<p>Hello,
I am trying to get some input from the parents out there whose student(s) went to this program. I heard positive things from the student(s) but want to know what the parents thinks about this.</p>
<p>Sorry...what does it stand for??</p>
<p>I'm the parent of an HCSSiM alum. It totally changed his life. I can't say enough positive things about my son's experience. Feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>Cottonwood, HCSSiM is Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics. It's a six-week residential program for about 40 kids that focuses on high-level math. It is NOT competition-oriented, as some of the other summer math programs are. (This was a big plus for my son, as he loves math, but not the competitions.) As S says, "it's for quirky kids who like to play with their math." It is also very welcoming and supportive of young women interested in math (or linguistics, CS, etc. -- the math applies across a variety of fields).</p>
<p>I'm also the parent of a HCSSiM alum. It truly changed my son's life as well. It was the best summer program he did while in high school. He also did PROMYS, he enjoyed PROMYS but it didn't seem to change him like HCSSiM did. My son loves mathematics and enjoys math competitions. I'm with CountingDown, I can't say enough positive things about my son's experience at HCSSiM.</p>
<p>My S was a Junior Staff at HCSSiM for a couple of summers. He never got to go to math camp in high school, so he really enjoyed working there. The kids learn a lot of high level math and the classes are fun. They work hard and play hard. The program runs from early in the morning until 10 at night. The kids have the afternoon off for recreational activities.</p>
<p>The kids also seem to make strong bonds with each other and the staff become mentors. I know my S has showed many an HCSSiM alum around the Princeton campus, joined them for lunch, and provided detailed information about the math and science departments.</p>