Stanford's EPGY

theshadowdoubt · 02-12-2005, 07:31 PM

I am a freshman in high school, and i was planning on taking the accelerated mathematics course in the residential program. I am worried I will not be accepted because I have not really done anything to submit for the work sample part. There are not many mathematical oppurtunities available to me. Please give me guidance on what I can pull together for the work sample part.

realistknight · 03-17-2005, 02:01 AM

I'm in the same situation and I'm worried about that part too...

simfish · 03-17-2005, 10:04 AM

Well - if the accelerated math course you're talking about is a course in mathematics, you could simply do distance learning of EPGY.

And a question about EPGY - do I need proof that I have the prerequisite? I've heard they'll trust you - whch is a very good thing. I might as well take multivariable calculus over the summer but won't have my BC Calc grade for a while.

sentient89 · 03-17-2005, 11:25 AM

Sorry to kinda hijack this thread :-p, but I had a few questions too ^^.
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I don't quite understand what the req.s are for it. Is it simply you have to score in the top 15% on some standardized test?

And if you take something like AP physics or Calc III over the summer via EPGY, will your school accept that as a credit? Our school has a calc III/diff eq. class, so would it count as hs or college?

texas137 · 03-17-2005, 12:08 PM

the reqs to get into the program are on the website. Most kids get in from taking the SAT as part of a 7th grade talent search, but there are other avenues.

once in the program, you can sign up for whatever course you think is appropriate without having to submit proof that you've had the prereqs.

credit is not inherent in any program/course/exam. It is totally at the discretion of the place granting you a diploma. If you are concerned about getting credit for EPGY courses through your high school, you needt o check with your high school. If you want them to count for credit at the college you ultimately attend, that will depend on the policies of that college.

simfish · 03-17-2005, 03:38 PM

Thanks.

Do some students take multiple EPGY courses at a time?I have nothing to do over July (now that I'm going to be rejected at all of the summer progs I'm applying to) so I can devote more than 10 hours/day for EPGY.

Consiglieri · 03-17-2005, 09:50 PM

Does anyone know how good the precal course is? My school doesn't give any credit for classes taken outside of school (even though they are supposed to be the best school in the state; they're really just arrogant jerks), but I wanted to take it earlier so I can breeze through math and Mu Alpha Theta next year. How well does it prepare you?

sempitern555 · 03-17-2005, 09:53 PM

i took Multivariable integral calc through epgy this past semester, the course was much harder than the acceptance requirements

I think they pretty much accept most people who can pay

I got a 720 on the math SAT2C

EllenF · 03-19-2005, 01:15 PM

Math students at EPGY have to take a placement exam, although I don't know whether that is merely up to calculus or beyond it. English classes require writing samples before students can enroll. Several courses have prereqs, although if you can show that you have credit from elsewhere for an equivalent course, they may let you take the more advanced course.

Yes, students can take multiple courses. Before planning on summer courses, though, check the course schedule to make sure you can complete the course before school starts.

EllenF · 03-19-2005, 01:37 PM

EPGY Precalc uses Lial's book. About half the course is algebra and half trig. Precalc was my son's least favorite EPGY course because of all the algebra review. (He likes algebra but isn't fond of review.) If you have already had two *solid* courses in algebra and a course in trig, EPGY's precalc probably won't help you next year. However, if you haven't had those courses, you may want to sign up.

Be forewarned, EPGY projects their precalc class will take 20 weeks. Although you could finish a bit early, you'll be hoofing it if you plan to complete the course this summer. Also, unless you are currently enrolled in their math sequence, EPGY math courses start on the first of the month, so you can start either May 1 or June 1. A June 1 start would mean you'd have to do nearly two weeks of work every week. That's possible, but you'll be busy.

BTW, precalc requires students to keep taking tests, except the final, until they pass. As in all EPGY courses, the final test has, by far, the greatest weight in your final grade.

squemily · 03-19-2005, 03:53 PM

I got into EPGY (computer science) for this summer and I'm not sure my work sample even ran, so I don't think they put too much weight on the sample.

Consiglieri · 03-19-2005, 09:27 PM

Thanks! I have a pretty strong grip of Algebra, but I haven't done much more than some simple trig from Physics.
If it's just going to be a tedious course, I'm not sure if I'll take it.

How did your son like the book? I might just study it myself if it's a good one.

Aquilastor · 03-20-2005, 04:33 AM

I don't think they really looked at the work sample either. I got into EPGY's summer number theory course, and my work sample was the first semester's math final.. which i didn't do too well on.
By the way, has anyone taken that course before? I'm not sure how much number theory i should know before going there..

EllenF · 03-20-2005, 09:22 AM

All of Lial's books are excellent.

If you already have a good grasp of algebra and a little understanding of trig, self-studying precalc over the summer would be quite feasible.