<p>I'm very interested in pursuing an Astrophysics major. UVA has a joint degree program. It only contains, however, 6 math classes: Calc I-III, Diff Eq., and two upper level calc classes. My concern is whether that would put me at a disadvantage mathwise. Would it be better if I just focus on math and physics and cut out the astronomy? I don't think I could major in all three. Here's the class listing for the program:</p>
<p>Scroll down to Astronomy-Physics.</p>
<p>Is astronomy actually a major or is it just a concentration in physics? I am not sure on that one. If it isn't a major, you could do all 3. You can't triple major a uva though</p>
<p>The math courses you mentioned don't sound like enough to get you very far in physics, math, or astrophysics. Don't feel obliged to do everything at the same time. You need a solid background in math, so I would suggest focusing on just math and physics. </p>
<p>I'm not familiar with the UVA program, but I imagine you might be able to take some astrophysics-geared courses as physics electives.</p>
<p>I know I can't triple major at UVA. I emailed the astronomy department head and he said people HAVE majored in Math and Astronomy-Physics. Ugh, I don't know how I could do that though. The joint degree program allows for lots of electives in the final year but obviously taking math would be more useful in the earlier years. I really wish I didn't have to take a language either...oh well.</p>
<p>On language, I would advise applying for echols after your first year (or whenever they let you). It really sucks that intense majors such as physics and math are required to dilute their studies with languages. We in the e school get lucky and don't have to take them. I can see the point in the language, but in all seriousness, its rediculous for a track that already requires so many courses to have to take those manditory ones.</p>
<p>Anyways, good luck with the whole thing. My advice would be to use electives to take math as soon as you can. You are going to need it desperately. That is not enough math to get you through physics. period.</p>
<p>I knew that couldn't be enough math...linear algebra isn't even the program, lol. Is it true that when applying to grad schools they care a lot more about your major GPA and not your grades in gen ed classes? Maybe my language grades wouldn't matter then...or do you think UVA would possibly exempt me if I made a convincing argument? Probably not...gah. I consider myself smart but I hate foreign language and I know I'd do poorly in those classes. I can just see myself now:</p>
<p>"Hey dude, ready for the quantum mechanics final?"</p>
<p>"Nah man, gotta translate some Vergil."</p>
<p>Applying to echols is a good idea but I'd still have to take at least 2 semesters of Latin before I learn if I'm in or not. Oh well, I'll just have to do my best.</p>