<p>I have looked at the most recent course schedule for my university's classes for next semester. This was by far the worst series of bad luck for me (as a math major) in terms of non-math classes to go with the 3 math classes I wanted to take. Basically, there were 4 or 5 options for non-math classes I was looking into but they all conflicted. Instead of taking 3 math and 2 easy reading classes, I am now thinking I'll just take 5 (upper division) math classes since the other classes I wanted to take aren't going to work this semester but could work in a future semester. I am a Junior who is looking to graduate next year and I have twice taken 3 upper division math classes in the same semester, both of which were the easiest schedules I have ever had. Does 5 math classes at once sound reasonable? Either way I am very much on pace and in great shape to graduate next year so that is not a concern. One reason why I want to do this is because I want to go to graduate school so I think that with this math done, I'll be in great shape to start taking graduate level math my senior year. Thanks</p>
<p>Yeah, my school doesn’t even let you register for Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis for the same semester; five classes sounds tough. Next semester I have Honors Calc III and Foundations of Geometry and that’s going to keep me plenty occupied.</p>
<p>If these are core undergraduate or first-year graduate courses (real/complex analysis, algebra, differential/algebraic topology), you should limit yourself to three of those. These courses will require a lot of work and typically have weekly problem sets. Also, if you’re interested in graduate school, these are the courses that you really want to nail down well, because everything will build upon these, so you shouldn’t mess around here. </p>
<p>Also, more than three weekly math problem sets will be very taxing mentally.</p>
<p>On the other hand, you could consider taking two topics courses on top of that. I did this my junior year (3 core grad math courses plus two topics courses in theoretical CS, both semesters), and it was doable. Topics courses are lighter on problem sets so you aren’t exhausted every week, and they typically have paper presentations/expository papers/research projects instead of midterms/finals so you aren’t too stressed during exam time.</p>
<p>Thanks all, I register tomorrow and 2 math I already was looking into are closed so I will likely just take 3 this semester but could still take 5 at once any time my senior year if I want because all that’s left on my degree would be Real Analysis however I still would need to take 27 more hrs my senior year to get to my 126 needed which I can get however I want. I guess people typically just take random electives for this but I’ve taken some CS already and feel pretty much that most remaining non-math classes are not of much value to me. Math classes I could simultaneously take my senior year would be from a list of something like Real Analysis, Scientific Computation in Numerical Analysis, Number Theory, Algebraic Structures, Partial Differential Equations, Complex Variables, and maybe a few others. Other than Real Analysis, those would just go as elective credits towards the 126 hours I need since I’ve already taken almost enough math. I could also take graduate level math class(es) my senior year along with easy professors of upper division math classes due to earlier registration time as a senior giving me easier professors. My core curriculum and all else for my degree is already done. It’s just weird that with everything done, I’m still stuck needing 30 more hrs (of literally anything) to get to my 126.</p>
<p>Sound reasonable? I don’t know, I talked to an adviser about taking two proof classes at once and he said it just depended on how well I’d handle this first quarter of Real Analysis.</p>
<p>But I plan on taking next quarter:
Mathematical Methods for Physics II
Real Analysis II
Abstract Algebra I
Complex Analysis
Applied Probability Theory</p>
<p>Spring quarter:
Abstract Algebra II
Applied Statistics
?
?</p>
<p>Summer:
Math elective</p>
<p>He said that being a senior I gotta do what I gotta do to graduate. I’m not so worried about the probability course or the mathematical physics class. I am kind of forced into this situation because I need to take the math methods class as a prereq for physics grad curriculum/physics minor, probability theory is only offered that quarter, complex analysis and abstract algebra are offered with the good teachers and the teachers for the spring quarter are known to fail people heavily. Real Analysis II will just be with my current teacher who is a good teacher. Although there are no easy professors, there are ones that are more harsh and they’re already harsh as it is. I also have to submit some late grad applications in March. I have money pressures as well cuz I either walk away with a undergrad degree or get a full time job and finish my education over a year or two after this year, but then I might be spending more time away from my girlfriend who can’t take long distance anymore. She’ll be going to grad school for 7 years and we need to be in a place good for both of us. But that isn’t going to happen in a way we want if I take forever to graduate…bleh.</p>
<p>If you have the option of going slower, TAKE IT.</p>