What makes a good math school?

I'm really passionate about math and considering schools that are known for their strong math programs. What should I be looking for to ensure a school is good for math?

Identifying a strong math program is an important step in ensuring a school can provide the education level and opportunities you're interested in. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Course Selection and Rigor: First, look at a school's math department website to see the range of courses they offer. A good mathematics program should cover a broad range of topics, such as calculus, linear algebra, statistics, and abstract algebra, to name a few. If you have a specific area of math you're interested in, like applied mathematics or theoretical mathematics, make sure that these courses are well-represented. Additionally, investigate the difficulty level of classes. Are there higher-level courses available for each topic?

2. Faculty: The quality and reputation of the faculty can be an indicator of the school's commitment to the discipline. Look to see if faculty members have publications in prestigious academic journals, if they are active in professional mathematics organizations, and if they have won any awards for their research or teaching.

3. Research Opportunities: Research is a crucial part of any STEM field, and math is no exception. Research gives students hands-on experience and can be a deciding factor in grad school admissions or job applications post-graduation. Research can be in a lab, through guidance from a professor, or via a university-supported research initiative.

4. Collaborative Opportunities: Some schools could have partnerships with other institutions or companies that provide students with opportunities to put their mathematical skills into practice. These could be intern ships, co-op programs, or study abroad programs with math-focused curriculum.

5. Careers and Postgraduate Opportunities: If a school has a good math program, their graduates should be successful in their careers or further studies. Therefore, it's always a good idea to look at the alumni of the program and see where they are now. You can often find this information on the school's website, or sometimes by linking with alumni on platforms like LinkedIn.

6. Student Support: Strong math programs should also place an emphasis on academic support. This could be in the form of math tutoring centers, prep sessions for advanced courses or comprehensive exams, or even psychological support for students navigating challenging coursework.

For example, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has an excellent math program, noted for its rigorous courses and high-profile faculty. They offer a range of math subjects, from Analysis to Combinatorics and Topology. They also provide research opportunities in the form of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, which links undergraduates with faculty for research projects.