He decided on mathematics and steadily improved his performance until he was elected scholar of the College in 1884 and, in the following year, he was Second Wrangler, meaning that he was ranked second among the First Class students in the Mathematical Tripos.
Siya ang nagpasya sa matematika at steadily pinabuting kanyang pagganap ng hanggang siya ay elected nag-aaral ng College sa 1884 at, sa mga sumusunod na taon, siya ay Ikalawang Wrangler, ibig sabihin na siya ay pangalawang ranggo sa hanay ng Unang Klase ng mga mag-aaral sa matematika Tripos.