Feeling extremely discouraged?

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I'm new here and I really need some advice. I'm a Math and Mechanical Engineering double major and I'm feeling really discouraged. I've always been an average student (Bs and As) but I'm an extremely hard worker who puts a LOT of time into things; I've just never been an all As student. I absolutely love math and I'm working as hard as I can; I just had a hard time adjusting to college and I'm doing better now.</p>

<p>I had a rocky start in college; I got a D in Calc (I took Pre-calc over the summer before I was enrolled in the college and received a 3.0) but I'm re-taking Calc now and am going to get around, I believe, a 3.4. A Math professor at the University I'm studying at asked me to lead a Math organization he's starting, which I'm extremely excited about and looking forward to. However, I'm feeling extremely discouraged. I really wanted an REU position at my University, but the one person I saw, who was accepted, had a 3.87 GPA. I'll probably have around a 3.4 when I go to apply in two years. I've always had this dream of going to Grad School for Math, at the university I'm currently enrolled at, but with my grades, it doesn't seem like that's a realistic goal right now...any help? </p>

<p>First off, you should feel proud that you’ve been able to overcome an initial stumble and bring your grade up to a 3.4. Most people wouldn’t be able to accomplish that. Since you took pre-calc over the summer, I’m guessing that your high school didn’t give you as strong a background as many other students have. You shouldn’t feel chagrined that you need to put in extra time to catch-up. Also, please make sure you take advantage of advice from the professor you know and from your academic adviser to pick the right courses. A double major in math and mechanical engineering is a tough, challenging program, and you should be commended for pursuing it.</p>

<p>It’s hard to give specific advice without knowing details such as the school you attend or what your career goals are. As a freshman taking Calculus, you’re still at the early stages of your math studies, and you can postpone making decisions for at least a year. A few general comments might be useful though. </p>

<p>A pure math track at the junior/senior/grad school level is usually quite theoretical and abstract. It’s very different from the calculus classes at the freshman/sophomore level, which are more applied and computational. A lot of students don’t really know what to expect as a math major since it’s so different from what they were exposed to in high school. Again, talk to people who can guide you. You might find that you’re more interested in applied mathematics. You might also discover that you’re just as interested in a career in engineering where you use mathematics intensively without needing to major in the math.</p>

<p>As far as grad school goes, your post was unclear as to whether you’re interested in getting a masters degree or a Ph.D. A B+ average is probably at the low end to get admitted to a solid Ph.D. program, though this depends on how rigorous the program is at your current school. Also, a doctorate program will be looking to assess your potential for research, which is a different skill than getting good grades. Again, the faculty at your current school can give you some more specific advice. Good luck.</p>