- #1
inknit
- 58
- 0
So I understand admissions to the top PhD programs are close to impossible (being a math prodigy is a necessary requirement), but how competitive are admissions to programs ranked in 15 - 20 (Northwestern, Brown, UPenn, Wisconsin - Madison to name a few)?
Also, just how important is a solid research background for someone who wants to do pure mathematics? I've been told that simply doing well in courses is good enough, since doing math homework is closer to math research, then say doing chemistry homework is to chemistry research.
Also, I don't see how it's possible for someone who's just scratching the surface of mathematics to do 'pure math' research as an undergrad.
Also, just how important is a solid research background for someone who wants to do pure mathematics? I've been told that simply doing well in courses is good enough, since doing math homework is closer to math research, then say doing chemistry homework is to chemistry research.
Also, I don't see how it's possible for someone who's just scratching the surface of mathematics to do 'pure math' research as an undergrad.