Undergrad Math: Should I or Shouldn't I?

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Considering a BSci in mathematics hinges on a genuine interest in the subject rather than past performance in high school. Success in university mathematics often diverges from high school experiences, as the skills and study habits required are significantly different. It's crucial to assess personal enjoyment of mathematics, as a strong passion can drive success over mere academic accolades. Students can change their major within the first couple of years without penalty, allowing flexibility if they find the subject isn't the right fit. Ultimately, a solid foundation in high school math is beneficial, but prior competition experience is not a prerequisite for success in university-level mathematics.
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Considering taking a undergraduate BSci in mathematics. My ability is not stellar, I attain fairly good grades and take the top levels but I haven't competed in competitions such as Olympiad, etc. My question is: Should I or Shouldn't I major in mathematics?
 
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Your performance in high school often has little correlation with your performance in university. The study habits required of you in university are probably radically different from those required of you in high school.

The most important question you should ask yourself is: Do I like mathematics enough to spend four years immersed in it? If the answer is yes, then you should, by all means, major in math.

Keep in mind that you can always change it later if you decide it's not for you. If you change your major in the first couple of years, there's essentially no penalty.

- Warren
 
Don't worry about high school scores/competitions/olympiads/hierarchies... like above: university maths is completely different.

You find a lot of people who were top at their high school, fall short when it comes to learning university maths - and vice versa.

You can't tell until you start.

All I would say is that you have to find high school maths easy - but don't worry about not having a medal :wink:
 
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