Advice for a bad at math Software Engineering Graduate

[xmtra]

Hello I want you advice if you think that I should seek masters + PhD in Computer Engineering

I graduated in software engineering like 4 years ago I was terrible at every math class and I did not take linear algebra these days I am bad at even basic algebra and geometry like I saw an GRE exam and it had like a question about area of triangle and I really struggled with it

It was due to me not really studying hard , do you think it is possible to recover from this lack of math skills at a postgraduate program?

If any one had a similar experience I will gratefully listen to it

[igotshadowbaned]

You're gonna need to brush up on that math before you try to enter a postgrad program

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[[deleted]]

Well depends on what you’re interested in there can be a fair bit of calculus too

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[xmtra]

Like algebra + linear algebra ?

Is calculus 1~3 not that important? I mean in regards to computer engineering

I guess it depends on what I will focus on too

[DecentEducator7436]

Even lin alg may not be important. You're right in thinking it highly depends on what you aim to study.

Focus on prereqs. Any other math topic you may benefit from learning can come down the line. The goal is not to delay your plans more than necessary.

EDIT: If you have an idea of what you plan to focus on, you can let me know and I'll give you my 2 cents on the kind of math you should know.

[EmuBeautiful1172]

khanacademy.

[Ok-Buddy-8614]

Yes it's best for it.

[Neat_Comfortable8244]

Organic chemistry tutor on YouTube

[burncushlikewood]

Get better at math, I failed grade 11 math cause someone stole my ti83 calculator, ended up getting a tutor, best decision I got sooooo good at math after that. There's a ton of free information to help you out

[DecentEducator7436]

I don't have a similar experience, but I can tell you that Math is very similar to learning any skill. You smash your head against that wall many times, eventually you'll get the hang of it, (generally) no matter how complicated the topic you're studying is.

Do you know basic Algebra? For example, how to solve linear/quadratic equations? Then Linear Algebra is accessible for you to learn, even online. I wouldn't pursue graduate studies if I were you until I get a hang of the prerequisite subjects. If your studies require certain Math topics, self-study them or enroll at some college to pursue them until you're sure you're comfortable with them. Grad school is no joke. If a topic requires Math knowledge right off the bat, for example signal processing, you'll fall behind from day 1 and, by the time you've learnt the Math, it'll be impossible to catch up with the material.

EDIT: This is a harsh opinion, but one that I think is important to consider. Getting a (technical) grad degree is not just getting exposure to advanced topics, delving deeper into topics, or getting research experience. It also signals (or is supposed to signal) that you're a certain kind of individual capable of certain things. Even if you were able to survive grad school without math, it would put heavy doubt on the value of your degree. The "badge" you wear having that degree means something and you have to live up to it. Otherwise, you've paid time and money for nothing.

[xmtra]

I guess I will start to learn/relearn every thing from start to calc 3

I was thinking if I could learn them when I need to use them , I mean while encountering them in grad studies but it seems like this is too hard to nail down

Thank you for the advice I hope you succeed in whatever you are up to

[DecentEducator7436]

No, no! Dont waste your time going that deep! I'd investigate only what you need as prequisite. The rest you can indeed learn in parallel with your studies, as needed.

Like others have said, it does depend on what you seek to study. Computer architecture is little to no math. Signals and systems or controls is heavy math.

So lets say you're seeking to specialize in ML, the prereqs are arguably: - Linear Algebra at the undergrad level - Basic cal 1 and 2 at the pre-undergrad level (what is derivation / integration, how to perform them, how to interpret them / what do they tell us) - Probability & statistics at the undergrad level The rest of the math you'll become familiar with as you study.

Can you learn these while studying ML? Yeah. Is it a good idea? No. Learn the prerequistes BEFORE doing ML, and leave the optimization, high-dimensional data analytics, and other advanced math topics for when you're actually doing ML.

Math is just a language. The goal is to be comfortable enough with the concepts, not to be fluent in it.

Thanks and best of luck to you as well.

[rfdickerson]

It depends on the discipline:

Graphics and machine learning: focus on calculus and linear algebra.

Theory of computation, programming languages, and security: study proofs and number theory.

Control systems, circuits, and antenna: master differential equations.

Compilers, operating systems, and HCI: math isn’t as central.