<p>So, I'm going to apply to both of these camps and I have a few questions regarding prestige, and research opportunities. They are both spectacular camps, but is there one that is more prestigious than the other? I want to make sure I choose the "right one," because I would full-heartedly intend on attending for 2 years. Additionally, I know PROMYS and Texas State both offer research in the second year. I also know that they send a bunch of students to the Semiens Competition. Do any of these camps fare better in this competition? Thank you.</p>
<p>My guess is that PROMYS is more prestigious but why does that matter? There is not a “right camp” in general but instead perhaps a “right one” for you although you would probably do well at either.</p>
<p>I don’t think you can go wrong with either program – both are offshoots of the Ross program, and have similar curriculum, with a strong base in number theory. I think PROMYS is more known, but in math circles and admissions offices, both are equally respected. The difference is that Texas Honors math camp really is a multiple-year experience. It’s real benefit is for those who are selected to return, one is paired with team members and mentor, and research is team oriented. So you should think about whether you prefer to work alone or in a team environment. Son went and had an amazing experience. HSMC has had great success with Siemens. Recently, 5 teams from last summer made Semifinalist or finalist status in the Siemens competition and two years ago, team that won the 100,000 prize came out of the Texas program. Best wishes on your math journey. I can assure you your hard work will pay off!</p>
<p>Uh, I saw a post on here or Aops that gave a firsthand account of the Texas thing being a ripoff. They said the counselors didn’t encourage/push one to work that much, and as for the returning student projects, they’d always throw the smartest kids together in a group, leaving the other kids to wallow come Siemens time. Thus, I’d recommend PROMYS.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t rely on secondhand posts – just go to the websites and check out results for yourself. Also, feel free to PM me and I’d be happy to share more info.</p>
<p>The Mathworks Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) at Texas State engages students of all backgrounds in doing math at a high level. HSMC, PROMYS, and ROSS are all run in the same spirit, as the founders of the first two attended ROSS back in the day.</p>
<p>First-year students take classes in Number Theory, Mathematica Lab, and Honors Seminar. Students are divided into groups of four and led by an undergraduate mentor (camp alumn). We emphasize group work and explaining your ideas out loud to others - often the best way to learn something for yourself. The point is not to cover a set amount of material, but to carefully investigate fundamental concepts. We start with some basic questions such as “Prove 0*n = n” and try to build up to Quadratic Reciprocity.</p>
<p>Returning students take classes such as Analysis, Combinatorics, and Abstract Algebra. They are also given the opportunity to conduct an original research project, led by university faculty. Students are assigned to projects based on their own ranking of topic preferences. Many students do choose to submit their project to the Siemens Competition. Recent results of HSMC teams can be seen here, [HSMC</a> - Results in the Siemens Competition : Mathworks : Texas State University](<a href=“http://www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps/hsmc/Siemens_Competition_Results.html]HSMC”>http://www.txstate.edu/mathworks/camps/hsmc/Siemens_Competition_Results.html). However, the main goal is to give students an experience in doing original research in mathematics with peers.</p>
<p>Our applications are now online at [Honors</a> Summer Math Camp Application : Mathworks : Texas State University](<a href=“http://www.txstate.edu/mathworks/applications/HSMC-application/hsmcapplicationonline.html]Honors”>http://www.txstate.edu/mathworks/applications/HSMC-application/hsmcapplicationonline.html)</p>
<p>Disclosure: I’ve been involved with the Honors Summer Math Camp for the past 11 years.</p>
<p>I meant n*0 = 0</p>
<p>andragon2002 - almost your entire statement can be applied to PROMYS as well. The structure of the programs (starting with fundamental rigor proofs and building up to quadratic reciprocity) as well as the goal of the program (quality and elegance of reasoning, not quantity of proofs) are very, very similar since both camps are offshoots of ROSS.</p>
<p>Reasons why you should apply to PROMYS over Honors Summer Math Camp:
(disclaimer: I went to PROMYS for two years; I have not gone to Honors Summer Math Camp; I am quite biased)
- It’s in Boston. In your free time, you can do practically anything - go out to eat, visit landmarks, watch a movie, visit colleges, etc. etc. Transportation is super easy because of the T.
- More people. I think PROMYS accepts about 15 to 25% of the kids who apply (so approximately similar to Honors Summer). Since more people apply, though, you end up with around 65 first years. You all will be bouncing ideas off of each other, so I’d argue that more people translates to greater diversity of ideas. Also, more people to meet!
- More people -> more second or third or fourth years -> more returning student seminars! PROMYS offers three returning student seminars each year (one of which is always Geometry and Symmetry, supposedly a geometric analog to Number Theory). First years generally don’t have time to even sit in on the seminars since the problem sets are pretty hefty, but this is worth noting for your second year.
- If you actually care about prestige (and you shouldn’t), then PROMYS is marginally more prestigious. PROMYS, Ross, Canada/USA mathcamp, and HCSSIM are generally seen as roughly equivalent in terms of prestige. Still, I think any admissions officer at a reputable college would recognize Honors Summer Math Camp as equivalent to PROMYS.
- Research: there are so many research topics to pick from as a second year. You also can pick who you work with, which is pretty critical considering intellectual compatibility, etc. People I met generally did not submit to Siemens because they didn’t really care too much, but those who tried did very well. Unfortunately, I can’t offer any statistics!</p>
<p>PM me if you need any biased guidance.</p>
<p>Will HSMC look good on a resume after only one year? Also: how hard is it to get in? Thank you.</p>