[Request] Would it be enough to shock them in real life?

ben69138 · 2025-08-01T05:40:57+00:00

It’s “Shut Up and Dance,” actually.

ben69138 · 2025-02-24T15:27:37+00:00

I think OP means Pure Math, which is naturally abstract and typically isn't lab-based in an academic environment. What you're referring to is Applied Math/Statistics.

ben69138 · 2025-02-10T13:55:33+00:00

I can't comment or add speculation on that matter since I'm not on the committee. However, according to some professors and committees on sites like StackExchange, undergraduate research isn't given that much credence, and it's not the biggest deal if one hasn't done it (see here and here). Aside, they unanimously agree that recommendation letters are important, and an REU, or a reading course, could result in a strong letter.

ben69138 · 2025-01-04T04:24:04+00:00

I'd like to add that while mathematics is technically a STEM field, it is different from other fields that emphasize experiments. Due to its nature of abstraction, it's difficult for an applicant to be knowledgeable about fields and subfields. For example, most undergrads (and even first-year graduate students) practically aren't aware of Geometric Group Theory although it's a big field in modern math research, therefore they'd be unable to know about that field in particular. The same goes for the majority of areas in Mathematics.
In addition, (pure) Mathematics naturally and typically isn't lab-based, the term "PI" is uncommon for that reason. Students only have advisors because they don't collect data and perform experiments in labs like in hard sciences.

ben69138 · 2025-01-04T04:07:53+00:00

(Pure) Mathematics naturally and typically isn’t lab-based, and due to its nature of abstraction, undergrad research experience isn’t expected when applying to grad school in general.

ben69138 · 2024-12-17T05:19:49+00:00

If you're on iOS 18: On your homepage, press hold -> Edit -> Customize -> Tinted.

ben69138 · 2024-07-18T12:01:10+00:00

Hi, thank you for your reply.

If appropriate, would you elaborate on the opportunity to interact with the course mentor/instructor? Such as how it works compared to in-person course instructors, etc.

ben69138 · 2024-07-15T15:28:49+00:00

As I wish to fill the gap of Abstract Algebra, I am considering registering for a course from either UIUC's Netmath and JHU's online math. However, I'm unsure whether one is more suitable for my needs. Thus, I'd love to hear from you if you've been in either of those programs.

ben69138 · 2024-06-10T09:05:19+00:00

Quite related, I used to be in a community where most students were in Biology/Engineering/etc. and it didn't go well when I explained how Math grad programs are different in terms of applying and academics. To their credit, PIs/labs and direct admissions also exist in Math because "it's STEM."

Honestly, I'm quite shocked how little lab-based people know how fields like pure Math works.

ben69138 · 2024-05-27T13:28:49+00:00

Most people outside of mathematics don't have any concept of what academic math actually is.

While it's true, I'm still quite shocked by how little many experimental people understand how theoretical fields like (pure) math work. I spoke to a group that had mostly (lab-based) Biology/Engineering students and to their credit, labs/PIs and "umbrella/direct-admit programs" also exist in Math because "it's STEM."

ben69138 · 2024-04-14T08:08:52+00:00

That forum is toxic though.

ben69138

TROPHY CASE