Real Analysis Pass/Fail Class? Your Opinion

[econsd]

I'm currently registering for classes for next fall and I will also be applying for programs next fall. I will be taking Adv. Micro, Research Methodology in Applied Economics, Time Series Econometrics, and Real Analysis. The math department granted me admission to Real Analysis without taking linear algebra. However, I have taken Matrix Algebra and a Proof/Set Theory/Logic class. Real Analysis is said to weed out the math majors at our school. This is a bit intimidating but I feel I have a strong math background. I have taken Diff Eq, Calc 1-3, 3 stats classes, Math Econ, and the two listed above. I will feel more comfortable taking this Real Analysis class as a Pass/Fail but will Adcom's lookdown on this?

Thanks

[Norsker]

I'm fairly certain they will-it's a big 'signaling' class.

[Team3]

The answer is...it depends on where you want to apply. There are still quite a few solid programs that don't require undergraduate analysis, and we have a number of TMers with the admissions results to prove it. If you have your heart set on a highly-ranked and/or mathematically-oriented program, the course is one of the more important admissions markers, and the "pass-fail" option will almost certainly work against you.

[walt526]

Depends on how highly ranked the schools that you are targeting are. Definitely for Top 10-15ish schools, you probably hurt yourself by taking it P/F rather than for a grade. I think that most adcoms assume the worst and just consider a Pass as a C. If you think that you can earn a B or better, then take it for a grade.

On the other hand, if you're looking schools outside the Top 30--many of whom admit students who haven't taken analysis--then a Pass may be considered a positive signal. You've been exposed to the material, even if it's not clear that you've mastered it.

[econsd]

Thank you for your quick responses.

Most of the schools I'm looking at rank 20-50. I will be throwing out a few reaches but that is the average range. I'll have to see how much I can learn from the book before then and I'll probably decide when the fall semester starts.

[askua]

Taking analysis as pass\fail will be regarded, as walt526 said, as a B at best and a C at worst. So if you are confident you can get >B+, take it for the letter grade. Otherwise, it just doesn't convey much information, and for a critical course like that, I think it will be worth your while to take it for a letter. But do well in it, if you mess up, you very well might dig your own grave ... good luck!