Computational mathematics for a messed up student

[jwxie]

I am a Computer Engineering major. I begin to like analyzing things (I always do). I love testing things, and I really have the patience to do analyzing things, google for answers, reading and researching for answers.

But I am not a very strong math student (pretty careless and my fundamental is pretty weak). I can improve these things. I am very dedicated to study harder.

I have a messed up transcript, with a few C and C+. They are my major courses. Honestly I was a A+ student. Procrastination was only an excuse. I am now a rising junior, and I want to do better.

This summer I am dedicated to re-learn data structure, improve my C++, Python, and Java, as well as review EE and physics stuff.
I have a whole summer to spend so I am sure I can managed to get at least half of that done.

Now back to my questions:

1. Do you think I can still go to a good graduate school?

2. I've been looking into Computational mathematics and analysis for quite some time, but I still don't get what the field is.
I read this already: http://www.siam.org/careers/thinking/profiles.php and did a lot of google search.

What exactly do people do? Is there a difference between computational mathematics, computational analysis? From what I see there aren't that many jobs titled "computational". Even if they are, they are mostly for bioinformatics.

3. Do I really need a PhD?

As a junior this Fall, I am aiming for straight A by doing the right things (not only just getting A, but learning the material the right way). I know I don't have to apply to graduate school right away. But what are my options? I don't know what I want to do. I just find analyzing things interesting. I don't see myself writing codes for Facebook or Google Maps.

I want to know what are some good programs that may fit my interest?

What kind of research can I do? Most of the research at my school are for robots or visual (I attend City College CUNY).

Is there anything I can read about? I don't want to pick up a math book that covers things I can't even comprehend...

Thanks guys. I know I am covering a lot of stuff here. Sorry...

 

[jwxie]

any advice, please?
Thanks.

 

[Fizex]

What's your GPA and how many semesters do you have left?
If you want to do research you should get a PhD.
Why are you looking into computational mathematics if you're not strong in math?

 

[jwxie]

Hi, Fizex. Thanks for joining me here.

My GPA is still around 3.2... but those Cs just make me go urgh
I came to US when I was 12, and for the next four years I was basically learning the same materials over and over. At college, as a Computer Engineering major, I would need to take the math sequence for engineering, as well as discrete mathematics (which I think is critical because I was introduced the concepts of sets, graphs, etc).

I was looking into computational math because I enjoy analyzing things. I always like simulation and analytical works. I just don't see myself writing a Facebook UI the whole day. I still love to write software.

The title "computational math" also throws me off. It is usually listed under the Applied Mathematics program. I have been reviewing some of the old stuff, for example,set theory. I don't think math is difficult. I got bad grades only because I procrastinated. I don't see any subjects as being difficult. They are doable if one puts in efforts (although I consider probability as one of the hardest things on earth...).

I have never been exposed to any kind of research. I am trying to perform independent research by looking at some doable interesting problems. Occasionally I solve EulerProject problems.