<p>I’m going to be a rising junior. I aspire to attend a good sci/technology school, one who is definitely looking for students w/ a passion for math and science. I go to a HS where the focus is entirely sports - the most academic EC on campus is NHS (basically anyone who signs up is in). I had never heard of AMC, olympiads, mu alpha theta, etc. until the end of the last school year, which means I’m getting a late start if I decide to do that.</p>
<li>How am I supposed to demonstrate a passion for math/science w/o making it look like I crammed in a bunch of activities junior yr for college?</li>
<li>Is it worth signing up for something like the AMC even if I would be at a disadvantage in terms of prep time, and how would I go about signing my school up for that?</li>
<li>Is it worth taking a sci olympiad test if my preparation would be an AP class and not much more due to other committments?</li>
<li>Does founding a math sci club really count for something (e.g. mu alpha theta)? Does it take long to get into competitions?</li>
<li>When kids ask profs to help w/ research, are they really doing something or just cleaning out test tubes? Is that worthwhile?</li>
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<p>Sorry for the long winded post. I’m just curious. Thanks.</p>
<ol>
<li>Take the initiative, such as making a club (math team, academic decathlon, etc.) and establishing a relationship with your adviser.</li>
<li>Yes, if you're into math. The school has to order the tests, if yours doesn't already, talk to an administrator.</li>
<li>Yes, considering that science olympiads have much in common with their corresponding AP. My chem teacher last year even made taking the USNCO mandatory for all her students.</li>
<li>It shows your passion (such a trite word in this forum) in math. I'm not familiar with Mu Alpha Theta, but I think you can enter competitions immediately.</li>
<li>It varies across departments. Shotgunning emails to professors of prestigious universities probably won't be a good idea. My friend asked the physics professor from the nearby community college to mentor him, and he entered a bunch of science fairs, not to mention having made an important contact.</li>
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<li>depends on how you ask. Send a resume, be polite, take a minute first to assess your skills and apply to professors who could utilize your skills for something beneficial. If you know nothing about chem, dont beg some professor teaching a senior lab seminar for work; he will most likely feel obligated to give you something, and you will be cleaning test tubes. </li>
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<p>Another thing i would recommend is having a math/sci professor write one of your recomendations... Instead of foundering floundering math/science clubs, explore a subject deeply with a professor and go deeper than the class. For example, AP chem does not go deep at all into chemistry, but that doesn't mean you cant go deeper and your teacher should notice your interest and ability.</p>
<p>OK, here's the thing, any possibility of taking an online physics class was just shot down, so that gives me a bit more time. Sorry for all the bullet pts/questions but here's how things look (and no, this isn't purely for college admissions purposes)</p>
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<li>Hope to found Mu Alpha Theta at school. From what I read in Fat Envelope Frenzy, the competitions sound fun.</li>
<li>Hope to sign school up for AIME/AMC and possibly Chem Olympiad</li>
<li>About research: is this something that requires a ton of time during weekdays? Because I'm pressed for time during the week and if I could do something w/ a prof maybe each weekend that would be cool. And does it require a really extensive knowledge of science, or do you catch on quickly?</li>
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