Do think this math class will help?

**GymShorts** · 10-29-2007, 05:23 PM

I'm a junior, and I'm considering taking MATH 330: Top-Mathematical Sol Sci, mainly because the topics are of interest to me, but will admissions committees put any weight on this class, and if so how much? The course description is below.

MATH 330: Top-Mathematical Sol Sci
A more advanced study of the topics covered in MATH 230 (UH) with special emphasis on social welfare functions and Arrow's impossibility Theorem; Topics in game theory including the extensive and normal forms; Bargaining; Fari division; Apportionment. Enrollment requirement: University Honors Program.

**YoungEconomist** · 10-29-2007, 08:57 PM

Originally Posted by GymShorts

I'm a junior, and I'm considering taking MATH 330: Top-Mathematical Sol Sci, mainly because the topics are of interest to me, but will admissions committees put any weight on this class, and if so how much? The course description is below.

MATH 330: Top-Mathematical Sol Sci
A more advanced study of the topics covered in MATH 230 (UH) with special emphasis on social welfare functions and Arrow's impossibility Theorem; Topics in game theory including the extensive and normal forms; Bargaining; Fari division; Apportionment. Enrollment requirement: University Honors Program.

I don't know how admissions commitees will view this class. My guess is that it will be somewhat neutral, but I could be wrong.

IMHO, if the class sounds interesting, then you should take it. You're only a junior, so I imagine that you either already have the important math courses, or you'll be taking them before you apply. You only get to be an undergrad once, so if the course sounds interesting, why not take it?

**macroeconomicus** · 10-29-2007, 10:02 PM

This sounds very interesting, but what are your other options? This is not a math class. It sounds like an advanced microeconomic theory class, more advanced than what most of first PhD students will know (unless they took a graduate theory course). Obviously, this is not a "must-have" course, in the sense intermediate micro, sophomore math, or real analysis are, but I think it could send a good signal to adcoms, specially if you do well and obtain a letter of recommendation from the instructor.

**studentecon** · 10-29-2007, 10:11 PM

1) Any advanced economics class like this is looked favorable by the admissions committee as long as you perform well in it.

2) This class is not a substitute for the classics: the calc. series, linear algebra, probability, optimization, real analysis etc.

**GymShorts** · 10-29-2007, 11:48 PM

Originally Posted by macroeconomicus

This sounds very interesting, but what are your other options?

My only other decent option is international finance, which is taught by a macroeconomist. I'll have all of the "must classes" before/during my first semester of senior year, including: calculus I-III, differential equation, intro to proofs, real analysis, statistics I & II, econometric models, linear algebra, and probability theory. Also I will have the intermediate macro and micro classes along with other economics/finance classes.

**bne600** · 10-30-2007, 02:35 AM

I Think that class is good so take it

**econyun** · 10-30-2007, 07:47 AM

My advice is based on the assumption that you can get A- or above in either Intel Fin or this math class.

If I were you, I would think about if I would ask the prof from Intel Fin to write the letter of recommendation.
I would always go for Math class, if that Econ class is not Micro/Macro/Metrics or advanced theoretical course.

**GymShorts** · 10-30-2007, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by econyun

My advice is based on the assumption that you can get A- or above in either Intel Fin or this math class.

If I were you, I would think about if I would ask the prof from Intel Fin to write the letter of recommendation.
I would always go for Math class, if that Econ class is not Micro/Macro/Metrics or advanced theoretical course.

I'm already planning on getting the professors from international finance to write a letter of recommendation for me. It should be top-notch. I had her for principles of macro and intermediate, and I was the top student in both classes, and I'm currently working with her on getting a paper published.

**buckykatt** · 11-02-2007, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by studentecon

1) Any advanced economics class like this is looked favorable by the admissions committee as long as you perform well in it.

2) This class is not a substitute for the classics: the calc. series, linear algebra, probability, optimization, real analysis etc.

IMHO, this advice is right on. This is definitely material you'll see again in grad school and should be at least as challenging as your typical intermediate micro class. It looks like a great opportunity you should take advantage of, unless you're much more interested in international finance.