<p>I was accepted to both universities and think that I have narrowed my decision down to them. </p>
<p>I would like to major in mathematics, specifically pure math, with the hope of entering a PhD program after and going into research and/or university level education. Because university positions for mathematicians are incredibly competitive, I am trying to base my decision primarily on which university would offer a dedicated student the best opportunity to gain admission to and succeed in a top PhD program. However, I know relatively little about how their math departments compare in this respect. How do these universities compare in terms of preparing and supporting mathematics students for such programs? Or does it really matter more on the individual's work within the university rather than the university itself?</p>
<p>To provide a little more information, I have experience with proofs and analysis. At Brandeis, I would take the placement test and plan to enroll into the Linear Algebra and Intermediate Calculus sequence, and earlier, I contacted a professor at Rochester about placement and was given permission to start with Honors Calculus III. So, it seems that placement would be roughly the same at both. I would like the opportunity to enroll in certain graduate courses by junior year, which I believe would be available at either university, and perform undergraduate research (e.g. an REU). I know that Rochester in particular advertises being big on encouraging and supporting undergraduate research. Does this extend to mathematics? And how does this compare for Brandeis?</p>
<p>I also know that Brandeis' proximity to Boston, namely the Cambridge schools, puts them right at the heart of a strong mathematics community, but would this really be a significant factor for an undergraduate?</p>
<p>Thanks very much to anyone who has any advice!</p>
<p>Check out the depth of field each school has in terms of offerings at the graduate and undergraduate levels. How many math professors in each? The advanced courses, how often are they offered? The grad courses? Will both schools allow you to take grad courses while an undergrad? The access to Cambridge is what you make of it. Waltham’s a little isolated from the T, but you can get buses that will get you into Cambridge and Boston. Ask your professors at Brandeis what’s going on in math in Cambridge. There was always something going on in literature and linguistics and history when I was a grad student there. </p>
<p>I spoke briefly to professors from each and they said that I would have the option of taking graduate courses if I have the prerequisites and such, and also that it is not uncommon for an undergraduate to take some. From as far as I can tell, the departments seem very comparable in size, professors, and course offerings (at least for the courses that I care about).</p>
<p>If the course offerings, professors, etc. are roughly comparable, at least on paper, should it make a significant difference which one I attend, or am I overlooking something more subtle? </p>
<p>Have you considered the possibility of graduating in three years? Would either one be better for effecting that goal, if you have it? I don’t want to discourage you from taking grad courses as an u/g because they’re so much fun, but do know that you can only transfer a limited number of grad credit hours to another grad school. Another suggestion, take each u/g course to its max, not just to the expectations of the syllabus. In other words, max out the professor rather than the grade. </p>
<p>Did the profs at either school make your math motor run? I wouldn’t overlook the benefits of being in Waltham. You might ask Brandeis about the feasibility of taking a couple courses in Cambridge just to get a feel for them, given your interest in grad programs. You might also pm ucbalumnus, who is more up on math programs than I am, although I don’t know how familiar he is with either of these programs.</p>
<p>You may want to look at the non-Math portion of your education at both schools. U Rochester requires all students to take three concentrations, which will comprise at least six courses outside of your major. But they don’t have a language requirement and the concentrations seemed very interesting to DS1, who has applied as a transfer student. On the other hand, Brandeis had some non-major requirements that DS1 did not find as appealing and decided not to apply. Both schools have excellent academics and the opportunity to work directly with professors.</p>