MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES

Why did you apply to MMSS?
I applied to MMSS because I wanted to learn how to use my mathematical curiosity to better understand society and advocate for changes I want to see in the world. Mathematical modeling is an incredibly useful skill in the world of research and advocacy, and I knew MMSS would help me connect those dots.

How has MMSS prepared you for graduation?
MMSS challenged me to write a senior thesis, which turned out to be one of the most important experiences of my college career. I graduated from Northwestern with not only skills but direct experience in developing and executing a fully-realized research project. I look forward to moving forward with confidence in my ability to generate knowledge through mathematical techniques.

What have you enjoyed most about MMSS?
MMSS courses have expanded how I think about mathematical models and their role in the social sciences. I have enjoyed developing a stronger understanding of how data relate with each other to form incredibly useful pictures of social structures and processes. I have worked one-on-one with my professors to figure out how I can apply these ideas to my own work.

Why did you apply to MMSS?
I applied to MMSS almost on name alone. I wrote my Common App essay on how I view my political thinking through math equations, and I remember receiving an email letting me know about this program called Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences. I have always learned best through making connections between different fields of study, so MMSS sounded like it would be the perfect fit for me. Without really any more research, I decided to apply to the program. In hindsight, I am surprised with how little I knew about MMSS when I applied, but it fortunately worked out well.

How has MMSS prepared you for graduation?
I have obviously learned a lot of econometric and quantitative skills from MMSS, but I think MMSS has best taught me more general learning and metacognitive skills. The program's courses are front-loaded and challenging, and I definitely felt like I was thrown into the deep end during fall of freshman year with my MMSS classes. However, that challenge forced me to improve my learning habits by taking notes, studying more effectively, and seeking help from my professors. MMSS also really helped me build resilience after initially facing a challenge. In the next years after graduation, I hope I will utilize some of the quantitative skills that I have learned from MMSS, but I know I will be relying on my general learning skills and my resilience that I have grown through MMSS.

What have you enjoyed most about MMSS?
I have enjoyed the classes and the sense of academic community most. I always like to seek out academic challenges, and MMSS certainly fulfilled that role in pushing me to learn and grow. Through taking two classes every quarter for two years with the same 40 or so intelligent and hardworking people, a real community centered around learning and scholarship forms, which is especially helpful starting college during a pandemic where other methods of finding community were more difficult. Whether it was suffering through problem sets together or frantically studying for the next midterm, I have deeply appreciated the friendships that I made because of MMSS.