u/purpleepurple8

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to apply for a Master’s in Operations Research, but my background is a bit non-traditional. I have a business degree in MIS which unfortunately didn't give me a rigorous academic math foundation. I am essentially relearning the formal math prerequisites from scratch.

I have exactly 5 months to prep before applying, and I can realistically dedicate about 20-25 hours a week to studying. I spent my first three weeks deep in Stewart’s Early Transcendentals doing single-variable calc and even some real analysis axioms, but I feel like I’m getting way too bogged down in pure theory instead of computational application.

I really need advice on how to efficiently pace myself through Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability/Statistics given my limit. What theoretical weeds can I safely skip so I can focus strictly on what’s needed for linear programming and stochastic modeling?

Also, since these math classes won't be on my undergraduate transcript, how do I actually prove my competency to an admissions committee? Are online certificates respected, should I take the GRE Math Subject Test, or do I need to enroll in accredited extension courses for a letter grade?

Would love to have a chat with someone who can guide me. Really appreciate any and all advice!

TL;DR: Non-math business grad needs to learn Calc, LinAlg, and Stats in 5 months (25 hrs/week) for an MSOR application. Need advice on what specific topics to prioritize/skip and how to formally prove to admissions that my self-study is legitimate.

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to apply for a Master’s in Operations Research, but my background is a bit non-traditional. I have a business degree in MIS which unfortunately didn't give me a rigorous academic math foundation. I am essentially relearning the formal math prerequisites from scratch.

I have exactly 5 months to prep before applying, and I can realistically dedicate about 20-25 hours a week to studying. I spent my first three weeks deep in Stewart’s Early Transcendentals doing single-variable calc and even some real analysis axioms, but I feel like I’m getting way too bogged down in pure theory instead of computational application.

I really need advice on how to efficiently pace myself through Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability/Statistics given my limit. What theoretical weeds can I safely skip so I can focus strictly on what’s needed for linear programming and stochastic modeling?

Also, since these math classes won't be on my undergraduate transcript, how do I actually prove my competency to an admissions committee? Are online certificates respected, should I take the GRE Math Subject Test, or do I need to enroll in accredited extension courses for a letter grade?

Would love to have a chat with someone who can guide me. Really appreciate any and all advice!

TL;DR: Non-math business grad needs to learn Calc, LinAlg, and Stats in 5 months (25 hrs/week) for an MSOR application. Need advice on what specific topics to prioritize/skip and how to formally prove to admissions that my self-study is legitimate.

Hey everyone,

I’m planning to apply for a Master’s in Operations Research, but my background is a bit non-traditional. I have a business degree in MIS which unfortunately didn't give me a rigorous academic math foundation. I am essentially relearning the formal math prerequisites from scratch.

I have exactly 5 months to prep before applying, and I can realistically dedicate about 20-25 hours a week to studying. I spent my first three weeks deep in Stewart’s Early Transcendentals doing single-variable calc and even some real analysis axioms, but I feel like I’m getting way too bogged down in pure theory instead of computational application.

I really need advice on how to efficiently pace myself through Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Probability/Statistics given my limit. What theoretical weeds can I safely skip so I can focus strictly on what’s needed for linear programming and stochastic modeling?

Also, since these math classes won't be on my undergraduate transcript, how do I actually prove my competency to an admissions committee? Are online certificates respected, should I take the GRE Math Subject Test, or do I need to enroll in accredited extension courses for a letter grade?

Would love to have a chat with someone who can guide me. Really appreciate any and all advice!

TL;DR: Non-math business grad needs to learn Calc, LinAlg, and Stats in 5 months (25 hrs/week) for an MSOR application. Need advice on what specific topics to prioritize/skip and how to formally prove to admissions that my self-study is legitimate.