I'm nearing the end of my degree (majoring in mathematical physics and pure maths) and after doing subjects such as Linear Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Algebra, Geometry, Metric Spaces and Hilbert Spaces. After doing all of these subjects, I've come to the conclusion that I suck at pure maths. I just cannot do proofs and it's annoying because I love studying pure maths.
This year I did take a subject called PDE's and most things clicked straight away and I enjoyed it. I still have my heart set on becoming a mathematician (mathematical physics or applied math), but pure maths has given me such an ego blow. Not only that, but continuing it has lowered my average grade and I could have done more applied maths subjects that would have raised my average grade.
My question is "has this happened to anyone else?".
Anyway learning from my mistakes, I've decided that if I get into masters, I'm taking a lot more applied subjects.
This year I did take a subject called PDE's and most things clicked straight away and I enjoyed it. I still have my heart set on becoming a mathematician (mathematical physics or applied math), but pure maths has given me such an ego blow. Not only that, but continuing it has lowered my average grade and I could have done more applied maths subjects that would have raised my average grade.
My question is "has this happened to anyone else?".
Anyway learning from my mistakes, I've decided that if I get into masters, I'm taking a lot more applied subjects.
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That hasn't happened to me, but I went through memory loss over illness twice, and had to relearn math all over again. The first time, I felt terribly persecuted for a while and then finally decided if it was that important to me once, it should be something worth doing over again. The second time, I felt disgusted for a while, and then finally decided that if math always made me feel good, it was worth it to learn over again a third time.
I understand how crushed you must feel. It's possible that you need some real life experience working in a math career to develop this ability to do proofs. There are experiences which happen in life which will suddenly change our perspectives, or allow us to see what we were missing. Right now, do what you do well. I have a very strong hunch that you will develop this ability to do proofs when you distance yourself for a few years from the worry it has been causing you.
The main thing is we can never take anything for granted. Be thankful that you are able to do applied maths, and you've made accomplishments that many others would already envy. Take care, and give this some time. What a person plans to be while in college is often not what they want to do 10 or 20 years down the line. Be open about options. You have many.
I understand how crushed you must feel. It's possible that you need some real life experience working in a math career to develop this ability to do proofs. There are experiences which happen in life which will suddenly change our perspectives, or allow us to see what we were missing. Right now, do what you do well. I have a very strong hunch that you will develop this ability to do proofs when you distance yourself for a few years from the worry it has been causing you.
The main thing is we can never take anything for granted. Be thankful that you are able to do applied maths, and you've made accomplishments that many others would already envy. Take care, and give this some time. What a person plans to be while in college is often not what they want to do 10 or 20 years down the line. Be open about options. You have many.
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I went through grad school in pure mathematics (doctorate). The people who had trouble with pure mathematics had increasingly more trouble as they got into higher level pure mathematics (grad work). They either dropped or flailed uselessly. You don't want a C in Measure Theory, grad level topology, or grad level Abstract Algebra.
Go for applied. First because of the above, and second, because you'll have an easier time getting a job and third because you'll get paid more. BTW - take statistics. It's incredibly useful and looks great on the resume.
I do not mean any insult here. I've just seen it happen too often. In a sense I am the voice of experience. My "gift" in pure math cost me dearly in salary.
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Go for applied. First because of the above, and second, because you'll have an easier time getting a job and third because you'll get paid more. BTW - take statistics. It's incredibly useful and looks great on the resume.
I do not mean any insult here. I've just seen it happen too often. In a sense I am the voice of experience. My "gift" in pure math cost me dearly in salary.
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