Is math research a waste of time?

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The discussion centers on the value of math research for a physics major considering graduate school applications. The original poster, an undergraduate in their final year, is weighing the benefits of continuing math research versus focusing on physics research. They express concern about the perception of math research by physics graduate admissions committees. Participants suggest that any research experience can be valuable, especially if it leads to strong recommendation letters. The consensus leans towards the idea that having recommendations from both math and physics professors could be beneficial, alleviating the pressure to exclusively pursue physics research. Ultimately, the poster is encouraged to appreciate their current research opportunities and not overthink the situation.
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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.
 
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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.
 

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