Moved it over here. No way that's staying on my main blog
So today, I attended a Mathcamp webinar hosted by Ethan Poon (a former Mathcamp attendee and the Food Lounge’s president). I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity since I was able to learn much more about Mathcamp and became more in love with the program than before (and trust me, I already REALLY wanted to go to Mathcamp), but with this passion comes a gut-wrenching feeling. I can’t really describe this feeling, but almost like this feeling of panic and concern.

For one, the acceptance rate was 6.5% last year. If you think about it, that’s like... I think it's isomorphic to getting Distinction on the AMC 10/12. Let it be known that your boy has only distinctioned in 1 year, and that is 2022. Sure I was 1.5 off this year, but… this concerns me. From a pure mathematical skill level, it appears I am cooked. Furthermore, let it be known that only the best of the best are going to apply to Mathcamp. Like I’m pretty sure AIME qual is going to be an achievement that 90% of all Mathcamp applicants will have. What differentiates me from the others? Well, really only a passion for math and the program, BUT LITERALLY APART FROM THAT I HAVE NOTHING. I guarantee I’ll be spending a butt load of time on all of the problems and giving them everything I have, but like… what if that’s not enough? I’m literally in my Junior year. I have no other shot. If I was in my Sophomore year, then sure I’d have next year, but guess who found out about Mathcamp in JUNE OF THIS YEAR?! I just have the greatest luck…

Umm but yeah I will definitely be sad if/when I get rejected (more or less leaning on the when rather than if, but I have this sliver of hope that makes up 6.5% of my thoughts right now) because it seems like babyhamster, angie., and quasant have had such fun times at Mathcamp, and I really want to experience those too. I want to go to a place where so many people I know have gone, and it’ll really pain me if I’m just a cheerleader sitting on the virtual sideline of countless voice calls with those who are actually present at the camp (Mathcamp staff, if you are seeing this, you don’t understand how down bad on my knees I am right now). I’ve also like started planning out my essay topics, one of which will definitely include the sob story I just mentioned above.

I guess there’s not much I can do but lock in on those questions (which, frankly do look a little daunting) and hope and pray to a little birdie I guess… See y’all in February when I make a post on HMMT