He Wants to Become a Mathematician

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In this video I answer a question I received from a viewer. He wants to become a mathematician and doesn't know where to start. I talk about mathematics, recommendations from professors, the math GRE, graduate school, expectations, pay, grades, living expenses, etc. Do you have any advice? If so, please leave a comment below.
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Thank you:)

[@jonathanduran2921]

I suspect a majority of us start appreciating mathematics much later in life. It's a tragedy that the pathway to becoming a mathematician in your 30s, 40s, 50s, etc. is complicated.

[@worldnews1545]

becoming a mathematician at 30 40 50 is going to be easy than becoming mathematician at 19 or 20.. because we become patient we are more focused we have a good purpose as of on what we are going to apply that math on... Most importantly connecting the dots is not possible for teens.. it only happens when someone is around 30 or above. Who have open mind... That's my opinion...

[@afif4738]

@@worldnews1545 no, your brain's ability greatly diminishes with age. Mathematics, more than any other subject, is a young man's game. It is said by G.H Hardy himself. And mathematicians obviously succeed when they start in their teens or earlier. Stop trying to think you're better than youngsters just because of your age.

[@christianasine9929]

You are 💯correct

[@yoarekkusu3184]

@@worldnews1545 I wouldn’t say it isn’t possible. Some teens actually do have open minds

[@TheSchoolCircle0311]

im 40. and i just figured out what i want to do with my life. Im studying engineering and my major is naval architecture. I dont know anyone else or have anyone to talk to. Im not lost, i just take 1 step at a time and keep moving forward. being a 40 year old freshman is scary. i feel all of this.

[@J.B24]

I know exactly how you feel. Naval architecture sounds interesting.

[@KonradBogen]

go for it :)

[@AnonosaurusRex1]

I am 57 and I just started studying College Algebra one month ago. The last time I looked at a math book was 1988. I got an A in it at UIChicago but dropped out to study Classical guitar and philosophy (useless as degrees). Recently I was posed the question, "Which would you choose $10 million Or, to go back to when you were 7, knowing what you know now. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I would like to know what my life would have been like if my parents made me do my math homework (However now, I am the adult and the child.) I had not taken any of it seriously until I was 16 and then it was "too late"🙃 Now, my goal is to CLEP Calculus by the end of the year, with an A. My approach to studying is like what I did with the guitar (I was really fukn good, too😎 I played very difficult compositions and I played them well). It was total lifestyle immersion. It does not matter what your short or even long-term goals may be. What matters, if you are serious is, what is your lifestyle? If you want to be a mathematician (someone who truly loves math), then you must adopt that persona. Put it on completely and without reservation. Come up with a motto or affirmation for yourself. Put some inspirational pictures on the wall. Learn about the greats. Romanticize every aspect of being a mathematician, celebrate your difficulties, be eccentric, and let the rest of the world go. ✌ PS- Your 3x5 cards are just as important as your keys and your cell phone.🤘

[@PrincipiaLogica]

Philosophy is useless if you don't want it to be useful

[@worldnews1545]

I would recommend you to go through Roger Nelson proofs without words all three parts.. math is more beautiful elegant and easy to learn when we see it visually.. see visually whats happening behind those tiny equations..

[@tellurian7999]

you are an inspiration

[@AnonosaurusRex1]

@@worldnews1545 It's on my Amazon list now. Thx

[@abhisheksoni9774]

Awesome and inspiring 👏 Love from India 🇮🇳

[@arilegall2001]

I’m 21 and in about 10th grade I really grew to love mathematics. I would spend hours in my room studying and just looking at mathematical videos on number phile. I eventually got into RIT a tech school in New York where I was studying electrical engineering. But I didn’t do so well and ended up at community college. I’ve been here for the last three years and I’ve developed my love of maths again. I’m currently looking to transfer to a 4 year university and major in computer science and hopefully do some maths research along the way.

[@jwiskikruger8921]

I want to become a mathematician, and your videos are very inspiring

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Thank you!!

[@lcamathadmin1652]

My secondary and undergraduate education was in England back in the late eighties and early nineties. I did very well on my mathematics A-levels and thought I was quite good at maths. My undergraduate experience showed me that I was quite wrong (3% on linear algebra) and I was lucky to get my BSc. Strangely, what I did pick up as an undergraduate was that I really wanted to be a mathematician but I didn't know how. I returned to the states and took time off of school. I lived with my mother and got work as a forklift driver. Over the next few years, I matured mentally and eventually did go to graduate school. I was fortunate to be subsidized by my mother but even more fortunate that I did manage to impress a few professors in England. My initial graduate school experience was part time in the Cal State system where I continued with my full time job and did night classes. I only needed the GRE general to get in. I did well enough at that so that I got my masters and a new batch of letters of recommendation based on significantly better grades. It wasn't easy though. For example, it took me five attempts to pass 3 qualifying exams and doing night classes after a full time job that was somewhat physically demanding was rough. In 2000, I started my PhD programme in the University of California system full time. (I did need the GRE subject test for that- I think I did ok on it, but honestly don't remember.) This was extremely difficult (5 attempts to pass 3 qualifying exams again...) but being full time really helped, as of course did being a TA and Teaching Associate. Also, I finally started attending afternoon tea and colloquia. I got my PhD in 2005. Although I teach high school now, I remain a mathematician who happens to teach, as opposed to a mathematics teacher.

[@jameslongstaff2762]

I was an unremarkable math undergrad student. I felt firehosed in college. Although I struggled, I loved it. I'm happy with my current career trajector as a data programmer, but I feel like I want to learn and understand the things I studied and the things I never studied

[@thuganomics420]

Great timing on this video, I'm in a similar boat I suppose as Corey. I absolutely bombed Calc2 this semester because of numerable factors, but mostly correlated with a lack of exposure, poor fundamentals, and overall issues with basic logic/intuition when it came to Mathematics; I remembered the basics of alg. and picked up trig here and there. I actually made the change this year to a CS/Mathematics degree, not with the idea that I would fail, but that I was going to need to work really hard (which I did). However, I wasn't able to juggle Calc 1 (self-study) and Calc 2 simultaneously; resulting into a spiraling depression because I was trying to build a house on poor foundations and was getting frustrated that it wasn't holding. But, after framing it with alot of time to think introspectively, I've laid out a pretty sensible plan moving forward and have already seen noticeable improvements in myself as a person. Most notably challenging myself to think critically again. I would just like to finish by expressing how much I appreciate your content, you inspired me to get out of this hole I've been digging for 20 years.

[@alltogetherplaytubefingerf6045]

My suggestions, in addition to yours: Why did you get a B on the math paper? Find out why and rewrite the paper until you would get an A. Write more papers, editing each one several times. Get someone you have faith in who can give you honest feedback and suggestions. If possible, have several people who will do this for you. As you prepare for the GRE get a job at a University of your choice (any position) and audit math classes. But don't overdo things. You want to avoid burnout. You are already a mathematician, but to be a better one, you need more and better training and associates in that field. Go to the school that has the best program in the area of your particular interest. You may have to think "outside the box" to find a way to accomplish that. But since you are a mathematician, that shouldn't;t be a problem

[@XahhaTheCrimson]

I'm also another Cory in your video. I'm a 30y old web developer working in a fairly nice company. I do like my job, but it's not true when I count mathematics. Even I'm not a researcher, I do learn or research for random things related to theoretical aspect of development. When I want to analyze or study about math or computer science, I always struggled because of limited knowledge or methodology. Similar to Cory, I sent a similar email to one of the professors in my university. I was pleased to watch this video so that know there are other MEs, which saves my anxiety.

[@KMMOS1]

Excellent spontaneous exposition! The tip about researching housing early on is worth the price of admission. My suggestion is to research well-established mathematical professions in search of something interesting. For example, actuarial science. In demand, good pay, with a variety of applications (not just insurance), it could be a career, or a set of stepping stones back into academia (and perhaps a pay cut). Many people have multiple careers, so take care of yourself with something interesting. Maybe you'll be the next Tom Clancy, switching from being an insurance actuary to writing action and adventure novels. Keep your eyes open.

[@Run.Ran.Run1]

Take one of those courses or workshops on how to take tests. My GRE score was 50% better than my SAT was simply by learning how to make better use of my testing time. It also reduced my test anxiety greatly.

[@byrondeleon3618]

Fantastic advice! Thanks for sharing.

[@irabucc469]

Sorcerer, I just asked chatgpt about you, how you finished master+PhD in two years? You are even more amazing than I thought

[@douglasstrother6584]

Consider joining a Mathematical Professional Society such as, The American Mathematical Society (AMS), Mathematical Association of America (MAA) or the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) for additional networking opportunities. Attending the Math Colloquia at your old school is a great idea, if you can fit it into your work schedule. Get a job that utilizes your mathematical background: it will sharpen your skills and demonstrate your performance beyond your Undergrad experience. Many companies offer some level of tuition reimbursement: consider applying for a Masters in an applied field and complete that. Then apply for a PhD. Study for both the General Math GREs: good performance on those demonstrate that you didn't just "veg out" after you graduated. The fact that you continue to study math is very positive.

[@rangerbeast]

It was always my dream to be a mathematician. Going through bachelors in mathematics!

[@MuhammadBilal-qg6ny]

Your videos are amazing!

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Thank you!!!!

[@DavidJao]

There's a big gap between Fields medalists and the average mathematician who can go to conferences and talk about esoteric math. Fields medalist is completely unrealistic (it sounds like OP will be almost if not over 40 by the time they complete grad school). Average mathematician is still a reach but maybe possible.

[@jeffpayo]

I’m in the same boat thank you so much for this video.

[@LordZombieZanetta]

Thank you! I needed this info!

[@dimitrioskalfakis]

if you go to a competitive graduate program and you need to be an assistant you must tell them in advance cause the positions are limited and are not open for long. make sure you know the cost of the program and plan ahead for the particular requirements (courses and thesis) so that you don't run out of money if things get tough and you need to stretch the time spent there by a semester (also part-time or full time alternatives). good luck.

[@DavidJao]

This is not true at all. Any reputable grad program provides funding to all math grad students and they will assume you want a TA or at least explicitly ask you each semester.

[@dimitrioskalfakis]

@@DavidJao i am referring to applicants for admission to a program not students already in a program with a teaching or lab position. I am also presenting my experience back from the 80s for state universities. could it be the case that things are different nowadays for applicants?

[@DavidJao]

@@dimitrioskalfakis Yes, you have to indicate at the time of application that you are requesting funding, but it's a one time thing, not something that requires continued vigilance throughout your entire program. And anyway the choice is forced upon you because you must answer either yes or no in order to complete the application. I think the only actual issue is that some people might not be aware that graduate school is fully funded or that you are expected to check the box requesting funding. I know some people who thought that their chances of admission would be higher if they did not request funding; this is completely untrue. In fact, not requesting funding is actually weird and your application might be flagged negatively if you do so.

[@dimitrioskalfakis]

@@DavidJao i do not think you understood my comment. never mind, i wish you the best of luck in your endeavours.

[@mijaelmarcelovillarroelchu6513]

Hello, I am a last year high school student in Bolivia, I am 17 years old, I decided to study mathematics permanently, but blindly because I don't know how much I like mathematics, or if I have an abstract mind for research, but still my love for math predominated despite the fact that I had already been deciding to study medicine but it was only because lately I have been losing myself in medical series and I had the illusion, in short, what depressed me about being a mathematician or even a physicist is that both sciences I feel that it has lost its essence, that is, it has been prostituted as an instrument of dissemination in order to make physics seem like child's play and mathematics like a spectacular adventure, in addition to the fact that many of their famous characters from both are so acquaintances that make you see the lives of these characters more than their work and even I have been very sympathetic with them since I value myself so little that I prefer to compare myself with people who had the same personality as me and triumph in life, so I sold myself that illusion. Another thing is that many famous mathematicians or physicists were born intelligent and gifted or else they became obsessed with matter from childhood and they investigated on their own and saw that they have talent, I have none of that, I chose study the degree as an epiphany and because if I was interested in those subjects, but I can't find a solid relationship with mathematics or physics, I can't and my worst fear is not knowing my talent or what I am suitable for, I perceive myself as someone insignificant who sometimes I think about death or the past, and as having been born in a country like Bolivia and being a student in a Catholic school in which I am an average student, even though I was recognized as the 3rd best, I am not able to assess This honor because it is from a school that I do not consider intellectually demanding or stimulating, I tried to join Cheenta's group (Indian youtube song about mathematics) but they rejected me or rather they eliminated me because at that moment I had given up being a mathematician, Now I'm looking for a mentor or tutor to help me strengthen my math skills. I hope someone cares to read this comment.

[@gadberman9888]

Im also 17 and i think about going to medical school, about the(i want to find what suits me)you dont need to get to conclusions so fast because you're still pretty young,and you can do all of the subjects in the world because they' were built for people to understand them, just keep living,maybe study a little about the brain, and you'll be just fine, everyone is going through this stage of uncertainty in their teens,just know that you're not alone

[@gadberman9888]

Everyone are

[@mijaelmarcelovillarroelchu6513]

@@gadberman9888 thanks for your support

[@haytamlimouni1075]

great topic . thank you so much

[@gvi341984]

Figure out all the algebraic identities and the rules and you can solve anything. Even partial differential equations is all about how well you can use algebra

[@dandrost646]

another excellent video!

[@thoughtsbright7928]

wow your new Thumbnail are awesome.

[@Mindfulness242]

Question: How do you focus while studying mathematics ?

[@ardagoksoy]

All hail the sorcerer

[@TheMathSorcerer]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@scholarlyanalyst7700]

@@TheMathSorcerer I have a fairly high aptitude in math (for sure in the top 10% of the population as a kid!). BUT...I seem to have a higher natural aptitude for statistics (it seems to come more naturally to me?). Does this make any sense to you? It would be interesting hearing YOUR take on this?

[@rudyj8948]

Math wizards unite 🙌

[@aperturefixtures7469]

Awesome!

[@hindswraj4883]

Best math compition for undergraduate

[@ianmorgan7906]

If I were this guy I would look at what research you want to do and go look the professors up and see what they are doing.

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Smart!

[@J.B24]

There is no "too late". Very plainly, let me just say.....do what the fuck you want to do! Don't worry about having the approval of others. Just manage your money and go into debt if possible, or at least don't go overboard with it. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with you and if you're not happy then you'll be miserable.

[@J.B24]

statistician, actuarial scientist are also possible jobs.

[@levisdad6147]

Serious question on how to retain knowledge, I am struggling a lot when it comes to take in knowledge. I can do the math and understand the topic but then later I forget. I tried a lot of thinngs nothing is working.

[@chupacabra304]

I’m going to pass Calculus 1 , 2 and analytical chemistry AKA anal-chem lol… then i’m gonna get my biochemistry degree I been working away at for 10 years 😅 Never give up yo

[@aryansaxena4978]

hie math sorcerer, is there a chance of getting into a group 1 school if you have 0 research exp and have a 3.5 gpa and gre 800+

[@jennifertate4397]

You're awesome. Where's your little birdy by-the-way?

[@TheMathSorcerer]

he's in his cage right now:)

[@jennifertate4397]

@@TheMathSorcerer I see. The shoulder seat wasn't working out I guess. 😄

[@DavidJao]

It's an oversimplification to say that the challenge is getting in. Perhaps from the standpoint of the person asking the question, the first hurdle is certainly getting into grad school, but math is legitimately hard. Once you get in you still have to do the math (pass the qualifying exam and write a thesis), and plenty of hard working and talented people drop out in the face of this gauntlet. I myself barely succeeded in getting the PhD. There are even more obstacles after that (job applications and tenure track, both highly nontrivial) if you want to be an academic mathematician. As Math Sorcerer said, the US has a lot of grad schools and you can probably get into one of them. The trick is getting into a good enough one so that you have viable career prospects later, while also making sure that you can actually complete a PhD. There is a balance here and in some cases it is a difficult balance. OP shouldn't necessarily be aiming for Group I schools; the very top graduate departments (which admittedly are unlikely to accept someone who was an unremarkable undergraduate) are not going to be a good environment for someone who needs to catch up on undergraduate topics.

[@sushio4357]

Hello Mr. Sorcerer.

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Hi ❤️

[@yoursubconscious]

I'm nowhere near a mathematician, but there is one equation I seem to know well, Cory (or anyone). "Life is unpredictable, but only when action has taken place, but even that could be argued. Just take the first step."*

[@Robotomy101]

that thumbnail has no business being that hard

[@JJGhostHunters]

Hi Math Sorcerer...I love your channel and content, however I have to admit that I take exception with the statement that funding is "expected". I realize that this topic may not be popular on your channel, however I wanted you to know that there is in fact an issue out there that should not be ignored. I can tell you from personal experience that at my university in the PhD program for electrical engineering and computer science, if you are not Chinese, East Indian or of Arab descent, you WILL NOT receive funding as RA and TA positions are only reserved for those students. I and other US born PhD students received no salary, no health insurance and had to work while pursuing our degrees. This resulted in a few of us having to essentially complete our PhD as "part-time" students and remain in grad school for 8 years. It is very challenging for natural born US citizens at some schools and disciplines (i.e. electrial and compuer engineering) to pursue PhDs and I believe that for national security reasons our government should help ensure that the top scientific talent include those who were born and will remain in the United States.

[@douglasstrother6584]

Agreed.

[@Tridenux]

With management/business stream in high school (12). Can i become mathematician??

[@ARYAN-dd4sx]

I am in class 9 and i am 14 now How can I become a mathematician????

[@ACanHoop]

Suppp math sorcerer

[@TheMathSorcerer]

Hello!!!!

[@dadaa5985]

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