<p>I'm a sophomore so this will be during my sophomore summer. Can someone explain to me how applying works, how many people get in, what you actually do, and what the point of it is? When you apply what do they look at? When i went on the website I couldn't find that much information on it. Also how good in math do you actually have to be. During the summer i would have already finished Calculus BC so i would say my math is decently strong but how strong does it have to be? Anything you know about it is appreciated. Thanks!</p>
<p>jonah, I went to SUMaC a few years ago and it was a great experience. I just looked at the website, and it answers pretty much all the questions you asked above, so maybe you should have another look at it. But, to answer you questions in a nutshell–you apply by submitting a qualifying exam (which is available on the site) containing problems designed to be worked on over a period of time. You also submit math test scores, your transcript showing what math courses you’ve taken, and letters of recommendation. Many of the problems on the qualifying exam involve doing proofs, since that is what doing mathematics actually involves. About 20-25% of applicants are usually accepted, if I recall correctly. When I was there, there were people from all over the US and several other countries, and everyone was definitely very strong in math. It’s aimed at students who are naturally talented in math, really enjoy it, and want to explore advanced math topics. The program involves instruction by math professors and grad students, group and individual problem-solving sessions and working one-on-one with faculty. One day a week, you work on a research project that you present to the group at the end of the program.There are also other activities and weekend trips, as described on the website. It’s pretty intense but also a lot of fun.</p>
<p>How good did you think you were in math? Because i’ve been getting straight B for my past math courses besides pre-calc which I took at a community college and if you remember, how hard is admission exam?</p>
<p>@jonahtang
the application for 2013 is up on the website. But it is due in March so you should act quickly.</p>
<p>You can judge the test difficulty yourself. One important note is that you don’t have to get all the questions correct. </p>
<p>If you show your thinking and progress but not get the answer, that counts for a lot.</p>
<p>If you get in, you can handle the work.</p>
<p>It is a great program.</p>
<p>OP, collegedad is correct in that the qualifying exam is the most important part of the application, and showing your thinking process and approach to the problems presented counts a lot. However, I think you would need to do especially well on the exam to compensate for the Bs in your math courses, because the people at SUMaC and similar programs with qualifying exams tend to be those who ace their math classes without breaking a sweat. The math on the exam is very different than the kind in most high school and introductory college classes, though, and sometimes a very talented math student will do better on the qualifying exam than their other classes would predict, because of the problem-solving approach the exam requires. Good luck if you apply!</p>
<p>Okay some more things , how is the recommendation form of teacher important?
Is recommendation form of teacher be well organised like applying to university!</p>
<p>Also the question which says List all extrac currical ““MATHS”” activites etc etc we need to attach proofs with it?</p>
<p>jmlover, the recommendation from a math teacher is important because the SUMaC people want to know if an applicant has an unusually high degree of mathematical potential in comparison to other students the teacher has taught. I don’t think the letter has to be as formal as one that is sent with a college admission application, but it should give details that demonstrate the student’s accomplishments and potential. </p>
<p>And no, you don’t need to attach proofs to your application, though I guess you could. The qualifying exam serves that purpose, and you should show all of your work as you try to solve the problems or prove the statements, because they want to see your thinking process and how you approach complex problems.</p>
<p>Well without proof , student may fake their EC dont you think so?</p>
<p>Also my recommendation form is just okay I’ll say , and I can get it done better from my teacher but I need to tell her about how it should be written.</p>
<p>If you can elaborate more on this please.
A single flow or heading wise as given in the form. I also sent you a PM</p>
<p>LOL jmlover, when you said “attach proofs” I thought you meant mathematical proofs. But I now see you meant evidence of your ECs. I’m not sure what kind of evidence you would attach, but I think when people review the applications they are usually assuming honesty on the applicants’ part. Besides, the qualifying exam and recommendations, plus coursework completed, count more than ECs. Good luck.</p>
<p>I don’t have time to reply to PMs so best not to send them. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot @Zenkoan , Great help from your side!</p>
<p>and sorry i didnt know about it , wont disturb you from PM :)</p>
<p>Hey guys! I am an applicant to SUMaC this year who is really stressing out and just found this forum. I have all my application materials in, but the one teacher who I used for the required recommendation hasn’t even bothered filling out my recommendation! I noticed there was a symbol on the application that said “Post-Submission Materials Incomplete” when I moused over it, so if she doesn’t end up filling out my recommendation, can I still submit my app? Thanks!</p>
<p>@bhiz0510: Unfortunately, I think it’d be incomplete until your teacher gets it in. Or did it end up working out in the end?</p>