NYU Junior taking questions (Math Major)

Colleges and Universities A-Z New York University
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<p>Just finished up my sophomore year so I am officially a Junior.</p>

<p>I'm enrolled in CAS and I am a math major with a minor in physics, contemplating one in computer science.</p>

<p>I'm here to answer general questions about courses at NYU, grading, dorms, etc, etc. Anything you'd want to know from a student. Keep in mind, however, that I am in a very tough major in a very strong department so I might not be the best to ask things regarding drinking and partying, I have a somewhat limited experience there, but by no means non-existant.</p>

<p>Ask away!</p>

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<p>Stats please</p>

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<p>Hey, I think i asked this in the other thread, but how much can you do after a minor in Compsci? Is it enough to build simple applications, games, etc?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>Sorry about the slow reply guys, wrapped up finals and have been packing.</p>

<p>Not sure what kind of stats you would like, but I have a 3.4 cumulative GPA with a 3.3 Math GPA (Not including this semester as I don’t have my grades yet). Used my ACTs for admission, scored a 28 in english, 32 in math, 33 in critical reading, and a 34 in science (~32 composite). Don’t remember the writing score but it was pretty bad. I really don’t remember my SATs in detail but, if i had to ball park it, 1350s, which is my I chose to go with the ACT scores. I did, however, use my SAT IIs to be exempt from foreign languages, (scored a 740 in italian and a 760 in spanish, they were the only two subject tests I took). I believe 730/40ish up gets you exempt, not entirely sure.</p>

<p>As far as AP goes, I hated them and only took two because I was forced to by my school. I think the entire philosophy of AP courses is stupid, and if I had the choice, I wouldn’t have taken any. Having said that, I took AP European History and AP English Language and Composition. I scored a 3 on both. I started cramming the night before, after doing nothing all year long for AP euro. I finished the AP english test in less than half the allotted time.</p>

<p>Let me know if you need anything else.</p>

<p>Deathblade, that is a very difficult question to answer because I don’t know what the comp sci minor teaches you in detail nor do I know what you consider to be “simple applications”, nor do I know what you need to know to make games.</p>

<p>I can say the following though; the minor gives you an introduction to programming, followed stepping it up to Java, a more “useful” language and possibly an introduction to object oriented programming. Then, you’ll tacke some basic data structures, and, if I’m not mistaken, you wrap it up with a course on assembly language. Not sure how in-depth any of this goes, as I have only taken one course which is the pre-requisite for the intro comp sci course (they make you take intro to programming before intro to comp sci if you have no programming experience, which I did not).</p>

<p>Based on that, I would say you probably can write a myriad of simple applications, in either python, java, or whatever assembly language they use. As far as games, it depends on your definition but probably not. That’s very specialized knowledge.</p>

<p>You could write a text craps game, but you won’t know how to make any flash games or probably have enough knowledge to code a real video game.</p>

<p>Hope, that answers your question.</p>

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<p>Do you know anybody majoring in Econ? Particularly upperclassmen? I was accepted into lsp for fall of 2013 and am planning to eventually major in Econ but I’m most concerned with getting a steady or respectable job after graduation. Are nyu Econ majors generally successful in finding work in NYC? Also I’ve heard that some people look down on lsp students or think of them as “backdoor” admitted students. Is this true? Do people generally think lsp ppl are less qualified? Also do you know of anybody who transferred out of nyu? Unfortunately, I fell in love with barnard college AFTER the application process/deadline but am considering transferring there. I will keep an open mind during my time at nyu of course and my parents are against me transferring but what do you think are nyu’s winning qualities? What are some ways nyu is better than barnard? Sorry about all of these questions!</p>

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<p>Also, have you heard of people transferring internally from either cas or lsp to stern? I’ve read in some places that it is near impossible and other sources say it is very possible. I don’t know if policies have changed recently; are lsp students even allowed to apply to transfer to stern?</p>

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<p>I know a couple of econ majors, one of whom graduated yesterday. I believe he is pursuing graduate school so I can’t speak as to his employment opportunities. As a college student, and one who is studying a field that does not increase my employability directly out of college, I honestly cannot speak at all towards work.</p>

<p>As far as LSP goes, I believe it is generally looked down upon by most students until they actually meet some one in LSP. I know I’ve met several LSP students who are much more intelligent and hard working than most other CAS students. I know someone who transferred out of NYU and to Hunter’s College, I believe. Not by choice but due to financial issues.</p>

<p>NYU is like most other colleges but with one slight difference, NYC. College is entirely what you make of it, NYC just happens to offer more opportunities in most fields. I’m very happy with NYU because, as a math major, I’m studying at one of the best math departments. If I’m unprepared or under-qualified, odds are it’s my fault.</p>

<p>I’m not even remotely qualified to answer the questions regarding Barnard, since I’m a male student who had never even heard of it. Based on the 5 minutes spent on google, it seems the biggest advantage is the Columbia name attached to it and you do get to take Columbia courses.</p>

<p>In terms of Economics, at a graduate level, Columbia and NYU are very close, 10th and 11th respectively. I would assume that the Columbia name carries more prestige however.</p>

<p>Assuming you don’t have to sit there explaining that Barnard college is affiliated with Columbia and you take Columbia courses and Barnard’s ranking is low because they don’t take into account the Columbia rankings and blah blah blah etc, then an employer would probably appreciate the Columbia name more. However, if, like me, people don’t know what Barnard college is, it might be tough explaining it and you might just want to stick it out at NYU as you’re already there. I really can’t help here, especially considering I can’t even apply to Barnard due to my dangly bits!</p>

<p>I have heard of people transferring from CAS to Stern, no one I personally knew, however. It’s doable but most people I know don’t do it because if they wanted to be in Stern, they would have applied there and not to CAS. They would have applied to Stern and other similar schools instead of NYU’s liberal arts college. This thread might be able to provide some insight, take it with a grain of salt though since it is all based on experience, nothing there is official, I believe. </p>

<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/new-york-university/1323947-truth-about-internal-transfer-stern-cas.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/new-york-university/1323947-truth-about-internal-transfer-stern-cas.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>As far as getting into Stern from LSP, that’s tricky. I don’t think it’s standard, especially due to the difference in gen ed requirements. You would, essentially, need to complete a major and the remaining Stern gen ed requirements in 2 years, assuming Stern lets you in and assuming you want to graduate on time. I’m not sure if the LSP program even gives you the option of applying to Stern, you should contact them directly and ask. IF they DON’T, you would have to transfer to CAS and THEN to Stern, and the odds of that happening are pretty much non existant, largely due to time constraints.</p>

<p>Short version: LSP doesn’t support a direct transfer to Stern, to the best of my knowledge. You could theoretically due it indirectly, but assuming LSP does NOT carry an academic stigma, it would still be very difficult due to time.</p>

<p>All in all there are a couple important questions you need to ask yourself:</p>

<p>Is Barnard well known as Columbia or is it looked down upon as a backdoor into Columbia?</p>

<p>If LSP and Barnard are both looked down upon, which would you rather be at? Think in terms of academics.</p>

<p>If you want to end up at Stern, might be better of transferring to Barnard since LSP to Stern sounds unlikely, at best.</p>

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<p>Shameless bump in case anyone has any questions.</p>

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<p>Hey Zophar237! I’m considering a math major, but I would have to transfer into CAS first. Do you think i’d be very behind since I took a years worth of classes for another major? I would have to cram a lot of math into each semester, but I fear that math classes will overlap or something.Basically, I would have to fulfill the MAP requirements and the math major requirements in 3 years (assuming I get into CAS after my first year). Do you think it’s doable?<br>
Thanks :D</p>

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<p>Assuming you haven’t taken a single math course or a single MAP course let’s see…</p>

<p>Fall 2013: Calculus I, Writing the Essay, Nat Sci I, Foreign language 1
Spring 2014: Calculus 2, Text and Ideas, Cultures and Contexts, Foreign Language 2
Fall 2014: Calculus 3, Linear Algebra, Nat Sci 2, Foreign Language 3
Spring 2015: Analysis I, Algebra I, Math Elective 1, Foreign Language 4
Fall 2016: Expressive Cultures, Social Science Course, Math Elective 2, Math Elective 3
Spring 2016: Math elective 4, math elective 5, math elective 6, random elective. GRADUATION!</p>

<p>Seems to be doable, by my calculations.</p>

<p>Assuming I didn’t miss a MAP course or a math requirement, it should be doable with some careful course selection. Given no scheduling conflicts or math elective prerequisite issues, it should be doable. You would most likely have to take at least 2 or 3 semesters with 3 math classes, which many math majors end up doing anyways. Personally, I’m pacing myself with 2 per semester.</p>

<p>There are a couple things which might make it easier; summer semester(s), AP credit, foreign language exemption, and programming electives. The math department allows you to substitute up to 2 comp sci courses as math electives, assuming they are at or above the level of Comp Sci 101 (Intro to compsci/java). I’m actually doing this now since I want to round out my math major with something arguably more practical, not to mention interesting! The only possible issue with this is that Intro to Comp Sci has a prerequisite, Intro to Programming, if you have no previous programming experience.</p>

<p>I had no previous experience so I actually took intro to programming this semester (it was a joke!) and I’m taking Java, aka a really easy math elective, in the fall alongside analysis, one of the hardest math courses.</p>

<p>Also, you might want to consider taking General Physics 1/2 instead of Nat Sci 1/2. Unless they change something along with renaming the MAP, the sequence should still fulfill the Nat Sci requirement, and as a math major, I find it to be more interesting, not to mention it isn’t particularly difficult with a math major background.</p>

<p>One last thing! If you DO consider a summer semester, keep in mind the math department only offers basic courses, not real advanced electives. I believe they offer Calc 1,2, and 3, plus linear algebra and maybe one random elective, theory of probability comes to mind.</p>

<p>TL;DR: Technically doable purely from a requirements/credit perspective. Maybe not from a workload perspective without the clever usage of substitutions and summer semesters.</p>

<p>Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help!</p>

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<p>Thanks again! You said earlier that above 730-740 foreign language SAT IIs can exempt you from the foreign language requirement. Do you mean it exempts you from all 4 semesters?</p>

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<p>I’m not sure about the cutoff, it might be slightly higher, like 750-760ish, but yes.</p>

<p>It completely exempts you from all foreign language requirements. If you scored 700+, you can probably take a placement test and skip 1-3 semesters of the language.</p>

<p>Then don’t require 4 semesters of a language so much as they require completion up through the intermediate 2 level (elementary 1, then 2, intermediate 1, then 2, usually 4 semesters).</p>

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<p>Alright, I have an 800 Spanish. Hopefully, nothing has changed so I can be exempt. :smiley:
Thanks Zophar237 :D</p>

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<p>Wow, that’s great. I’m pretty sure a perfect score in a language should gain you exemption lol!</p>

<p>Anyways, that should lighten your workload considerably. You can spread out the math classes a little more, maybe take an elective like discrete math alongside calculus 1 or 2 and try to take linear algebra earlier on.</p>

<p>If you need anything else, don’t be shy!</p>

<p>Best of luck</p>

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<p>How important is it to have a good Math sat 2 score for admissions into stern? If i currently have a 32 ACT math score, should I also take the math sat 2?</p>

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<p>Mattsmats,</p>

<p>There is honestly not a single person who can answer your question except for a Stern admissions officer. Even then, they might not be able to tell you since getting into any good school is more of a holistic evaluation. Moreover, I am not in Stern, nor did I take the Math subject exam so you are truly asking one of the worst qualified people ;p.</p>

<p>I wish I could help, but I don’t have the slightest idea. Now, if you scored a 32 on the ACT Math section, I would think you’re qualified to do well on the Math SAT II exam, but, as I haven’t taken it, I cannot say.</p>

<p>Based on the list of topics, I would wager I would have done very well on either of the Math Subject exams. Level 1 should probably be very easy and Level 2 should be doable, given you were awake through high school and have some passion/aptitude for math. Take all this with a grain of salt however, since I am now a math major and may be biased.</p>

<p>Sorry I couldn’t be of more help,</p>

<p>Zophar</p>

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<p>Hi Zophar 237!</p>

<p>I have a question regarding tuition costs. Exactly how much does freshman tuition cost? Is the estimated cost of attendance a good guide or is it vastly different from that.</p>

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<ol>
<li><p>As a math major, do you study pure, theoretical mathematics? For instance, do you take any acturial mathematics/ science courses, or finance courses, or are those even available? </p></li>
<li><p>What kinds of internship opportunities are available for a math major? I can imagine finance or economics majors getting an internship at firms, but for a math major it seems that one learns very theoretical material and it would be hard to get internships where they require theoretical mathematics.</p></li>
</ol>

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<p>After a long delay, I’m back. I apologize if my answers will no longer be relevant to the questions I missed.</p>

<p>hopeseternal12,</p>

<p>Tuition changes from year to year, semester to semester. I am not a very good source for this. As far as estimated costs, if they take into account room and board, they should be a decent indicator (assuming meal plans and whatnot). Add more depending on how much fun you like to have.</p>

<p>realfruitjuice,</p>

<p>Your question is a bit misguided. First and foremost, I wouldn’t call pure math “theoretical”, because a lot of applied math would then be “theoretical” too, and that would make our nomenclature a bit nonsensical. Having said that, the undergraduate math curriculum gives you a solid background for both Pure and Applied math. Unfortunately, since there is A LOT of math you need to learn, once you clear the basic calculus sequence, and then take some basic things like Linear Algebra/ODE, you’re already halfway done. The basic requirements are Calc 1-3, Linear Algebra, Analysis, and Algebra. Analysis and Algebra are both very abstract, but are staples of both pure and applied math. As far as actuarial/science/finance goes, there are plenty of courses you can take, but 99% of them will not count as part of the math major. There is one mathematical finance course in the math department, and there are no actuarial ones (As that is in Stern). Other then that, there are a few interesting courses here and there; namely things cryptology, fluid dynamics, numerical analysis, computer simulation, etc.</p>

<p>On the topic of internships, there isn’t anything that directly benefits from a pure math degree, but the fact that you are capable/dedicated enough to complete a math program, and at NYU (one of the best math departments), should open some doors.</p>

<p>Hope I helped, even if it was delayed.</p>

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<p>Once fall semester grades come in, I will update stats. Currently at a 3.45 overall GPA and a ~3.5 math GPA. Made the deans list Sophomore year, which requires a 3.65 or higher for both the fall and spring semesters.</p>