Advice on taking Graduate Classes as an Undergrad

[GaussianIntegral]

Hi. So I'm an incoming student at a state school that is not really that known for math. I really want to create a competitive application for grad schools, so I have resolved to be the best math major I can be. I'm currently registered for an Intro Analysis class and a Number Theory class, and I wanted to know when the best time would be to start taking graduate classes — would I still be competitive if I start taking graduate classes in sophomore year and instead use freshman year to build relationships with undergraduate professors/build my knowledge base for research/apply to REU's?

[constance]

Yes, duh. Most people only stack on grad classes as juniors/seniors unless they're IMO kids. You're giving "I only have a 1590 SAT, will I get auto-rejected if I apply to MIT?" Chill out now, respectfully.

ETA: if you've seen the sweat thread, the range for grad classes is 6-12. 10 is how many classes are in the average MS program btw, so anything over that is def overkill. If you started grad classes as a freshman, or tbh even a sophomore, you'd blow a mere 12 out of the water, and atp it'd be redundant unless you wanted to be Thanos and gather all the different elective stones.

[probabelitist]

Remember also that while taking a broad spectrum of classes is good, it is more important to dive deeper into one area (through reading or research projects, for ex.). As for when you should start taking graduate courses - do it when you're prepared + it is the natural next step. Don't do it *just* because you want to be the best math major so that you have better chances for a top 10 program - do it because it's what you love. You're just a freshman, calm down and enjoy math before it gets stressful with the grad apps!