<p>Right now I am currently deciding between 21, 23, and maybe 25 but I doubt it. I am a physics major, so I am definitely taking math regardless. I have always enjoyed math and am interested in it beyond it just being a requirement. My math skills are pretty good although I am no USAMO Gold medalist or anything like that, and although I think I can learn higher level math with solid teaching, I have not yet attempted it (beyond calc BC. In my senior year in high school I took calc AB (highest we offered) but self studied BC (which means in the last few weeks learned the material) and got 5s (and btw I had taken calc 1 and 2 at a local com college fresh and soph year and done well). Ive always gotten A+s in my math classes and on the SAT IIs IIC got an 800. Basically, I figure I am pretty decent in math (at least where I come from), but am not in the same league as the geniuses that are at Harvard and am also not a math major. I want to learn more math, as much as my brain can withstand without it becoming a huge burden (all-nighters and 20+ hrs a week of hw), but I guess since it is not my major, despite wanting to know more, I should not stress myself out to do well in a level that is higher than what I need. So, I am deciding between 21, 23, and 25. Right now I am leaning towards 23 because I believe I have the ability to learn it, and I feel 21 may be me taking it easy, and 25 too difficult (especially since I have never done proofs or things like that). Also, I think during prefrosh weekend I sat in on 23 and didnt think it was too difficult to follow along. Sorry for the long rant, but can anyone relate to this/offer some advice?</p>
<p>I graduated with a Physics degree from Harvard back in 1993...
I would recommend Math 21 or 23... Math 25 is way to disconnected
from reality... it won't help you solve the math problems that will likely come
up in your physics classes... I sat in on Math 22 (the forerunner to 23), and
didn't like the course too much, but that was back when the course was still
being developed... it was a bit disorganized in content and scope... but perhaps
things have improved over the past decade. I ended up taking Math 21, and
REALLY enjoyed the class... it was not too difficult, was VERY practical,
and helped me immensely with my physics courses... my other courses
my first year were challenging enough (physics, comp sci, expos, etc), so for me
anyway, it was nice having one class that I knew that if I did the homework, I was going to do well... i needed that ego boost my first year...</p>
<p>There will be <em>LOTS</em> of "which math class is for me" advising during Freshman Week + shopping period. Listen to the presentation in the science center, hunt down the Math department's tutor, talk to upperclassmen (including your peer advisor (possibly me!)), and be sure to shop all the classes you're interested in! </p>
<p>Although, quite honestly, after doing all that, you'll be better informed, but probably just as indecisive. In the end, it will probably come down to how each class fits with the rest of your schedule, how you like the professor's voice, or something sort of silly like that (at least, it always does in my case!).</p>
<p>Marite,</p>
<p>That last link was EXCELLENT... very good advice...</p>
<p>Ya i've seen that link before, even after that I am still confused. I guess I'll just have to visit each class and speak with everyone.</p>
<p>The word on Math 25 and Math 55 is that Math 25 probably requires 10-15 hours of homework per week, Math 55 requires 15-20 hours. </p>
<p>S took Math 21 (in the Extension School) and found it too plug-and-chug for his liking, but he's a pure math person. I have been told that the College version of Math 21 is somewhat less plug-and-chug. As for Math 23, the test is not in how easy the lectures are to follow, but how hard the problems are. But I don't know much about it.</p>