Suggestions for math major

anon94785555
Sat, 18 Jan 2014 00:58:10 +0000

Prerequisites can be ignored IF advisors/professors agree that the individual is prepared enough for the course. This happened for son. He had a scheduling conflict after his Honors Physics sequence so because of his good Honors math background he (and another person he knew) they skipped the next physics course and did one where the conflict was a prerequisite (it was math covered in the course that mattered, the Honors sequence had covered it)- son only got a B but I think part of that was his losing interest in the field (based on other knowledge of him). In order to get the required for the major comp sci courses in he did a couple in reverse order. His background had included the mathematically related/cross listed courses and not the less theoretical ones. It is nice to know what is listed can be manipulated individually at large U’s.

Your son should perhaps read this thread with some of our experiences and advice. He is at the ideal stage to figure out where to go with his interests and abilities. He has already learned some good lessons such as the need to fill in gaps in his knowledge base. He really needs some discussions with his advisor, possibly changing majors (and advisors) as well.

btw- that Chicago/MIT person had done a fellowship also.

One thing you learn that despite even being in the top 1-2% there are such large numbers of students in the Us there will be those so much better, even at public flagships. So much better for gifted HS students than HS. As a parent you also learn that despite great intelligence these kids will not always make the best decisions, listen to advice, realize consequences… It will work out.