Since I’ll be a senior next year, and considering that the regular decision deadline is in Jan., I suppose those stats wouldn’t necessarily appear on my resume. Should I still prepare for the math contests (such as AMC12, AIME, or the state math competition) this summer or next school year?
I’ve only qualified for AIME once - and that’s in my junior year. I didn’t do well on the actual AIME tho - it felt like a disaster. Btw, are there any competitions prior to the RD deadline so that I can put on my resume to show colleges that I truly care about competitive math?
Also, the Putnam exam and the Virginia Regional Math Contest are in Oct/Nov-ish, would it be a good idea to prepare for these undergrad math contests this summer (even though 'm only in Calc BC and might be taking Multivariable Calculus as a senior)?
Do you enjoy it? Then continue to do it. I know many seniors do drop long-held activities though, mostly becasue they are taking intense course loads or have too much to do for applications, etc… If you have time for,it, do it. You can always update apps with noteworthy achievements in Jan and Feb, after many deadlines have passed. Lots of people do,that.
@Lindagaf I do enjoy learning new concepts in math (at least those that aren’t typically covered in my math class)! What about Putnam/Virginia Regional Contest, do you think the materials would be too much for me to study?
No idea my friend:-). I failed Algebra in HS and had to repeat it. I gave up helping my kids with math when they were in 5th grade. I think you should google those things and find out what prep is involved. Good luck to you.
I also participate in math contests, and unless you are seriously going for a high AIME score, I don’t think prepping for math contests is worth the time. The achievements that go along with math contests have little merit until you have a high AIME score or qualify for USAMO. Qualifying for USAMO can certainly catch the attention of colleges that have waitlisted you.
So basically I can send more info towards the colleges that have waitlisted me. In addition, I would still be a USAMO qualifier despite my citizenship, right?