Too late to work towards a Math PhD?

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm a sophomore in college, and I'm just now taking Calculus I. I've always been good at math, but when I first came to college I decided to major in something else, only to find out that I'm bad at that something else and that I don't quite like it as an academic subject. Now I plan to major in Math. I can very easily complete the major requirements in 3 years. My only worry is, if some time in the future I end up liking Math so much that I decide to apply to Math PhD programs, will graduate schools look at my transcript unfavorably because my first year had absolutely nothing mathematical, or will they be happy enough to see that my last three years are filled with math courses (including graduate level courses)?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Get through basic calculus before thinking about a PhD in mathematics...</p>

3

<p>Try not to get too ahead of yourself :) pass Calc first.</p>

<p>They're going to care much more about what courses you took (and how you did in them) than when you took them, if they even notice such things.</p>

4

<p>Oh yeah, I'm not even 100% sure I'll be majoring in Math. It's just comforting to know that if I do enter math I'm not too far behind. Thanks!</p>

5

<p>Math changes <em>dramatically</em> after Calculus. As others have said, make it through the basics before you make a big decision.</p>

6

<p>Take Calc1, Calc2, Calc3 and Differential Equations. Those are easy classes that are similar to the math done in High School etc.</p>

<p>After that, have your choice at a proof-based class (linear algebra, intro to proofs, etc) and that will tell you if you really want to major in math.</p>

<p>Do not base your decision to major in math just because you like Calc1. My advise.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

7

<p>Take Analysis 1 and abstract algebra. They're pretty indicative of solid/rigorous proof courses if you want to jump into the pure maths.</p>