<p>Yeha. I’ve posted similar stuff before, but I still have a few doubts about penn’s math department. I’m considering the idea of applying ED to Penn SAS as an economics and math major. I’ve heard many wonderful things about econ. at penn, and I know that its one of the top programs in the nation. But I’ve heard a few bad things about Penn’s math, so I just wanted to know if there are any math students out there who I could email/PM to talk about math at penn.</p>
<p>you do realize that any people you talk to are going to give you a subjective answer. I would recommend you look at the stats of the math department. Trust me, no matter how much a person may try to assure you that they are giving you an objective answer, most of the time they have put a little bias in thier answer, intentionally or not. Just be wary.</p>
<p>here's my subjective answer... I think it's so-so. I've only taken two classes, 114 and 240, but they professors haven't exactly blown me away. The best way to look at this would be to sit in on a few math / econ lectures near the end fo september, mixing up a few of the higher/lower level classes, to see what it's like</p>
<p>i'd also say that it is so-so, especially since it may take some time to get to real math faculty (as in, depending on your course progression, your intro courses may be taught by visiting professors)</p>
<p>While you've heard some bad things about Penn's math profs, I feel like you haven't really compared what you've heard to what happens at other schools. In general, math profs tend to be a bit "quirky," it's just the type of people the profession attracts. I've yet to come across a professor that isn't ridiculously bright/borderline brilliant to say the least. If you need help, I've yet to come across one that isn't readily available and kind outside of class. So while you've heard some bad things about Penn's math profs, I doubt you'll hear any better from other schools.</p>
<p>Think about this, if you think math professors are bad at Penn, how good are they in other schools? That is where my comment about subjective answers comes in...</p>
<p>thanks for your help guys... I wish I could sit on on some classes, but I live in costa rica and it owuld be impossible for me to fly up there during september. I was just there last month checking out the campus etc, and I fell in love with it. I think I'll be EDing come november.</p>
<p>Just cuz it's ivy don't mean the professors can teach. Being very good in your subject and knowing how to teach are different things; you don't need a PhD in math to teach intro calculus.</p>