- #1
~Death~
- 45
- 0
hi
im a pure math major and going into my sr year next semester
im supposed to apply to grad schools sometime next year as well, but I have
a problem. I don't think id have a problem getting into a program my GPA is 4.0 in all
my math courses and I've taken quite a few including some in topology algebra number
theory analysis linear algebra complex analysis and logic and i think i have a good basic
understanding of these courses (a lot of which are prereqs for grad school level courses)
But, grad school is different ...youre moving from doing generic textbook problems to having
to choose and write a thesis topic
I find this really intimidating ...considering the greatest geniuses in human history have
been studying these subjects for centuries to think that I should be expected to come up
with something semioriginal myself is intimidating
And this isn't a small decision ...whether I should go to grad school or not, it costs money
takes time and what subject i choose to puruse after undergrad will determine my
future career choices! So I'm scared to say the least
So I've decided that my best option is to take this summer and see if i can write a mini
thesis. If I can at least write something down to my liking then I'll know that I have
the potential to go onto grad school, but if I can't I am not sure i want to risk it
and maybe ill choose a different subject to major in
The only problem with that is, I've never been told how to start a thesis, or even how to choose a topic...I googled and found undergraduate research experiences offered at various universities --mine does not have these unfortunately.
So I am basically wondering if someone could help me choose a topic and give me some suggestions/insights on where to start. I'm willing to read and research different papers and books in the topic area myself ...but as I've said i only have undergraduate level knowledge in these subjects
Thanks for any help
im a pure math major and going into my sr year next semester
im supposed to apply to grad schools sometime next year as well, but I have
a problem. I don't think id have a problem getting into a program my GPA is 4.0 in all
my math courses and I've taken quite a few including some in topology algebra number
theory analysis linear algebra complex analysis and logic and i think i have a good basic
understanding of these courses (a lot of which are prereqs for grad school level courses)
But, grad school is different ...youre moving from doing generic textbook problems to having
to choose and write a thesis topic
I find this really intimidating ...considering the greatest geniuses in human history have
been studying these subjects for centuries to think that I should be expected to come up
with something semioriginal myself is intimidating
And this isn't a small decision ...whether I should go to grad school or not, it costs money
takes time and what subject i choose to puruse after undergrad will determine my
future career choices! So I'm scared to say the least
So I've decided that my best option is to take this summer and see if i can write a mini
thesis. If I can at least write something down to my liking then I'll know that I have
the potential to go onto grad school, but if I can't I am not sure i want to risk it
and maybe ill choose a different subject to major in
The only problem with that is, I've never been told how to start a thesis, or even how to choose a topic...I googled and found undergraduate research experiences offered at various universities --mine does not have these unfortunately.
So I am basically wondering if someone could help me choose a topic and give me some suggestions/insights on where to start. I'm willing to read and research different papers and books in the topic area myself ...but as I've said i only have undergraduate level knowledge in these subjects
Thanks for any help