UCLA's Scholar program in math

mjdesa · 05-05-2009, 01:23 AM

I was wondering whether anyone knows whether doing ucla's scholar program would be better for applying to grad schools or whether doing a regular undergrad pattern at another school would be better.

Any insight would be appreciated.

dinoian · 05-05-2009, 01:31 AM

I'm still on the edge for this program, but probably not going to do it because of double majoring applied math/physics. I don't think this program is really worth it because the result is an M.A., which is only good if you want to go into teaching. Might want to go to a PhD. program, in which case the school may require you to take a GRE anyways.

mjdesa · 05-05-2009, 01:51 AM

Would doing the program put me at any advantage for applying to phd programs?

sarahvu1988 · 06-17-2009, 04:24 AM

I think having a Masters from the program is a plus since you're still seen as coming straight from an undergrad (but with bonus points) in the eyes of an admissions committee. The biggest things though for getting into a top grad school are good GPA and excellent LETTERS of REC. from leaders in the field. It worked for me. I had virtually no background, but thanks to an excellent rec. from a prof., I got into a top ten school. Start building your "teacher-student" rel. early.

Hope that helps.