I came into college dead set on being a maths and physics double major. However, I got a B in Multivariable calculus–I thought the class was relatively easy until we hit the divergence theorem and I was so lost! We also rushed through the last part and only had one problem set on divergence theorem so I can’t beat myself up too much, but I still feel like that B is an indication that I just don’t have what it takes for higher level math! I love math–its so beautiful and really explains the universe (multiverse?), plus I feel like with a maths degree I could easily go into computer science or physics or medicine. I just don’t want to be a math major if I actually have no aptitude…
My parents aren’t too happy with it and want me to drop maths and pursue pre-med, especially since I got an A+ in my philosophy class and they want me to major in that. Any advice?
First of all, a B does NOT represent a lack of aptitude. That’s not a bad grade at all for a non-intro math class above Calculus I and II.
Second, I would not recommend Philosophy if you have true interest in Math and Physics and the like. Perhaps a minor for personal reasons but not a major.
Why do your parents want you to do Philosophy? Good grades for med school?
Overall, it sounds like you need to figure out what you WANT to do. Do you want to be a doctor? Do you want to work in CS? Do you want to do physics research or engineering?
It sounds like all three of those are feasible options for you, you just need to pick based on your interests.
It sounds like you like math a lot, and pairing it is certainly not impossible. The track you are on seems fine. It should be noted that higher level math does not directly translate to CS: you will need to take classes in it, whether it be for a minor or in graduate work if you plan to stay in school longer.
Basically, go with what you want here of the STEM fields and if you want, minor in Philosophy (or even just take a few classes for personal interest).
Thanks so much. I guess that the med school track sounds nice because philosophy is pretty easy for me, chem and bio don’t sound very hard, and I know that being a doctor will always be employable. I’m a little worried about studying physics because research doesn’t sound that appealing… I could be wrong but it seems like a lot of physics research is just building something for years or coding simulations day after day. I wouldn’t mind an exciting CS job but I want to do something that involves working with people… I can’t think of many math/cs jobs that are as people-oriented as medicine. Am I wrong? I guess I don’t know what to study because I have no idea what to do with my life, and medical school is such a nice track because you’re “set” if you’re on that track, if that makes sense.
Applying to medical school does not require any undergraduate major, although you need to take the pre-med courses. However, it does require top end grades, high MCAT scores, and pre-med extracurriculars. Only about half of those who apply to MD schools in the US are admitted by any.
So be sure to make your academic choices so that you will not regret choosing them (from both a personal interest standpoint and a pre-professional standpoint) if you do not get into any medical school.
Regarding math, have you taken an introduction to proofs, discrete math, junior/senior level math course, or honors math course? You may want to wait until you take such a proof-oriented math course before deciding on doing math or not. Note that proofs and logic are also found in philosophy. Ancient mathematicians and philosophers were often the same people.
Would it be inadvisable to major in math or physics or CS and pursue pre-medical studies? I’m not interested in chemistry or biology as a major and I get the feeling that employability is not different between typical “pre med majors” and humanities majors. However, I do want to be able to achieve high grades and do well. Do you think that most people have the maths ability for at least undergraduate if they work hard enough, even though I got a B last semester? Would I be better off professionally pursuing math + CS or physics + CS?
cutiedida,
I am the parent of a math graduate student. But math did not always come easily to him. In fact he struggled horribly in HS and graduated behind most of his peers in math. Because he has some learning differences he had to learn how to learn. And that in turn taught him persistence. He definitely is not a math prodigy. Math is like music and languages, if you really are driven to learn it than anybody can learn it and master it. You might not have the ability to be a great theoretical mathematician, but few people have that sort of ability. But you probably have what it takes to do applied mathematics.
So the first question is was your multivariable calculus class an applied math class or a pure math class? Some people struggle with the more pure mathematics and do better with a math class that is more applied.
The second question is what sort of things do you want to do with math? Pre-med is one thing, but there are other fields that use mathematics such as public health, epidemiology, and mathematical biology. I would learn about these fields because they might help shape what sort of math classes you want to take and they might help you pick classes where you can excel.
Computer science does not necessarily have to be mathematical. It can be and when it is it can get very theoretical. Do you enjoy programming?
I understand that your parents want you to be a doctor, but how do you feel about medicine? Medicine is a challenging profession emotionally and it a long haul to become a doctor. Going into medicine just because you or your parents think that being a doctor is a respectable career is a bad idea. One should only pursue medicine if they feel the desire to become a healer. Too many people drop out of medical school or get their degrees and then drop out of medicine because they were not particularly driven to become a healer in the first place.
I do like to problem solve using programming and it’s not that I don’t love math… I’m just afraid that I’m not good enough. My multivariable class was very pure–my school does not offer applied math–and I really enjoyed it until the last two weeks of class when I felt we rushed through the material. Before the final exam I had an A-/B+ and I kind of struggled on the final.
I think pre med seemed fine because I like science a lot (though if I had the choice I would not take orgo haha) but do I REALLY want to be a doctor? I don’t know… I’m just 18 years old.
But overall I feel like I’d rather do something with math and hopefully do something quantitative internationally (like work at CERN or do big data for UN or WHO or a the World Bank) or something like epidemiology or even mathematics/philosophy research at university.
From reading all your responses, here’s my honest opinion:
Do mathematics. I got a B in Computer Science - Data Structures last semester at a CCC. Even though it was a very bad professor, it does not deter me in the slightest of choosing computer science. You probably won’t get a 4.0 throughout college, it doesnt matter and life goes on. You like mathematics and science, do it. Apply to med school ANYWAY with a math/science degree, but don’t do what’s EASY so you HAVE to go to med school because your parents want you. A math major/computer sci minor would get you into quite a few programming companies if you wanna go that route also.
It’s clear to me you should do what you’re interested in, regardless if you think you’re good at it.
So the idea that I get form college confidential and employment conversations in general is that physics is not a very employable major at the BA level. Should I just aim for a double major in CS and math? I’m really interested in mathematical logic and data science, though i also love quantum mechanics and cosmology, but I feel like I can pursue those through popular science and electives?
Actually, your are incorrect about physics not being an employable major. It is one of the best in the sciences and close to engineering. i speak form 32 years experience as a physics professor who has seen many students go off and work instead of going to graduate school. The nice thing about physics is that you learn a broad range of fields all of which have engineering offshoots. You will also learn computing at some level and a number of physics majors I know are now working the software industry. You can go to medical school if you like, or law school or business school. Bottom line is that if you like physics then major in it and use it to launch your career in whichever direction you wish.
As a secondary comment, please don’t choose to go to medical school just because you will be employable. We don’t need physicians who are not committed to their profession for any reasons better than expediency.
From what I have seen, physics majors have decent employment prospects, but not necessarily in relatively scarce physics jobs. The better jobs that they go into tend to be in computers, finance, or some types of engineering (not requiring PE licensing), where “smart people who can think logically and do math” are desired, although they may be (for example) second choice after CS majors in computers.
I strongly recommend that you look into NSF’s REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) program and apply to some for this summer. Summer REUs are a great way for you to experience what it is like to work in some of the fields you say you are interested in. They also be a great way to gain confidence and assess your skills outside of the classrooms. REU advisors can be helpful in helping you choose graduate programs and can even have influential recommendations because they will have worked more closely with you than professors have. Do not be discouraged if you get rejected from a few. Apply to as many as interest you. REUs get many applicants.
Also if you are a woman then look into Smith college as they have a program specifically for females interested in mathematics. There might be some potential advisors who could better guide you toward what course work you should be taken given your interests.
Finally how math is taught is HUGE. When people who tend to think like applied mathematicians or engineers take courses that are more geared toward pure mathematicians they can feel completely lost. That is not at all unusual. For future math classes you might want to look into alternative math textbooks and maybe even online lectures taught by somebody who comes from a more applied background. You might then find that the material is a bit easier to understand and that will then help you access the math the way it is being taught to you at your school.
So if I am sure that I don’t want a career in physics research, I would be better served studying math and/or CS? Of course, I am going to try physics research first, but I’m not sure if its what I’m cut out to do… The idea of toying in a lab all day doesn’t sound very interesting, though I do have a very limited view of what research is at this point in my life.
That is why the NSF REU program is perfect for you. Many college undergraduates have no idea what it means to actually do research in a specific field or what physicists, mathematicians, chemists etc…do all day. REU’s allow you to get a taste. In most cases REU students are given a stipend and living expenses are covered. REUs can be anywhere from 1 week to the entire summer. There are REUs in computer related fields and physics and medicine and many other fields. Check it out: http://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.jsp
Hell no never quit. I struggled my whole 4 years of math hell. I was the crazy one that liked taking all the hard professors and mental abuse but never quit and you will get the degree. If you have trouble or have questions on a topic visit the professor during office hours and harass the guy by questions. However, always have all your attempts with you so you can go over them. I refused to give up no matter what and I survived.
From an M.S. in math: avoid like the plague unless you are left-brained. Math that is kinetic & mechanical algebra & calc these are doable. But abstract math with all its theorems & symbols-you can keep it. The very highest levels of math are for electrical engineering prodigies. Stats is better. Physics-gives you all the math that is useable & is more attractive as a major.