Mathcamp, PROMYS, Harvard SSP?

Pre-College Issues Summer Programs
1

<p>So apparently, I'm pretty good at math. I really like political science and international relations as well (MUNer). i'm a sophomore, so naturally I took the AMC 10 in February. My math teachers at my school are pretty chill, and I haven't been bugging my teachers about my AMC scores. I keep getting a lot of mail from the USA/Canada Math camp, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln All Girls Math, and the Advantage Testing Foundation's Math Prize for Girls (which isn't a camp, but an invitation to take a test. Whoop-di-doo). My math teacher recommended PROMYS a couple months ago to me (and I'm in a junior advanced math class because I skipped a math course).</p>

<p>I was accepted into the Harvard SSP program a few weeks ago, and I know it's not very prestigious but I'd like to take more political/governmental courses, and if they're taught by harvard professors, that's a definite plus. However, due to the math mail I keep receiving, something tells me that I did above average on the AMC 10, and that maybe I am gifted in math (oh, man. that sounds pompous). I really like number theory, but I'd really like to be on the same erudition and knowledge as my fellow MUNers at school. I'm also considering international relations as a career, so that's why I was so motivated to apply to Harvard SSP.</p>

<p>If it helps, I'm definitely in the top 10% of my grade, maybe even 5% (probably). I have great ECs and a great recommendation from my math teacher, if needed. I'm kind of stuck and I don't know what to do. One question I'd like to ask PROMYS alumni: since I live in Boston, could I take 1 course at the Harvard SSP (twice a week, 3 hours each, flexible timing but planning on 3pm-6pm or 6pm-9pm) while attending PROMYS? I know it's a residential program (PROMYS), but 6 hours a week isn't a long time. This plan is what I'd really like to do.</p>

2

<p>bumppppppppppp</p>

3

<p>Well… that’s $13K+ right there…</p>

<p>But personally, I think you should just stick to one summer program. Juggling two at a time does not maximize your potential, forcing you to split your time between the two places and not doing your best on either one.</p>

4

<p>obviously, i’ll be applying for financial aid.
i heard that at PROMYS, you get a lesson or two in the morning, and the rest of the day is spent working on some massive packet. so i figure that 3 hours out of a day, twice a week isn’t too bad, especially if i spend that time learning about politics. i think that i’d be spending my summer doing the two things i really enjoy: math and politics.</p>

5

<p>I haven’t been to either but speak to the people in charge of promys and I’m sure they’d be happy to answer all you’re questions.</p>

6

<p>Did you qualify for AIME?</p>

7

<p>If PROMYS is anything like other math camps, you will spend all afternoon and some or most of the evening working on those problems. There’s no way you can skip out for the afternoon twice a week.</p>