I’m an incoming first year with heavy interest in CS, math, and biological sciences. I am planning on being premed, but would like to major in something quantitative. I’ve had my eye on the comp. neurosci minor. So with the Core+Premed requirements and the comp. neurosci minor, I only have space for one major.
I cannot decide between math, CS, or computational and applied math.
I’ve heard tremendous things about the math community and culture at UChicago. But maybe CS is more pragmatic? Also, since Computational/Applied is quite new, are there some kinks that still need to be worked out?
Of course, my interests may change, so I am open to pretty much anything. Thanks!
You don't have to decide what your major is until the end of your second year. If you look at the requirements for those three majors, there is a huge amount of overlap. So you should start on a path that would let you take any of the three majors, including taking an introductory CS course and whatever math is appropriate for your level. Then, check out the departments and the students in them.
By the end of your first year, or at the latest the middle of your second year, you will probably have a strong sense where you fit in best. And that sense will be based on real, detailed, nuanced knowledge of the departments and who’s in them, as well as more knowledge about where your precise interests lie at a college level. That is soooooo much better than making decisions based on hypotheticals and internet advice!
While you are checking out the majors, make certain to pay attention to what is happening with fourth years' job/grad school searches. I believe you will learn that CS is no more "pragmatic" than math; University of Chicago math majors with decent GPAs who want good, high-paying jobs generally get them, including CS-type jobs if they have some CS-type skills. You don't need to worry about which major is more practical
Unless you’re going to be working as a coders/systems guy etc. or want super theoretical math exposure, just go for CAAM. It’s a really strong major that’s the perfect blend of CS/stats/math for people who want to learn what they need to know but not get an advanced degree in any of those three.