I go to NYU, a school well-known for its math program. Anyway, I like the subject of math and I’d really like to continue. However, my grades are worrying me a little. I got a B+ in Calc 1 and it seems like I’ll be getting in the B’s for Calc 2 as well. Knowing these are just the very basic courses for math majors, I am scared that I will do even more poorly throughout the courses. Are calculus grades good indicator for me to continue on with or switch my math major? Or could it be possible that I will do better in the more proof-based/abstract classes later on?
Also, I do really well in all my humanities/writing-based courses without putting much effort into them and tend to get A’s in all my papers. However, I hate writing and could never see myself going onto paper-based majors either. On the other hand, I truly enjoy working through math problems and such. I feel like continuing with my degree will make me a happier person, but I also want to be realistic and get good grades. I would really appreciate suggestions, especially from those who may have been in similar situations. Thanks!
Well, first of all, a B+ is totally fine, especially if it’s early days and you’re still adjusting to college. It is indeed possible that you will do better in abstract courses, although calculus is the foundation for the rest of the math you’ll learn.
If you hate writing, then most humanities majors will not be well-suited for you. If you like working through math problems, then you are probably right where you need to me. There are other quantitative majors that would work, too, like physics or statistics or maybe even chemistry.
I agree with @juillet that a B+ is just fine. She recommended some good alternate majors too. Another major that might interest you is economics.
There’s nothing unusual about getting B’s in your major courses. I’d only suggest switching majors if you find yourself hating math.
Ok, what are you going to use your good grades for?
If your stepping off and not going to get a graduate degree/go to professional school, who cares?
I was never asked what my grades were as someone who got their bachelors in mathematics when applying for jobs. I gave them my resume, they asked me questions, I gave them enough right responses, and I got offers.
I wouldn’t have just gotten good grades in something because I found that I was good at it or found it a cakewalk. You want to do something that challenges you. I’m challenged every week to come up with solutions to problems I’ve never seen before. It’s similar to the way random proofs were asked of me to do on a math test in upper-division courses…just figure it out. I think most employers want people who know how to think logically and will pay a good amount of money for that.