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I'm an undergraduate studying math and I'm taking a graduate math class for the first time this semester. I've taken the undergraduate prerequisites, but it's still very challenging, which I was expecting.
I'm starting to get overwhelmed by the content and the pace of the course. The professor is not only very famous in the field but also tends to brush off most things as 'basic' during lectures and doesn't seem to like to answer students' questions in detail. I find it intimidating to approach the professor or go to office hours because I feel like I don't even know the basics. I'm the only undergraduate in the class, but it seems like other graduate students are also finding the content quite intense.
I also don't have anyone to work with, and I find it very difficult to just randomly approach people in the class, not only because I'm introverted but mostly because I feel very embarrassed of my lack of understanding. I'm really interested in the subject and I want to give it my best. It's hard to tackle the problem set even after consulting multiple books, and I feel more discouraged and unsure of myself. I'd appreciate some advice from people with more experience.
mathematics coursework emotional-responses
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I'm an undergraduate studying math and I'm taking a graduate math class for the first time this semester. I've taken the undergraduate prerequisites, but it's still very challenging, which I was expecting.
I'm starting to get overwhelmed by the content and the pace of the course. The professor is not only very famous in the field but also tends to brush off most things as 'basic' during lectures and doesn't seem to like to answer students' questions in detail. I find it intimidating to approach the professor or go to office hours because I feel like I don't even know the basics. I'm the only undergraduate in the class, but it seems like other graduate students are also finding the content quite intense.
I also don't have anyone to work with, and I find it very difficult to just randomly approach people in the class, not only because I'm introverted but mostly because I feel very embarrassed of my lack of understanding. I'm really interested in the subject and I want to give it my best. It's hard to tackle the problem set even after consulting multiple books, and I feel more discouraged and unsure of myself. I'd appreciate some advice from people with more experience.
mathematics coursework emotional-responses
asked 2 hours ago
st1
111
New contributor
st1 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
I'm an undergraduate studying math and I'm taking a graduate math class for the first time this semester. I've taken the undergraduate prerequisites, but it's still very challenging, which I was expecting.
I'm starting to get overwhelmed by the content and the pace of the course. The professor is not only very famous in the field but also tends to brush off most things as 'basic' during lectures and doesn't seem to like to answer students' questions in detail. I find it intimidating to approach the professor or go to office hours because I feel like I don't even know the basics. I'm the only undergraduate in the class, but it seems like other graduate students are also finding the content quite intense.
I also don't have anyone to work with, and I find it very difficult to just randomly approach people in the class, not only because I'm introverted but mostly because I feel very embarrassed of my lack of understanding. I'm really interested in the subject and I want to give it my best. It's hard to tackle the problem set even after consulting multiple books, and I feel more discouraged and unsure of myself. I'd appreciate some advice from people with more experience.
mathematics coursework emotional-responses
asked 2 hours ago
st1
111
New contributor
st1 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I'm an undergraduate studying math and I'm taking a graduate math class for the first time this semester. I've taken the undergraduate prerequisites, but it's still very challenging, which I was expecting.
I'm starting to get overwhelmed by the content and the pace of the course. The professor is not only very famous in the field but also tends to brush off most things as 'basic' during lectures and doesn't seem to like to answer students' questions in detail. I find it intimidating to approach the professor or go to office hours because I feel like I don't even know the basics. I'm the only undergraduate in the class, but it seems like other graduate students are also finding the content quite intense.
I also don't have anyone to work with, and I find it very difficult to just randomly approach people in the class, not only because I'm introverted but mostly because I feel very embarrassed of my lack of understanding. I'm really interested in the subject and I want to give it my best. It's hard to tackle the problem set even after consulting multiple books, and I feel more discouraged and unsure of myself. I'd appreciate some advice from people with more experience.
mathematics coursework emotional-responses
mathematics coursework emotional-responses
asked 2 hours ago
st1
111
New contributor
st1 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 2 hours ago
st1
111
New contributor
st1 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 2 hours ago
st1
111
New contributor
st1 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 2 hours ago
st1
111
asked 2 hours ago
st1
111
111
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st1 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
st1 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Mathematician here: We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes. You write that you are "embarrassed" due to your lack of understanding; don't worry, others probably are having issues also. But if you do think you aren't getting basics, then it is more, not less important that you talk to your fellow students and the professor.
However, the main thing you should realize is that this is a pretty regular experience. What matters is how you react to it; don't get demoralized but put the effort in. And don't hesitate to ask questions, even in class; your fellow students are likely confused about some of the same things you are.
answered 2 hours ago
JoshuaZ
2854
I'd suggest focusing on the basic definitions and theorems in the course and trying to get these figured out before diving into the details of proofs of particular theorems.
– Brian Borchers
2 hours ago
1
"We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes." Though that's hardly the only time. I think most mathematicians can attest that the feeling of "I don't know as much as I should" will be pretty much permanent from here on out. You can live with it and be successful, but only if you don't let it get in the way of interacting with people and doing what you need to do.
– Nate Eldredge
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Talk to your professor, fellow students, tutors. The department almost surely has resources to help students learn, and it's up to you to use them. As long as you make a genuine attempt to learn the material and don't show up expecting to be spoonfed, virtually everyone will be willing to help you.
As for being embarrassed: this isn't something to be embarrassed about. In fact if anything it would be embarrassing if the material were so simple you can
understand it easily. Besides, would you rather be embarrassed by your lack of understanding now, or by an F grade at the end of the semester? Being part of a university gives you access to resources an outside self-studying student doesn't have - make use of them.
answered 1 hour ago
Allure
17k1258102
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I was also in that exact situation once. As you can see from other answers, many of us were; it's a common experience.
The main thing that I regret, and I think limited my advancement at that exact point, was the inability/unawareness of reaching out to others and forming/joining a study group. (Turns out I was "competing" in some sense with another group of a dozen or so students who studied together.)
There's an actual a name for this phenomenon of feeling alone and spending overwhelming amounts of energy trying to get over that to the point of burnout, called John Henryism. In the literature, it's mostly associated with high-performing African-Americans who feel isolated, but I think it's applicable to a wide range of situations, esp., people from rural areas seeking to succeed in elite academia/industry. It seems particularly likely to afflict personalities who (a) are introverted and tend to go into math, (b) have had high success at the undergraduate level working alone from text resources, and (c) try to make this radical leap to graduate-level math work (not having the experiences or toolbox to get outside help).
In short: Push through and do what you need to join or create a study group. It's my primary regret that I couldn't think to make that happen in the exact same circumstance.
answered 12 mins ago
Daniel R. Collins
16.4k44367
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
Mathematician here: We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes. You write that you are "embarrassed" due to your lack of understanding; don't worry, others probably are having issues also. But if you do think you aren't getting basics, then it is more, not less important that you talk to your fellow students and the professor.
However, the main thing you should realize is that this is a pretty regular experience. What matters is how you react to it; don't get demoralized but put the effort in. And don't hesitate to ask questions, even in class; your fellow students are likely confused about some of the same things you are.
answered 2 hours ago
JoshuaZ
2854
I'd suggest focusing on the basic definitions and theorems in the course and trying to get these figured out before diving into the details of proofs of particular theorems.
– Brian Borchers
2 hours ago
1
"We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes." Though that's hardly the only time. I think most mathematicians can attest that the feeling of "I don't know as much as I should" will be pretty much permanent from here on out. You can live with it and be successful, but only if you don't let it get in the way of interacting with people and doing what you need to do.
– Nate Eldredge
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Mathematician here: We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes. You write that you are "embarrassed" due to your lack of understanding; don't worry, others probably are having issues also. But if you do think you aren't getting basics, then it is more, not less important that you talk to your fellow students and the professor.
However, the main thing you should realize is that this is a pretty regular experience. What matters is how you react to it; don't get demoralized but put the effort in. And don't hesitate to ask questions, even in class; your fellow students are likely confused about some of the same things you are.
answered 2 hours ago
JoshuaZ
2854
I'd suggest focusing on the basic definitions and theorems in the course and trying to get these figured out before diving into the details of proofs of particular theorems.
– Brian Borchers
2 hours ago
1
"We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes." Though that's hardly the only time. I think most mathematicians can attest that the feeling of "I don't know as much as I should" will be pretty much permanent from here on out. You can live with it and be successful, but only if you don't let it get in the way of interacting with people and doing what you need to do.
– Nate Eldredge
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Mathematician here: We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes. You write that you are "embarrassed" due to your lack of understanding; don't worry, others probably are having issues also. But if you do think you aren't getting basics, then it is more, not less important that you talk to your fellow students and the professor.
However, the main thing you should realize is that this is a pretty regular experience. What matters is how you react to it; don't get demoralized but put the effort in. And don't hesitate to ask questions, even in class; your fellow students are likely confused about some of the same things you are.
answered 2 hours ago
JoshuaZ
2854
Mathematician here: We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes. You write that you are "embarrassed" due to your lack of understanding; don't worry, others probably are having issues also. But if you do think you aren't getting basics, then it is more, not less important that you talk to your fellow students and the professor.
However, the main thing you should realize is that this is a pretty regular experience. What matters is how you react to it; don't get demoralized but put the effort in. And don't hesitate to ask questions, even in class; your fellow students are likely confused about some of the same things you are.
answered 2 hours ago
JoshuaZ
2854
answered 2 hours ago
JoshuaZ
2854
answered 2 hours ago
JoshuaZ
2854
answered 2 hours ago
JoshuaZ
2854
2854
I'd suggest focusing on the basic definitions and theorems in the course and trying to get these figured out before diving into the details of proofs of particular theorems.
– Brian Borchers
2 hours ago
1
"We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes." Though that's hardly the only time. I think most mathematicians can attest that the feeling of "I don't know as much as I should" will be pretty much permanent from here on out. You can live with it and be successful, but only if you don't let it get in the way of interacting with people and doing what you need to do.
– Nate Eldredge
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
I'd suggest focusing on the basic definitions and theorems in the course and trying to get these figured out before diving into the details of proofs of particular theorems.
– Brian Borchers
2 hours ago
1
"We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes." Though that's hardly the only time. I think most mathematicians can attest that the feeling of "I don't know as much as I should" will be pretty much permanent from here on out. You can live with it and be successful, but only if you don't let it get in the way of interacting with people and doing what you need to do.
– Nate Eldredge
1 hour ago
I'd suggest focusing on the basic definitions and theorems in the course and trying to get these figured out before diving into the details of proofs of particular theorems.
– Brian Borchers
2 hours ago
I'd suggest focusing on the basic definitions and theorems in the course and trying to get these figured out before diving into the details of proofs of particular theorems.
– Brian Borchers
2 hours ago
1
1
"We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes." Though that's hardly the only time. I think most mathematicians can attest that the feeling of "I don't know as much as I should" will be pretty much permanent from here on out. You can live with it and be successful, but only if you don't let it get in the way of interacting with people and doing what you need to do.
– Nate Eldredge
1 hour ago
"We've all been in a similar situation when transitioning from undergrad to grad classes." Though that's hardly the only time. I think most mathematicians can attest that the feeling of "I don't know as much as I should" will be pretty much permanent from here on out. You can live with it and be successful, but only if you don't let it get in the way of interacting with people and doing what you need to do.
– Nate Eldredge
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Talk to your professor, fellow students, tutors. The department almost surely has resources to help students learn, and it's up to you to use them. As long as you make a genuine attempt to learn the material and don't show up expecting to be spoonfed, virtually everyone will be willing to help you.
As for being embarrassed: this isn't something to be embarrassed about. In fact if anything it would be embarrassing if the material were so simple you can
understand it easily. Besides, would you rather be embarrassed by your lack of understanding now, or by an F grade at the end of the semester? Being part of a university gives you access to resources an outside self-studying student doesn't have - make use of them.
answered 1 hour ago
Allure
17k1258102
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Talk to your professor, fellow students, tutors. The department almost surely has resources to help students learn, and it's up to you to use them. As long as you make a genuine attempt to learn the material and don't show up expecting to be spoonfed, virtually everyone will be willing to help you.
As for being embarrassed: this isn't something to be embarrassed about. In fact if anything it would be embarrassing if the material were so simple you can
understand it easily. Besides, would you rather be embarrassed by your lack of understanding now, or by an F grade at the end of the semester? Being part of a university gives you access to resources an outside self-studying student doesn't have - make use of them.
answered 1 hour ago
Allure
17k1258102
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Talk to your professor, fellow students, tutors. The department almost surely has resources to help students learn, and it's up to you to use them. As long as you make a genuine attempt to learn the material and don't show up expecting to be spoonfed, virtually everyone will be willing to help you.
As for being embarrassed: this isn't something to be embarrassed about. In fact if anything it would be embarrassing if the material were so simple you can
understand it easily. Besides, would you rather be embarrassed by your lack of understanding now, or by an F grade at the end of the semester? Being part of a university gives you access to resources an outside self-studying student doesn't have - make use of them.
answered 1 hour ago
Allure
17k1258102
Talk to your professor, fellow students, tutors. The department almost surely has resources to help students learn, and it's up to you to use them. As long as you make a genuine attempt to learn the material and don't show up expecting to be spoonfed, virtually everyone will be willing to help you.
As for being embarrassed: this isn't something to be embarrassed about. In fact if anything it would be embarrassing if the material were so simple you can
understand it easily. Besides, would you rather be embarrassed by your lack of understanding now, or by an F grade at the end of the semester? Being part of a university gives you access to resources an outside self-studying student doesn't have - make use of them.
answered 1 hour ago
Allure
17k1258102
answered 1 hour ago
Allure
17k1258102
answered 1 hour ago
Allure
17k1258102
answered 1 hour ago
Allure
17k1258102
17k1258102
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I was also in that exact situation once. As you can see from other answers, many of us were; it's a common experience.
The main thing that I regret, and I think limited my advancement at that exact point, was the inability/unawareness of reaching out to others and forming/joining a study group. (Turns out I was "competing" in some sense with another group of a dozen or so students who studied together.)
There's an actual a name for this phenomenon of feeling alone and spending overwhelming amounts of energy trying to get over that to the point of burnout, called John Henryism. In the literature, it's mostly associated with high-performing African-Americans who feel isolated, but I think it's applicable to a wide range of situations, esp., people from rural areas seeking to succeed in elite academia/industry. It seems particularly likely to afflict personalities who (a) are introverted and tend to go into math, (b) have had high success at the undergraduate level working alone from text resources, and (c) try to make this radical leap to graduate-level math work (not having the experiences or toolbox to get outside help).
In short: Push through and do what you need to join or create a study group. It's my primary regret that I couldn't think to make that happen in the exact same circumstance.
answered 12 mins ago
Daniel R. Collins
16.4k44367
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
I was also in that exact situation once. As you can see from other answers, many of us were; it's a common experience.
The main thing that I regret, and I think limited my advancement at that exact point, was the inability/unawareness of reaching out to others and forming/joining a study group. (Turns out I was "competing" in some sense with another group of a dozen or so students who studied together.)
There's an actual a name for this phenomenon of feeling alone and spending overwhelming amounts of energy trying to get over that to the point of burnout, called John Henryism. In the literature, it's mostly associated with high-performing African-Americans who feel isolated, but I think it's applicable to a wide range of situations, esp., people from rural areas seeking to succeed in elite academia/industry. It seems particularly likely to afflict personalities who (a) are introverted and tend to go into math, (b) have had high success at the undergraduate level working alone from text resources, and (c) try to make this radical leap to graduate-level math work (not having the experiences or toolbox to get outside help).
In short: Push through and do what you need to join or create a study group. It's my primary regret that I couldn't think to make that happen in the exact same circumstance.
answered 12 mins ago
Daniel R. Collins
16.4k44367
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
I was also in that exact situation once. As you can see from other answers, many of us were; it's a common experience.
The main thing that I regret, and I think limited my advancement at that exact point, was the inability/unawareness of reaching out to others and forming/joining a study group. (Turns out I was "competing" in some sense with another group of a dozen or so students who studied together.)
There's an actual a name for this phenomenon of feeling alone and spending overwhelming amounts of energy trying to get over that to the point of burnout, called John Henryism. In the literature, it's mostly associated with high-performing African-Americans who feel isolated, but I think it's applicable to a wide range of situations, esp., people from rural areas seeking to succeed in elite academia/industry. It seems particularly likely to afflict personalities who (a) are introverted and tend to go into math, (b) have had high success at the undergraduate level working alone from text resources, and (c) try to make this radical leap to graduate-level math work (not having the experiences or toolbox to get outside help).
In short: Push through and do what you need to join or create a study group. It's my primary regret that I couldn't think to make that happen in the exact same circumstance.
answered 12 mins ago
Daniel R. Collins
16.4k44367
I was also in that exact situation once. As you can see from other answers, many of us were; it's a common experience.
The main thing that I regret, and I think limited my advancement at that exact point, was the inability/unawareness of reaching out to others and forming/joining a study group. (Turns out I was "competing" in some sense with another group of a dozen or so students who studied together.)
There's an actual a name for this phenomenon of feeling alone and spending overwhelming amounts of energy trying to get over that to the point of burnout, called John Henryism. In the literature, it's mostly associated with high-performing African-Americans who feel isolated, but I think it's applicable to a wide range of situations, esp., people from rural areas seeking to succeed in elite academia/industry. It seems particularly likely to afflict personalities who (a) are introverted and tend to go into math, (b) have had high success at the undergraduate level working alone from text resources, and (c) try to make this radical leap to graduate-level math work (not having the experiences or toolbox to get outside help).
In short: Push through and do what you need to join or create a study group. It's my primary regret that I couldn't think to make that happen in the exact same circumstance.
answered 12 mins ago
Daniel R. Collins
16.4k44367
answered 12 mins ago
Daniel R. Collins
16.4k44367
answered 12 mins ago
Daniel R. Collins
16.4k44367
answered 12 mins ago
Daniel R. Collins
16.4k44367
16.4k44367
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
st1 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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