2 Math Classes Simultaneously in the Summer?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of taking two math courses, Elementary Differential Equations and Probability Theory, simultaneously during an 8-week summer session. Participants explore the challenges and considerations involved in managing the workload and the implications for the individual's academic timeline, particularly in relation to entering graduate school.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that there is not much mathematical overlap between Elementary Differential Equations and Probability Theory, suggesting that the courses could be taken together.
  • Another participant expresses surprise at the late timing of taking ODEs in the undergraduate career, indicating that the material is typically extensive for an 8-week course.
  • The original poster acknowledges their late enrollment in ODEs due to unforeseen circumstances and expresses a willingness to work hard to manage the courses.
  • A later reply suggests that while it is possible to take both courses simultaneously, it is crucial to stay on top of the material to avoid falling behind.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the ease or difficulty of taking both courses simultaneously, with some expressing concerns about the workload while others believe it is manageable with effort. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to handle the situation.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential challenges of covering a significant amount of material in a compressed timeframe, but do not specify the exact nature of the difficulties or the prerequisites required for success in each course.

Ikern
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My school offers both Elementary Differential Equations and Probability Theory in an 8-week summer session every year. Both of these classes are undergraduate prerequisites for the graduate program I'm applying to, and I anticipate that I'll basically need to take both of these courses simultaneously in the 2017 summer session in order to begin graduate school in the Fall 2017 semester. Is it sensible and possible for me to do this? I really don't want to wait another year to enter graduate school, and because I'm taking the prerequisite for both of these classes the spring 2017 semester immediately preceding the summer session, I can't take the classes any earlier. Thanks for your help!
 
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Ikern said:
My school offers both Elementary Differential Equations and Probability Theory in an 8-week summer session every year. Both of these classes are undergraduate prerequisites for the graduate program I'm applying to, and I anticipate that I'll basically need to take both of these courses simultaneously in the 2017 summer session in order to begin graduate school in the Fall 2017 semester. Is it sensible and possible for me to do this? I really don't want to wait another year to enter graduate school, and because I'm taking the prerequisite for both of these classes the spring 2017 semester immediately preceding the summer session, I can't take the classes any earlier. Thanks for your help!
There's not much overlap, mathematically speaking, between elementary ODEs and probability theory. The latter relies a little on integration, and the former is more complex, from a math standpoint.

I am surprised that you have omitted ODEs until so late in your undergrad career. There is a lot of material to cover in 8 weeks (ODEs are usually done as a semester course).
 
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SteamKing said:
There's not much overlap, mathematically speaking, between elementary ODEs and probability theory. The latter relies a little on integration, and the former is more complex, from a math standpoint.

I am surprised that you have omitted ODEs until so late in your undergrad career. There is a lot of material to cover in 8 weeks (ODEs are usually done as a semester course).

Thank you for your response.

Having to take ODE so late in my undergraduate career wasn't by design; without going into detail, a combination of bad luck, unexpected problems beyond my control, and my own personal mistakes brought me to this point. However, the past is the past, and dwelling on it at this point won't change anything for the better. Accordingly, thank you for your insights into taking ODE in an 8 week session.

Obviously, I realize it's not going to be a piece of cake, but if I'm willing to work hard, do you think it's doable?
 
Ikern said:
\Thank you for your response.

Having to take ODE so late in my undergraduate career wasn't by design; without going into detail, a combination of bad luck, unexpected problems beyond my control, and my own personal mistakes brought me to this point. However, the past is the past, and dwelling on it at this point won't change anything for the better. Accordingly, thank you for your insights into taking ODE in an 8 week session.

Obviously, I realize it's not going to be a piece of cake, but if I'm willing to work hard, do you think it's doable?
It can be done, but there's a lot of material to cover. It's important not to fall behind, especially if you are taking probability theory at the same time.
 

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