Taking a Year Off: Advice Requested

[qspeechc]

Hi everyone

I will try to be brief. I have completed my junior year as a mathematics undergrad. I am seriously considering taking a year off before my senior year as an undergrad. This is not so rare at my university. I want to do this because I realize I have a very poor foundation in mathematics. Very poor. I have been to a few lectures for this senior year, and I am completely lost. We are expected to know amy things which I do not know. I plan to take the year off to build a solid foundation in mathematics. I also plan on working, because I can't sit at home and do nothing but study. I can also save for my studies, since I come from a poor(ish) family. I should also add that I received a scholarship for my senior year, and I will relinquish it if I take a year off. I would also have to re-apply to the university. I am quite confident I will be re-admitted -- I have asked the head of the department (HoD) about this -- but it is unclear if I will be awarded a scholarship.
I asked the HoD if he thought this is a good idea, but he didn't have any advice for me. I do not want to go to the curriculum advisor because the last time I went to see him he told me I was stupid, in thinly-veiled terms of course.

As you can see I am in quite a quandary. I'm trying to ask everyone I can for advice, so any you might have is very much appreciated. Thank-you.

 

[98whbf]

Hi everyone

I will try to be brief. I have completed my junior year as a mathematics undergrad. I am seriously considering taking a year off before my senior year as an undergrad. This is not so rare at my university. I want to do this because I realize I have a very poor foundation in mathematics. Very poor. I have been to a few lectures for this senior year, and I am completely lost. We are expected to know amy things which I do not know. I plan to take the year off to build a solid foundation in mathematics. I also plan on working, because I can't sit at home and do nothing but study. I can also save for my studies, since I come from a poor(ish) family. I should also add that I received a scholarship for my senior year, and I will relinquish it if I take a year off. I would also have to re-apply to the university. I am quite confident I will be re-admitted -- I have asked the head of the department (HoD) about this -- but it is unclear if I will be awarded a scholarship.
I asked the HoD if he thought this is a good idea, but he didn't have any advice for me. I do not want to go to the curriculum advisor because the last time I went to see him he told me I was stupid, in thinly-veiled terms of course.

As you can see I am in quite a quandary. I'm trying to ask everyone I can for advice, so any you might have is very much appreciated. Thank-you.

You're worried about an inadequate knowledge of math and paying tuition, so you're plan is to drop out of school and forfeit your scholarship?

 

[qspeechc]

Lol, yea, I know that sounds crazy. I've spoken to a few people -- none of them mathematicians or math students, I should add -- and they all seem to think I'm just nervous. Well yes, I am nervous about my senior year. Yes, I will forfeit a scholarship, which I know is a very silly and selfish decision. But! I really am very worried that Iam not well prepared for my senior year. The first two years of university I stuffed around. I didn't really learn much. My junior year I worked hard and I did very well, which is how I got the full scholarship (I don't like to brag, but this is a necessary part of my explanation). But the first two years where I was carrying on have really hurt me. I've sat in a few lectures now and I really am lost. If I don't take the year off, I might pass, but it'snot likely I will do well. Then I won't get into grad school. That sucks because what I want most in life is a mathematics PhD. I just feel that if I take this year off, work and study in my free time, I can do much better in my senior year, and that will place me in a better position.
I won't just be lazing about. I plan to look for work and save the money to go towards my tuition. Ultimately what I do is my decision. My mother thinks it is a bad idea. My sister doesn't know; neither does the department head. My friends just think I'm nervous. As you can see I'm quite confused.

EDIT: you might be wondering how I managed to stuff up in my first two years but aced my junior year.
First two years I did: calc; ODEs; PDEs; linear- and abstract- algebra.
Junior year: real analysis in one variable; complex analysis (Conway); topics in analysis; topics in algebra.
So none of the stuff I did in the first two years was really a prereq for anything in my junior year. Topics in algebra was sort of stand-alone, mostly category theory stuff. I did so poorly in my first two years I was nearly kicked out. I've also taken a lot of applied math courses: I didn't know whether to go pure or applied. Numerical analysis I & II; mathematical modelling; mathematical physics; nonlinear ODEs; general relativity.

 

[Apotheosis]

Why not go part time for a semester and see how that goes?

 

[rezeew]

I understand the importance of a solid foundation in mathematics for any further studies or career in the field. It is commendable that you have recognized this and have taken the initiative to take a year off to strengthen your understanding of mathematics. However, I can also understand your hesitation and concerns about relinquishing your scholarship and having to re-apply to the university.

My first advice would be to speak with your academic advisor or another faculty member who is familiar with your academic performance and goals. They may be able to provide more specific and personalized advice on how taking a year off may impact your scholarship and re-admission to the university. They may also be able to suggest alternative options or resources that can help you improve your foundation in mathematics without taking a full year off.

Additionally, I would suggest seeking guidance from professionals in the field of mathematics, such as professors or tutors, who can provide you with targeted and structured learning opportunities during your year off. This can help ensure that you are making the most of your time and efforts in building a strong foundation in mathematics.

Lastly, I would like to remind you that taking a year off does not mean that you are falling behind or that you are not capable. In fact, taking a break to focus on your weaknesses and improve them can ultimately benefit you in the long run and set you up for success in your senior year and beyond. So do not let the opinions of others discourage you from pursuing your academic goals and making the best decision for yourself.

I wish you all the best in your academic journey and I hope that you find the support and resources you need to make an informed decision about taking a year off. Just remember to stay determined and focused, and do not hesitate to seek advice from trusted individuals in your university and in the field of mathematics.