Just how smart / good at math do you have to be to major in math?

<p>Chaos-
Take AP Statistics if you haven't done that yet. Or if your school doesn't have it and you have easy access to college classes, take a few stat classes. Make you take stat classes through a math or stat department and not social science stat classes. (You could learn the stat they teach to psych majors in a few weeks with the textbook.)
JJG</p>

<p>For quite some time, I had my mind set on engineering at the University of Houston, civil/structural to be exact. But, recently, I decided I want to pursue physics instead, as I want a more general and complete knowledge and understanding of physics. I am aware of the extent of the civil engineering's math requirement, which is up to Diff EQ/Linear Algebra. I am just curious, aside from the course titles, how different the CivE and Physics math courses will be, if much at all. Thanks.</p>

<p>Weasel8488 - Thank you for the advice. I have been a bit restricted this year (many classes feel like a waste of time - a course that could be learned in a week is dragged out over a period of 5 months) and so I believe I have just started to "speed up". Hopefully, I won't trip and fall. ;) Over the past year, I have prepared for the USAMO. I will continue to do so. </p>

<p>JJG - Thank you for the advice. I will try to take AP Statistics. My current school does not offer any APs, so I wasn't able to take it this year. For next year, I am transferring to a magnet school with an emphasis on mathematics and science with 26 APs. From what I have heard, Statistics a useful class.</p>

<p>I need a bit of help regarding math and science course selections next year, so if anyone has the time, please PM me. Thank you.</p>

<p>Alright, I know this is not the correct spot for this post, but this thread is active and it is only halfway off-topic. </p>

<p>How great at math do you have to be to be a doctor? I understand that you have to be able to handle advanced chemistry and physics, but I am not advanced like you guys. I have averaged 99 in my BC Calculus class, would this be sufficient?</p>

<p>Yes, you really don't need to know much of any math to do well on the MCAT. The physics doesn't even require calculus.</p>

<p>Shackleford,
I am currently attending the U of I enrolled in physics. All you need for phsyics is up to Dirr EQ/Linear Algebra. The difference between Civil Eng. and Physics is the content. You are going to expand much, much more in Physics than Eng - quantum, relativity, E & M etc. I'd advise you to pursue Physics, though take that with a grain of salt (my roommate is an engineer and we are cut-throat at which is better :)). </p>

<p>As for ChaosTheory....wow. What school do you go to? More importantly, do you go outside?</p>

<p>hmm, that would be "Diff EQ"...</p>

<p>Durr! lol. Actually, at UH, in addition to Linear Algebra and Diff EQ, I have to take Intro to Partial Diff EQ and Complex Analysis. I do think Physics is the best route for me. I want a broad background, and then whatever piques my intellect the most I can pursue.</p>

<p>I go to some random school in some random place. :cool:
And yes, I do go outside. In fact, I run outside almost everyday for however long my stamina allows it (which is usually about 15 seconds :)).</p>

<p>Any more answers to my original questions?</p>

<p>I'm going for both an Economics and Math major (mostly done with Econ.), and I have to say go for it! Economics is much more understandable with a mathematical background, or while taking Econ and Math simultaneously through semester after semester will give you an edge over your peers. From what I've been seeing, follow a mathematics path that gives light to statistics (both introductory and one involving calculus), probability theory, linear algebra, differential equations, and analysis. Those are highly recommended classes if you want to pursue graduate Economics. If you can, double major. If you can't, then probably a Math major/Econ. minor. Make sure you get some upper level Econ classes in there too like International Trade, Mathematical Economics, Econometrics, etc.</p>

<p>More people should be math majors. I'm double majoring in math and econ and love it. Have to say I'm liking econ less and less though. After intermediate theory it went down hill for me. The math has gotten better and better with each class. If I could do it all over again I would have taken even more math and less econ. Maybe done some other science or business.</p>