Double Major or REU: Which Is Better for Aspiring Grad Students?

[carboy79]

I'm currently majoring in physics and I've figured that I can also major in math if I take math classes all summer for the next 2 summers. This means that I would not be able to participate in REU's. My question is what would be more beneficial for me... a double major in physics and math... or research experience with possible REU's during the summer??
I should mention that my eventual goal (after maybe working for a year or two) is to go to grad school in theory... right now leaning towards high energy but that could change. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[fss]

What are the math classes? Is it a new thing to offer "real" math classes over the summer that would actually count towards a math major?

 

[carboy79]

What are the math classes? Is it a new thing to offer "real" math classes over the summer that would actually count towards a math major?

Of course they are real math classes... the university you attended didn't offer summer courses? It's the same as taking them during the fall/spring just more fast paced because its in a shorter amount of time.

The classes would include Intro to Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Intro Math Statistics, Elementary Topology, Linear Algebra, Intro to Advanced Math, plus 1 or 2 more

 

[Newtime]

Of course they are real math classes... the university you attended didn't offer summer courses? It's the same as taking them during the fall/spring just more fast paced because its in a shorter amount of time.

The classes would include Intro to Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Intro Math Statistics, Elementary Topology, Linear Algebra, Intro to Advanced Math, plus 1 or 2 more

Have you looked at the requirements for your physics degree carefully? Typically there is a lot of overlap. In particular, I would imagine you would need to take linear algebra, complex analysis, statistics and some others anyway.

Regarding your original question: I would imagine having solid research experience would be better on an application for grad school (in physics) than a second degree in math at the expense of said research. Although, this isn't to say that a degree in math isn't useful or appealing.

 

[carboy79]

Have you looked at the requirements for your physics degree carefully? Typically there is a lot of overlap. In particular, I would imagine you would need to take linear algebra, complex analysis, statistics and some others anyway.

There is no math requirements beyond the usual Calc I-III and Diff Equations. We are required to take a course called mathematical physics which is somewhat of a crash course on a bunch of different useful areas.

 

[fss]

The classes would include Intro to Analysis, Complex Analysis, Abstract Algebra, Intro Math Statistics, Elementary Topology, Linear Algebra, Intro to Advanced Math, plus 1 or 2 more

Impressive. Most schools don't offer that level of courses over the summer when enrollment is down, especially for higher-level stuff. http://www.summer.harvard.edu/2010/courses/math.jsp" ...

 

[Dembadon]

I believe graduate programs would rather you have research experience than a double major. I would advise you to get as much research experience as humanly possible.

 

[carboy79]

Anyone else? I figured the math major might favor a little more heavily if I intend on specializing in theory.

 

[Phyisab****]

One benefit of doing summer research/internships is you make connections who at the very least will be willing to recommend you. I was a lab assistant one summer and did an internship. Both of my bosses are very enthusiastic about writing me letters of recommendation. I developed a personal relationship with them and they saw that I work hard and can get stuff done. I'm kicking myself right now for not doing a third summer of research or interning.

Taking a class with a professor, going to office hours every week and getting an A in their class is not enough to develop a relationship like that. At least in my experience. I'm still looking for a third person to recommend me for grad school, everyone who I didn't work with is avoiding it like the black death.

 

[Phyisab****]

Also I did my internship at a Fortune 500 company and made $$$$$$$. Seriously, the first time I've ever felt rich. It was awesome. Actually making serious money really affected my understanding of school and its relation to the real world, and it increased my motivation.

For some reason it seems like all my professors think I'm an idiot. The two guys who were my bosses, (both with physics PhDs) seem to think I'm really talented and hard working. I might have given up on physics if it wasn't for my summer experiences.

 

[carboy79]

Also I did my internship at a Fortune 500 company and made $$$$$$$. Seriously, the first time I've ever felt rich. It was awesome. Actually making serious money really affected my understanding of school and its relation to the real world, and it increased my motivation.

For some reason it seems like all my professors think I'm an idiot. The two guys who were my bosses, (both with physics PhDs) seem to think I'm really talented and hard working. I might have given up on physics if it wasn't for my summer experiences.

How were you able to get such a good summer job? Did you have something special on your resume?

 

[Phyisab****]

Nope, I'd say my resume was pretty average. I tried to stress the ways in which I would be qualified, and was very enthusiastic about learning the parts of the job I was not experienced in.

Edit: I guess I should mention this company considers themselves to be high tech and has a very large industrial lab and research type operation, and employs a lot of scientists. It might be harder to get a job like this than I realize and I just got lucky.