What is my mathematical interest?

b_r_um
Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:04:57 +0000

So you are currently re-taking calc 1 and 2? Do you feel confident about your background in linear algebra and multivariable calculus? They are the backbone of almost all math involving several variables, from statistics to scientific computing to dynamical systems. You’ll need them for graduate-level applied mathematics.

What you wrote in post #3 will be much more useful to the professor you are communicating with than your original post. If I were you, I would touch on the following topics:

1. Your general math background.

2. That you have particularly enjoyed calculus-type courses (including numerical analysis and dynamical systems).

3. Any specific career goal you have in mind, or that you would like to learn more about how a graduate math degree could be used in the professional world. (Don’t be afraid to ask the department about the job placements of their graduate students. If they cannot or will not answer that question, I would be careful about enrolling there.) What type of math might combine well with your undergraduate background in environmental science would be another excellent question to ask!

4. That you are concerned about your readiness for graduate-level math.