What is my mathematical interest?

bwest36
Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:12:34 +0000

My message:



I am interested in applying for your masters of applied mathematics, but before I do, I would like to take a class next semester. Which class would you recommend, and how would I go about signing up?



The reply:



Thank you for your interest in our graduate program. Before making any suggestions, I need to know about your background in mathematics. A transcript would be a good start. Send also a paragraph or two about your mathematical interests.



I looked through the course for next semester and I would be interested in taking Numerical Analysis, but I would like better input. I want to find out if a MS in applied maths is a good fit for me before I apply.

For my undergrad, I did my major in environmental science and a minor in math. My math courses was mostly computational courses. I’ve passed AP calc, and didn’t do so hot in calc 3 or differential equation during my freshman year. And my sophomore year I didn’t do so well in physics. I started turning around my math my senior year, and that’s when I decided to do a minor. I did well in my numerical analysis class, and I took a class on chaos and dynamical system. That chaos class was challenging, but was interesting. Currently, I am taking calc 1 and calc 2 at community college, passing time until I find a job, and doing quite well. I study more than the teacher expects to challenge myself more, and I find myself enjoying the subject again.

The courses in grad school are obviously more difficult than undergrad and community college, and so I would like to make sure it’s not going to be over my head.