taking real analysis as audit

[jamijami]

Hi. Do you think that adcoms would take it against me if I took real analysis as an audit class? I've got a good transcript already, but I just think with all the work piling up currently, I do not have the time to do perfectly in the class. Any advice?

[Golden Rule]

I don't think they'd take it against you. But obviously it's not going to help you either. Auditing a class provides little information to the ad com that you'll be a successful addition to their program.

[jamijami]

Hmm, but do you think it at least puts me somewhat above people who haven't taken the class at all?

[Raiv11]

If your choice is between auditing and not auditing it, ceteris paribus (ie, auditing it won't affect your other marks), then it's probably better to audit it, yeah. But I think you should strongly prefer actually taking the class to both options. I can't imagine the audit hurting, but I really can't imagine it giving you much of a boost, either.

[HailMary]

But what if he takes it and gets a C or worse a D? Would it have been better to simply not take it all or audit instead?

If his choice is between auditing and doing poorly, I think think auditing is the safest bet.

[jamijami]

Actually if I get a B in it, would it still be worth it versus auditing? Just wondering as I am pondering the most efficient choice given the probabilities.

[Golden Rule]

Originally Posted by jamijami

Hmm, but do you think it at least puts me somewhat above people who haven't taken the class at all?

I can't imagine any realistic scenario where having audited real analysis vs. not having taken it would make a difference in the admissions process.

[Raiv11]

If you think you can get a B, I think that's definitely better than auditing it. But if this is the only real hole in your profile, then I don't think it's a huge deal--analysis is a big help, but not having it won't exclude you from any program if you have good marks in all of your other math and stats classes.

[moneyandcredit]

Well, if you have more than one semester before transcripts are due, then auditing it will give you a big hand when you do take it the following semester.

[zurich_econ]

I think that there is no other class in which you lose more by merely auditing it relative to actually taking it. In my view, RA can only be learned by doing, which necessarily takes up significant amounts of time. On the other hand, simply knowing the theorems and lemmas is not going to benefit you a lot at all.