What to factor in when choosing a college for Math major?

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of making my college list, and I've been leaning towards majoring in Math. I'm sure I want a school with a strong Math program, but how do I determine which ones rank as 'the best'? What criteria should I be looking at? Class size? Faculty? Research opportunities? Grad school placement? Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.

While it might be instinctive to solely focus on ranking lists, determining the 'best' school for any major should revolve around a combination of factors that meet your unique preferences and goals. So, let's break down different facets you could consider:

1. Strength of the Curriculum: Delve into the details of the math program at different schools. Look for a broad range of course offerings that go beyond the basics, ideally with options for specializing in areas of interest, such as applied mathematics, statistics, or pure mathematics. Some universities also offer the opportunity to partake in interdisciplinary or dual degree programs which allow you to pair Math with Computer Science, Economics, Physics etc.

2. Faculty: Research the faculty in the Math department. Are they renowned in their field, and what type of research are they conducting? Faculty expertise can be a good indicator of the program's strength.

3. Research Opportunities: The opportunity to conduct or assist with research can be especially beneficial for Mathematics students. Check if faculty regularly involve undergraduates in their research or if the university offers undergraduate research programs.

4. Internship and Job Placements: Look at the career placement rates of math majors, including internships during college and jobs after graduation. Many schools will have a career services office with these statistics.

5. Alumni Network: Consider the strength and reach of the school's alumni network, particularly for math majors. Alumni can offer mentorship, internships, job opportunities, and real-world advice about navigating a career in the field.

6. Class Size: If you value lots of one-on-one attention and smaller seminar classes, consider that preference when reviewing the college's overall and major-specific class sizes.

7. Graduate School Placement: If you have plans to pursue a graduate degree, it would be worthwhile to check out the grad school placement record of the undergrad math program.

Remember, what counts as 'the best' is highly subjective and will be unique to you. So reflect on your academic and career interests, learning style, and personal growth goals while evaluating these factors.