most recent 30 from http://mathoverflow.net 2013-05-22T08:21:23Z http://mathoverflow.net/feeds/question/121585 http://www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.5/rdf http://mathoverflow.net/questions/121585/math-major-at-36 Khora 2013-02-12T11:32:47Z 2013-02-12T12:20:18Z

<p>I decided to go for math at 36. Is this idea possible? I studied literature, political science and international relations and still I am not really sure what I am doing. Since I was kid, I was not good at math and I remember, I had hard time to pass the college math courses, but with the help of short brush up course and with some dedicated weeks, I passed it.</p> <p>But now, later years, I just think, I want to change my career and degree at all. I really need some insightful advice. is it OK, if I go for undergraduate math degree?</p> <p>In order to get a familiar with math and to love can you recommend me some inspiring stories or books?</p> <p>Thank you, Khora</p>

http://mathoverflow.net/questions/121585/math-major-at-36/121590#121590 Nick Thomas 2013-02-12T12:15:41Z 2013-02-12T12:15:41Z

<p>Follow your dreams!</p> <p>One thing you should be aware of is that there is a disconnect between the math that non-mathematicians are familiar with --- everything in calculus and below --- and the stuff that comes after. A lot of people are surprised when they get there.</p> <p>The stuff that comes after calculus is very abstract. There's no simple procedure to get the answer. Every problem is different, and you are expected to be clever and figure out how it's done. This does not adequately express what it's like. Some people find it beautiful and hypnotic, and it's easily enough to keep a person occupied for the rest of their life. But for other people it is terrifying.</p> <p>If you are really "in the groove of it," then doing higher math is an extremely gratifying experience, unlike anything else in life. But a lot of people find that math is more than what they bargained for, and if you struggled in your college math classes, this might be something to think about. I do not wish to discourage you; just to convey some idea of what you are signing up for. Whatever you decide, I wish you great success!</p>