LoboAdobo22 Posted July 21, 2021 Share Posted July 21, 2021 I’ve been active duty military for the better part of 20 years and it’s been more than 15 since I’ve taken math. I started with college algebra for a foundational refresher. I’ve returned to school with the goal of beginning a graduate program in Economics upon reaching military retirement. Not surprisingly, it took some serious studying to get back into a mathematical flow. I fumbled through some topics, but did fine overall. It’s humbling to see the level of math education on this forum. My question is, has anyone here started that low? If so, how easily were you able progress through to advanced calculus, linear algebra, real analysis and beyond? Finally, how many Econ grad students do you see in their 40s, and is age a factor for admissions? Thank you for your insights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startz Posted July 21, 2021 Share Posted July 21, 2021 Let me answer just your last question. I've admitted one vet who was retiring after more than 20 years. (In fact, stayed in the reserve for the first couple of years in the program.) He's doing great...so go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoboAdobo22 Posted July 21, 2021 Author Share Posted July 21, 2021 I couldn’t be happier to read your response, and thank you for your encouragement! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tutonic Posted July 21, 2021 Share Posted July 21, 2021 In case you are unaware, there is a YouTube channel called Arizona Math Camp that essentially covers everything that you need to know before entering a graduate programme. The videos are very lengthy and goes through stuff pretty slowly, in my opinion. Watching a video of someone explaining things to you is definitely going to be better than going at it on your own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoboAdobo22 Posted July 21, 2021 Author Share Posted July 21, 2021 Tutonic, thank you for sharing that resource. That’s extremely helpful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtj Posted July 22, 2021 Share Posted July 22, 2021 I’m entering a PhD program this fall. I had a math hiatus for about 8 years, though I’m younger than you are (mid/late twenties). It is certainly possible to learn the requisite mathematics from scratch. I started by self-studying the Schaum’s guides to high school level mathematics. Two months later, I enrolled in calculus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southerncharm Posted July 22, 2021 Share Posted July 22, 2021 I am applying for programs in 2022 (to start in 2023) and started prepping earlier this year. My last math course was almost 20 years ago! I took two semesters of Calculus in 1998. As a refresher, I took the entire courses of Differential Calculus and Integral Calculus on Khan Academy. I thought they were great - fun, engaging, and re-learned the material. I'm now taking Linear Algebra at a local university and on track for an A. I have found the course challenging (but easier than I thought it would be!). I am taking Multivariable Calculus in the fall, and also might take an intro real analysis course online (math 23A at Harvard Extension). I'm very far from the finish line, but hopefully that's helpful for your first question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoboAdobo22 Posted July 23, 2021 Author Share Posted July 23, 2021 It’s very helpful! It’s great to see others out there finding success pursuing their 2nd and 3rd careers. Thank you for sharing your examples and the resources that helped you along the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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