Putnam Exam: Is it Worth it for Undergrads to Focus on Grad School Apps?

[Anonymous217]

I'll give a quick background on myself: I'm an undergrad soph this coming Fall, and I can take a upper div. course that prepares for the Putnam. However, I've never taken the IMO, AMC, etc., and so I have no experience with problem-solving tests. However, I do have a good deal of undergrad math knowledge (multivar., 2 sem. linear alg/diff eq., discrete, numerical analysis, real analysis, abstract algebra, etc.).

Is it really worth it to try to get a high score for grad schools in the remaining years or should undergrads generally ignore the Putnam and just focus on research?
I heard a 40 or 50+ score is good for applications, but how manageable is that to even obtain?

 

[micromass]

IF you're considering Putnam because you want to go to grad school, then I don't think it's a good idea. To get a decent score, you'll have to study quite a lot and you'll need to make a lot of practise problems. This could get in the way of studying for your real courses.

In my opinion it's best to maintain a good GPA and get some research experience. Focus on that if you want to go to grad school. Putnam is good if it doesn't interfere with your actual courses and research experience!

 

[Anonymous217]

IF you're considering Putnam because you want to go to grad school, then I don't think it's a good idea. To get a decent score, you'll have to study quite a lot and you'll need to make a lot of practise problems. This could get in the way of studying for your real courses.

In my opinion it's best to maintain a good GPA and get some research experience. Focus on that if you want to go to grad school. Putnam is good if it doesn't interfere with your actual courses and research experience!

Thanks for the advice. Doesn't the Putnam always interfere with course work and research experience though? I mean, you could use the time studying for the Putnam to enroll in another course, or to spend more time on research.

I guess I should just enroll in the Putnam course and an alternative, see if I find the Putnam interesting, and then decide on which one to drop.

 

[micromass]

Thanks for the advice. Doesn't the Putnam always interfere with course work and research experience though? I mean, you could use the time studying for the Putnam to enroll in another course, or to spend more time on research.

Probably. But if you're interested in competitions and problem-solving, then by all means: take the putnam! But if you only want the putnam to get into grad school, then you should reconsider...

 

[rezeew]

I can understand your dilemma and the pressure you may feel to excel in both your coursework and preparing for graduate school applications. However, I would advise against solely focusing on the Putnam Exam as a means to enhance your graduate school application.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that the Putnam Exam is just one aspect of your application and may not necessarily be the most important factor in the eyes of graduate schools. While a high score on the Putnam can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and mathematical prowess, it is not the only way to showcase these skills. Your coursework, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statement are also important components of your application.

Furthermore, the Putnam Exam is notoriously difficult and requires a significant amount of time and effort to prepare for. As you mentioned, you have no prior experience with problem-solving tests, and this may put you at a disadvantage compared to other students who have been exposed to these types of exams before. While it is certainly possible to obtain a high score on the Putnam, it may require a significant amount of time and effort that could be better spent on other aspects of your application, such as research or coursework.

In addition, graduate schools are also interested in your research potential and your ability to contribute to the field. Therefore, it is important to balance your time and focus on developing your research skills and experiences, rather than solely preparing for the Putnam Exam.

Ultimately, my advice would be to not ignore the Putnam Exam completely, but rather to approach it as a challenge and an opportunity to improve your problem-solving skills. However, do not let it consume all of your time and energy at the expense of other important aspects of your application. Focus on developing a well-rounded application that showcases your strengths and potential as a researcher and mathematician.