<p>So says the numerous rankings. Indeed, the math department is large and phenomenal. Yet, how much does this apply to undergraduates? In upper division courses, I still go to lectures with 30-40 other kids and go to office hours to see 5 other people crowding the room. I’m the type who wants to ask a lot of questions and have more personal interactions with the instructor or other students. I really value those things, and I realize I learn better in a smaller environment. Is this a good enough reason for wanting to transfer to a private institution where the math department might be just good but not superb, yet more personal and focused on undergraduate teaching? Would the process be too distracting?</p>
<p>I have plans to go to graduate school in math. With this in mind, I would appreciate some advice.</p>
<p>Your “Screen name” makes it appear that you were born in 1995- so you are likely a Sophomore (or a Freshman?). If you feel strongly, you could write some transfer applications. By the time spring rolls around, I suspect you will feel more settled in (or not) and will not need to act on any acceptances (or you will) you receive. Only you can tell. But often, it just takes a bit of time to find your rhythm within the bureaucracy. If you can get some research going and find a faculty mentor, I think you will be happier. Once you have a “professional circle” of alternatives to office hours, you may find these outlets give you what you need. Finding a school where there are classes smaller than 30-40 may not be so easy.</p>
<p>Good luck with the Putnam!</p>
<p>I would consider a couple things:</p>
<ol>
<li> How are you doing in your classes currently?</li>
<li> Would a smaller private university or liberal arts college offer some other disadvantages compared to just larger class sizes, such as higher out-of-pocket cost?</li>
</ol>
<p>@ItsJustSchool
I am a first year student. Maybe it is that I haven’t yet found a circle like you said, but I am certain that I do not like the large public school environment. Are/were you a math major at Berkeley? If so, would you mind sharing what aspects of Berkeley math that you appreciated and what aspects you didn’t? There are actually courses that are not typically offered at other universities, such as the courses in the logic field.</p>
<p>Also, it might be due to Berkeley’s grade deflation and competitive atmosphere, but I have observed that a lot of people focus very much on grades, and worrying about scores seem to be a much more dominant tendency than being led by one’s curiosity. This is what makes me want to transfer out. Am I being too idealistic about what I’m searching for in higher education?</p>
<p>@UCBChemEGrad
I actually decided to take a break for this academic year. I wasn’t doing well while I was enrolled. I am likely get even more scholarship at a private university than at a public, considering my family’s income level.</p>
<p>@dreamcometrue95, my son is a math major and took a summer school class there a little over a year ago. My impression from the outside looking in was that UCB was among the most idealistic “learning for learning’s sake” universities. I am sure that you know Reed has excellent placement in PhD programs. What I would worry about at a small college (Macalaster, Reed, etc.) is that you will run out of Math classes, especially if you are taking upper division classes your first year. I looked briefly at Swarthmore, since it allows cross-registration at UPenn, but I am not really sure what a good small school solution is- that was really about the only idea I had. I am curious to know what you find out/decide!</p>
<p>What are you doing right now? Perhaps you could find some research work. Have you checked out MSRI? Are you from NorCal?</p>
<p>@ItsJustSchool
I am looking into private universities with good math departments, but not liberal arts colleges, since I do agree they’ll have a limited selection of courses. While I’m on break, I plan to take courses at a different institution where they have smaller classes. I do not think I am prepared to do any research as of now. May I ask where your son attends college? How was his experience? And what made him get that impression about Berkeley?</p>
<p>For math courses, you may find smaller class sizes and greater “learning for learning sake” attitudes in the honors courses and elective pure math type of courses (as opposed to non-honors courses that are also taken by applied math and non-math majors). Which courses have you taken or are you taking?</p>
<p>Be careful of thinking that the grass is automatically greener elsewhere. Some of the schools with good math departments are feeders for finance and consulting employers; some types of finance jobs favor math-heavy majors, so there may be more pre-professional attitudes among the students than you expect.</p>
<p>@dreamcometrue95, my son’s path will be different than yours. I did send you a PM to give you details since you are curious.</p>
<p>Where are you taking courses? Is Berkeley OK with this? What schools are you considering? Hopefully you can go in as a Freshman and access potential merit money.</p>
<p>@ucbalumnus @ItsJustSchool
I have sent you both messages. Thank you.</p>
<p>@dreamcometrue95 Did you consider Harvey Mudd? They are generous with scholarships.</p>