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Worthwhile?

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:51 am
by MMDE
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?

Re: Worthwhile?

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 9:27 am
by djysyed
Do you understand the material of the book pretty well?

Re: Worthwhile?

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:11 pm
by MMDE
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.

Re: Worthwhile?

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 12:49 pm
by password
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.

Re: Worthwhile?

Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2018 5:45 pm
by MathCat
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.

Re: Worthwhile?

Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2018 2:24 am
by MMDE
Thank you for the advice everyone. It seems it's a worthwhile task to pick up, hope I learn a lot from it.