<p>I’m majoring in mathematics (probably applied). I hear that majoring in math and sciences limits your chances at getting a high GPA (around 3.9-4.0), or it’s practically impossible or something. Can you guys clarify this? Any math majors out there with advice?</p>
<p>If you’re good enough at math to get a 4.0 you will. If you’re not… you won’t. It’s thought of as harder in math and science because, in general, they are subjects that people have a much harder time with than humanities and the social sciences. But it’s definitely possible, it just depends on you.</p>
<p>At my college, the students with the highest GPAs are usually math majors. This past year, 4/10 students graduating summa cum laudae were math majors.</p>
<p>The good and at the same time bad thing about math and physical sciences is general is that there are clear-cut right and wrong answers. I would say it’s easier to get an A in math than say in English (how often do you write a “perfect” paper?), but it’s also easier to flunk an exam than it is to flunk a paper.</p>
<p>I guess it really depends on your college and your abilities.</p>
<p>How often does your English major pass a Real Analysis or Topology test? …</p>
<p>… ???</p>
<p>Again, this depends on the school, other students in your classes, etc. But in some cases, the actual degree requirements can play a large part in the GPA. For example, there are several math degree tracks at MIT. One track is [url=<a href=“http://www-math.mit.edu/academics/undergrad/major/course18/general.html]general[/url”>Course 18 Option 1: General Option]general[/url</a>]. When you have a large degree of flexibility in choosing which subjects you take, you have a better chance of a more favorable GPA.</p>
<p>The math majors at my college only require 41 hours for the major, which leaves 32-34 hours of electives. They could double major with an easier major if they wanted.</p>
<p>I think you’ll see a decent number of very high GPAs in math, but you’ll also see a lot more at lower scores. There seem to be people that just “get” math no matter what kind it is, and others that will be able to do alright, but will have to work a lot harder to keep a lower grade.</p>
<p>One of my friends in undergrad was a CS/Math double major. He got an A in every CS and Math class, but was in danger of failing freshman chemistry for a decent part of the semester because he just couldn’t understand it. He also considered physics lab as one of the hardest courses ever while I thought it was the easiest A the school offered.</p>