Math at UCLA

<p>Hi, I was admitted as a math transfer and was wondering about the level of difficulty of math at UCLA. I was thinking of taking Math H115A and Math H131A at the same time next fall. Would this be suicide or would it be doable. If it is doable, how many hours of homework and study time should I be expecting to put in? I believe I have a pretty good proof writing background and experience.</p>

<p>If you are considering graduate school in Mathematics, or the the BS/MA plan ([Merit</a> Track in Mathematics](<a href=“Undergraduate Program | UCLA Department of Mathematics”>Undergraduate Program | UCLA Department of Mathematics)), it would be a good idea.</p>

<p>But not at the same time. 115A and 131A at the same time is doable and challenging. 115AH and 131AH at the same time would be very challenging, unless those were your only two courses/your third course was an easy A.</p>

<p>It’ll be tough, but I know several people that did it. Being comfortable with proofs will be very helpful since that’s the main thing that separates 115AH from a lower division introduction to Linear Algebra. 131AH is also in many ways just a repeat of single variable calculus with an emphasis on proofs, though you’ll learn some basic metric topology too and there’s more emphasis on understanding limits. I think Robert Greene is teaching 115AH, and he’s a very popular professor. I don’t know anything about the person teaching 131AH.</p>

<p>Thanks for this post. I had a similar question! Also, how doable is the Merit Track in Mathematics? I’m a freshman admitted as a math major and was planning on pursuing this.</p>

<p>scipioponce,</p>

<p>You will be required to take Graduate level courses if you do it. Note that UCLA is in the top 10 for many different fields of mathematics, so it attracts some of the brightest undergrads around the world. </p>

<p>I suggest you sit in on a course and see how it is. </p>

<p>[#2</a> in Logic](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-mathematics-programs/logic-rankings]#2”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-mathematics-programs/logic-rankings)
[#2</a> in Applied Mathematics](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-mathematics-programs/applied-mathematics-rankings]#2”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-mathematics-programs/applied-mathematics-rankings)
[#3</a> in Analysis](<a href=“http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-mathematics-programs/mathematical-analysis-rankings]#3”>http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-mathematics-programs/mathematical-analysis-rankings)</p>

<p>Also note the [Scholars</a> Program](<a href=“Undergraduate Program | UCLA Department of Mathematics”>Undergraduate Program | UCLA Department of Mathematics), which is the merit track without the putnam exam, I think.</p>

<p>The good thing about both is that you take the qualifying exam, and then afterwards you take your graduate courses. This is good because if you fail the qualifying exam, you don’t really lose anything except having to take a harder 115A and 131A (the honors version).</p>

<p>if you can, take a class with Terrence tao…one of our most famous faculty teaching right now</p>

<p>Tao teaches the 254 and 245 series in alternate years. This year he taught 245A and 245C, next year he’s teaching 254A and 254B. So that would line up well for you if you’re taking 131ABC next year.</p>

<p>I am also a transfer student admitted for math.</p>

<p>Is it possible to take fall( 115AH, 131AH), winter(110AH, 131BH), spring(110BH, 131C)? In particular how are the curves for these classes?</p>

<p>I am reasonably comfortable with proofs (I got ~20 on Putnam last year and ~30 this year, which I think is pretty good compared to ucla math students) but I don’t really have an idea as to the workload for these classes. Thanks for advice.</p>

<p>110AH is only offered in the Fall, and 110BH is only offered in the Winter.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Depends on the professor, but they’re about the same as other classes. The only catch is that the material is more abstract and there are probably a few more really smart/motivated people in the class.</p>

<p>So if I want to do the department honors or merit/scholar I will have to wait a year to take algebra? How sad.</p>