<p>Ok, i'm surprised not that many people are asking about this program and i cant find too much information on their site, so here goes the most obvious question regarding the Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS) at NU...</p>
<p>This program is really selective...if you apply there and do not get in...can you still go to NU's arts and sciences school?</p>
<p>Your acceptance to Weinberg College Arts and Sciences has nothing to do with your acceptance to MMSS.</p>
<p>I think I'd go insane if I enrolled in a specifically accelerated math or science section in college. I'm already enrolled in something along that line at one of the high schools that I'm attending right now, and I think that's enough of a challenge that I need in those areas. I'm good at math and science, but I'm no genius. Trust me. Ask the two research projects that I've been working with all semester (one in a group and one alone). They'd tell you that they've basically been the manifestation of Murphy's Law (if they could talk).</p>
<p>I guess I do have a question about this program. For all of the applicants, can you tell me whether the decision is binding. (ie. if you are accepted into MMSS are you required to join?) Thanks</p>
<p>Yes...thats a question of mine too...</p>
<p>Common sense tells me it's not binding. I don't think they will put a BIG BIG "W" on your transcipt saying you've withdrawn dishonarbly. </p>
<p>One of my friends dropped out of ISP to major in econ/comp sci.</p>
<p>I think admittance to honor programs are gifts to you. You can take it or leave it. Don't worry about wasting a spot even because there are some of those who apply after they start at NU and try get into the program as sophomore.</p>
<p>anybody kno for sure tho?</p>
<p>Its funny how none of this information is available on the website.</p>
<p>They don't have that information because it's pretty obvious that it's not binding. They accept you to the MMSS program because they predict you'd be capable and suited for the program. Nobody is gonna force you to continue to fail when you find that you can't handle the rigor and want to drop.</p>
<p>I just saw the curriculum and the courses sound AWESOME! Why would you think you may not be good enough when they think otherwise and accept you? On the other hand, if you are not MMSS material, I think they have the ability to pick that out. I think everything will play itself out and there's no need to worry.</p>
<p>No, i'm not worried about handling the program. I know, without sounding conceited, if i get in, i will do well. I'm talking more about interests. The whole idea of the program sounds very interesting, and that's why i like it. But at the same time, i want to focus more on economics and, if i find out that this is all more math-related, i might not be as interested in it. </p>
<p>But i guess your right...and the only real reason i'm so preoccupied with this right now is because i'm writing my Northwestern essay on why i want to go there, and this program is obviously a big part of that. I just want to make sure that i'm not binding myself to anything by talking about my interest in it.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help tough.</p>
<p>You said it was "very" selective, but I can't seem to find where the admissions statistics are at? I'm applying to it (I'm working on my application right now) because I tend to like math classes a lot more than other kinds of classes so I think it would be the most fun. And they get better jobs than regular economics majors.</p>
<p>ucbenz,</p>
<p>Found the following from NU's web:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Admission to MMSS is highly selective. MMSS normally admits students directly from high school on the basis of a special application. There are, however, a few spaces reserved for sophomores who have superior academic records and have demonstrated strong aptitude in mathematics.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Just want to make sure people understand that MMSS is an "adjunct" major. You can't graduate with it alone.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Another special characteristic of MMSS is that it is an adjunct major. That is, all students in MMSS must have another major as well. If you are in MMSS, you must also complete a major in one of the social sciences, typically anthropology, economics, history, linguistics, political science, psychology, or sociology. Certain requirements for your second major will be waived; see the MMSS program for details.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Hope this help you guys.</p>
<p>bigjake,</p>
<p>You can focus on economics because MMSS is an adjunct major which means you will have to have another major to go with it and that can be economics.</p>
<p>MMSS + Econ > Econ. :)</p>
<p>You're right...MMSS it is...</p>
<p>Yeah UC Benz...its very selective...it says that around only 40 kids are admitted every year...so if you get in, you have the best opportunities for research and exploration of the math and social science fields.</p>
<p>I'm just wondering, if you're really interested in math, why don't you go for the Mathematical Experience for Northwestern Undergrad (MENU) program...its better for kids who want to major in math...i'm more interested in the social sciences, but i'm good at math so MMSS is the best...</p>
<p>Damn Northwestern's got good opportunities</p>
<p>Econ in the higher level can be pretty math-oriented. John Nash (the beautiful mind movie) won the Nobel in econ but he's a mathematician. He established the mathematical principles of modern game theory. People constantly derive/use/apply mathematical models to describe phenomena (including economics) in the real world. That's why MMSS compliment econ so well; note also that most of the staffs teaching MMSS program are not from math but from econ department.</p>
<p>Yeah I realize it's an adjunct major. But it's looked at as more of one degree rather than two. A lot of the investment banks and consulting firms like to hire the MMSS majors more because they can quantitatively think very very well.</p>
<p>Hmm i just hope that this degree really isnt for more Nobel-prize oriented tough academic work...i love learning advanced things but i want to work in investing...</p>
<p>LOL! Sorry to scare you! It looks like the math in MMSS tends to be practical rather than abstract/theoretical. </p>
<p>Core Curriculum</p>
<p>First Year</p>
<p>Fall Quarter</p>
<p>MATH 292-1: Accelerated Mathematics for MMSS Students
MMSS 211-1: Introduction to Formal Models in the Social Sciences
Winter Quarter </p>
<p>MATH 292-2: Accelerated Mathematics for MMSS Students
MMSS 211-2: Individual Decision Making and Micro-Economics
Spring Quarter</p>
<p>MATH 292-3: Accelerated Mathematics for MMSS Students
MMSS 211-3: Collective Decision Making and Political Economy
Second Year</p>
<p>Fall Quarter</p>
<p>MATH 392-1: Statistical Methods for MMSS Students
MATH 308: Foundations of Higher Mathematics
Winter Quarter</p>
<p>MATH 392-2: Statistical Methods for MMSS Students
MMSS 311-1: Game Theory
Spring Quarter</p>
<p>MATH 392-3: Statistical Methods for MMSS Students
MMSS 311-2: Formal Models of Political Decision Making</p>
<p>lol damn....looks awesome...i wish i was taking that instead of...AP Bio and AP Spanish</p>
<p>Well, I think you guys have this pretty well covered, but I was wondering more about applying and entrance into the program. I want to apply to have this as an option, but if I am accepted and then decide before school even starts that it's not for me, would I be able to drop it?</p>
<p>I still can't give you a 100% positive answer...but i think it would be okay to drop it if you get in and decide you don't want to do it...if it was binding, i'm sure there would be some sort of clause in the application.</p>