Worthwhile?

Forum for the GRE subject test in mathematics.
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MMDE
Posts: 123
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:04 pm

Worthwhile?

Post by MMDE » Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:51 am

Although this may sound strange, I have the opportunity to help edit an advanced textbook for my instructor, and as result my name will be listed on the textbook as an author. Now, is this a worthwhile opportunity to take in terms of acceptance to a top 20 school, or would my time be better spent doing research?

djysyed
Posts: 359
Joined: Sat Oct 28, 2017 9:59 pm

Re: Worthwhile?

Post by djysyed » Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:27 am

Do you understand the material of the book pretty well?

MMDE
Posts: 123
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:04 pm

Re: Worthwhile?

Post by MMDE » Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:11 pm

djysyed wrote:Do you understand the material of the book pretty well?
It's my intended field of study, so I would say I know more than the average PhD applicant, however not nearly enough to be writing an advanced textbook on the subject. His intentions are I can help him edit it, and through that learn the material as well.

password
Posts: 24
Joined: Sun Jan 28, 2018 7:55 pm

Re: Worthwhile?

Post by password » Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:49 pm

This actually seems like a great way to learn the material and gain experience with mathematical writing. IMO, at this stage developing these skills is as worthwhile as doing research, since learning advanced mathematics at a deep level is sort of a prerequisite for serious mathematical research anyway.

MathCat
Posts: 187
Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2014 12:17 am

Re: Worthwhile?

Post by MathCat » Tue Apr 10, 2018 5:45 pm

I also think this is a great opportunity. You'll want to learn that material anyway, and this way you also get an authorship credit. Seems like a win-win.

MMDE
Posts: 123
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:04 pm

Re: Worthwhile?

Post by MMDE » Wed Apr 11, 2018 2:24 am

Thank you for the advice everyone. It seems it's a worthwhile task to pick up, hope I learn a lot from it.



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