therealslimkt Posted July 10, 2018 Share Posted July 10, 2018 I have a couple of choices of linear algebra courses to take. - A is standard linear algebra course, uses Strang's Intro to Linear Algebra (should give context on the material) - B is computational linear algebra, ie it has a focus on computational applications, MATLAB programming, etc. It covers the same material as course A in a sense, but probably with less focus on the theory. - C is proof-based, abstract linear algebra, uses Linear Algebra Done Right as a textbook (for context on the material). Known to be the hardest of the three. B seems more helpful towards possible research work, as it provides experience with computational methods that could be useful in doing RA work (and also in applying to pre-doctoral RA positions, which I'm considering). C seems the most helpful for signalling, but I don't know how valuable linear algebra is as a signal compared to other math courses (I've heard it's not) and the potential grade hit/opportunity cost may not be worth it. A is probably the least work and maximizes probability of a good grade while giving me time to focus on other math courses. Which should I take? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Food4Thought Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 If you already have several advanced math courses (w/ good grades) on your transcript, then B would be the most useful. Though, you should know the material from Axler very well if you intend on doing anything that requires advanced econometrics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealslimkt Posted July 12, 2018 Author Share Posted July 12, 2018 Though, you should know the material from Axler very well if you intend on doing anything that requires advanced econometrics. How advanced? I want to take a graduate econometrics course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Food4Thought Posted July 12, 2018 Share Posted July 12, 2018 How advanced? I want to take a graduate econometrics course. Of course you do. The highlights of Axler's book will be taught in most econometrics sequences. What I meant is that you should take the advanced linear algebra course if your anticipated research area requires knowledge of theoretical econometrics, for example financial econometrics or structural IO. If you are interested in mostly reduced-form micro (development, health, labor, public, etc.), then a less advanced linear algebra course would probably be fine preparation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealslimkt Posted July 12, 2018 Author Share Posted July 12, 2018 Of course you do. The highlights of Axler's book will be taught in most econometrics sequences. What I meant is that you should take the advanced linear algebra course if your anticipated research area requires knowledge of theoretical econometrics, for example financial econometrics or structural IO. If you are interested in mostly reduced-form micro (development, health, labor, public, etc.), then a less advanced linear algebra course would probably be fine preparation. I am more interested in reduced form micro, so that's reassuring, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pulsars Posted July 15, 2018 Share Posted July 15, 2018 I guess A would be fine. You could (should?) learn the content in B in a separate numerical analysis course. I'm not sure what the value added of taking C is over A, considering adcoms may not be familiar with the fact that it is more proof-based than A (unless the name of the course is something like "Honors Linear Algebra"). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealslimkt Posted July 20, 2018 Author Share Posted July 20, 2018 I guess A would be fine. You could (should?) learn the content in B in a separate numerical analysis course. I'm not sure what the value added of taking C is over A, considering adcoms may not be familiar with the fact that it is more proof-based than A (unless the name of the course is something like "Honors Linear Algebra"). I'm probably not going to take a separate numerical analysis course, and C is called "Advanced Linear Algebra" - how much of a difference does that make? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pulsars Posted July 20, 2018 Share Posted July 20, 2018 This probably isn't helpful, but I think if you can get an A in Advanced Linear Algebra, go for it. I think an A/A- in regular linear looks "better" than an B/B+ in advanced linear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
therealslimkt Posted July 21, 2018 Author Share Posted July 21, 2018 This probably isn't helpful, but I think if you can get an A in Advanced Linear Algebra, go for it. I think an A/A- in regular linear looks "better" than an B/B+ in advanced linear. That makes sense, and I've self studied Axler and been quite comfortable with it so I think I could do well in that course. The factor I'm struggling to weigh it against is the possible benefit of having (and more importantly, having a credible signal of) computational experience and MATLAB programming, especially with regards to getting research opportunities and pre-doctoral RA positions if I go that path. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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