Math Jams

## Mathcamp Math Jam

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Marisa Debowsky, Canada/USA Mathcamp's Executive Director, describes the Mathcamp summer program for high school math students.

#### Facilitator: Marisa Debowsky

LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:29:20
Hello and welcome to the Canada/USA Mathcamp Math Jam!
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:29:25
Before I introduce our guests, let me briefly explain how our online classroom works.
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:29:30
This room is moderated, which means that all your questions and comments come to the moderators. We may share your comments with the whole room if we so choose.
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:29:41
Also, you'll find that you can adjust the classroom windows in a variety of ways, and can adjust the font size by clicking the A icons atop the main window.
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:30:02
Now, on to the actual topic of this Math Jam!
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:30:08
Canada/USA Mathcamp is an intensive five-week-long summer program for high-school students interested in mathematics, designed to expose students to the beauty of advanced mathematical ideas and to new ways of thinking. You can learn more about Canada/USA Mathcamp at http://www.mathcamp.org.
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:30:21
In this Math Jam, Canada/USA Mathcamp staff will lead a discussion about their outstanding program. Many AoPS instructors, assistants, and students are alumni of Mathcamp, including me!
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:30:33
For now, please hold your questions – they'll let you know when you can start asking questions. Also, due to the number of people attending tonight, they may not be able to get to every question.
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:30:39
And now let me introduce our guests!
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:30:49
Marisa Debowsky (MarisaD) is the Executive Director of Mathcamp. She's been teaching Topological Graph Theory and singing pop songs at Mathcamp every summer since 2006.
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:31:03
Kevin Carde (KevinCarde) is the Assistant Director and CTO of Mathcamp. He's been teaching Algebraic Combinatorics and playing piano at Mathcamp every summer since 2011.
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:31:21
Mira Bernstein (MiraBernstein, who might be joining us later) has been one of the main organizers of Mathcamp since 1997. She is on the Board of Directors, the admissions committee, and just about every other committee there is. She teaches both pure and applied math at camp, and rarely misses an opportunity to go hiking with campers!
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:31:31
Also, I'm Laura Zehender; I was Mathcamp student in '07-'09, and currently work at AoPS in San Diego.
Vfire 2018-02-15 19:31:42
Hello!
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:31:45
Hello!
LauraZed 2018-02-15 19:31:49
I'll turn the room over to Marisa now.
Hi, everybody, and welcome to the annual Mathcamp Q&A! Thanks as always to @LauraZed, @rrusczyk, and the AoPS team for hosting us.
We're here to talk about Mathcamp 2018, both the program and the application process. (You’ve got a captive audience with some admissions officers, so this is a great chance to get ready for application season.)
First, I’ll say in a few short sentences what Mathcamp is. Then we’ll spend about 30 minutes discussing the program, and 30 minutes discussing the application process, and then we’ll wrap up around 9pm ET.
So, Mathcamp: it’s a 5-week residential math summer program. This year, it runs Sunday, June 24th through Sunday, July 29th, and takes place at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO (right outside of Denver).
gocooldude 2018-02-15 19:32:42
Wow, gotta say, you type very fast.
I did copy/paste that intro. :-D
Really really frequently asked questions, to get them out of the way:
Who comes to Mathcamp? We have 120 students per year, from all over the world.
It’s about 65-75 new campers and 45-55 returning alumni per year. The last two years have been 40% girls, 60% boys.
What kind of math? All kinds. A cool thing about Mathcamp is that our course catalog has about 150 classes per summer, and you have complete freedom to design your own curriculum.
What else happens? There are a zillion (ish) activities happening during the evenings and on weekends, and you choose how to spend your time.
That flexibility and creativity -- academic and nonacademic -- are the defining characteristics of Mathcamp.
How do I get in? Admission is competitive. (We typically admit ~15% of the applicants.) The central components are the Qualifying Quiz ( http://mathcamp.org/quiz/ ) and a personal essay ( http://mathcamp.org/essay/ ). We hope you've been enjoying the Quiz problems!
When do I apply? The deadline to apply is a month from today: March 15th, 2018. (It's not rolling - all applications received by the deadline get equal consideration.)
Scholarships Yes! We have them. We offer _tons_ of need-based financial aid, and about 25% of our students receive full scholarships. Every student (US, Canadian, & International; new and returning) is eligible for financial aid.
Okay, I think it's time for me to stop talking: we want to get to as many of your questions as possible.
We'd like to meet *you* along with your question, so here’s a suggested format:
Name / Age / Location: Question
e.g.

Mia / 16 / Ithaca: Is there good hiking nearby?
or

Paweł / Parent / Poland: What happens if a camper sprains their ankle on a field trip?
(But that format is not mandatory - in keeping with the spirit of Mathcamp, just about everything is optional, and we’ll address you any way you like.)
Okay, ready? Let’s spend about half an hour on questions about the program itself: mathematical and residential life at Mathcamp; the people; the campus; the "during" and "after" of Mathcamp. (And then we’ll switch over to discussing the "before": the application process and financial aid.)
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 19:36:11
Is it for overseas students too?
About 75-80% of our students are from the U.S.; 5-10% from Canada; and 15% from everywhere else. (There's a big list of our students' home countries here: http://www.mathcamp.org/prospectiveapplicants/eligibility.php .)
(In terms of U.S. states, California sends us the most students, but we've had campers from every state except South Dakota.)
josephwidjaja 2018-02-15 19:37:00
Any age restriction?
Students ages 13 - 18 are eligible to apply.
stay_clean 2018-02-15 19:37:22
Mohith/13/PA: Typically, how old are the students that are attending Mathcamp?
The average age (in fact, often the mean, median, *and* mode) at camp is usually 16.
On the first day of Mathcamp 2017, there were:

3 campers age 13

7 campers age 14

21 campers age 15

36 campers age 16

34 campers age 17

15 campers age 18

3 campers age 19
That's pretty typical for us.
Kreps 2018-02-15 19:37:55
How long is the camp for?(Sorry if this question has already been answered I came late)
It's a 5-week program.
Antarix0 2018-02-15 19:38:09
that is a really smooth distribution
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 19:38:33
"on the first day of Mathcamp 2017...", what happens on the other days?
An aging process of one day per day?
Geek_Prince 2018-02-15 19:38:46
Where will the camp be held?
(Our location changes every year, so we get to check out different parts of the country.)
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 19:39:26
Does the location of the camp change each year?
Yep!
Drdoom 2018-02-15 19:39:42
Is it a day student or residential camp?
It's a residential camp.
Jan1763 2018-02-15 19:40:02
Jan/parent/NJ: where do students stay? Are there dorms? cafeteria?
Students do stay in dorms, and we have our meals in the campus cafeteria.
Our dorm this year is Elm Hall: https://www.mines.edu/residence-life/residence-halls/elm-hall/
(I'm excited about the dorm. It was just built recently, and was really thoughfully designed: https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/institutional/colorado-school-of-mines-elm-street-residence-hall-and-dining-commons-page/ )
BooBooTM 2018-02-15 19:40:49
Matt/14/Florida - Any inkling of where the camp will be for summer 2019??
Not yet, sorry. Stay tuned! We'll announce next year's location in the fall.
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 19:41:08
Is there wifi in the dorms?
Yes!
Geek_Prince 2018-02-15 19:41:12
Do we have to stay at the camp?
Yes!
amelia.zitoun 2018-02-15 19:41:17
For 5-weeks? That's a really long time!
Yes! But it goes by really quickly.
Torterror1536 2018-02-15 19:41:26
IS there a grade cap for the program?
Eligibility is by age, not grade in school.
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 19:41:40
how will i take 5 weeks off from school?
If your school is in session over the summer, then yes.
Emberflurry 2018-02-15 19:41:51
John/14/WA: Can parents visit?
Of course! (Though we cannot provide accommodation for visitors.)
person314159 2018-02-15 19:42:22
So if there is an age cap, do university students who are within the age limit allowed to apply as well?
Yes, we welcome students who have started college early if they're still under 18.
Torterror1536 2018-02-15 19:42:40
So could you be in college and apply for Mathcamp?
Indeed.
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 19:42:58
When does the camp start?
It's June 24 - July 29 this year.
Geek_Prince 2018-02-15 19:43:27
Can someone from middle school attend it if they are going to ninth grade?
Yes!
Geek_Prince 2018-02-15 19:43:53
Can someone who is going to be 13 on July 30 be able to participate in the camp?
can you still enroll if you are 12
You should be 13 by the first day of camp in order to apply.
dangan 2018-02-15 19:44:16
Will all students undergo same lessons?
This is an interesting question, and the answer is definitely no: we teach 5 classes per hour, 4-5 hours per day, so you have to choose which classes you'll attend.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 19:44:52
What does a typical day at MathCamp look like?
Ani-mathcount 2018-02-15 19:44:52
How long are the daily schedule?
Very very approximately: on weekdays, there are classes 9am - 2pm, and office hours / homework time 2-4pm, a colloquium 4-5pm, and then evening activities.
On the weekends, there are field trips.
But since you choose your own schedule, it might be very different from person to person, or even from day to day.
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 19:46:00
Wait.How do we attend 5 classes in an hour o_O ???
Alas, without a time turner, you have to pick one. ;)
frogshot 2018-02-15 19:46:15
What do you do for July 4th?
We'll have a special field trip! (It's actually already been planned.)
cpdream 2018-02-15 19:46:28
Is this only a math camp?
Well, officially, yes. But there are LOTS of things that happen at camp – math-adjacent classes, and totally non-math activities.
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 19:47:00
Are the classes back-to-back?
Good question. There *are* classes every hour (e.g. 9 - 9:50, 10 - 10:50...), but you don't have to go to a class in every block.
In fact, we encourage students to take time off between classes to think about the math they've just absorbed.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 19:47:36
Are there breaks?
Yes!
Ani-mathcount 2018-02-15 19:47:55
Do we do a lot of math problems
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 19:47:55
Yes!
ethanchen323 2018-02-15 19:48:14
What math courses are there?
EduardoA13 2018-02-15 19:48:19
What subjects are teached on the classes?
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 19:48:19
What are the topics of classes like?
We teach *all* sorts of classes.
We won't finalize the 2018 class schedule until shortly before camp, but you can see classes from 2017 (and before) at http://www.mathcamp.org/gettoknowmathcamp/academics/classes.php .
Vfire 2018-02-15 19:49:08
so we can choose any 5 classes in the entire catalog or are certain classes only taught at a certain time.
Classes do meet at fixed times, yes. (Does that answer your question?)
frogshot 2018-02-15 19:49:56
Can you change your selection of the 5 classes?
Yes!
(Maybe you want to get a broad overview of lots of kinds of math, or dig deeply into a particular subject, or take classes that focus on writing skills or presentation skills, or get better at problem solving, or….)
ethanchen323 2018-02-15 19:50:54
Are there any mandatory classes?
Nope, everything is optional.
And then you and your advisor talk about the course catalogue. We sort the classes by theme to help you out: http://www.mathcamp.org/2017/academics/clusters.pdf . You make a tentative plan for what classes you want to take, and then you try it out and see how it goes. You don't have to formally register for classes ? you can just show up.
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 19:51:37
That's everyone who's an instructor.
frogshot 2018-02-15 19:51:49
Could you possibly take all non-math classes?
Well, we definitely do teach things that are math-adjacent, like physics and computer science:
Just last year, for example, we had classes on Algorithms, Evasiveness (a property of query complexity ? see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aanderaa%E2%80%93Karp%E2%80%93Rosenberg_conjecture ), recent research on the Traveling Salesman Problem, Special Relativity? not to mention the Bell Curve, Voting Systems and the mathematics of Gerrymandering, Ancient Greek mathematics, Turing and his work, and a class on the mathematics of urban planning.
But most of the classes are about math.
frogshot 2018-02-15 19:52:42
What is the difficulty of the classes?
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 19:52:42
What is the difficulty level for the classes?
It varies a lot: some classes are recreational, and others require serious math background.
Geek_Prince 2018-02-15 19:53:18
What are the tougher classes?
Some examples from just last summer: Riemann Surfaces; Classification of Subgroups of

$GL_2(F_q)$; Inner Model Theory; and The Kakeya Conjecture.
Vfire 2018-02-15 19:53:42
also what if there's a class that no one takes or very few people want to take?
Some classes are really small, and those are often the ones students enjoy most!
dangan 2018-02-15 19:54:11
Will there be home work assignments every day?
Most instructors do hand out problem sets. Each class will advertise in advance how crucial the homework is: for some classes, it's purely optional, and for others, it's absolutely necessary to understanding the next day's material. (And balancing your homework load is one thing to keep in mind when choosing your classes each week.)
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 19:54:43
is there a limit to the number of people per class?
Nope!
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 19:54:58
What is a typical staff to student ratio?
There are 120 students and about 30 staff.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 19:55:12
This is just a clarification: MathCamp focuses on deepening skills rather than accelerating, correct?
Great question: yes. You might see some standard topics at Mathcamp that you'll take in high school or college (linear algebra, multivariable calculus..), but Mathcamp classes aren't a replacement for full-semester college classes.
Our focus is on enrichment: introducing you to super cool and interesting math you might not see elsewhere.
Geek_Prince 2018-02-15 19:56:48
Is there a limit as to how many people can enroll in the camp altogether?
Yes, there are 120 students per summer.
Flutterby 2018-02-15 19:57:07
do i need certain experience for some classes
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 19:57:07
at what pace are the classes taught at?
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 19:57:07
what is the goal of the classes?
Great questions, and the answer is that it varies widely from class to class.
Some classes will indicate that there are prerequisites: e.g., "You should already be comfortable with eigenvectors before taking this class."
Others will develop all the material they need within the class, and will only assume high school math as the prereq.
Emberflurry 2018-02-15 19:58:54
Do you get a grade and does this go on your transcript?
Good question: no, you don't get grades at Mathcamp, and this does not go on an official transcript.
Emberflurry 2018-02-15 19:59:22
Also, is it like a real math course in the way of tests/midterms/finals/etc?
Nope, we don't have tests.
are there projects you can do at camp with other students and instructors?
MathWiz_B 2018-02-15 19:59:43
Do we get to discover / think about some of the undiscovered math? (just for an example, things that would be regarded by Intel Science Fair?
Yes, we do have projects!
Lots of students choose to explore a topic in depth at camp ( http://www.mathcamp.org/gettoknowmathcamp/academics/projects.php ), and you can opt to do an original research project, either on a topic suggested by the Mathcamp faculty or a project you've already been working on. (Yes, sometimes these become the basis for Intel/Siemens/Davidson/etc submissions.)
person314159 2018-02-15 20:00:36
Could some courses touch on currently unsolved problems (e.g. the Millenium Problems)?
Yes!
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 20:00:52
Wait... are there tests?
frogshot 2018-02-15 20:00:52
Do you get a report card at the end of Mathcamp?
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 20:00:52
Is there competition within the camp?
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 20:00:52
what are the colloquiums?
No to the tests and the report card;
there are some problem-solving competitions for fun;
and a colloquium is an all-camp lecture, often by a guest speaker, on a topic we think everybody will enjoy.
Let's see: we have some residential life questions from a few minutes ago that I didn't get to – let me pass those through:
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 20:03:02
What's the dorm like? And how many people stay together?
The dorm is nice! Students live mostly in doubles, but there are a few singles (and maybe a triple or two).
KamilArif 2018-02-15 20:03:30
How do you cater for food allergies or diet restrictions for the students?
The dining hall at Mines is conscientious about allergies: https://minesdining.sodexomyway.com/explore/nutrition . We've been able to accommodate students with strict allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, gluten ? even strictly kosher and halal. And of course there are vegetarian and vegan options, and the "pizza-only" eaters do pretty well.
KiwiYum 2018-02-15 20:03:55
What are the field trips like?
We do all sorts of field trips! Hiking, museums, whitewater rafting, amusement parks...
person314159 2018-02-15 20:04:23
Since this is the Canada-USA MathCamp, what do you do for July 1st?
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 20:04:23
Do you do anything for July 1 for canadians
We can celebrate July 1st.
qzeng 2018-02-15 20:04:46
Can kids bring their own music instrument for entertainment.
Yes! Lots of students bring musical instruments.
frogshot 2018-02-15 20:05:11
How many students do one of the rooms hold?
1 - 3.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:05:18
ARe they grouped by age?
Yes: we match up roommates who are close in age.
jasminepandit 2018-02-15 20:05:39
Students of different genders are separated, right?
Yes, the floors are gender-separated.
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 20:05:52
Are the roommates of the same gender?
Yes.
Can students bring tennis rackets and swim suits?
Yes!
frogshot 2018-02-15 20:06:04
Are there music classes?
Informally, yes! There's a Mathcamp choir, and a contemporary a cappella group, and often people will get together a chamber group or a band.
Math-Ninja 2018-02-15 20:06:29
Will there be any vegetarian food? I am not a vegan, just asking.
Yes!
(I'm vegetarian; this is important to me. )
Math-Ninja 2018-02-15 20:06:45
Will you be there?
We sure will!
frogshot 2018-02-15 20:06:52
Is there a swimming pool and if so is it an outdoor or an indoor one?
Yes, and indoor, I believe.
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:07:07
Is there a swimming pool students can use?
And yes, we can use it!
sampai7 2018-02-15 20:07:25
what recreational activities are there?
Wow, that is a BIG question. The sky's the limit for activities.
I mentioned a minute ago that there are music groups; there's also dancing (salsa, contra, swing...), frisbee, capture the flag...
chess, board games, bedtime story reading groups...
I mean, really, anything you can come up with, we can do it.
Jan1763 2018-02-15 20:09:05
Are there organized evening activities or do students just do what they want?
Both.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:09:17
How much free time is there?
Your time really is your own, so you get to decide how much math and how much non-math you want in your day.
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 20:09:38
what time do we wake up at? when do we sleep?
There is no required wake up time, but the first class of the day starts at 9 AM (which is also when breakfast ends!).
There is no required lights out time, but we have some systems in place to make sure everybody can get enough sleep. Out of respect for everyone trying to sleep, quiet hours begin in the quiet parts of the dorm at 10 PM (you can opt to be in the quiet section) and it's quiet everywhere by midnight.
As an added incentive to help you make good decisions about going to bed: on weeknights, common areas close at midnight and all students must be in dorm rooms.
jasminepandit 2018-02-15 20:10:14
Is the camp safe?
Yes!
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:10:20
Wow! There is a lot of freedom!
Indeed: that's definitely true.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:10:29
What is the electronics policy?
You are welcome to bring electronics; laptops are generally helpful. I do not recommend bringing video games – you won't have time.
frogshot 2018-02-15 20:10:59
What time is breakfast?
When does breakfast begin?
Breakfast is 7am - 9am.
Jan1763 2018-02-15 20:11:26
What are the bath/shower facilities like? Are they private by room or is there one on each floor?
The bathrooms are shared on each hall.
DustandAshes 2018-02-15 20:11:49
Can we go off campus? If so, what is there to do nearby?
Yes, students can go off-campus! (You just let us know first, and go with a group.)
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:12:18
How is the food?
Here's our dining hall: https://minesdining.sodexomyway.com/dining-near-me/mines-market
(We hear the food is good, but I haven't tried it myself.)
frogshot 2018-02-15 20:13:11
What kind of food is there?
All sorts.
Math-Ninja 2018-02-15 20:13:22
What about any bullying? And what about kids who speak a different language? I speak English ;)
Lots of students speak lots of languages at camp!
But bullying is definitely not okay, and not something that happens here at all.
jasminepandit 2018-02-15 20:13:50
Do students get picked on?
Nope.
jasminepandit 2018-02-15 20:13:58
Are some students troublemakers?
Generally nope.
skipiano 2018-02-15 20:14:11
Can you request roommates?
Yes; we honor mutual roommate requests.
DJ23587 2018-02-15 20:14:31
are dorms seperated by subject?
No?
jasminepandit 2018-02-15 20:14:38
If you are applying with a sibling (of the same gender) can you be put together?
If you both request to room together, yes!
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:14:53
What if you dont get on well with your roommate?
That happens on occasion; we mediate roommate conflicts as they arise, and sometimes arrange switches. We don't want anyone to be unhappy with their room situation!
DaniyalQazi2 2018-02-15 20:15:42
Can you request to have a different roommate?
You could, but in practice this doesn't come up very often.
jasminepandit 2018-02-15 20:16:16
So mostly everyone there is serious about math?
Yes! That's definitely true.
OK! Let's switch gears. Thanks for all the questions about the program, everybody.
Let’s spend about 8:15 - 8:45 on questions about applications and financial aid: eligibility, the application process, scholarships. (And then we’ll open up to any kinds of questions before we wrap up.)
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:17:24
How many kids apply each year?
It varies a lot. About 1000 students start the process of applying, and somewhere between a third and a half of them actually submit a completed application. (We think the number of applicants is a function how hard the Quiz turns out to be and how early the application deadline is. It might also depend on the dates and location of camp; it's hard for us to guess how many people will apply this year, since we're starting early and going to a new campus!)
DatBOIIIIIIII 2018-02-15 20:18:02
How do you get in?
There's an application process, and it centers around a set of math problems: the "Qualifying Quiz." You also send essays and recommendation letters.
DaniyalQazi2 2018-02-15 20:18:53
How many people make it?
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:18:53
wow thats a lot
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:18:53
What is the acceptance rate for international students?
what is the approximate selection rate?
We do have (many) more qualified applicants than we have spots, so we end up having to say no to lots of great candidates.
The acceptance rate for everybody is usually about 15%, but it depends how many people apply.
Math-Ninja 2018-02-15 20:19:34
Where can we find the Qualifying Quiz?
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:19:48
How long does it usually take to solve the quiz?
The Quiz is untimed because it's intended to be more like a research project than like a competition, and as such, we don't grade it like you would a competition, and you should think of it as something to work on slowly, and at the end of the process, send us all of your progress.
lis4732 2018-02-15 20:20:19
Do you need to take the quiz again as a returning student?
No, returning students can automatically come back (you don't have to reapply).
BooBooTM 2018-02-15 20:20:45
Usually, about what percent of kids who are admitted actually choose MathCamp (and not some other camp like Ross or PROMYS etc.)?
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:20:52
Does it take a couple months...couple weeks...couple hours..?
Most students report spending between 15 and 40 hours, but the range is big.
skipiano 2018-02-15 20:21:09
does admission rate depend on where we live? (e.g. I live in Canada)
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:21:30
Is it ok if we dont finish all the problems on the quiz?
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 20:21:30
Are the answers to the Qualifying Quiz the most important part of the application?
We don't expect every applicant - even every admitted student - to solve every problem! But you should spend some real time on the Quiz: it is our best way to get to know you mathematically.
We don't ask for grades or standardized test scores in our application because we don't think of them as particularly useful for predicting who will be prepared for and benefit from Mathcamp classes; instead, the Quiz is our proxy for answering those questions.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:22:15
How many problems are on the quiz?
It's 7 this year, although they have subparts.
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 20:22:37
does admission rate depend on age? (do younger people get graded easier?)
No, everybody is held to the same standard.
sunfishho 2018-02-15 20:23:06
Are we allowed to know how the different parts of the application (i.e. the quiz, rec letters, essay) are weighted?
There's no fixed formula, sorry.
tworigami 2018-02-15 20:23:21
Do USAMO qualifiers get in automatically?
No, everybody has to apply.
Kreps 2018-02-15 20:23:41
So returning students are kind of "reserved" a spot?
Flutterby 2018-02-15 20:23:41
what percent of people at camp are returning
Yes: we reserve up to 55 spots for returning students.
Aaron/13/S If more current students apply than you can take, what happens?
We reserve up to 55 spots for returning students, and generally, that's just about the right number. But if too many campers wanted to come back in the same year (say, all of a sudden, 100 campers sign up to return), we have a system for handling that: http://mathcamp.org/alumni/policy.php .
(The system was actually created based on a proposal from the alumni themselves!)
reedmj 2018-02-15 20:24:38
If I apply in year N and get in, but don't come, do I have to apply again for year N+1?
Yes, you do.
lis4732 2018-02-15 20:24:48
So, not all returning students are able to come back? Only 55?
We almost never hit the 55 cap, so in practice, it's not generally an issue.
do students who come one year but skip the next and want to come back the year after that still get a reserved spot?
Yes. Once you come to camp, you become part of the Mathcamp family.
DJ23587 2018-02-15 20:25:26
if there is more than 120 you want
Always! The selection process is really hard, because we're so excited about everybody.
Math-Ninja 2018-02-15 20:25:43
What if you don't want to reveal your AoPS identity?
That's fine.
tnalluri 2018-02-15 20:25:50
Who can write a recommendation letter?
Here's some detail about rec letters: http://www.mathcamp.org/prospectiveapplicants/recommendations.php
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 20:26:18
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:26:36
Is the quiz more important than the recommendation letter and personal essay?
Well, it's all important.
The Quiz is how we get to know you mathematically, and the rest of the application helps us get to know you as a person.
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 20:27:08
Are extracurricular activities weighed in the application process? How much do they matter for the application?
We're interested in everything! Extracurriculars, too.
does contest scores (such as AMC, AIME, USAMTS, etc.) help get selected?
A little bit. We do ask on the Mathcamp application about your competition background - but it's a very small piece of the puzzle. It just gives us another window into the way you focus your mathematical energy.
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 20:28:17
how much do other math contests (AMC, COMC, etc.) weigh in terms of application?
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:28:17
How much impact does the recommendation letter have on your acceptance? and personal essay?
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:28:17
How much impact do recommendation letter and personal essay have on your admission?
Kreps 2018-02-15 20:28:17
How do your scores on competitions such as the AMC affect this process?
It all counts! But it's hard to say how much any one piece weighs.
TheBigOne 2018-02-15 20:28:43
Can we know how the quiz problems are scored/weighted? In particular, is the scoring like that of USAMO where you either solve it or you don't(with huge score differences) or do you get a fair share of partial credit?
We definitely give partial credit. When we look at an individual Quiz problem, we're looking for a solution that is complete, correctly, and clearly communicated.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:29:18
What if you don't really like competitions?
Not a problem! Lots of people at Mathcamp have never done a competition and never plan to.
AppleYum 2018-02-15 20:29:59
What level math should I have completed before applying?
You should complete Precalculus before coming to Mathcamp (by taking a class in school, or the AoPS class, or by thorough independent study), because we're going to assume that you're very comfortable with functions, trigonometry, vectors, etc. in Mathcamp classes. Most of our classes don't require Calculus, so that's optional.
DatBOIIIIIIII 2018-02-15 20:30:16
I know it says high school camp, but haven't really good middle school students made it before?
Yes, middle school students are eligible, too.
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 20:30:28
how long are the personal essays on average
when will you find out if you got in?
We will announce decisions this year on April 18th.
reedmj 2018-02-15 20:30:57
How often do you get homeschooled applicants?
Every year!
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 20:31:12
How long should Recommendation letters be?
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:31:17
Is there a waitlist too?
Yes, we do place a small number of students on our waitlist in case spots open up.
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 20:31:44
If somebody loves math but has not done much outside regular school curriculum, how well will that person fit in? And how many such students do you get every year?
This is a great question. We definitely get students fitting this description every year! Mathcamp is a great place to start diving into math outside the regular school curriculum.
In addition to the high school content background, we're looking for students who are creative and have sharp critical thinking skills. Some students have already started developing these skills through extracurricular math (e.g. here on AoPS!), but there are lots of ways to get there.
ohe3789 2018-02-15 20:33:26
For our personal essay, is the only rule for the "adult" that they are over 18 and not a family member
Yes, essentially.
tnalluri 2018-02-15 20:33:41
Can the personal recommendation be from a informal teacher or mentor(such as my MATHCOUNTS Club Coach)?
Yes.
ohe3789 2018-02-15 20:34:19
Then can our personal essay adult be a fellow student over 18 that we have worked with
It should be from a mentor rather than a peer.
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 20:34:54
How much does it cost?
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 20:34:54
What is the cost of going to this camp?
The full tuition is \$4500.
But we award LOTS of scholarships.
MathWiz_B 2018-02-15 20:35:16
What about the financial aid? Do we get tuition + travel? And if travel is provided, is it from the home city or are we required to drop at some airport in Colorado (this time)?
Financial aid is all need-based, and if need be, can include both a full tuition waiver and a plane ticket from your home city.
More details here:
About 25 students a year come on full scholarships.
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 20:36:27
What is the criteria for scholarships?
It's just based on your family's need; we ask that a parent or guardian fill out a short form about the household income, who that supports, and what they can reasonably afford to pay.
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:37:35
do you give full scholarships to international students?
Yes! Often.
vatatmaja 2018-02-15 20:37:43
can you get financial aid outside of need based/merit
You can apply for outside sources of support; see the bottom of http://www.mathcamp.org/prospectiveapplicants/scholarships.php for some suggestions.
EduardoA13 2018-02-15 20:38:20
What about the whole migration/Visa process for international students?
Every year, we help students get visas to come to Mathcamp.
Since you're not enrolling or receiving credit at a university, you would not need a student visa to come to camp. From the perspective of the U.S. government, you are enjoying mathematical tourism, and will need a B-2 visitor visa (or entry through the Visa Waiver Program).
We will support each international student through the process of applying for visas, and stay in touch with each of our international students throughout the spring about any changes in the system for traveling to the US.
BooBooTM 2018-02-15 20:39:33
Is it better to get a recommendation from a prior year teacher from MathPath or from a current teacher in school?
Good question. It should be the person who knows you best mathematically!
But the advantage for a MathPath person is that they know about our program and can speak directly to your fit for Mathcamp, so all other things being equal, I vote the MathPath person.
chezbgone 2018-02-15 20:40:30
Can the personal recommendation be from an older student (over 18) that has served as a mentor?
We prefer recs to come from grown-ups rather than peers.
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:41:05
Is the application blind to gender, or does it ensure an even number of males and females?
Good question. Quiz evaluation is gender-blind, but the final selection process is not: we're thinking about the overall composition of the student body, including gender balance.
Math_Wizard666 2018-02-15 20:41:54
So if your middle school math teacher knows your mathematical abilities better than your high school math teacher, then would it be preferable to ask for recommendations from your middle school teacher?
Depends how recently you were in middle school, but yes.
tnalluri 2018-02-15 20:42:09
What about a sibling who is an adult for the personal recommendation?
No family members, sorry.
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 20:42:25
Is there security to make sure the campus is safe?
Yes!
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:42:45
Do international students need a regular visa or is the ESTA enough?
You'll need a tourist visa if your country of origin requires a visa to come to the US.
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:43:07
can personal recommendation be from a teacher?
This is a good question. Yes, but we want the personal recommender to be able to speak to your character outside the classroom. So it can be from a teacher, if you know them outside of class.
mkerdk 2018-02-15 20:43:42
does the personal recommendation have to be from a math teacher?
The personal recommendation is usually *not* from a math teacher!
Math_Wizard666 2018-02-15 20:43:58
Is there a paper you have to give to your teacher for recommendations or do you have to email/tell them about it?
When you create an application online, you can enter your recommenders' names and email addresses, and the system automatically generates an email to them with a short form to fill out.
Unlimited 2018-02-15 20:44:27
can it be from a coach, or mentor. It doens't have to be a teacher, right?
Yes.
Okay! Thanks, everybody, for all the questions about the application process.
The field is open for *any* questions you have about Mathcamp, and we’ll wrap up at 9pm ET.
jasminepandit 2018-02-15 20:45:07
In your opinion, are most students mature/appropriate?
Yes! The Mathcamp students are awesome.
frogshot 2018-02-15 20:45:20
Do you do baseball, if so do students have to bring their own equipment?
We have a bunch of sports equipment on hand. (Baseball, specifically: I don't remember off the top of my head.)
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:45:57
Where do the instructors and conselours come from?
All over!
You can see last year's staff here: http://www.mathcamp.org/2017/ourstaff.php
lis4732 2018-02-15 20:46:30
What about genderqueer people? What are dorms and rooms like?
There are all sorts of people at Mathcamp, definitely including genderqueer people (both students and staff). It's a very welcoming place.
The dorms and the rooms are like... well, very standard college dorms.
Vukismrda 2018-02-15 20:47:07
Are classes sort of like college level classes, or are they like an extension of high school math?
It's much more like college-level classes, but with a twist: you only have a few days or weeks rather than a whole semester, so a class will focus on a particularly interesting question rather than trying to get you through a whole semester's worth of content.
mastermind.hk16 2018-02-15 20:47:52
who is eligible for financial aid?
Anyone can apply for financial aid! (And admission is need-blind, so we won't even see who has applied for aid when we're making decisions.)
reedmj 2018-02-15 20:48:36
What, in your opinion, is the best/most interesting/most loved etc class at Mathcamp?
Oh, wow, this is a hard question. A *lot* of people love Combinatorial Game Theory; that's my guess for the most popular class.
But the course catalogue changes every year, so each year brings new favorites.
tworigami 2018-02-15 20:49:22
Can students choose to switch classes if they enroll in one too challenging?
Yes!
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:49:57
Do you already have the class catalog for this year?
Not yet; we're still hiring staff for this summer. We'll post the 2018 courses in June.
mkerdk 2018-02-15 20:50:22
would younger students have lower-level classes than older. How many levels do you offer?
Classes are not at all separated by age. (Each camper gets to design their own curriculum, and classes never have age restrictions.)
Classes aren't offered at specific "levels" exactly; each class has its own pace and difficulty, and you choose a variety that works for you.
Pi-dPiper 2018-02-15 20:51:24
Do they have a rec room?
Yes.
Pi-dPiper 2018-02-15 20:51:28
How large is the campus?
It's a pretty big campus, actually; Mines is a big school. But our dorm and classrooms and dining hall are all near one another.
tnalluri 2018-02-15 20:51:53
what other entertainment facilities are there and what are the rules about curfews and leaving campus?
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:51:53
What if you need to take a break from math?
You can take a break any time you want or need one!
We do have some community standards about quiet hours in the dorm, and letting the staff know when you're leaving campus.
The only official 'curfew' is that we ask everyone to be in the dorm by 11pm.
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:52:59
Are there classes on weekend too?
Kreps 2018-02-15 20:52:59
What kind of stuff can you do apart from math and classes?
On the weekends, there's informal math, and sometimes students work on projects, but there are also field trips and lots of on-campus activities.
You can do TONS of stuff apart from academics!
reedmj 2018-02-15 20:53:32
Do students ever cook or bake for fun while at camp?
Yes, all the time.
allstars 2018-02-15 20:53:38
will there be a counselor for each dorm unit?
Yes, there's one staff per about 6-8 students on the halls.
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:53:53
What if you get hungry after curfew?
There's food in the dorm!
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:54:08
what are the typical class sizes
It varies a lot – from 1 to 75, say.
But a typical class is 12 - 20.
tnalluri 2018-02-15 20:54:33
Are there sports courts?
Yes!
Pi-dPiper 2018-02-15 20:54:37
does this camp have a website?
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 20:55:03
How many former Math Path students go to Math Camp?
It's a pretty popular trajectory.
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:55:17
if you are the only one signed up for a class, will it still open, or will you have to choose a different one?
Ah, interesting question. So the system is that you don't register for classes: you just show up to the classes you want to go to.
Pi-dPiper 2018-02-15 20:55:36
Will food be served?
Yes, we promise.
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 20:55:57
How many international students attend each year?
It's usually about 18 - 25% of the student body.
lis4732 2018-02-15 20:56:18
Are we allowed to bring guitars or other large items?
Of course! (I'm bringing a guitar. Other people should bring them, too.)
mkerdk 2018-02-15 20:56:37
if the applicant has a bad AMC score, do they have to put the score?
Nope. You can skip it.
mkerdk 2018-02-15 20:56:49
Not necessarily, no.
BlackGauss 2018-02-15 20:56:57
Does MathCamp only accept students on merit and ability or on potential/interest, or both?
On all of the above! We're looking for people who will really thrive at Mathcamp, both academically and non-academically.
reedmj 2018-02-15 20:57:20
What do most Mathcampers want to do with the math they learn there? Specifically, how many want to major in math/be research mathematicians?
Lots of Mathcampers do go on to be research mathematicians. But others go on to study CS, or Physics, or Engineering, or something else entirely.
lis4732 2018-02-15 20:57:54
What do you mean by, "skip" AMC score? Does it ever come up?
As in, there's a box on the application where you can tell us about your competition experience, and if you'd rather not talk about it, you can leave it blank and that's totally fine.
We have some students at camp who've never done a math competition before, and others who come to camp fresh off their IMO gold medal wins. It really runs the gamut.
EduardoA13 2018-02-15 20:58:35
Have you ever had any south american student?
Yes! We had a student just last summer from Brazil, in fact.
BlackGauss 2018-02-15 20:58:48
March 15th!
allstars 2018-02-15 20:58:59
Is finishing precalculas necessary to be admitted to the camp?
Yes, we recommend everybody complete precalculus before coming to camp.
TheBigOne 2018-02-15 20:59:16
Will the food be better than that of HCSSiM?
That, I do not know.
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 20:59:24
What happens if you get sick?
We have a camp nurse on staff, and we will make sure you get the appropriate medical attention!
(It does happen every year that someone gets sick. It's never fun to be sick, especially when you're away from home, but we do our best to make it as easy as possible.)
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 21:00:16
do international students struggle with language?
We recommend you only apply if you're very comfortable spending all day talking (about math and non-math) in English.
vatatmaja 2018-02-15 21:00:50
is it more research based or curriculum based like awesomemath
Hmm; both! There are options to do research, and also there are classes.
DaniyalQazi2 2018-02-15 21:01:28
I see you're on Eastern time
Secretly I'm on Pacific time, but Kevin is on Eastern, so let's wrap up before he turns into a pumpkin.
Thanks for spending your evening with us, everybody!
If we didn't get to your question, feel free to email admissions18@mathcamp.org and we'll be happy to continue the conversation.
(You can also post questions in the Mathcamp forum here on AoPS, at http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/community/c135_mathcamp - the Mathcamp staff will post replies, and you'll get student opinions, too.)
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 21:02:49
Thank you so, so much
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 21:02:49
Thank YOu!
BooBooTM 2018-02-15 21:02:49
Thanks!
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 21:02:49
reedmj 2018-02-15 21:02:49
Thank you very much; bye!
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 21:02:49
Thank you for your time !!!
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 21:02:51
That was an amazing session! Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 21:03:12
Bye!
lis4732 2018-02-15 21:03:12
Thank you! Good night!
ApostaticWolf 2018-02-15 21:03:14
Thank you so much!! Byee
Pi-dPiper 2018-02-15 21:03:20
goodbye
LauraZed 2018-02-15 21:03:21
Thank you all for joining us, and a big thanks to Marisa and Kevin!
Thanks again, Laura. Have a good night, everybody!
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 21:03:48
Good Night! Thanks Bye
person314159 2018-02-15 21:03:48
Time to celebrate Lunar New Year
Kreps 2018-02-15 21:03:48
Thanks for answering the questions, good night!
bcakid 2018-02-15 21:03:48
thank you
Math-Rocks 2018-02-15 21:03:48
bye!!
Mathlete99s 2018-02-15 21:04:00
Good Night
Giraffe01 2018-02-15 21:04:00
Good night!
ArandomUTPperson 2018-02-15 21:04:00