<p>I am a homeschooled high school student who is taking upper level math courses at a UC. I would like to eventually participate in the intel ISEF or STS, or apply for a Davidson fellowship. Usually students who participate in these competitions have mentors that assign research projects. My question was regarding how to go about finding one. This site, for instance suggests that you email professors with your request- Science Buddies: How to Find a Mentor
However, I am afraid that some may interpret this as being rude. Maybe I'm being a little over pre-cautious. I appreciate any input. Thanks again.</p>
<p>First thing you tell us. What grade are you in.
Second. What “upper level” math courses?
Third. How do you think that is relevant to requesting a mentor?</p>
<p>Grade: 11
I have been taking upper level undergraduate math courses since tenth grade. Tenth grade I took Real Analysis (a,b,c) , Abstract Algebra (a,b,c), Complex Analysis (a,b). This semester, I am taking a Topology class and a Differential Geometry class. </p>
<p>How is what relevant?</p>
<p>Complex analysis/real analysis/AND abstract algebra in 10th grade?!?!? 0<em>0. So did you do multivariable calculus in 8th grade?
0</em>o. Complex analysis is around 3-4 levels above calculus 3 here.</p>
<p>If you are good at math, I would suggest working on USAMO prep lol, and also just contact some professors and talk about their research. Then suggest that you wish to engage in research with them.</p>
<p>I asked how your math classes were relevant.
You should PM tomjonesistheman. He did a theoretical knot theory topology paper. Semifinalist in Siemens.</p>
<p>I did multivariable calculus the summer before 9th grade. I have no interest in participating in amo/ imo or any high school math competitions. Honestly, the math involved is laughably simple, compared to the math I am taking in my college classes. </p>
<p>I am really not sure what to say in an email to a professor, however.
I will think about PM’ing that individual. </p>
<ul>
<li>drew</li>
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<p>If it is laughably simple, go do USAMO, make the IMO team, bring home a perfect paper for the US, go to any university you wish to go to. It shouldn’t take much effort considering how super easy it is for you. You just show up for several tests and instant admission to any university in the world.</p>
<p>In fact, go do USAPhO and IPhO after that. Maybe USNCO and IChO to round it out?
They shouldn’t take that much time, since you have such a powerful mastery of mathematics, and you find them incredibly easy?</p>
<p>Of course, those would be minor achievements for you, as you will be spending most of your time doing research, right?
Seriously. Do USAMO.</p>
<p>They are high school math competitions! I finished high school math when I was TWELVE. I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but it’s below me. Considering my accomplishments so far, I will have no problem gaining entrance to the vast majority of colleges I’ll apply to. I am nothing like the hyper-neurotic academic-obsessed wannabe intellectuals that flood these tawdry competitions. I do math because I am genuinely curious and hope to make real contributions to the subject and would like to start research as soon as I can. Hence the question. Your childish banter neither amuses nor intimidates me.</p>
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<p>Why don’t you take the Putnam exam then? Why don’t you talk to one of your current math professors…or perhaps you’ll find the fields medal is below you too.</p>
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<p>And you don’t think the others in these competition on similarly gifted? There’s a hs junior who has been taking graduate math classes at my state’s 4 year school since sophomore year.</p>
<p>I’d be delighted to take the Putnam. I’ll definitely consider it. I don’t know if they would let me take the Putnam, since I am not a full time university student, though.</p>
<p>There was a student, whose name I can’t remember, who, after achieving a perfect or near-perfect score on the IMO test, earned an honorable mention on the Putnam exam with the understanding that it used up one of his years of eligibility.</p>
<p>aigiqinf, Can I have the full name of the person who has been taking grad math courses since tenth grade at your college? Out of curiosity, I would like to google the name. I always like finding out about prodigies or precocious individuals. </p>
<p>This discussion has drifted away from the intended theme. Can we get back on topic, please?</p>
<p>//I’d be delighted to take the Putnam. I’ll definitely consider it.//</p>
<p>How is Putnam much different from USAMO or IMO? Other than, being broader in scope, allowing less time per problem, and aimed at undergrads.</p>
<p>//They are high school math competitions! I finished high school math when I was TWELVE.//</p>
<p>Is probably not so rare among top USAMO/IMOers. Nor is research.</p>
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0.o My hands don’t listen to my brain. I meant this to be “my state’s top 10 school.”</p>
<p>I actually don’t know his name, he had 2 usernames on CC for awhile (before being blocked) and then added me on facebook with a made up name (before I blocked him for being overly annoying and self-absorbed). A dean from the school in question (Duke) did confirm they had such a student.</p>
<p>As I said earlier, I would just talk to one of your current math teachers.</p>
<p>There are people in IMO who are far above you. Even they do not achieve perfect scores in IMO.</p>
<p>Also. You have listed NO achievements outside of your high level math courses.</p>
<p>//This discussion has drifted away from the intended theme. Can we get back on topic, please?//</p>
<p>No.</p>
<p>//There are people in IMO who are far above you. Even they do not achieve perfect scores in IMO.//</p>
<p>Ditto. //They are high school math competitions! I finished high school math when I was TWELVE.// Really? Really?</p>
<p>//There are people in IMO who are far above you. Even they do not achieve perfect scores in IMO.//
I don’t doubt that there are students who’s mathematical ability and knowledge surpasses mine. Some of them choose to participate in the IMO. I would suggest that they do something more constructive with their talents, instead of using up their time doing lower level math. But that is their business, and I don’t interfere with that.
//Also. You have listed NO achievements outside of your high level math courses//
Why should I? I will display my achievements in all their full glory to universities and all other programs who intend on evaluating them and using them to make an informed decision about my admission/ placement etc… What use would be listing my accomplishments to random strangers on the internet? </p>
<p>The discussion drifted away from the original theme from a side comment that I made that had no relevance to the question at hand. I do not have much patience for this. I was not intending to belittle the IMO, I have respect for the competition and the competitors. It is however, not something that I would do, as my passion is for learning and practicing higher level mathematics and building on that knowledge.</p>
<p>Arrogance toned up much?</p>
<p>I lol’ed while reading this.</p>
<p>^You’re right. Kinda reminds me of you.</p>
<p>I thought the same.</p>
<p>However, he was at a level far beyond what I’ll ever reach in HS.</p>
<p>I cried while reading this.</p>