I am extremely interested in both Math and Physics, and thus I want to study both. However, I am not entirely sure how feasible this would be. I am most likely to select the Mathematical Physics track, and there is some overlap between these two concentrations. My main concern is whether the Courses I take will able to fulfill requirements in both. Could somebody tell me how difficult this would be?
If you want a ScB in either physics or math (or both) then it is probably difficult if not impossible. Too many required classes. Math and physics AB requirements are not that onerous, so you could probably do a double major if you stay with the AB program. A physics ScB and math AB is probably doable – although I’m not sure why you wouldn’t just do the mathematical physics track, since that seems to satisfy your academic interests.
Because I’m interested in theoretical physics, I intend to take the Mathematical Physics track; however, I also adore regular math, and want to take that track as well. I do not plan on getting ScBs in both; I want to get an ScB in Physics, and a AB in Math. Another reason that I would prefer the Mathematical Physics track to the regular Physics track is that there seems to be a greater deal of overlap between the Mathematical Physics and Math concentrations than between the regular Physics and Math concentrations. Additionally, I have taken Calc BC and Physics C, as well as Multivariable Calc, Differential Equations, and Linear Algebra, so I should be able to skip a couple of the less advanced classes.
Look at the concentration requirements on the departments’ pages and map out courses using the course catalogue (i.e. make sure all the classes are offered every year, are they allocated between fall and spring semesters enough to make it feasible?) There’s certainly no school that’s easier to double concentrate than Brown. If you can figure out a way to do it in 32 courses you can definitely do it. I imagine an ScB in Physics and an AB in Math has to be easier to plan out than an ScB in Biology and an AB in Classics like I did. There’s at least some overlap between Physics and Math, right?
Although the subject matter is more time consuming than some other concentrations, you are not limited to 32 courses either. I don’t know if the max is 36 or 40 though.
Max would be 40. You are right but I think it’s a bad idea for an applicant to expect to be able to handle 5 classes/semester so if it can work in 32, it’s MUCH more doable than if you need more.