is it a bad idea for a dumb student to major in math?

Question

I'm currently a sophomore major in EE in college.
I have learned calculus1-3 and I'm taking differential equation now.

I get the feeling that math may be the most useful and desirable major I know,I'm thinking about changing major.
But I'm not smart at all and dumb when it comes to math or science.

SAT math 800 or something similar is pretty easy for sure.But as I try to learn more math,I find it can be freaking difficult.

Answer 1

If you're dumb, I suggest majoring in Business.

Answer 2

EE is a pretty challenging major and you can find many good jobs. As you mentioned as an EE student you have taken many math classes already.

No one really can give you the answer to your question. Talk to your school councelor and express your concerns, see what he thinks about you changing majors and then make a decision.

Math is a good major but not as desirable as engineering.

Keep in mind that there are no dumb people, if math is not your thing something else is.

Answer 3

I'm not sure of what, exactly, you mean by "dumb". If you like a certain subject, you'll naturally want to learn more about it and want to work with it, and I don't see how having this aptitude wouldn't make you "dumb". I mean you can't be ALL that "dumb when it comes to math or science" if you can get through differential equations, let alone major in EE!

You might want to consider though which specific specialty in math you want to go into. See what your school offers for specific concentrations. Keep in mind also that most people with math degrees don't go on to become mathematicians, but usually work in a job where they got hired for their ability rather than knowledge. I switched from Chemical Engineeering to Applied Mathematics after my softmore year, and for me it was the best move I ever made. I got my BS & MS in math and work in software now.

Answer 4

You might be a perfect mathamatician, because math is actually rather "dumb".

The reason is that this discipline deals with things that are not real. For example, there are many instances of the number "1" but no one will ever experience "1" itself. Mathematics is therefore an artificial tool scientist and engineers use to model the world, since math is actually far more simple than ordinary reality. This is because mathematical answers are rounded off. In relity, the ratio of the diameter of a circle to its circumference (the constant "pi") is a number with an infinite number of decimal places. Of course this is theory, but in reality, the number has been calculated to about 100,000 places at least and there is still no end in sight.

Having said this, realize mathematics is almost always associated with another degree. It becomes most important in the purely physical sciences - like physics. "Life" sciences like biology use it less often because, as one might expect, biology deals with much more complicated things than locomotives or atom smashers. A space shuttle can be described mathematically, but this does not work well with a dog.

Of course, there are mathematics professors, but frankly these fellows are mostly involved in solving crossword puzzles and rubic's cubes. However, if one enjoys solving puzzles, then perhaps this is the perfect discipline. It has been said that not only do mathematicians work on things which don't actually exist, they don't care about it, either.

Answer 5

If you made it through third semester calculus, you understand multiple integration and Green's theorem and a lot of other complicated stuff.

If you did well enough in those classes to advance to differential equations (fourth semester calculus), then you're not all that dumb, are you?

Most people never take math for science majors to begin with.

I'd re-evaluate how 'dumb' you are. I'd talk to your counselor and maybe take some career aptitude tests.

Maybe math or computer science is more up your alley.

You can do a lot of things in life with a solid math background.

Answer 6

My opinion (and i see this a lot in people) is to do what you want. Anyone no matter how dumb they are can accomplish anything provided they have enough willpower. All you have to do is keep trying. I didn't pass calculus the first time I took it, but I didn't give up, and later when I retook it I got an 'A'. All because I wasn't gonna let some teacher tell me I cannot pursue a degree in computer science.

HOPE THIS HELPS. Good luck.

Answer 7

I don't think that anyone is really "dumb" at math, or anything else, for that matter--it just comes more easily for some people than others. If you work hard, anything is possible! I advise you to really think about what you want to do in the future, and then make the decision about whether a math major now will provide the best preparation for your future. If so, go for it!

Answer 8

If you live, breathe, and eat math, then I don't think you will always struggle. Our mathematical intelligence isn't fixed since we can keep learning new things. If you got through Calculus 1, 2, and 3, you have now entered the gateway to higher math. Aren't you curious to see what's next? Why in the world would you quit now!?

Answer 9

you'll be ok,I felt really dumb at maths but got a 87%,and if youve learned calculus and doing differentiation now,your probably be ok.

Like you said it will be useful,thats right,go ahead with it,the rewards from this will be high,let that be your motive

However if theres something else your really good at,then go ahead with it if you think the end results will be better

Answer 10

Stay with EE. It offers better opportunities than a degree in math. You'll get plenty of math in EE and a lot of it will be state of the art. You'll get less theory but much more applications.

Answer 11

the most important thing is not about being dumb.If you are dumb,u can learn step by step.It is whether u r hardworking n willing to go the extra mile to learn something even though u r a bit slow..do not underestimate urself!