Official UCSD Mathematics Advising Thread

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - San Diego
121

<p>@MrHerbert‌ </p>

<p>I’ve spoken with the Math 140A instructor - he is confident that the class will be no more than 70 students by the end of week one… Keep in mind that Math 140A is an intensive and mathematically demanding course designed to prepare students to succeed in advanced mathematical study (ie a solid math PhD program). Professor Oprea is certain that a good number of students will drop after seeing the first homework set…and enroll in Math 142A instead (142A is a less rigorous real analysis sequence). </p>

122

<p>Hello MathAdvising!</p>

<p>I am going to be a freshman at UCSD this fall, and I am currently a Joint Math - Econ major. However, I have an interest in Computer Science, and I honestly don’t think I can change into the Comp Sci major itself due to the insane number of people trying to do that… so I am debating whether or not it would be best to change to the Math - Computer Science major, or rather pursue a minor in Computer Science? My biggest fear is that the math classes for Math - Comp Sci will be SO extremely challenging for me as I am not someone that considers math an easy subject. For someone who is decent at math (took Calc BC junior year, but struggled a bit and got a 3 on the AP), do you think it’s best that I pursue Math - Comp Sci, or just stick to Math - Econ and declare a minor in Comp Sci? I’m sorry if this question is super random and super long, I’m just so torn because I don’t really know if I can handle the math courses and if I’ll be able to graduate in 4 years! Also, I’m currently waitlisted for CSE8A (#73) and is it true that huge waitlists are common for CSE classes? Do I have a chance of getting into that class do you think? Ahhh so sorry for this HUGE question! Thanks so much! </p>

123

<p>@literally‌ </p>

<p>An interest in Computer Science may, or may not, be best pursued through the Math-CS major…it sort of depends on what you find most interesting.</p>

<p>The Math-CS major is first, and foremost, a math major. It deals with the mathematics that forms the basis of classical computer science (that means logic, computability, combinatorics, discrete math, probability and algorithm design). It’s not a major that deals with hardware engineering or software design or programming (to any great extent). If that sounds like what your interested in - the math that makes computer science possible - then the Math-CS major could be a good fit. If not…then start looking at the CS minor.</p>

<p>Next - you need to be aware that the Math-Econ joint major contains a good amount of serious math. So your worry about the math in Math-CS has me worried in turn about how you’ll perform in the proof, algebra and real analysis courses that your Math-Econ major will require…you should always keep the Management Science major offered through Economics as a back-up plan should you have difficulties in upper-division math.</p>

<p>Regarding CSE 8A…I do know that CSE often builds up large waitlists prior to releasing space - so it’s entirely possible you might get in to the class - I would defer to the CSE advisors for any definite answers.</p>

124

<p>@MathAdvising,</p>

<p>Thank you for the response! I thoroughly read through the course descriptions of the requirements for the Math-CS major and thought that some of the courses still encompassed the programming/design aspect that I am interested in. Although it will definitely be a challenge, I think I’m going to apply for the CS major and if I am not accepted (which is very likely), I’m going to give Math-CS a try because I am honestly far more interested in Computer Science than I am in Economics…</p>

<p>Once again, thank you SO much for your response! It is extremely helpful and I will keep everything you said in mind. Even though I am worried about upper-division math courses, I want to try my hardest to pursue what I’m truly interested in! Thanks again!!! :)</p>

125

<p>Hey! Math Advising @ UCSD!</p>

<p>I am thinking of double majoring in Applied Math and Economics since I would like to practice financial mathematics in the future. I am sort of confused about the credit restriction between Econ120 seris and Math180/181A series. For example, no credits will be given for Econ120A if Math180A is taken before. Does this mean we can use Math180A as an overlapping course and apply it to my Econ degree, or I still have to take Econ120A without receiving any credits?</p>

126

<p>@KyriaLJW‌ </p>

<p>This will be something that you’ll need to work out with the advisors from each department as part of your double major petition. You’ll probably end up with a blend of courses - like MATH 180A-ECON 120B-C for your econ degree and MATH 180A-B-C-181A for your applied math degree. Double majors can have some overlapping upper-division courses, so you can work out a good compromise plan. The econ program at UCSD is highly mathematical, so their faculty appreciate students that can succeed in our Probability & Statistics coursework.</p>

<p>If you find that the double-major seems to be too much of an undertaking, you should always consider the Joint Math-Econ program…it is a scaled-down version of what a double major would take.</p>

127

<p>Greetings MathAdvising! </p>

<p>Right now I am in City College considering transfer to UCSD to major in Pure Math. In your opinion, would taking the Math 20 A-B-C-D-E-F & 109 at UCSD extension greatly increase my chances of being accepted in comparison to just taking them at the community college. I fear spending the money with no legitimate gain in application strength. Assume IGETC certified with 3.4GPA. Also, in your opinion, can “anyone” get into a Non-Impacted major with the minimum requirements? </p>

128

<p>Hi @MathAdvising, </p>

<p>I was wondering if there is an answer key to the practice test for the Math 20E Fulfillment Exam? Also in your best opinion, I plan to major in pure Math, so would you say it’d be beneficial just to take Math 20E at UCSD if I have taken Multivariable Calculus at my CC two years ago? I did really well in that class, but forgotten some material, but I’m sure if I were to review it again, I can jog my memory on most of the concepts covered. I just want to know for the sake of my future math career and if “relearning” the calculus concepts from Math 20E would benefit me in the long run as opposed to using my knowledge of it from 2 years ago. </p>

<p>And just to clarify, my professor did cover most of the important topis in 20E such as Green’s Thm., Change of variables over multiple integrals, line integrals, the Jacobian, surface integrals and flux, Stoke’s Thm, a very brief overview of the Divergence Thm., vector fields,. I believe thats most of it, but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head right now</p>

129

<p>@Ronaldw9‌ </p>

<p>Taking the courses through UCSD Extension would not really increase your chances at acceptance as a transfer student. Better to satisfy IGETC and get as high a GPA as possible. </p>

<p>That being said, completion of Math 20F equivalent while at City will be key to finishing in a timely manner once you transfer. Even better, take Math 109 over the summer just before you start - that way you can start in your major theory sequences (Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra) your first quarter here.</p>

<p>For UCSD you are accepted to the university first, and then put into a major. If the major is non-impacted, then you’re guaranteed of getting in if you’re accepted to the university. </p>

130

<p>@tintinucd‌ </p>

<p>The faculty examiner has not given us a key for the practice test, sorry. </p>

<p>I would say that if you covered the vector calculus material at your CC, then go ahead and sit for the exam. There really is no down side to trying - we don’t record the score anywhere and if you fail, there’s no indication on your academic history. If you pass the test, then we are certifying that you’ve retained sufficient knowledge of the material to satisfy any course prerequisites requiring 20E. </p>

<p>We would recommend you sign up for a 20E course even if you plan to take the exam - since the fulfillment exam is given at the start of the quarter, you can just drop the lecture if you pass. This is because popular 20E classes (either time or instructor) can fill quickly and it’s easier to drop a full class than to add into one late.</p>

<p>As to coverage of the material - what you list looks like you hit the high points of our Vector Calculus…just keep in mind that you probably covered it in the last weeks of class at the end of a 15 week semester. Maybe the instructor kept on schedule and gave the material a good three or even four weeks coverage…maybe they were rushed for time and spent a week or two on it. In any case, compare the time you spent on it with the 10 full weeks we take at UCSD - we want to make sure you know the topics - not just what they are, but how to use them appropriately.</p>

131

Hello MathAdvising!

I took math 31AH last quarter but I took a leave this quarter so that I am not able to take the 31BH this quarter. I wonder if I can take 20C and 31CH next quarter simultaneously? In the winter quarter of next year, I will take the 31BH in order to complete and honor series even though I know that I wouldn’t get credit for it after 20C. Besides, I don’t have any AP scores and I didn’t take 20A, 20B. Is it possible for me to take 20C? I really need to take 20C or 31BH in order to take my econ courses. But since I missed the 31BH this quarter, I really want to take the 20C. Can I do this?

132

@xinyi1729‌

If you don’t have the prerequisites for a course for whatever reason, you can still enroll if you get the consent of the instructor. Basically, the course instructor can allow in any student he or she wishes, regardless of the courses that show up on their academic record.

So, you’ll be able to enroll in 20C and 31CH if the instructors give you the okay…just email them, and if/when they approve, forward that email to mathadvising@math.ucsd.edu and we’ll clear you to add via WebReg.

133

Hi MathAdvising,

I’m a 3rd year transfer student who is majoring in Applied Math. I was unable to begin the 140 or 100 series my first year here. Is it possible to get admittance into the honors program during my 4th year if I plan on staying for an additional year to complete the honors thesis?

134

@dogtooth‌

As long as you can complete the program requirements (take Math 196, at least two quarters of Math 199H and presentation of your thesis) you can still get admission to honors program. You’ll want to take at least one of 140 or 100 next Fall and get an advisor lined up as soon as possible.

135

Hi mathadvising.

I am an incoming freshman and got accepted by ucsd in applied math. I am wondering is it possible for me to do double major in computer engineering in the future. Also I am curious about the career future of an ucsd math degree… Can you please give me some advices? Thanks a lot!

136

@alfredyang‌

First, congratulations on your admission.

It would be possible to declare a double major with engineering in the future - but assuming CSE is still impacted, you would need to meet their eligibility requirements and then apply to the engineering program (it’s not guaranteed). You can get more information on that at http://cse.ucsd.edu/ImpactedMajor

The advice I give all math majors about their career options is this:

A degree in Mathematics is not designed to prepare you for some sort of job called “Mathematician”,

A degree in Mathematics is designed give you a broad array of sophisticated tools, experience, and expertise. It’s then up to you to apply those tools to the field of your choosing. First and foremost,a Mathematics degree trains your mind - it trains you to be a problem-solver, it teaches you how to focus on the details while maintaining the big picture view.

Rather than list the jobs where that is a needed trait, try to think of one where that wouldn’t be welcome.

But remember - with any major, at any college, what you put into it is what you’re going to get out. So wherever you end up, become an active participant in your education (join clubs, meet faculty, get involved in research, find internships) and you’ll be ahead of the rest of the crowd.

137

Hello MathAdvising,

I’ve been accepted to UCSD as undeclared; I applied for CSE originally. If I choose to attend UCSD, I am thinking about choosing the Math+CS major. However, I am interested in becoming a programmer more than I am a mathematician. My goal is to be able to become a programmer/software developer for a tech company someday in Silicon Valley. Is this goal achievable if I have a degree in Mathematics+CS and not CSE?

138

@Dhruv97‌

Congratulations on your admission, sorry you were not accepted into CSE.

We get asked this question a lot - I mean a WHOLE LOT.

And the answer is this - Math-CS is not a CSE degree, it is not a hardware degree, it is not a software degree, it is not a programming degree. It is a MATH degree. It focuses on the foundational mathematics that underlies the historical development of Computer Science. It is a degree in logic, algebra, combinatorics, probability theory, discrete math and algorithm design.

If you are interested in Math and how it relates to CS, then it’s a great major.

But if, like you write, you are ultimately interested in becoming a programmer - it’s probably not a great major. There will be a lot of courses you’ll not be invested in.

And that’s the main thing - if you land in Math-CS because it’s the ‘next best’ major, and you don’t really dig the math. Then your looking at 4 years of struggle and resentment. That’s not what you want to look forward to going into college.

But, could you be a Math-CS major and achieve the goals you state - most certainly. But it will not be because of the major - it will be because you take the time to go beyond the requirements of the program. You’ll need to develop programming language skills on your own (either additional CSE courses, or self-study, or online, or UCSD extension), join engineering professional societies, seek out internships and round out your CS skill-set. Your Math-CS major will not keep you back, per se, when applying for jobs - any degree in mathematics will show employers that you have developed any number of critical thinking and problem solving skills - but it alone will not provide you with the specific programming skills and abilities you’ll need in Silicon Valley as a developer.

Now - as to why you might consider a degree in Math-CS when what you really want is CSE…

How about this - by the time you graduate, the programming languages you learn in first couple of years at college will probably be considered old-fashioned…the hardware you work on will be considered last-generation…but the mathematics that form the basis of the field will remain unchanged. You will develop a deeper understanding of why CS works - and you can always just add the skills on top of that.

Hopefully that helps your decision - if you have any further questions, just ask…

139

You say that a Math+CS degree will not “alone provide [me] with abilities [I’ll] need in Silicon Valley as a developer.” Does this mean that a degree in CSE would? Also, what are the chances of me being able to transfer into the CSE major after taking required courses?

140

@Dhruv97‌

A CSE major will require you take somewhere around 15-19 upper-division engineering courses. The Math-CS major would allow you around 7-8 upper-division engineering. That’'s the difference - the more engineering courses you take, the more prepared you are to go directly into a career as a programming engineer.

You would need to contact the CSE department to ask about your chances for transfer. A lot of it will depend on some factors that are unknowable (the amount of applicants, the strength of the applicants, and the number of spaces they have available. Send an email to ugradinfo@cs.ucsd.edu