<p>I emailed a university about trying to take a graduate math class for applied maths, and this was the question they posed for me. I couldn't give them a straight answer. All I could think of was that I like solving math problems. I especially enjoyed figuring out the mechanics, and using them to figure the more difficult practice problems in text books. I don't have a subject area or application that I'm interested in, but I do have favorites: calculus and statistics. Some people enjoy solving puzzles, and like them, I enjoy solving math problems. After solving a difficult problem (and getting it correct lol) I get an incredible feeling, as if I finished a marathon or completely rebuild a car engine from scratch.</p>
<p>Since taking the calculus sequence at community college, my interest in the subject has been revitalised, and I wish to continue pursuing my interest. But I have no idea how to answer this question. I was hoping you guys could help sort out my thoughts.</p>
<p>What context did the question come up in? Do they want to know which class(es) you wish to take? Why you want to take these classes (professional development, personal interest, to prepare for graduate school, etc)? What sort of math background you have?</p>
<p>Chances are that they are looking for a relatively straight-forward piece of information, not a deep self-reflective essay.</p>
<p>I looked through the course for next semester and I would be interested in taking Numerical Analysis, but I would like better input. I want to find out if a MS in applied maths is a good fit for me before I apply. </p>
<p>For my undergrad, I did my major in environmental science and a minor in math. My math courses was mostly computational courses. I’ve passed AP calc, and didn’t do so hot in calc 3 or differential equation during my freshman year. And my sophomore year I didn’t do so well in physics. I started turning around my math my senior year, and that’s when I decided to do a minor. I did well in my numerical analysis class, and I took a class on chaos and dynamical system. That chaos class was challenging, but was interesting. Currently, I am taking calc 1 and calc 2 at community college, passing time until I find a job, and doing quite well. I study more than the teacher expects to challenge myself more, and I find myself enjoying the subject again. </p>
<p>The courses in grad school are obviously more difficult than undergrad and community college, and so I would like to make sure it’s not going to be over my head.</p>
<p>So you are currently re-taking calc 1 and 2? Do you feel confident about your background in linear algebra and multivariable calculus? They are the backbone of almost all math involving several variables, from statistics to scientific computing to dynamical systems. You’ll need them for graduate-level applied mathematics. </p>
<p>What you wrote in post #3 will be much more useful to the professor you are communicating with than your original post. If I were you, I would touch on the following topics:
Your general math background.
That you have particularly enjoyed calculus-type courses (including numerical analysis and dynamical systems).
Any specific career goal you have in mind, or that you would like to learn more about how a graduate math degree could be used in the professional world. (Don’t be afraid to ask the department about the job placements of their graduate students. If they cannot or will not answer that question, I would be careful about enrolling there.) What type of math might combine well with your undergraduate background in environmental science would be another excellent question to ask!
That you are concerned about your readiness for graduate-level math.</p>
<p>“I want to find out if a MS in applied maths is a good fit for me before I apply.”</p>
<p>I’m afraid this may be something you are expected to do yourself. But I love B@r!um suggestion to find out what would enhance your major in Env Science and see if it appeals.</p>
<p>Tip: students aren’t really often ready for calc 3 just from AP calc in HS. My kid also didn’t pass in 1st semester freshman year, but she retook 2nd semester and ‘got it’, when on to study physics, then major in math/cs. So shining up your calc I and II isn’t a bad idea. You will then need to do calc III again. Stats are good for many jobs and CS pays well at the BA level. </p>
<p>I just hope you aren’t talking to a for-profit school. Sounds like not, but just to be sure.</p>