Graduate School Terms

[cookderosa]

Thank you so much for your responses! In a really good way, this gives me a completely different perspective on the situation. I wish I had asked sooner.

If you wouldn’t mind, I have a follow-up question.

Let’s say graduate program 1 wants some knowledge of matrix algebra as an admission prerequisite and graduate program 2 wants a course in linear algebra. The difference in requirements is likely due to a slightly different focus for the degree. I prefer the focus that program 1 has.

If for some reason I end up at program 2, how often do colleges allow applicants to take the prerequisite coursework outside of the undergraduate degree? In other words, if I wait to take Irnbru’s suggestion about the linear algebra course until after I finish a BS degree, will I still be eligible to be accepted to program 2?

Jennifer, it seems like you have been able to do this. Does it limit your choices in graduate programs at all?

Thanks again. I am grateful for the help!

The MBA program I almost started had a macro prereq that I didn't have. They told me I needed to complete it before starting my first term (not concurrent enrollment). So, my suggestion would simply be to ask if you are allowed to fill in any missing prereqs or if they have to be part of your actual undergrad degree. I'm betting they don't but you never can tell. You also might want to ask if a graded credit (vs pass/fail) matters.

Limiting me? No, I've applied for all kinds of programs lol. HOWEVER, nothing mathy/technical like you're doing. I imagine if I applied to a program like what you're doing they'd just turn on the shredder