Sorry to be asking this when all of you are anxious about grad placements.
I have a couple of B's in my math classes (Probability, Complex Analysis). I have the option of retaking these in my last semester. What is the advisability of retaking these for an A versus taking on new Math courses and acing those. I know the former would be better for my GPA, which many grad schools deem to be the most important, however I'm afraid it might show low intellectual curiosity on my part. Any advice would be appreciated.
Retaking math classes in undergrad
Re: Retaking math classes in undergrad
would be better to take new math courses! you don't need perfect grades
Re: Retaking math classes in undergrad
In my opinion, you don't need to.
1. It's totally possible to make up for those knowledge/skills as you learn higher level courses. I have a similar experience: Back then it was until I learned Lebesgue theory that I felt interested in mathematics, and before that my math was suck. However, as I put time and hard work in this subject, I quickly picked up all skills and knowledge I need in elementary analysis, and eventually get stronger in this field as I finished the course (which led me to my research field in analysis/pde) . I'm definitely sure that going back and retaking the courses is less efficient than taking more advanced courses at your stage.
2. Even if you have retaken the courses, it's not gonna be showing up on your transcripts/CV, and thus it won't appear in your grad schools applications. It's totally a waste of time if you do this. Moreover, except from good grades in courses, I do think recommendation letter/research experience are much more important. The best thing you can do now is to take advanced courses you're interested in, work hard, get an A/A- and let your professors know your enthusiasm (better find some 'great' professors). Then ask them for possible RA/supervised reading opportunity. If that works out, I believe you'll get reliable research experience and strong recommendations. Those may even get you to a decent grad PhD program.
1. It's totally possible to make up for those knowledge/skills as you learn higher level courses. I have a similar experience: Back then it was until I learned Lebesgue theory that I felt interested in mathematics, and before that my math was suck. However, as I put time and hard work in this subject, I quickly picked up all skills and knowledge I need in elementary analysis, and eventually get stronger in this field as I finished the course (which led me to my research field in analysis/pde) . I'm definitely sure that going back and retaking the courses is less efficient than taking more advanced courses at your stage.
2. Even if you have retaken the courses, it's not gonna be showing up on your transcripts/CV, and thus it won't appear in your grad schools applications. It's totally a waste of time if you do this. Moreover, except from good grades in courses, I do think recommendation letter/research experience are much more important. The best thing you can do now is to take advanced courses you're interested in, work hard, get an A/A- and let your professors know your enthusiasm (better find some 'great' professors). Then ask them for possible RA/supervised reading opportunity. If that works out, I believe you'll get reliable research experience and strong recommendations. Those may even get you to a decent grad PhD program.