Best Summer Math Program? Or should I simply take multi?

simfish · 03-16-2005, 07:04 PM

Since I now face almost certain rejection to all of the summer research programs I'm applying to, I'm looking at math programs. However, I cannot waste too much time on apps because I also have to self-study APs. There are PROMYS, ROSS, MathCamp, San Marcos, and Sumac. Which one would be ideal for me? Which are the more prestigious? (I don't want to waste much time)

Stats:

Chinese sophomore.
800 Math IIC, 790 Chemistry, 690 Writing.
213 PSAT (76 math)
31 ACT (34 Math)
AMC 12a: 104.5
AMC 12b: 95
AIME: 1
Self-Studying for Calculus BC, A in IB Calculus

Or could I simply take multivariable calculus off Stanford EPGY? Which will look more impressive towards colleges? (and yes I care about that in the end because I'll be doing math at any of these programs anyways so then it comes to the question of colleges). I'm aiming for Caltech.

jthecanadian · 03-16-2005, 07:15 PM

None of those. I would go for a local internship at a University and just carry out your passions.

simfish · 03-16-2005, 07:15 PM

Problem being - my local university has like...no internships

And my parents are reluctant to let me go to the library to research and e-mail profs.

KingKongLives · 03-16-2005, 08:25 PM

you need to chill out... i think you'll get in to one of the research programs you applied to seeing as how you applied to a bagillion :-)

just take it easy for the next month when all the acceptances come in

simfish · 03-16-2005, 08:43 PM

problem is, I have an almost 0% chance at NIH Internship (no bio), Caltech YESS (affirmative action and 10% accpetance), NASA SHARP (affirmtive action and screwed up app and 10% acceptance), and Cornell Biotech (I typed up essay in 1 hour as I panicked b/c I thought it had to be received by Mar 1, plus 6% acceptance). Rockefeller doesn't look too good either (lower acceptance rate than SSP). Im applying to one math camp already. So there;'s only one summer prog left where I'm competitive.

mruncleramos · 03-16-2005, 09:15 PM

Answer this question: What kind of math specifically are you intersted in? If you cannot answer that question, then forget about research. Even that aside, one must also take into account the different emphases in different summer programs. Places like SUMaC do Algebraic Topology, and other places do number theory and such. Whatever you choose to do, don't take multivar calc. Too many students take it, and its weak. If you ever want to be a mathematician then you will do yourself a favour and not take that junk.

simfish · 03-16-2005, 10:03 PM

Are programs more likely to reject students who haven't specialized yet? Because that is my scenario and I haven't identified a particular area of interest.

Also - are you telling me not to take multivar calc during my HS years?

mruncleramos · 03-16-2005, 10:23 PM

No, they aren't. As long you are good at "problem solving" you have an excellent chance. If you want to take multivariable calculus to please the colleges, then do so. But if you want to be a mathematician more badly than you want to enter a "good" college, then don't take it. Instead study Calculus on Manifolds by Michael Spivak.

simfish · 03-16-2005, 11:02 PM

I actually want to become a scientist - and would take multivariable calc both to please colleges and to gain some skills in a field of calculus important for physics. I've always been able to cover up gaps quickly, having taken 2 math summer courses and accelerating before. So the PROMYS program might be the best - since it is designed for scientists, not necessarily budding mathematicians.

hazmat · 03-17-2005, 12:48 AM

IT is good.....how about summer experience at Exeter?