problem 'getting into' the spirit of abstract algebra



I have fairly decent undergrad level of math. Took calculus I/II/III,
intro to diff equations, and intro to complex variables. No problems,
got excellent grades, enjoyed all the courses, but - more importantly -
was able to 'gulp' the entire topics, so to speak. However, with Linear
Algrebra, it was entirely different story. I had to literally grind
through the proofs and assignments (and that's me. can't blame either
instructor or textbook).

Now when I'm thinking of enrolling into master level program, I'm
afraid I'll have more problems like this with abstract algebra. Like, I
took a look at some graduate text on analysis, and point-set topology.
I 'feel' what's going on, and I assume I won't have serious problems
with those topics. However reading some intros to group theory, number
theory, etc leaves me with the same feeling I had while learning Lin
Alg. Have to go trhough the proofs very slowly, don't have the
intuitive feeling of what's going on.

A question to those who teach math: Are you familiar with the cases
like mine? Is there any way I can deal with this problem, or you think
I should give up on the idea of enrolling into the grad program?

TIA.

.



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