<p>The possibility of being a Math major/concentrator whatever is in the back of my mind. Right now it's looking like it'll be chemistry, but I really do like Math. My question is, if I'm going to be a Math concentrator, do you have to take the infamous Math 55, or can you take a lower level math course? I'm not implying I'll even get into Harvard but I'm just curious.</p>
<p>Since less than 20 people survive Math 55 per year and I'm sure more than 20 concentrate in math, I doubt you need to take it.</p>
<p>Check out these pamphlets:</p>
<p>Harvard</a> Mathematics Department : Beyond Math 1: Which math course is for you? (2008-2009)
Harvard</a> Mathematics Department : 21, 23, 25, or 55?</p>
<p>Yes, one can concentrate in math without taking 55. The Math 25 course is a very worthwhile first year mathematics course for math majors as well.</p>
<p>I was wondering, if I don't do Math 55, will I be disadvantaged against those who did take the class when I apply for top grad schools in math like MIT and Princeton?</p>
<p>Some Math 55 alumni don't apply to mathematics graduate schools. Some who do apply to graduate schools other than the ones you might be interested in.</p>
<p>While checking out the links (above) to the Harvard math department make sure that you also check out the "Applied Math" concentration (aka major) in Harvard's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.</p>
<p>There are two math tracks at Harvard - Math within Harvard College and Applied Math within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, which is the only "sub-school" under the undergraduate Harvard College umbrella.</p>
<p>As the you can guess, Harvard College math is more theoretical math while Applied Math in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences is more about the application of math to real world topics such as economics, biology, computer science, etc.</p>
<p>Harvard</a> School of Engineering and Applied Sciences - Undergraduate Study - Applied Mathematics</p>
<p>Sorry but when Math gets 'concentrated' I get freaked out. </p>
<p>I know I can take my calc textbook on if it jumps me. Possibly even a pop quiz when I'm surprised. </p>
<p>But say for example.. if my accidentally stolen/accumulated math textbooks from over the years AND my calc textbook attacked me all at once. I don't think I would survive.</p>
<p>Just a warning... Math is Evil. Don't let anyone state otherwise. Mathematicians are awesome, but they are definitely practitioners of Black Magic.</p>
<p>woohoo black magic! I'M A MATHEMAGICIAN!!!</p>
<p>Math 55 usually hovers around 10 by mid-year I believe. There is no need to take 55 to be a Math concentrator. Some 55 kids don't even become math concentrators. Don't worry about it until you get here.</p>
<p>Some people actually take math 55 as an elective. As for math concentrators (used to be one), any of the following are appropriate "lower level" math courses to take: math 21, math 23, math 25. However, the 21's will allow for less variability in course selection when you enter the 100's.</p>
<p>taking 21 instead of a proof-based calc course (23 or 25) won’t necessarily limit your selection later on. just take a class that introduces more rigorous mathematics, like 101 or 112, before jumping into the higher 100-level classes and you’ll be all set.</p>