Is a Maths degree right for me?
12
I'm applying to good unis for maths, but I'm starting to have second thoughts about a maths degree.
I love maths, but I cannot, for the life of me, solve Olympiad style questions and I cannot solve problems like that. I often don't even know where to start. This makes me scared I'm not good enough for a maths degree at a top uni. It is really demotivating, would I still be good enough for a maths degree if I can't do problem solving like that?
I love maths, but I cannot, for the life of me, solve Olympiad style questions and I cannot solve problems like that. I often don't even know where to start. This makes me scared I'm not good enough for a maths degree at a top uni. It is really demotivating, would I still be good enough for a maths degree if I can't do problem solving like that?
Reply 1
21
Original post
by yzvenI'm applying to good unis for maths, but I'm starting to have second thoughts about a maths degree.
I love maths, but I cannot, for the life of me, solve Olympiad style questions and I cannot solve problems like that. I often don't even know where to start. This makes me scared I'm not good enough for a maths degree at a top uni. It is really demotivating, would I still be good enough for a maths degree if I can't do problem solving like that?
I love maths, but I cannot, for the life of me, solve Olympiad style questions and I cannot solve problems like that. I often don't even know where to start. This makes me scared I'm not good enough for a maths degree at a top uni. It is really demotivating, would I still be good enough for a maths degree if I can't do problem solving like that?
Maths at university is little about olympiad problem solving stuff. About the only part where it may play some role is in entrance exams and interviews at oxbridge(++) and even then having a decent knowledge of problem solving is generally enough.
If youre in y13, and applying now, this wont really apply to you
(edited 1 year ago)
From what I've heard Olympiad style problems are not that similar to actual maths degree content.
From personal experience a great deal of the content of a maths degree is not "problem solving" but actually writing proofs. There is some "problem solving" style maths involved in the more methods-y topics (although I don't know how similar that is to the Olympiad stuff although from what I hear, not the same manner of problem solving as less reliance on "tricks") but a lot of what is called "pure maths" in A-level would be considered "mathematical methods" at degree level and actual degree level pure maths is very different from any maths you'll likely have encountered in school.
The easiest way to gauge if it's for you is probably just to get hold of some 1st year maths textbook and have a look at the content and try the exercises. Any kind of introductory analysis/abstract algebra/(abstract) linear algebra textbook is probably suitable for that purpose (also possibly some other things like introductory number theory or foundations type stuff in set theory/logic) to get a feel for what university maths looks and feels like (i.e. the stream of theorem->proof repeatedly) and try seeing how well you understand it by trying out the exercises.
Spivak's Calculus is probably a pretty gentle introduction to formal calculus/baby analysis although you could also use any number of other options. I think the chapter 0 (I think now chapter 1 in newer editions) in Munkre's Topology: A First Course is pretty readable even for people "new" to rigorous mathematics and covers some useful foundations stuff in set theory/logic then relating these to functions and other introductory analysis-y kind of topics in a more rigorous sense than you may have been exposed to them (the rest of the book would be more advanced stuff so don't worry about that).
There are also a number of "gap bridging" type textbooks around aimed at connecting school maths to the more rigorous approach of degree level e.g. Earl's Towards Higher Mathematics and I think Lara Alcock has published a couple of new ones as well as more general higher mathematics pedagogy books, which could also be useful explorations.
From personal experience a great deal of the content of a maths degree is not "problem solving" but actually writing proofs. There is some "problem solving" style maths involved in the more methods-y topics (although I don't know how similar that is to the Olympiad stuff although from what I hear, not the same manner of problem solving as less reliance on "tricks") but a lot of what is called "pure maths" in A-level would be considered "mathematical methods" at degree level and actual degree level pure maths is very different from any maths you'll likely have encountered in school.
The easiest way to gauge if it's for you is probably just to get hold of some 1st year maths textbook and have a look at the content and try the exercises. Any kind of introductory analysis/abstract algebra/(abstract) linear algebra textbook is probably suitable for that purpose (also possibly some other things like introductory number theory or foundations type stuff in set theory/logic) to get a feel for what university maths looks and feels like (i.e. the stream of theorem->proof repeatedly) and try seeing how well you understand it by trying out the exercises.
Spivak's Calculus is probably a pretty gentle introduction to formal calculus/baby analysis although you could also use any number of other options. I think the chapter 0 (I think now chapter 1 in newer editions) in Munkre's Topology: A First Course is pretty readable even for people "new" to rigorous mathematics and covers some useful foundations stuff in set theory/logic then relating these to functions and other introductory analysis-y kind of topics in a more rigorous sense than you may have been exposed to them (the rest of the book would be more advanced stuff so don't worry about that).
There are also a number of "gap bridging" type textbooks around aimed at connecting school maths to the more rigorous approach of degree level e.g. Earl's Towards Higher Mathematics and I think Lara Alcock has published a couple of new ones as well as more general higher mathematics pedagogy books, which could also be useful explorations.
Reply 3
Original post
by yzvenI'm applying to good unis for maths, but I'm starting to have second thoughts about a maths degree.
I love maths, but I cannot, for the life of me, solve Olympiad style questions and I cannot solve problems like that. I often don't even know where to start. This makes me scared I'm not good enough for a maths degree at a top uni. It is really demotivating, would I still be good enough for a maths degree if I can't do problem solving like that?
I love maths, but I cannot, for the life of me, solve Olympiad style questions and I cannot solve problems like that. I often don't even know where to start. This makes me scared I'm not good enough for a maths degree at a top uni. It is really demotivating, would I still be good enough for a maths degree if I can't do problem solving like that?
Maybe you should study an economics degree. LSEs economics degree has lots of nice maths.
Reply 4
12
I couldn’t solve those types of problems either, not that I never qualified for any olympiads despite doing ukmt challenges every year 😭. I now have a maths offer from oxford, so try to have confidence in yourself!
Reply 5
Original post
by yzvenStfu?
Why are you so bitter man? Have a bit more respect for people trying to help you out.
Reply 6
Original post
by lucyy06I couldn’t solve those types of problems either, not that I never qualified for any olympiads despite doing ukmt challenges every year 😭. I now have a maths offer from oxford, so try to have confidence in yourself!
this is a little off-topic but what else did you do to get into oxford for maths? I'm really curious cause I'm trying to apply to maths for uni too and I still have some time left since I'm in Year 12 (tho not too much), but I dont have much to write on my cv. Anything to do outside school, or general advice would be really helpful
Reply 7
Original post
by 19filipkthis is a little off-topic but what else did you do to get into oxford for maths? I'm really curious cause I'm trying to apply to maths for uni too and I still have some time left since I'm in Year 12 (tho not too much), but I dont have much to write on my cv. Anything to do outside school, or general advice would be really helpful
You could watch some maths lectures or talks online, maybe read a book, I've heard COMPOS is helpful, it's an online programme to help A Level students with maths from Oxford, also Imperial and Manchester have a mA*ths online programme to support students in getting an A* in Maths and also Sutton Trust Summer Schools.
To be honest, I applied to study maths and economics at uni and didn't do any of the things I stated above and I have got offers from the 3 unis I have got replies from so far, Durham, Liverpool and Warwick (for MORSE). What I did instead was a lot of relevant work experience and I spoke about the real world applications of maths within my personal statement. Also, Maths and Economics tends to be less competitive than Maths so do keep that in mind.
Don’t feel like you need to do all the things I listed above, just a few of them is sufficient and being able explain why it is relevant to a maths degree. Also, if a uni requires an entrance exam (usually TMUA, MAT or STEP) you may want to start revising for that. Good luck.
Reply 8
Original post
by DivinebanditYou could watch some maths lectures or talks online, maybe read a book, I've heard COMPOS is helpful, it's an online programme to help A Level students with maths from Oxford, also Imperial and Manchester have a mA*ths online programme to support students in getting an A* in Maths and also Sutton Trust Summer Schools.
To be honest, I applied to study maths and economics at uni and didn't do any of the things I stated above and I have got offers from the 3 unis I have got replies from so far, Durham, Liverpool and Warwick (for MORSE). What I did instead was a lot of relevant work experience and I spoke about the real world applications of maths within my personal statement. Also, Maths and Economics tends to be less competitive than Maths so do keep that in mind.
Don’t feel like you need to do all the things I listed above, just a few of them is sufficient and being able explain why it is relevant to a maths degree. Also, if a uni requires an entrance exam (usually TMUA, MAT or STEP) you may want to start revising for that. Good luck.
To be honest, I applied to study maths and economics at uni and didn't do any of the things I stated above and I have got offers from the 3 unis I have got replies from so far, Durham, Liverpool and Warwick (for MORSE). What I did instead was a lot of relevant work experience and I spoke about the real world applications of maths within my personal statement. Also, Maths and Economics tends to be less competitive than Maths so do keep that in mind.
Don’t feel like you need to do all the things I listed above, just a few of them is sufficient and being able explain why it is relevant to a maths degree. Also, if a uni requires an entrance exam (usually TMUA, MAT or STEP) you may want to start revising for that. Good luck.
Ok, Ive already applied for some summer shcools so fingers crossed they accept it, thank you for all the advice tho, and congratulations on your offers!!!
Reply 9
Original post
by yzvenI'm applying to good unis for maths, but I'm starting to have second thoughts about a maths degree.
I love maths, but I cannot, for the life of me, solve Olympiad style questions and I cannot solve problems like that. I often don't even know where to start. This makes me scared I'm not good enough for a maths degree at a top uni. It is really demotivating, would I still be good enough for a maths degree if I can't do problem solving like that?
I love maths, but I cannot, for the life of me, solve Olympiad style questions and I cannot solve problems like that. I often don't even know where to start. This makes me scared I'm not good enough for a maths degree at a top uni. It is really demotivating, would I still be good enough for a maths degree if I can't do problem solving like that?
Hi @yzven!🌟
Absolutely! You do not need to be an Olympiad-level problem solver to succeed in a maths degree, even at a top university. Olympiad-style questions are designed to test creative problem-solving under extreme constraints, often with techniques that aren't even used in undergraduate mathematics. They emphasise competition-style thinking rather than the deep, rigorous understanding that a university maths degree requires.
A maths degree focuses on formal proofs, logical reasoning, and developing a deep understanding of mathematical structures. It is less about quick, clever tricks and more about persistence, abstraction, and methodical problem-solving. Many successful maths students struggle with Olympiad-style problems but excel in university because they develop their ability to think rigorously and work through complex ideas at their own pace.
If you love maths and enjoy learning new concepts, you are more than capable of thriving in a maths degree. University maths is about building knowledge over time, not solving ultra-hard problems in isolation. Doubts are normal, but don’t let them stop you from pursuing something you love!
As a matter of fact, The University of Essex offers a comprehensive BSc Mathematics program designed to provide a solid foundation in both pure and applied mathematics, while also equipping students with valuable computational skills.
Course Structure:
The curriculum encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including:
•
Pure Mathematics: Geometry, algebra, analysis, and number theory.
•
Applied Mathematics: Mathematical physics, cryptography, mathematical modelling, differential equations, and dynamical systems.
•
Statistical and Financial Methods: Optimisation techniques and risk analysis.
In addition to these areas, the program emphasises the development of programming skills in languages such as Python and SQL. Students also learn to tackle complex problems using computational tools like Matlab, Maple, and R.
Hope this helps! If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to get in touch! Wish you all the best😊
Best,
Essex Student Rep - Renaldas✌️
Reply 10
12
Original post
by 19filipkthis is a little off-topic but what else did you do to get into oxford for maths? I'm really curious cause I'm trying to apply to maths for uni too and I still have some time left since I'm in Year 12 (tho not too much), but I dont have much to write on my cv. Anything to do outside school, or general advice would be really helpful
there were a few things i was just lucky to have access to and a few things it will be too late to do so i won’t include them. i did a few summer schools (st johns women in maths, medwards step summer school, isaac senior physics challenge) which helped me broaden my knowledge. i entered tom rocks maths essay competition with an essay that i also had the opportunity to present. i read one book (it was long ok) but was able to link this to further research i did. it’s hard to recommend things to do when people have access to different opportunities, so my general advice is if something interests you look into it and engage with it to produce something you can mention on your PS.
Reply 11
12
Original post
by DivinebanditYou could watch some maths lectures or talks online, maybe read a book, I've heard COMPOS is helpful, it's an online programme to help A Level students with maths from Oxford, also Imperial and Manchester have a mA*ths online programme to support students in getting an A* in Maths and also Sutton Trust Summer Schools.
To be honest, I applied to study maths and economics at uni and didn't do any of the things I stated above and I have got offers from the 3 unis I have got replies from so far, Durham, Liverpool and Warwick (for MORSE). What I did instead was a lot of relevant work experience and I spoke about the real world applications of maths within my personal statement. Also, Maths and Economics tends to be less competitive than Maths so do keep that in mind.
Don’t feel like you need to do all the things I listed above, just a few of them is sufficient and being able explain why it is relevant to a maths degree. Also, if a uni requires an entrance exam (usually TMUA, MAT or STEP) you may want to start revising for that. Good luck.
To be honest, I applied to study maths and economics at uni and didn't do any of the things I stated above and I have got offers from the 3 unis I have got replies from so far, Durham, Liverpool and Warwick (for MORSE). What I did instead was a lot of relevant work experience and I spoke about the real world applications of maths within my personal statement. Also, Maths and Economics tends to be less competitive than Maths so do keep that in mind.
Don’t feel like you need to do all the things I listed above, just a few of them is sufficient and being able explain why it is relevant to a maths degree. Also, if a uni requires an entrance exam (usually TMUA, MAT or STEP) you may want to start revising for that. Good luck.
COMPOS is really good, i did it, but if this person did not sign up in september it is too late
Reply 12
Original post
by lucyy06there were a few things i was just lucky to have access to and a few things it will be too late to do so i won’t include them. i did a few summer schools (st johns women in maths, medwards step summer school, isaac senior physics challenge) which helped me broaden my knowledge. i entered tom rocks maths essay competition with an essay that i also had the opportunity to present. i read one book (it was long ok) but was able to link this to further research i did. it’s hard to recommend things to do when people have access to different opportunities, so my general advice is if something interests you look into it and engage with it to produce something you can mention on your PS.
ok, Ill look into stuff like this, thank you for the advice
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