Is math research a waste of time?

  • Thread starter Thread starter anonymous188
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Research Time
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the value of math research for a physics major, particularly in the context of preparing for graduate school applications. Participants explore the implications of engaging in math research versus physics research and the potential impact on recommendation letters.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether math research is viewed as valuable by physics graduate admissions committees.
  • Another participant suggests that any research experience could be beneficial, especially if it leads to strong recommendation letters or publications.
  • Concerns are raised about the importance of having recommendations from physics professors compared to math professors.
  • A participant acknowledges their involvement in both math and physics research, indicating they will have letters from both types of professors.
  • There is a sense of uncertainty about the best path forward, with one participant expressing a desire to focus more on physics-related research.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of math research for physics graduate applications, with no consensus reached on whether it is a waste of time or a valuable experience.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the question of how admissions committees weigh math research compared to physics research, leaving open the implications of their recommendations.

anonymous188
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
Is math research a waste of time for a physics major?

Hey everybody,

I will be starting my fourth and final year this Fall as an undergraduate with physics and math majors. Since in a couple of months I need to start my applications for physics grad school, I'm currently stressing out about what I need to do.

I've heard many people stress how important research as an undergraduate is. My problem is that it seems I have more opportunities doing research in math than in physics. Since last year (Fall '06), I started doing work in an undergraduate physics research position. The progress is slow, however, and it will probably not be done until the end of the next semester (Fall '07). Right now, I'm in an 8-week math research program that will be done a week from this Friday.

My math professor recently asked if I wanted to do another one of these programs that would last the entire semester, with the intent on continuing research on the same topic. My question is: Is having done math research not important in the eyes of the physics admissions people? Should I say yes to this opportunity, or should I try to do something else (i.e. original physics research)? Any help would be much appreciated.

-Alex W.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Changed the title so it's not as misleading. Change didn't show up on main page, though.
 
I don't think anything research-wise would be a waste of time if something comes out of it (i.e. good reccomendation letter from people you work with, maybe the faculty member you work with will even get it published).
 
Thanks for the reply. I've done the same reasoning, but in the back of my mind it seems like I should do something more physics related. What about getting a recommendation from a math professor rather than a physics professor? Any thoughts?
 
Well didn't you say you are doing physics research (ending Fall 07" as well? In that case, you will have letters from math & physics professors. Correct?
 
Correct. Maybe I'm overthinking this a little too much. I should probably just be content that I am where I am.

Thanks for the replies.
 

Similar threads

Admissions Advice about doing 1 or 2 masters during 2 yrs before doing PhD?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Other What are areas of research that pertain to Grand Unified Theory?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Programs Take a 5th year to do more research?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Programs Should I do a math or an astronomy double major for general relativity?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admissions Do I have a good shot at CalTech/MIT's graduate program for physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
Admissions Latebloomer with many past mistakes applying to graduate school
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Other How much does one's undergraduate field of research matter?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Any tips for doing a PhD in theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
Other Math Help for Physics Undergrad: Advice Needed
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Admissions Want a PhD in math, but stuck in a physics degree. What to do?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K