Hi, I’m in 10th grade. I took AP Calc BC and AP Stats last year and now I’m taking Calc 3 and Diff Eq through a dual-enrollment program at my state university. I’m going to major in physics which is obviously very math-heavy. I would like to attend a top STEM school (my favorite reaches are MIT and Caltech).
Obviously, I know those schools love Olympiad winners and kids who do lots of contests, but it’s just not my thing. I took the AMC this year and did decently well without studying, but I didn’t make AIME. I wasn’t too surprised and I’m only slightly bitter about it (kidding ).
Anyway, since contest math isn’t my strong suit, I’m wondering what other extracurriculars I could get involved in to show I’m good at, and passionate about, math. I’m in math club at school but that’s pretty much it. I don’t know much about math research, but it seems quite advanced. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
P.S. Is it even possible for me to get into MIT etc without any olympiad awards?
There are certainly people at MIT who don’t go in for math contests. But you’re right to think about other ways to show your potential. Have you looked at “MIT PRIMES” or other ways to do math research as a high schooler?
p.s. my son just suggested “Purple Comet” which is a math contest, but it’s a team contest and a bit different in character than the Olympiad types of math.
How about tutoring students (middle school/jr high/HS) through your math club? If that isn’t feasible you could start your own tutoring gig, either volunteer or paid.
You could approach some local college profs about helping out with any research projects that would be appropriate. (start w/ your DE profs)
Lastly, for many students MIT isn’t in the cards. Spend relatively more time finding affordable target and highly likely schools that you can love as compared to fixating on highly rejective schools. Many many colleges have excellent physics programs.
Hmm, I think tutoring is a great suggestion. There are lots of opportunities for high-achieving students to give back to their community. Can you volunteer as an after school homework helper at your old middle school or elementary school? Family friends or younger siblings who need help with math homework? My D planned to volunteer her time to tutor a student, the parent insisted on paying, D said $15/hr, the parent pays her $20. Professional math tutors can charge $75+/hr. You could make some money and help your local community.
What about STEM-themed summer camps? Maybe you have some in your area that could use some help?
It’s always nice to do EC’s that you will actually enjoy. Maybe ask some teachers if they have ideas?
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