AwesomeMath Summer Program 2006: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some questions that could be asked about the camp. If you need more information or have other questions, please call (214)549-6146 or e-mail at: titu@awesomemath.org.


Contents
Program information and how to apply
Finances
Participating students
The staff and the academic program
At the camp

Program information and how to apply

Why should I come to AMSP 2006?

Because it's awesome!

This is an initiative in response to numerous requests coming from the parents and the teachers of bright students who have not yet shined at the Olympiad level. These students are nevertheless very talented, wishing to improve their problem solving skills and further their mathematics education in general. This program offers mathematically gifted students the opportunity to engage in meaningful problem solving activities and explore in detail areas in advanced mathematics. The high quality instruction is provided by renowned lecturers and Olympiad coaches.

How is the AwesomeMath Summer Program different from others, like Canada/USA MathPath, Canada/USA MathCamp, and MOSP?

AwesomeMath's primary focus is on problem-solving. We use it as a tool to enhance students' interest and skills in mathematics. We believe that there are two major parts in advanced mathematics teaching and learning: higher concepts (introducing and developing new concepts) and applying those concepts creatively to concrete problems (bringing life to the new concepts). These two areas rely on each other, but we focus primarily on the latter. We feel that certain advanced mathematics topics are best introduced to young students by motivating the concepts through problems that encourage investigation.

AMSP is not an "intense olympiad training". Instead, we have strong problem-solving courses that fit the age and common interests of youngsters. We make what we feel is an important distinction: we do lots of math for the sake of math. Through this pursuit, we are confident that our students' performance on AMC and Olympiad-style contests will improve significantly.

In contrast to MOSP, we will hardly do a lecture on any particular topic, say Jensen's inequality. Instead, we will explain these ideas when we work on Algebra/Combinatorics/Geometry/Number Theory areas, where they are needed. We leave those highly technical sessions to AwesomeMath Year-round and to MOSP for the IMO bound students. But we do lead students to expand their knowledge on their own, so they develop the all-important desire to explore higher concepts.

Following our own advice, we offer an example:

Find the size of the smallest square that will enclose five non-overlapping unit squares. This is approachable by an able 7th grade math student. Let's look the solving process in the following steps:

(a) By playing around, one can guess the best situation that leads to the desired minimum;
(b) With a bit more skills, one can find the answer;
(c) Prove your method is indeed the best;
(d) Extend this question.

We would say that step (b) will be helpful for MathCounts/AMC8, 10, 12/AIME. Working out (c) will be helpful for USAMO/IMO. On the other hand, (a) and (d) develop students' appreciation for the problem-solving strategies that transcend mathematics and apply to any fields they might choose to pursue.

Finally, unlike other programs, the AwesomeMath Summer Program (AMSP) has a follow-up program: the AwesomeMath Year-round (AMY) that provides students with further opportunities to deepen their understanding of mathematics and become better problem solvers.

When and where will AMSP 2006 be held?

The 2006 AMSP will be held at the University of Texas at Dallas, July 18 - August 7. The University is conveniently located on the outskirts of Dallas, 30 minutes from DFW International Airport. For more information about the university please visit http://www.utdallas.edu.

When is the deadline to apply to AMSP 2006?

Visit the application information page. Early applications have to be received by February 6, 2006 to qualify for a 10% reduction of the camp fee. Regular registration is between February 7 and May 15, 2006. During regular registration, all applications receive equal consideration, and admission is rolling. Starting May 16, 2006, applications will be considered in the order in which they are received.

What is the application process?

We will ask for:

(1) two recommendation letters, one from a math teacher or mentor, and one from a personal reference;
(2) the student's written application--a personal statement and an information form;
(3) a parents' statement (optional). It can be written in certain foreign language if they are not comfortable with English).

In addition, each applicant will be asked to take an admission test. There are three test dates available:

Sample Test with solutions: Available now. This sample test is representative of the hardest problems that might appear on an actual admission test.
Test A with solutions: Completed (2/3 - 2/6).
Test B with solutions: Completed (4/7 - 4/24).
Test C: Completed (5/5 - 5/15).

The admission test is the student's opportunity to demonstrate the willingness to explore advanced mathematics topics and the ability to tackle challenging, non-routine problems. It is not only the raw test score that matters but the love of mathematics that becomes transparent in its application. A sample test is available with solutions.

There is a application fee of $50 ($30 for processing the application materials, and $20 for grading the admission test). If one wants to take a second test (if time allows and spots are still available), an additional $20 will be charged. For more detailed information, please visit the application information page.

How many students will enroll?

We expect to enroll about 80-90 students. This will be based on the admission test, recommendation letters, and other application information.

Finances

How much does the AwesomeMath Summer Program cost?

The camp fee is $2,995 per student. Of this fee, $900 pays for the student's room and board, approximately $1,200 goes towards salaries, living and travel expenses for the camp staff, and the remainder is used for other expenses such as printing brochures, office rental and supplies, insurance, and field trips. Any additional residue will support guest lectures by famous mathematicians and problem-solvers and the follow-up program (AwesomeMath Year-round), etc.

Students are encouraged to apply early. If a student's application is received by Feb. 6 and the student is admitted, they will receive a 10% discount.

Are there any scholarships available?

There are a few scholarships and grants available from other organizations:

Contact the granting organization for more information.

How much does the transportation cost?

The cost of airline tickets may vary. Upon confirmation of acceptance, book your ticket as soon as possible. Transportation from the airport to the university campus is included in the camp fee.

If I am unable to attend AMSP, can the tuition be refunded?

A request to cancel enrollment in AMSP can be made by calling or e-mailing AwesomeMath. If the request is received by June 15, 2006, the entire tuition will be refunded (except for an administrative fee of $100 to cover contractual obligations already made on the student's behalf.) For requests received after June 15, no refund will be made unless the student is unable to attend the camp for medical reasons and has appropriate documentation from a physician. In this case, the tuition will be refunded as if the request had been received before June 15.

Can tuition be refunded if I have to cancel enrollment during the Summer Program?

Requests to cancel enrollment during the camp will be handled like a request made after June 15: no refund will be given unless the student is unable to continue attending the camp due to medical reasons. If a student must leave the camp for medical reasons--as confirmed by a physician--the camp fee will be refunded on a pro-rated basis. Homesickness, for example, will not be considered as a reason for refunds.

Participating students

What is the age range of the participating students?

The participating students are between ages of 12 and 17. We may accept students who are under 12 only if they show evidence of remarkable mathematical and personal maturity.

What is the ratio of boys to girls?

We expect that about 25% - 35% of camp participants will be females.

The staff and the academic program

What about the AMSP staff?

The dormitories will be staffed by nine mentors (graduate or undergraduate students in mathematics who will also teach some of the camp's classes). They are former Olympiad students, many with an outstanding record in the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Faculty and mentor hiring will be completed by April. A list of confirmed faculty and mentors is available here.

Can you describe the academic schedule?

Students will be partitioned into four groups of about twenty students each according to problem-solving and proof-writing experience. Each group will study four mini-courses—Algebra, Combinatorics, Geometry, and Number Theory—tailored to the group's ability level.

During the camp, there will be two no-class dates on Mondays for chaperoned excursions away from the University. All other days will be class days roughly following a schedule like this:

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Breakfast
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Mini-course lecture by instructors or mentors
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Study break and Q&A session with lecturer
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Problem session with mentors
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Mini-course lecture by instructors with assistants
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Team/individual contest led by instructors and assistants
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Sports and recreational activities led by mentors and assistants
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Dinner
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Sports and recreational activities led by mentors and assistants
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Study hall led by assistants
10:00 PM - 11:00 PM Study break and check-in
11:00 PM Lights out

The academic load will be reduced on weekends, and the schedule will be adjusted accordingly.

At the camp

Where are students housed?

Students will be housed in Waterview Park, the University's student housing. Waterview Park is set up like an apartment complex, and in each apartment a mentor will stay with several students. AwesomeMath will furnish the apartments for the camp. Students sharing apartments will be of the same sex and approximately the same age. Students who know each other prior to arriving at AMSP may request to be in the same room.

Is the university campus safe?

Members of the camp staff are always around to ensure the safety of the camp, and the campus is constantly patrolled by its own police force. The nine mentors that live with the students in the on-campus apartments will be available at all hours.

What recreational activities are available?

AwesomeMath will provide access to many campus athletic facilities, and games such as basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. There is an outdoor swimming pool in Waterview Park that students have access to, as well. In addition, the staff will organize field trips on weekends and other fun activities. Students also have access to UTD's McDermott Library.

Are there laundry facilities available?

Yes. Each apartment is furnished with a washer and dryer.

Can you accommodate special dietary needs?

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Kosher meals will be available at AwesomeMath 2006. Please notify us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

What do I need to bring to the camp?

A suggested packing list will be sent to enrolled students.

Can I attend religious services on the weekend?

Yes. The staff will help you with transportation; however, please remind them at least a day in advance of your needs.

Can I bring my laptop computer?

Laptops are permitted but not necessary or recommended. Internet access will be available to students on campus, but not in their rooms.

How can I send mail to a student or staff member at AwesomeMath Summer Program while it is in session?

Please direct mail to:

[Student/staff name]
c/o AwesomeMath Summer Camp
The University of Texas at Dallas
2601 N. Floyd Road, FN 33
Richardson, TX 75083

Last updated May 18, 2006.