Math Grad School, Gen Chem Grades

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the impact of grades in general chemistry on graduate school applications for math or applied math programs. Participants explore the relevance of non-math course grades in the context of admissions criteria and personal experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how general chemistry grades will affect their application to math graduate schools, suggesting that math course performance may be more critical.
  • Another participant expresses the belief that general chemistry grades will not significantly impact admissions, especially if the overall GPA is decent and the applicant demonstrates willingness to work.
  • A participant shares a personal experience of being admitted to top graduate math programs despite receiving a B in general chemistry, indicating that performance in math courses is more important.
  • Another participant reassures that a B in physical chemistry did not hinder their admission to graduate schools in chemistry, suggesting that similar outcomes may apply to the original poster.
  • Some participants express a general sense of reassurance regarding the impact of a B in general chemistry on graduate school prospects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a B in general chemistry is not a major concern for graduate school applications in math, though there are differing opinions on the extent of its impact, particularly regarding prestigious programs.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that performance in math courses is prioritized in admissions decisions, but this is not universally established. The discussion does not resolve the varying weight that different programs may place on non-math grades.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate school in math or applied math who are concerned about the implications of their grades in non-math courses.

zooxanthellae
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Hi everybody. I'd like to go to graduate school in math or applied math. My question is how my grades in a gem chem course my factor into this. For scheduling reasons I'm in an honors sequence and looking at B's throughout since I'm not a chem major (taking the course fulfills requirements for the math major). I'm guessing that math grad schools will care more about how I do in math courses, but I'd like to make sure.

Thanks.
 
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340 views and no replies? Is there anything odd/confusing about my question?
 
I wouldn't think they'd factor into it very much at all. As long as you have a half decent GPA and are willing to do the work. Unless your like trying to get into some prestige university, but even then its doubtful as they often look at other things besides grades.
 
Here's a reassuring anecdote: I got a B in general chemistry and made it into a couple of top 10 graduate math programs. I actually got plenty of B's as an undergraduate (I am terrible in liberal arts classes), but none of them were in math. So I don't think that you have much to worry about. Just try to get mostly A's in your math classes.
 
If anyone else wants to chime in, that's welcome. Right now I'm going to go ahead and assume that a B in gen chem, while not preferable, is not a big deal.
 
I got a B in physical chemistry and still got into graduate schools in chemistry. You're cool.
 

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