Worthwhile?

[MMDE]

Although this may sound strange, I have the opportunity to help edit an advanced textbook for my instructor, and as result my name will be listed on the textbook as an author. Now, is this a worthwhile opportunity to take in terms of acceptance to a top 20 school, or would my time be better spent doing research?

[djysyed]

Do you understand the material of the book pretty well?

[MMDE]

Do you understand the material of the book pretty well?

It's my intended field of study, so I would say I know more than the average PhD applicant, however not nearly enough to be writing an advanced textbook on the subject. His intentions are I can help him edit it, and through that learn the material as well.

[password]

This actually seems like a great way to learn the material and gain experience with mathematical writing. IMO, at this stage developing these skills is as worthwhile as doing research, since learning advanced mathematics at a deep level is sort of a prerequisite for serious mathematical research anyway.

[MathCat]

I also think this is a great opportunity. You'll want to learn that material anyway, and this way you also get an authorship credit. Seems like a win-win.

[MMDE]

Thank you for the advice everyone. It seems it's a worthwhile task to pick up, hope I learn a lot from it.