Abstract Algebra

[philecon]

Would your grade in an undergraduate course in abstract algebra matter for adcoms once they evaluate your applications? I ask this because I might take an abstract algebra class next semester (it's a prerequisite for a more elegant linear algebra class, and I need it too once I apply for a MS in Math/Applied Math, major in Finance - I'm going on this route before I go for the PhD), and I'm a bit apprehensive of taking it because I'm not that confident with my proof writing.

Can you also suggest some books that I could use for a crash course in proof-writing? I have Solow's text, but it might be too long.

Thanks!

[unitroot]

I am not convinced that a Math masters is THE best route to PhD in Finance. It is certainly a good route, but there are many other routes. For one, if you are coming from a solid undergraduate institution and have solid credentials, you can probably apply directly to PhD in finance at schools ranked 1-20 as reaches, and 20- down as "safeties". Finance PhD programs tend to be less theoretical than Econ PhD programs, so a Masters in Math seems to have a dubious value (witness that a lot of good asset pricing theorists are in the economics departments, but empirical finance people are in finace departments). Certainly go for it if this is simply how you want to get the things done. Having Abstact Algebra on your transcript will have no value if you already have courses like Real Analysis with a good grade (this alone is sufficient to prove you're good in math). The more useful quantitative courses for finance are probably applied statistics or econometrics and/or stochastic processes. Adv. Linear algebra should also be good (though, some "abstract" linear algebra courses are so abstract that one often fails to see the practical implications of the results learned.)

[philecon]

I'm sorry, I think I muddled things up because I wasn't too clear and specific. I come from a university in Southeast Asia, so taking a master's is definitely something I have to do. Also, I don't intend to pursue a PhD in Finance; I want to complete a PhD in Economics, and I was thinking of completing a master's in math/applied math as preparation.

Thank you for the advice though.