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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 2008?
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, or 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 2008 be held?
The 2008 AMSP will be held at the University of Texas at Dallas, July 13 - August 3. 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 2008?
Visit the application information page. Early applications have to be received by February 11, 2008 to qualify for a 10% reduction of the camp fee. Regular registration is between February 12 and May 1, 2008. During regular registration, all applications receive equal consideration, and admission is rolling. Starting May 2, 2008, applications will be considered in the order in which they are received.
Should I take more than one test?
Most students are taking one test, but if you want to increase your chances of being admitted, you can take more than one test. We will take into account your best score, along with your personal achievements.
What is the application process?
We 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).
In addition, each applicant will be asked to take an admission test. There are three tests available:
(1) Test A: Feb. 1 - 11
(2) Test B: Mar. 28 - Apr. 7
(3) Test C: May 2 - 12
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 an 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?
Based on the last year enrollment of over 120 students, we expect to enroll the same number of students in 2008. 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 $3,295 per student. This covers room, board, transportation from/to airport, and all camp activities and trips. AMSP 2008 participants receive a $200 discount on the subsequent AwesomeMath Year-round program (AMY).
AwesomeMath makes annual donations to the American Foundation for Excellence in Mathematics. It already made a significant contribution for scholarships to be available in 2008 for economically disadvantaged students. Contact the American Foundation for Excellence in Mathematics at excel@awesomemath.org.
Students are encouraged to apply early. If a student's application is postmarked by Feb. 11 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:
- The American Foundation for Excellence in Mathematics awards partial scholarships to economically disadvantaged students. Please contact Dr. Titu Andreescu at excel@awesomemath.org for more detailed information.
- AwesomeMath will award two full scholarships to the to the top finishers at the MATHCOUNTS National Competition.
- AwesomeMath has given ARML $500 to award a scholarship to a meritorious student.
- Mu Alpha Theta offers grants of up to $2,000 for members.
Contact the granting organizations 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 should be made in writing. If the request is received by June 12, 2008, the entire tuition will be refunded (except for an administrative fee of $150 to cover contractual obligations already made on the student's behalf.) For requests received after June 12, 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 12.
An exception to this policy is made for students who learn after applying that they have qualified for the Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program (MOSP), or for any country's IMO training. A student in this situation may elect to attend that program and receive a full refund of the AMSP tuition and application fee.
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 12: 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 13 and 18. We may accept students who are under 13 only if they show evidence of remarkable mathematical and personal maturity.
What is the ratio of boys to girls?
We encourage female students to apply to our program. In 2007 the ratio of girls was 20% compared to 2006, when the ratio was 14%. We proudly say that The China Math Olympiad team trained at the AwesomeMath Summer Program in 2007.
The staff and the academic program
What about the AMSP staff?
The dormitories will be staffed by assistants and 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 for 2008 will be completed by April. 2007 list of confirmed faculty and mentors is available here.
Can you describe the academic schedule?
Every course will be taught by instructors, and the mentors will follow each lecture with a 90-minute problem session, focusing on the materials presented in the lecture.
The lectures will focus on the following subjects: Foundations of Number Theory, Euclidean Geometry, Algebraic Inequalities, Algebraic Techniques, Modular Arithmetic, and Computational Geometry.
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 or assistant 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. We make our students' safety our top priority.
What recreational activities are available?
Students will have access to many campus recreational facilities at the University, including the Student Union (billiards, foosball, ping-pong, arcade), outdoor athletic facilities (tennis, soccer, frisbee, basketball), the University's newly-opened disc golf course, and Waterview Park's swimming pool and beach volleyball courts.
In addition to using the University's facilities, the staff will organize field trips and excursions on weekends to offer a break from the rigorous academic program. There will be two no-class days on two selected Mondays for trips. In 2006 and 2007, students spent a whole day at Six Flags Over Texas, the state's largest amusement park.
Are there laundry facilities available?
Yes. Each apartment is furnished with a washer and a dryer. No coins needed for their operation.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Vegetarian, Vegan, and Kosher meals will be available at AwesomeMath 2008. 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; 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
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