Well, I feel like one can easily get a bunch of "Really you should start with X" statements concerning math. Really you should start with proofs, really you sh

Well, I feel like one can easily get a bunch of "Really you should start with X" statements concerning math. Really you should start with proofs, really you should start with problems, really you should start with these concepts. I started with concepts rather than proofs or problem and I too went to a MA and various study. I tackled both proofs and problems but I don't think I'd have done as well if I'd jumped on these immediately. So, altogether for someone wanting to get into advanced math, I'd say to look at the variety of advice out there and follow the kind that seems to help your progress.