On why I chose to pursue my undergraduate education with NUS Mathematics: Many fellow math majors probably had an “undergraduate category theorist” phase. I had one of those, but in JC, which pretty much locked in my choice of major. Aside from that, there are just too many cool, beautiful, exciting and difficult things in mathematics that one cannot resist. I was also aware of the SPM and French DDP programme which drew me to NUS, though I eventually did not pursue the latter.

In hindsight, I seemed to have loaded up on a lot of special programmes, but I especially appreciated the time spent with SPM classmates. Throughout the SPM courses, aside from the challenging content, you will find a pretty stable group of highly motivated peers. Humans are social animals, and it’s encouraging to be surrounded by peers who get all worked up over the same topics that appear quite esoteric to bystanders.

At the time of writing, I haven’t done a research oriented special programme at NUS, though I think it will definitely yield great returns. One should certainly consider it if they are even slightly attracted by research.

NUS offers a broad range of opportunities, be it internships, projects or events. Each new opportunity throws you into a new environment to observe, understand and adapt. It’s a great thing because one doesn’t know what one has not yet known. One can never prepare fully for a new experience, and whenever the experience happens, it comes with a lot of insights. When one gets to know a tiny sliver of the sheer breadth of human experience, one is simultaneously humbled and calmed. That’s a great part about university life that should never get overshadowed by curriculum studies.

My advice to prospective students who are considering NUS Mathematics for their undergraduate education: Focus on what you love, but also try a lot of other things.