you’ll encounter any issues of sexism.</p>

<p>I am a female as well and am considering majoring in mathematics and engineering. Truth is, any team would either LOVE or HATE to have a strong, smart woman on their side. Rarely would a team accept a mediocre man in mathematics as opposed to having an amazing, strong female on their side. Sexism is always evident in ANY profession involving men. That’s life. “Men are superior. Women can’t be paid more than their husband.” GO AGAINST THAT. Don’t let articles that exemplify statistic charts that intimidate hundreds of women make you change your mind. Men will respect you if you gain it. Don’t be afraid.</p>