<p>I'm looking for advice on these programs (SUMAC/Stanford, Texas Honors Math camp, and Hampshire/HCSSIM). I've applied but haven't yet heard back from all. If I'm lucky enough to get into them, which would be best? There isn't much discussion about SUMAC compared to some of the other ones), but studying at Stanford has to be amazing. At Texas Honors, focus is number theory and there is possibility for returning students to work on research for Siemens/Intel, yet there is no qualifying quiz for entrants. And HCSSiM has a very solid reputation, but its topics seem less focused....which would you choose? I'm not looking to gear up for math competitions like AIME, but more interested in expanding my math experience. Any advice?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, you’re going to find very few people who have been involved with multiple camps and can give you a fully informed comparison of them. But there’s a lot of helpful information you can find that you might want to consider, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Topics covered. Texas Honors, as you say, focuses on number theory. SUMaC has a group theory class and a topology class. HCSSiM is broader. Which of these topics interest you more?</p></li>
<li><p>Location. Like you said, studying at Stanford is amazing. How big a factor do you want this to be in your decision?</p></li>
<li><p>Length of program. SUMaC, at four weeks, is a little shorter than some of the other big camps like PROMYS or USA/Canada, although I don’t know how it compares to the ones you’ve applied to. Do you want to spend half your summer at camp?</p></li>
<li><p>Camp structure. Do you spend all your free time doing problem sets? (And do you want to?) What happens on weekends? How much time do you spend in classes each day? What sort of guest lecturers will the camp have? You can find some of this information online, and it’s definitely something you should think about.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Obviously, there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Think about them, and consider which camp is the best fit for you.</p>
<p>By the way, if you have more specific questions about SUMaC, I can answer them via pm.</p>
<p>Thanks Sly. I tried sending a pm but your box is full. Do a number of first timers to SUMaC return for a second summer, and do they come from all over? Also, are there classes on weekends, or other organized activities? Just read the fiction book “Nothing but the Truth” that takes place at SUMaC. Hope I get in.</p>
<p>I applied to SUMaC as well. I think we hear the results about who got in by April 18th? At least I think so. Got an email from them like yesterday saying that…
Sly, did you go to SUMaC? If so, did you enjoy it?</p>
<p>Does anyone know if HCSSiM has sent admission for summer 2010 yet? We are getting worried that we have not heard back from them!</p>
<p>TennesseeParent, I think HCSSIM said in its application materials that notification is made 17 days after they receive the problem set. If it’s been longer than that, I would call them.</p>
<p>No, I actually didn’t go to SUMaC, but I’ve been on staff, and I absolutely love it. So do the students–but you should hear their glowing reviews from them directly. I know there are a few SUMaCers on here somewhere–where are you all?</p>
<p>hi Sly Si, i’m looking into applying at SUMaC
I have great sat, sat2, and psat scores in math and I have already impressed my teachers so i’m sure im going to have great recs
unfortunately I can’t take the AMC till next year in march (which is when you apply for SUMaC) so there is obviously no way I can get my scores to SUMaC in time
are there any extracurriculars, competitions, or anything math related I can do to this year that can help me stand out in the SUMaC applications?</p>
<p>All I can say is, do a lot of math. My impression is that the admissions exam matters a lot more than any competition scores or extracurriculars you submit. So get yourself lots of practice, and then work as hard as you can on that quiz.</p>
<p>^TennesseeParent</p>
<p>HCSSiM is notoriously bad at e-mail, try to give them a calll and follow up.</p>
<p>Sly Si
My daughter was wait-listed for SUMaC, any idea of the likelihood that she’ll get in later? I can’t imagine anyone turning it down, but is there still hope?</p>
<p>No idea, sorry. I know not everyone who’s admitted accepts their spots, and I’m almost certain that they admit a few extra students because of this, but I don’t know how many they might take off the waitlist.</p>