How to IPT into Adv Math from Commerce/Science (1 Viewer)

[00467032]

Hi BoS forums,

I am a prospecting year 12 student, I received an ATAR of 90.35.

I'm applying to UNSW and hopefully trying to get guaranteed entry, but have the following scores:
Band 5 Adv Eng
Band 5 Mathematics (0.4% below band 6)
E3 Extension 1 math equivalent (0.4% below E4)

I also have the following bonus points / EAS:
1 EAP
2 or 3 EAS (there's two applied, certain that I will get at least 2 from the first)

With all of this, I have enough to get into Combined Commerce. I do not have enough to get into Commerce/Adv Math; however if I am given 3 EAS points instead of 2, then I will have a selection rank of 96.35, just to get into Adv Math by itself.

I don't think it's a good idea to go into straight Adv Math, if I do poorly in it - I'll go into a Bsc and be stuck in straight science.

On the Business School IPT page, it says that Adv Math/Commerce IPT requires a WAM of 75, but a WAM of 80 in MATH courses, with a minimum of 12 OUC completed in them.

If I take Combined commerce, what options do I have to get into Commerce/Adv Math?

 

[si2136]

If you do Combined Commerce and you want to transfer into Comm/Adv. Maths, you would need to maintain 80 WAM, or else you'll be given a choice to drop to science or drop it entirely.

 

[00467032]

If you do Combined Commerce and you want to transfer into Comm/Adv. Maths, you would need to maintain 80 WAM, or else you'll be given a choice to drop to science or drop it entirely.

I'm aware of that.

 

[gsccrepping]

You will get into Commerce

 

[CheeseandBacon]

mate just do combined commerce as your first preference, why do you want to do adv maths? combined commerce with science (maths) is the same thing. You do advanced maths if thats the single thing you want to do, no point doing commerce and adv maths

 

[leehuan]

mate just do combined commerce as your first preference, why do you want to do adv maths? combined commerce with science (maths) is the same thing. You do advanced maths if thats the single thing you want to do, no point doing commerce and adv maths

Excuse me? What is the problem in taking a degree which forces you to do more challenging subjects, the honours as well as being able to specialise in a field of mathematics (e.g. applied)?
____________

@OP:

The best bet is to go for the IPT like you researched. First year transfers are usually on a basis of whatever's higher between your ATAR and your WAM.

80 WAM across math subjects basically means MATH11x1 + MATH12x1 (+ MATH1081 if you choose to do it in first year).



However, no. In all honesty, you're better off trying adv maths and DROPPING DOWN to normal science if you hate it. It's easier to go from something harder to get in to one easier, rather than vice versa.

 

[00467032]

I got GE into Commerce/Adv math.

Should I go to straight combined commerce? After this thread, I'm concerned I might not do well.

 

[si2136]

I got GE into Commerce/Adv math.

Should I go to straight combined commerce? After this thread, I'm concerned I might not do well.

Just try it now anyways. If you can't cope, just transfer back down to normal science

 

[00467032]

Just try it now anyways. If you can't cope, just transfer back down to normal science

Okay, do you think it's worth finding some ways to prepare?

 

[CheeseandBacon]

Excuse me? What is the problem in taking a degree which forces you to do more challenging subjects, the honours as well as being able to specialise in a field of mathematics (e.g. applied)?

do whatever you please, can only give my opinion

@OP you're going to have to do the higher levels of mathematics (which arent easy). Just give it a go, I would not recommend adv math unless you actually want to further study IN maths, but theres always flexibility. Ways you can prepare is probably keep your integration knowledge, complex numbers, and general mathematical knowledge like IBP. No point getting any deeper because lots of the stuff you will learn is new.

 

[00467032]

do whatever you please, can only give my opinion

@OP you're going to have to do the higher levels of mathematics (which arent easy). Just give it a go, I would not recommend adv math unless you actually want to further study IN maths, but theres always flexibility. Ways you can prepare is probably keep your integration knowledge, complex numbers, and general mathematical knowledge like IBP. No point getting any deeper because lots of the stuff you will learn is new.

Don't mind more math, I'm taking it more for the math than the commerce (which I find somewhat dis-interesting in comparison). I do wish to further study in mathematics, specifically in the united states.

I really do not want to be moved out of this degree if I do badly, so any advice I can get to prepare before I start is appreciated.

 

[hup]

going into adv math (which requires an honours year) after doing only 2 unit + ext 1 and not getting a band 6 in either?

unless there are some extenuating circumstances I don't understand why you are considering (or even want to do) advanced maths.

I did honours in maths btw.

 

[00467032]

going into adv math (which requires an honours year) after doing only 2 unit + ext 1 and not getting a band 6 in either?

unless there are some extenuating circumstances I don't understand why you are considering (or even want to do) advanced maths.

I did honours in maths btw.

Firstly, from a different state, I live by myself, not wealthy, went to low ranking public school but got a very good scaling score (the external test we have here, which determines your aptitude in general academic ability). My scaling score had 3 band 6 equivalent scaled scores.

I started in 2U math in Year 11, topped the class, moved up to 3U/4U in year 12 (I did a mixture of both, just not the entirety of 3U) and consistently improved my scores over the two years. By the end of Year 12, I was topping the 4U class for my school. I pretty much realized at that point I was more interested in math than any other subject, and I wanted to study it in university.

Here we don't have 2U, 3U, 4U exactly, I basically did a good mixture of all of them.

I was originally interested in studying Finance/Economics (hence the commerce combined).

Why wouldn't I consider it? I don't have anything to lose, convince me why I shouldn't. I genuinely enjoy mathematics and would like to do an honors at the end of my degree. The WAM requirement doesn't both me, and if I can, I think it serves as a good way to make sure I maintain consistently high scores.

 

[hup]

Firstly, from a different state, I live by myself, not wealthy, went to low ranking public school but got a very good scaling score (the external test we have here, which determines your aptitude in general academic ability). My scaling score had 3 band 6 equivalent scaled scores.

I started in 2U math in Year 11, topped the class, moved up to 3U/4U in year 12 (I did a mixture of both, just not the entirety of 3U) and consistently improved my scores over the two years. By the end of Year 12, I was topping the 4U class for my school. I pretty much realized at that point I was more interested in math than any other subject, and I wanted to study it in university.

Here we don't have 2U, 3U, 4U exactly, I basically did a good mixture of all of them.

I was originally interested in studying Finance/Economics (hence the commerce combined).

Why wouldn't I consider it? I don't have anything to lose, convince me why I shouldn't. I genuinely enjoy mathematics and would like to do an honors at the end of my degree. The WAM requirement doesn't both me, and if I can, I think it serves as a good way to make sure I maintain consistently high scores.

Sounds like excuses to me. Why would all that mean you couldn't do well in maths? My school was ranked 120th when I did my HSC and I got band sixes for ext 1/2. It also doesn't add up to me how you say you really enjoy maths yet you couldn't get a band six in 2U. I'm not here to convince anyone of anything, I just got the feeling as someone who did math at uni for 5 years that this was a bad idea. If you think you can handle it then go ahead. (Sounds like you've made up your mind anyway)

 

[sida1049]

Firstly, from a different state, I live by myself, not wealthy, went to low ranking public school but got a very good scaling score (the external test we have here, which determines your aptitude in general academic ability). My scaling score had 3 band 6 equivalent scaled scores.

I started in 2U math in Year 11, topped the class, moved up to 3U/4U in year 12 (I did a mixture of both, just not the entirety of 3U) and consistently improved my scores over the two years. By the end of Year 12, I was topping the 4U class for my school. I pretty much realized at that point I was more interested in math than any other subject, and I wanted to study it in university.

Here we don't have 2U, 3U, 4U exactly, I basically did a good mixture of all of them.

I was originally interested in studying Finance/Economics (hence the commerce combined).

Why wouldn't I consider it? I don't have anything to lose, convince me why I shouldn't. I genuinely enjoy mathematics and would like to do an honors at the end of my degree. The WAM requirement doesn't both me, and if I can, I think it serves as a good way to make sure I maintain consistently high scores.

I sympathise with hup's concern; to go from a Band 5 in Mathematics 2U to an advanced mathematics degree with honours is a huge trek. It's not impossible, but be prepared: it's a challenging and difficult course even for those with 90+ scores in 4U. We're not trying to discourage you, but expect struggle.

I recommend looking over some Extension 2 content (particularly complex numbers, integration and volumes), and maybe even start to read ahead a little to make the transition smoother.

 

[00467032]

Sounds like excuses to me. Why would all that mean you couldn't do well in maths? My school was ranked 120th when I did my HSC and I got band sixes for ext 1/2. It also doesn't add up to me how you say you really enjoy maths yet you couldn't get a band six in 2U. I'm not here to convince anyone of anything, I just got the feeling as someone who did math at uni for 5 years that this was a bad idea. If you think you can handle it then go ahead. (Sounds like you've made up your mind anyway)

In our state, we have a scaling test where the average score of the students in your cohort moves your scores up or down. My cohort did badly, and my nice band 6 became a nearly band 6. I guess it's an excuse.

I *did* get a band 6 in 2U, but the way maths is calculated here, all of 2U, 3U and 4U is actually one subject. It's all one score. Strangely enough, my scores for 4U are higher than my scores for 2U before they were meshed into my final score and scaled.

I sympathise with hup's concern; to go from a Band 5 in Mathematics 2U to an advanced mathematics degree with honours is a huge trek. It's not impossible, but be prepared: it's a challenging and difficult course even for those with 90+ scores in 4U. We're not trying to discourage you, but expect struggle.

I recommend looking over some Extension 2 content (particularly complex numbers, integration and volumes), and maybe even start to read ahead a little to make the transition smoother.

Okay, I talked to some Adv Math graduates, and they sent me a few resources. I do expect it to be anything but a walk in the park, and I'll probably hire some tutors. I've bought the Extension 1 and Extension 2 math revision books by Excel - do you think this will cover a sufficient amount of content?

I've done Complex numbers, integration, I also picked up the "course notes" for MATH1241 but couldn't find the ones for MATH1141. Do you think it's a good idea getting in contact with some tutors early before tthe semester starts? And should I implement a strict study schedule throughout the next month and a half to get through all of the EXT 1 and EXT 2 content I've missed?

Here are all the topics I covered in Year 11 and 12:

Year 11:
* Sums, relations, functions and sets
* Matrices and 2U Algebra
* Polynomials
* Proofs and logic
* Trigonometric functions
* Special functions and relations
(I hadn't taken the 'extension' subject at this point)
Year 12:
* Differentiation and integration (introduction)
* Harder calculus problems
* Integration methods
* Vectors and Complex numbers
* Trigonometric identities and inverse trigonometric functions
* Differential equations
* Introductory probability
* Combinatorics and Permutations
* Statistics and distributions

An alternative, is that if you really believe I am mathematically disadvantaged - I can take a bridging course and spend some time to make sure I was up to scratch. On info day, the tutors at UNSW seemed to think I was okay.

They basically told me that differences in students exist and the first year is designed to bring students like me up to speed so I am competitive. Is that untrue?

 

[sida1049]

Okay, I talked to some Adv Math graduates, and they sent me a few resources. I do expect it to be anything but a walk in the park, and I'll probably hire some tutors. I've bought the Extension 1 and Extension 2 math revision books by Excel - do you think this will cover a sufficient amount of content?

I've done Complex numbers, integration, I also picked up the "course notes" for MATH1241 but couldn't find the ones for MATH1141. Do you think it's a good idea getting in contact with some tutors early before tthe semester starts? And should I implement a strict study schedule throughout the next month and a half to get through all of the EXT 1 and EXT 2 content I've missed?

Here are all the topics I covered in Year 11 and 12:

Year 11:
* Sums, relations, functions and sets
* Matrices and 2U Algebra
* Polynomials
* Proofs and logic
* Trigonometric functions
* Special functions and relations
(I hadn't taken the 'extension' subject at this point)
Year 12:
* Differentiation and integration (introduction)
* Harder calculus problems
* Integration methods
* Vectors and Complex numbers
* Trigonometric identities and inverse trigonometric functions
* Differential equations
* Introductory probability
* Combinatorics and Permutations
* Statistics and distributions

An alternative, is that if you really believe I am mathematically disadvantaged - I can take a bridging course and spend some time to make sure I was up to scratch. On info day, the tutors at UNSW seemed to think I was okay.

They basically told me that differences in students exist and the first year is designed to bring students like me up to speed so I am competitive. Is that untrue?

Honestly now that I've seen the topics you've done, it seems like a decent foundation for advanced mathematics. Whether you need tutors is completely up to you; have a go at doing parts of the NSW 4U course (specifically complex numbers, integration and volumes; the rest doesn't matter as much [you can have a go at Harder 3U inequalities and mechanics if you really want, but it's not necessary, and the other topics are pretty much negligible for first year]). If you're finding them perfectly manageable, then you're not really disadvantaged.

I don't think you need a strict schedule or anything. Take the time to relax before uni, and only do some casual studying at your own pace. And it doesn't seem like you're missing out very much, so it doesn't appear to me like you need a bridging course. And for the most part, I think what the tutors told you about first year is true. In first year, they revisit some areas of maths that you've already touched upon during high school, but in a lot more detail. So I think for the most part, you should be fine.

Good luck!

 

[sida1049]

Okay, I talked to some Adv Math graduates, and they sent me a few resources. I do expect it to be anything but a walk in the park, and I'll probably hire some tutors. I've bought the Extension 1 and Extension 2 math revision books by Excel - do you think this will cover a sufficient amount of content?

I've done Complex numbers, integration, I also picked up the "course notes" for MATH1241 but couldn't find the ones for MATH1141. Do you think it's a good idea getting in contact with some tutors early before tthe semester starts? And should I implement a strict study schedule throughout the next month and a half to get through all of the EXT 1 and EXT 2 content I've missed?

Here are all the topics I covered in Year 11 and 12:

Year 11:
* Sums, relations, functions and sets
* Matrices and 2U Algebra
* Polynomials
* Proofs and logic
* Trigonometric functions
* Special functions and relations
(I hadn't taken the 'extension' subject at this point)
Year 12:
* Differentiation and integration (introduction)
* Harder calculus problems
* Integration methods
* Vectors and Complex numbers
* Trigonometric identities and inverse trigonometric functions
* Differential equations
* Introductory probability
* Combinatorics and Permutations
* Statistics and distributions

An alternative, is that if you really believe I am mathematically disadvantaged - I can take a bridging course and spend some time to make sure I was up to scratch. On info day, the tutors at UNSW seemed to think I was okay.

They basically told me that differences in students exist and the first year is designed to bring students like me up to speed so I am competitive. Is that untrue?

Honestly now that I've seen the topics you've done, it seems like a decent foundation for advanced mathematics. Whether you need tutors is completely up to you; have a go at doing parts of the NSW 4U course (specifically complex numbers, integration and volumes; the rest doesn't matter as much [you can have a go at Harder 3U inequalities and mechanics if you really want, but it's not necessary, and the other topics are pretty much negligible for first year]). If you're finding them perfectly manageable, then you're not really disadvantaged.

I don't think you need a strict schedule or anything. Take the time to relax before uni, and only do some casual studying at your own pace. And it doesn't seem like you're missing out very much, so it doesn't appear to me like you need a bridging course. And for the most part, I think what the tutors told you about first year is true. In first year, they revisit some areas of maths that you've already touched upon during high school, but in a lot more detail. So I think for the most part, you should be fine.

Good luck!

 

[00467032]

Honestly now that I've seen the topics you've done, it seems like a decent foundation for advanced mathematics. Whether you need tutors is completely up to you; have a go at doing parts of the NSW 4U course (specifically complex numbers, integration and volumes; the rest doesn't matter as much [you can have a go at Harder 3U inequalities and mechanics if you really want, but it's not necessary, and the other topics are pretty much negligible for first year]). If you're finding them perfectly manageable, then you're not really disadvantaged.

I don't think you need a strict schedule or anything. Take the time to relax before uni, and only do some casual studying at your own pace. And it doesn't seem like you're missing out very much, so it doesn't appear to me like you need a bridging course. And for the most part, I think what the tutors told you about first year is true. In first year, they revisit some areas of maths that you've already touched upon during high school, but in a lot more detail. So I think for the most part, you should be fine.

Good luck!

Oh. Are you sure?

I appreciate the reassurance, I'll go over the topics you said and try get through the NSW work. I'll probably have a go at some of the "papers" for MX1 & MX2 and hopefully catch up enough.

Also, I notice you study mathematics at the University of Sydney. I am really interested to know your opinion on the differences between UNSW mathematics and USYD mathematics. I've heard graduates from both sides say their course is superior, but they don't really provide much reason for why that is.

 

[sida1049]

Oh. Are you sure?

I appreciate the reassurance, I'll go over the topics you said and try get through the NSW work. I'll probably have a go at some of the "papers" for MX1 & MX2 and hopefully catch up enough.

Also, I notice you study mathematics at the University of Sydney. I am really interested to know your opinion on the differences between UNSW mathematics and USYD mathematics. I've heard graduates from both sides say their course is superior, but they don't really provide much reason for why that is.

It all depends on how you feel after revising those topics. I'm sure the curricula between the two states don't match up exactly, but for the most part, you seem to have a decent foundation (particularly with matrices, which NSW student don't encounter during secondary education).

I think both universities' advanced mathematics degrees are excellent. But there are differences:

- At UNSW, the Advanced Mathematics degree requires you to complete an honours year, whereas for USYD, you only have to major with units under the advanced stream. (Personally, I found the latter more attractive, since I initially planned to do an honours in economics. So it really depends on your goals.)

- The two degrees have slightly different requirements. For example, UNSW has general education units, whereas USYD requires you to complete 4 junior science units from at least two areas of study outside of mathematics.

- The two universities offer different units of study.

I personally found USYD to be more flexible (an advanced mathematics major at UNSW requires at least 84 credit points [including the honours year, I think], whereas at USYD, I only need a minimum of 48 credit points). This allows me to pursue an additional statistics major in my degree (on top of my economics major as a part of B. Arts). I also really enjoyed the Special Studies Program for mathematics at USYD (I chose not to do the Talented Students Program, but a lot of students enjoyed it).

Someone else at UNSW could elaborate on their degree better than I. Both universities are great, and people pick them based for their own reasons.